The Chiang Mai Old City and The riverside area are some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Chiang Mai. While the old town offers historic atmosphere, and close proximity to the major attractions, the riverside offers a quieter vibe, with more luxury modern hotels, and stunning river views.
In this article, I will outline the similarities and differences between the Chiang Mai Old City and Riverside. I will compare their location, accommodations, nightlife, shopping, food, and attractions.
I stayed in several accommodations around Chiang Mai, so I can offer you some good advice on choosing the best area for your stay, whether it’s the Old Town or the Riverside area.
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Is it better to Stay in Chiang Mai Old Town or Riverside?
I prefer staying in the Chiang Mai Old City more because it has a more central location and closer to major attractions. I can easily walk to famous temples, ruins, and the nightmarkets from my hotel.
Additionally, the old city has a wider range of mid-range and budget guest houses, which makes it easier for me to find a suitable hotel. The accommodations along the riverside are more expensive, which is more ideal for those who want to spend a little bit more on your accommodations.
Generally speaking, the old town is better than the riverside if you want to be in the heart of the historic towns and is surrounded by ancient temples, ruins, traditional architecture, and the night markets. The old town is a better place to go for shopping and nightlife.
I recommend staying in the Chiang Mai Riverside area if you want a more peaceful atmosphere, luxury modern hotels and don’t mind being a bit away from major attractions.
The riverside area is quite large, but if you want somewhere central, you can stay somewhere on the western side of the river, near the Night Bazaar area.
The eastern side of the river offers a more local atmosphere and cheaper accommodations. This area is also convenient for catching long distance buses and trains at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 & 3, and the train station.
I highly recommend the old town for first-time visitors. If you are a returning traveler who wants a bit of a different vibe from the historic town, you can stay along the river. If you have a long time in Chiang Mai, you can split your stay in the different areas of the city, including the old town and the riverside.
Best Hotels in Chiang Mai Old Town:
- Luxury: Chala Number6
- Mid-range: Pingviman Hotel
- Budget: At Home At Chiang Mai
My recommended Hotels in Chiang Mai Riverside:
- Luxury: Melia Chiang Mai
- Mid-range: Riverside House Hotel
- Budget: Ban Narai River Guesthouse
See more:
- Is it better to Stay in Chiang Mai Old Town or Nimman?
- Is it better to Stay in Chiang Mai Old Town or Night Bazaar?
Location
Chiang Mai Old Town has more central location than the riverside area. The Old Town is a 2km square area that is surrounded by an ancient moat, the ruins of the old city walls and the gates.
The Old Town is located between the modern Nimman area and the lively nightlife Night Bazaar area. It is around 3km north of the Chiang Airport, 5 km west of Chiang Bus Terminal 2 & 3, and Chiang Mai Train Station.
Chiang Mai Riverside is the area along Chiang Mai’s Ping River. The riverside is located around 1km east of the old Town. It is further from the international airport, but closer to the long distance bus station and the train station.
Accommodations
Both Chiang Mai Old Town and Riverside have hundreds of accommodations for all budgets. While the old town has more boutique hotels and guest houses, the riverside is home to more modern luxury highrise hotels.
So, if you want to stay in a cozy traditional style architecture guest house, the old town is the place to go. If you want contemporary and large chain hotels, the riverside is a better choice.
I recommend you book your accommodations well in advance no matter where you choose to stay. Accommodations in Chiang Mai are often sold out quickly in the high season and in festivals like Loy Krathong and Songkran.
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Nightlife
The old town has a more lively nightlife scene with more night markets, restaurants, bars, and shops. The riverside has a more relaxing atmosphere with some restaurants and bars along the rivers.
You can enjoy the night out by shopping or dining at the old town’s many night markets, as well as check out trendy restaurants and bars. Famous markets for foods and souvenirs in Old Town include Sunday Walking Street Night Market, Chiang Mai Gate Night Market, and Chang Phuak Market.
Additionally, it is close to the Night Bazaar, which is the nightlife hub of Chiang Mai. This area has lots of beer bars, go-go bars, and covered-night markets with large food courts. You can easily walk or take a short tu tuk/ Grab taxi ride to the night bazaar from the old town.
The Old Town is also close to Nimman, which is the modern part of Chiang Mai. Nimman also has a vibrant nightlife scene with lots of trendy restaurants and eateries serving both Thai and international cuisines.
Along the Ping River, if you stay in the western bank of the river that is close to Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, you can easily walk to this spot for more nightlife options. Otherwise, you can enjoy a quiet relaxing nightlife at several bars and restaurants along the riverside.
Shopping
Chiang Mai Riverside has a better shopping scene than the riverside area. You can shop for everything at the night markets, or at independent shops around the old town. There are handmade crafts, hill‑tribe textiles, silver jewellery, local artisan items, and souvenirs. Make sure to bargain to have the best deals.
If you’re staying in the Riverside area, it is best to get to the old town for more shopping. The riverside has just a few nice stores, with something a little more refined.
Near the Ping River, you can shop at Waroros Market (Kad Luang). This is a daytime market where you can experience local daily life, with some snacks or fabrics.
Food
You can find typical Thai food along the Riverside area and in the Old Town. The Old Town has more options as most famous restaurants and night markets are located in the old town.
If you want a relaxing dinner by the river, Riverside is the place to go. If you want diversity, local flavor, street‑food adventure, the old town is a better choice.
The street food scene in the old town at the night markets is more casual with plastic stools, carts, street‑side dining, and walking between stalls.
The restaurants along the river have good ambience with river views, comfortable seating, maybe live music. They served Thai cuisine but also international and fusion options.
Attractions
The old town is full of cultural and historical attractions. You’ll see temples at almost every corner of the old town. Major points of interest here include the Wat Phra Singh, Tha Phae Gate, Wat Chiang Man, and Watchediluang.
Along Chiang Mai Riverside, you can explore several attractions such as Nawarat Bridge, Khua Lek (Iron Bridge), Waroros Market (Kad Luang), or Wat Ket Karam.
The two bridges, Iron Bridge and Nawarat Bridge, are pedestrian-friendly, so you can walk across the bridges to reach the eastern side of the river.
See more:
- Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai
- My 4-5 Days In Chiang Mai Itinerary
- How to get to Chiang Mai & Get Around
So, there you have it, my comparison between Chiang Mai Old Town and the Riverside. Overall, if you want to be in the historic heart of the city, within easy distance from famous attractions, the old town is the place to stay. It is more suited for first-timers to Thailand and Chiang Mai. If you want somewhere with a peaceful atmosphere with some modern luxury hotels, Riverside is the better choice.