Chiang Mai’s walled Old Town is undergoing a small boutique hotel renaissance. One of its latest openings is the charming Makkachiva (www.makka.co.th), which offers three stories of Lanna-referencing accommodation built around a stunning, open-air courtyard. 

 

Foliage cascades from every balcony down towards a central water feature where guests congregate for breakfast each morning. At just over B2,800/night, standard rooms are half the rate of big brand competition, but come with twice the attention to detail—each has its own custom artwork created by a local artist, while genuine oriental antiques dot the common areas. 

 

The location, just outside the weekend night market zone, means the best shopping opportunities are close at hand, but you don’t need to battle tourists each time you leave the hotel. You’re also a stone’s throw from the Old Town’s biggest temple, Wat Chedi Luang.