If you've ever spent an hour scrolling through booking sites for Chiang Mai, you know the drill. Everything starts looking the same. There's the "ultra-modern" box that could be in London, the "hostel-vibe" place with too many beanbags, and then there are the high-end resorts that cost more than my first car.
De Lanna Hotel Chiang Mai sits in that weird, perfect middle ground.
Honestly, it’s one of those spots that people keep coming back to because it doesn't try too hard. It’s right in the heart of the Old City, but once you walk through the gate, the noise of the motorbikes basically vanishes. It’s kinda like finding a secret garden that just happens to have a saltwater pool and 24-hour room service.
The Location Factor: Why You’re Actually Here
Let’s be real. You aren't staying in the Old City to spend all day in your room. You want the temples, the food, and that specific Chiang Mai energy.
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De Lanna is tucked away on Inthawarorot Road. If you walk five minutes—literally five—you’re at Wat Phra Singh, which is arguably the most beautiful temple in the city. More importantly for your Sunday plans, the hotel is basically on top of the Sunday Walking Street.
You can go out, get overwhelmed by the crowds and the smell of grilled meat, buy a wooden frog you don’t need, and then retreat back to your AC in three minutes. That’s a luxury you don’t appreciate until you’ve stayed outside the moat and had to fight for a Tuk-Tuk at 10:00 PM.
What’s Nearby?
- Wat Phra Singh: 300 meters away. Go early before the tour buses arrive.
- Sunday Walking Street: Right at your doorstep.
- Three Kings Monument: About an 11-minute walk.
- LINK Cuisine: A 5-minute stroll if you want something other than street food.
The Vibe: Lanna Heritage Without the Museum Dust
The architecture is the first thing you notice. It’s that classic Northern Thai style—dark wood, peaked roofs, and lots of greenery. Some places do this and it feels like a movie set, but here it feels lived-in.
They have about 62 rooms. They aren't massive, but they’ve got those high ceilings and private balconies that make a difference. The Superior Rooms are around 25 square meters, while the Deluxe ones jump up to 32.
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If you’re on a romantic trip, the Honeymoon Suite has a Jacuzzi, which is pretty great after a day of hiking the Monk’s Trail. Just keep in mind that the hotel was built in 2009 and last had a major facelift around 2014. It’s kept up well, but you might notice the odd "vintage" touch here and there.
The Real Talk: What Guests Actually Say
I’m not going to tell you it’s a 10/10 perfect experience for everyone. No place is.
If you’re a light sleeper, you might want to ask for a room facing the pool or the interior garden. The street-facing rooms can get some "city music" (aka scooters) at night. Also, the Wi-Fi can be a bit temperamental if you’re trying to run a Zoom call with twenty people. It’s fine for posting your Khao Soi photos on Instagram, but maybe don't plan your next big tech launch from the balcony.
The staff, though? They’re the real deal. Most reviews mention them by name because they actually help. Whether it’s booking a car hire or figuring out why your AC is making a weird clicking sound, they handle it without making it a whole thing.
Saltwater, Koi Fish, and Coffee
The pool is small but saltwater, which is a massive plus if you hate that "drowning in chlorine" smell. There’s a koi pond nearby too. There’s something strangely therapeutic about watching fat orange fish swim in circles while you drink a Chang beer.
Amenities that actually matter:
- The Fitness Center: It’s relatively new and clean. It’s not a Gold’s Gym, but it’s enough to burn off that extra mango sticky rice.
- On-site Coffee Shop: Good for a quick caffeine hit before heading out.
- The Garden: It’s tropical, shady, and feels way more secluded than it has any right to be.
Eating at De Lanna (and Beyond)
The hotel restaurant does a decent buffet breakfast. It’s got the basics covered—eggs, fruit, some Thai dishes. If you’re staying for a week, you might get bored of it, but it’s solid.
But honestly? You’re in Chiang Mai. Walk out the door.
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Head to Huen Phen for lunch. It’s nearby and has some of the best Khao Soi in the Old City. If you want a more "local" vibe, look for the street stalls near the North Gate (Chang Puak). That’s where the legendary "Cowboy Hat Lady" serves her stewed pork leg. It’s a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute Grab ride.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
If you’re planning a trip, here are a few things to keep in mind so you don't have any "surprises" at check-in:
- Check-in/Out: Standard 2:00 PM in, 12:00 PM out. They’re usually pretty cool about storing your bags if you have a late flight.
- Airport Shuttle: They offer one, but it’s a paid service. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive to CNX depending on traffic.
- Room Choice: If you hate stairs, check if your room is accessible via the lift. Most are, but some of the garden-level rooms have a few steps.
- Laundry: They have a self-service washing room. This is a lifesaver if you’ve been traveling through Southeast Asia for a month and are down to your last clean t-shirt.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re sold on the Old City vibe, here is how to handle your De Lanna booking:
- Book early for January. This is peak season in Chiang Mai. The weather is perfect (no humidity), but the hotel fills up fast.
- Request a high floor. This helps with any potential noise and gives you a better view of the garden.
- Email them about the shuttle. If you’re arriving late at night, having a driver waiting with your name on a sign is worth the few extra Baht.
- Map your temples. Spend your first morning at Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. They’re both walkable from the lobby.
At the end of the day, De Lanna isn't trying to be the flashiest hotel in Thailand. It’s trying to be a comfortable, authentic home base in a city that’s easy to fall in love with. It succeeds.