Most Romantic Hotels in Chiang Mai, Thailand

This elegant and refined hotel -- Chiang Mai's top luxury property -- sits on 60 acres of abundantly green tropical land. It was built to resemble an ancient Lanna kingdom, and with horse-and-carriage transport at the gate, amazing swimming pools with poolside bars, fantastic gourmet dining options (including French, Thai, and Chinese), and a gorgeous spa in a recreated Burmese temple complex, it delivers plenty of wow factor. The 123 rooms befit royalty, ranging from decadent colonial-style suites to rustic-luxe northern Thai villas with authentic teak wood and private plunge pools. This is truly one of Thailand's most romantic and luxurious stays, but also one its most expensive.

Modern, understated style and serene grounds define this 84-room luxury property, which has some of the most elegant rooms and suites in Chiang Mai, all with private terraces, wood floors, rain showers, and freestanding bathtubs -- plus free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Features include a riverside swimming pool, spacious gym, and spa with private treatment rooms. Stylish lounges complement the tranquil grounds, while the restaurant serves Thai and Indian cuisine. However, there can be some street noise at night. This riverside boutique is one of Chiang Mai's most refined stays, and as such is one of the priciest properties here, though most guests find it worth the splurge.

The high standards of the Shangri-La luxury brand are certainly met at this Chiang Mai branch, with its massive free-form pool (the largest in the city), spacious health club, renowned spa, and several dining and drinking options, including an elegant Chinese restaurant with the city's only private chef's table. The spacious and elegant rooms have Lanna Renaissance decor, soaking tubs, and views of Chiang Mai and mountains. The location is slightly out of the noisy tourist zone, within walking distance to the Night Bazaar but a long walk to the old city.

The boutique-style, luxury 75-room Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai sits on the banks of the Ping River, slightly removed from Chiang Mai's main sights. Traditional Lanna-style rooms have furnished balconies, and luxe features like flat-screen TVs over soaking tubs. Some rooms have plunge pools, home theaters, and excellent river views. The outdoor infinity pool and spa are major highlights, and the hotel's restaurants and bars offer a blend of Thai and international cuisines.

Housed in an exquisite colonial-style building -- one of the most beautiful in Chiang Mai -- this charming and intimate boutique hotel has a small courtyard pool, a well-stocked library, and a spa. The restaurant serves a free breakfast with a mix of buffet and cooked-to-order items. Later in the day, guests can enjoy Thai meals and afternoon tea. The 19 stunning rooms have high ceilings, hardwood floors, period furniture, Persian rugs, large bathtubs, and balconies, as well as free minibar items and Wi-Fi. Chauffeur service in a classic Mercedes is available.

Easily the top option within the city walls of Old Chiang Mai, the Bodhi Serene is a small boutique hotel close to all the temples and sights of the old town. Rooms are intimate and elegant, with fine hardwood floors, work desks, and enormous circular bathtubs, along with large flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has one of the nicest swimming pools in the historic center, and serves meals at its cozy rooftop restaurant.

Popular with couples, the RarinJinda is a quiet, 35-room boutique resort with an upscale restaurant and an excellent spa featuring an onsen-style hot spring pool. Rooms are elegant and feature polished wood floors, rain showers, separate soaking tubs, and large balconies or -- in some -- terraces with direct pool access. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and big closets.

U Chang Mai is a small, stylish boutique hotel in Chiang Mai's historic old town, on the same road that hosts the Sunday Night Market. Rooms have large balconies, king-size beds, rainfall showers, large flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, and some have bathtubs and direct pool access. Perks include 24-hour stays from check-in, all-day breakfast, and personalized in-room soap choice. There's also a Thai restaurant, bar, pool, gym, loaner bicycles, and reading room with computers. 

The Lanna Mantra is a small, upper-middle-range boutique resort located slightly outside of Chiang Mai along the Ping River. Rooms here are spacious and come with terraces, and breakfast and Wi-Fi are included in room rates. There's also a pleasant infinity pool near the river, plus an outdoor three-bike fitness area. It's a nice and quiet spot, but it's relatively expensive and some travelers may prefer to be closer to town. 

Located outside of the city center, the 74-room Siripanna feels like a rural retreat, although it isn't more than a 10-minute drive from downtown. The elegant boutique resort's lovely grounds include a rice field that guests can help farm. There's also a gorgeous traditional Thai teak house in a garden setting that can be used for weddings and romantic dinners. Rooms incorporate plenty of teak, and have balconies, 42-inch LCD televisions, and stylish bathrooms with big tubs. The restaurant serves a mix of Western and Thai cuisine for all three meals.

The upscale 21-room Sirilanna is in the center of the Old City, just a 15-minute walk from the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Lanna-style rooms have impeccable antique furniture plus rainfall showerheads and jetted tubs in bathrooms, but street noise can be an issue in some rooms. The on-site Thai restaurant and beautiful outdoor pool are highlights. Wi-Fi, airport transportation, and a simple breakfast are free.