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Places to stay in Chang Puek and Santitham

Note: This article was written in 2013. Whilst the places listed are largely still valid, many more serviced apartments have since been built in Santitham and the neighbouring Jed Yot area.

Nearly all the gay accommodation in Chiang Mai is located in the Chang Puek and Santitham suburbs to the North West of the city. The area is one of Chiang Mai’s most up and coming, and the traditional home to most of the larger gay bars and now many newer gay and gay friendly venues such as coffee shops, restaurants and cafés

The gay hotels and guest houses are already documented in our gay guide here. This article explores some of the other accommodation options which might interest our readers, including several popular serviced apartment complexes. The latter being popular choices for the many visitors who stay in Chiang Mai for more than a few days.

In very general terms, serviced apartments, AKA a Condotel, typically offer a hotel style experience for shorter stays or condo style for longer stays. The rooms are typically larger than the average hotel room and equipped with a large refrigerator for your use (rather than a mini bar) and perhaps more sitting space and a kitchen area. However, they are perhaps more basic in design and furnishing than you would find in a higher end hotel. Daily rates are usually inclusive of all service, just like a hotel, whereas monthly rates often add water, electricity and maid service as extras.

The following are our suggestions for higher end Serviced Apartments in the Chang Puek district. The numbers alongside places listed in this article correspond markers on our map at the end.

Serviced Apartments

19

The Opium

One of the most recent additions this hill tribe themed serviced apartment is a quality proposition in an excellent location just off Viangbua Road. The modern building is secluded from the main road, making this something of a hidden gem. It includes plenty of onsite parking and a swimming pool too.

The-Opium Serviced Apartments in Chiang Mai
The Opium Serviced Apartments

The Opium has some great reviews on Trip Advisor
16

View Doi Mansion

Now about four years old, View Doi mansion is situated in the heart of Santitham just off Santitham Road. They offer mainly standard budget studio rooms with some larger suites on the top floor.

Villa Korbhun Khinbua Chiang Mai
Villa Korbhun Khinbua Chiang Mai
20

Villa Korbhun Khinbua

Recently opened this complex offers a fusion style between modern and Lanna architecture. Situated on Hasadisawee Road it is opposite Gemini massage and just around the corner from the New My Way bar. The rooms are pricier than some places but spacious and finished to a high standard with plenty of wood and artistic wooden features.
6

The Dome

Located just off Huay Kaew Road in the same soi as PJs Place the Dome is handy not only for the Chang Puek area, but also the nightlife around the Nimmanhaeminda Road area too. A regular serviced apartment and hotel which we’ve heard good things about.
13

Noppakao Place

Built about five years ago Noppakao Place is one of the classier places in the neighbourhood yet still has competitive pricing and a central Santitham location close to Sabbai Di Santitham

Lanna Boutique ResortLanna Boutique Resort
Lanna Boutique ResortLanna Boutique Resort
23

Lanna Boutique Resort

this offers a slightly more rustic Lanna style experience which includes apartment rooms built over a nice, decent sized, swimming pool. Although seemingly hidden down a back street, a small alley provides an easy walking connection to Viangbua road close to Viangbua mansion making this quite an attractive option.
24

Viang Bua Mansion

The original Serviced Apartment in this area which set the standard others have followed. Located opposite the Spirit House and 150M from the Garden Bar and Adam’s Apple Viangbua has always been a popular choice, if a little expensive. Open since 2005 it’s now getting a little long in the tooth and will be closed for a while during this low season for a makeover. Check with them for details.

Hotels – High end

7

Ruen Come in

If you really want to indulge yourself in the lanna lifestyle take a look at Ruen Come in. This beautiful golden teakwood building is both a boutique hotel and northern Thai restaurant. A splendid place to really relax as this hideaway also has a swimming pool. Located in a quiet corner of Santitham it is still not so far from other bars and restaurants. It only has five rooms, of which three are luxury suites, and all very well appointed with Lanna Style furnishings and décor. Quite hi-so and not recommended for sex tourists.

Ruen Come in Hotel and Restaurant - Lanna Style in Chiang Mai
Ruen Come in

26

The Mecure

Formally called the Novotel, the Mecure has been a popular lodging with those who like go-go bars for a number of years. All of Chiang Mai’s go-go bars are within a ten minute walk from here. Part of the Accor group, this hotel is the only major western chain hotel in the area. It has a swimming pool and all the amenities you would expect from such a chain. Located just off Chang Puek Road, it is also well placed to get public transport to other areas of town.
1

Chiang Mai Grand View Hotel

In a previous life this was the Holiday Inn and, as one of the tallest buildings in the area, it certainly lives up to its current name offering splendid views either of Doi Sutep mountain or the old city. Located right on the main superhighway makes it easy to get to places if you have a car. It is also handy for both Santitham and the Nimmanhaeminda area. At the back of the hotel is also a large conference centre. Other facilities include a swimming pool and fitness room. Their lunchtime international buffet is very popular with ex-pats and great value for money.
2

Furama Hotel

Located close to the Grandview with access to both Huay Kaew Road, Nimmanhaeminda are and the superhighway/Santitham. A four star hotel with swimming pool and several dining options. Their roof top restaurants and bar offers stunning views over Chiang Mai.

Furama Hotel Chiang Mai
View from Xanadu restaurant at the Furama

Hotels – Budget

There are several budget hotels in the Santitham area which may be of interest to foreigners:
41114

B2

The B2 chain have three properties in Santitham – see our previous article for information about this popular budget hotel chain.
3

Pangsawan Place

A Thai style modern budget business hotel located next to the Grand View and right next door to Radchada Garden Café.
10

Santitham Plaza Hotel

A budget hotel situated within the Santitham Plaza complex with its many local Thai bars and restaurants. Santitham Plaza also has a swimming pool (not part of the hotel)

Budget apartments

The Satitham area is packed with new condominiums providing single room accommodation for students and working people. Typically rooms start at 2500 -3000 Bt per month upwards depending on the quality of the place. Of the many, the following are a few suggestions that might be more foreigner friendly starting from around 5000Bt per month:

5

Penny’s Place

15

Emporium Residence

25

The Loft

21

Pacific Mansion (Pacific Cool Chic)

8

Chiang Mai Lodge

Guest Houses

The following are some guest houses in the Santitham area that are popular with foreigners.
18

Banilah

17

Ban Kong Rao

9

Walai House

For location details of all the places described see our map below:


View Accommodation in Santitham in a larger map

If anyone has any doubts to the rapid rise in popularity in the Santitham area check out the new Sansiri development D’Vieng Santitham. This high specification condominum complex has already sold out from plan before construction has even begun. and will increase the drive for more sophisticated bars and restaurants in the area.

  1. […] places to stay (all price ranges) in Chang Puek and Santitham. You can read their blog entry at http://www.gayinchiangmai.com/News/2013/places-to-stay-in-chang-puek-and-santitham/. Their post is full of useful information and hyperlinks, so we don’t intend to publish the […]

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