Travel Guide: Chiangmai First House & Tour, Northern Thailand

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Chiang Mai’s historic old city, Chiangmai First House & Tour is the perfect home base for travelers craving authentic Northern Thai culture without the fuss of a big resort. This small, adults-only boutique property blends warm Thai hospitality with practical, traveler-focused amenities, putting centuries-old temples, bustling night markets, and lush mountain day trips right at your doorstep. Whether you’re here for a cooking crash course, a temple pilgrimage, or a slow escape from Bangkok’s chaos, this property delivers a laid-back, immersive Northern Thai experience.

Hotel Overview

Chiangmai First House & Tour is located at 252/3 Prapokkloa Road, Si Phum, Chiang Mai 50200, walking distance to most of the old city’s top landmarks. As an adults-only property, it prioritizes a quiet, relaxed atmosphere ideal for solo travelers and couples. All rooms come with air conditioning, bedside charging outlets, complimentary full-property WiFi, and daily housekeeping, with en-suite bathrooms stocked with toilet paper, towels, a hairdryer, and a hot-water shower.

On-site amenities include a lush garden with outdoor seating, an in-house coffee shop and snack bar, a small convenience store, and a shared lounge. The property offers a range of paid add-ons tailored to travelers: airport transfers, in-house cooking classes, guided walking tours, cycling excursions, cultural workshops, mountain hiking trips, and a full menu of massages from head-to-toe treatments to targeted back and neck work. The front desk speaks fluent English and Thai, offers concierge support, luggage storage, tour bookings, and 24/7 security for peace of mind. Note that there is no on-site parking and no elevator—all upper floors are accessible only by stairs.

Nearby Attractions

Three unmissable attractions are all within a 15-minute walk from the hotel:

• Wat Phra Singh: One of Chiang Mai’s most revered temples, this 14th-century site houses the revered Phra Singh Buddha image and features stunning Lanna-style murals and golden chedis that glow at sunset. The quiet temple grounds are perfect for escaping the old city heat and learning about Northern Thai Buddhist art.
• Sunday Walking Street Market: Stretching along Ratchadamnoen Road just five minutes from the hotel, this iconic weekly market fills the old city’s main avenue with hundreds of stalls selling handwoven textiles, handmade silver jewelry, local street food, and traditional crafts. It’s the best place in Chiang Mai to sample khao soi Northern coconut curry noodle soup and watch live folk performances.
• Wat Chedi Luang: Once the largest temple in Chiang Mai, this 15th-century site is home to a partially ruined giant chedi that once housed the Emerald Buddha. You can climb the base for views over the old city, and feed ceremonial fish in the on-site pond, or catch a traditional Thai dance performance most evenings.

Travel Tips

Book the hotel’s paid airport transfer in advance to avoid haggling for a taxi after a long flight. If you plan to explore outside the old city, the front desk can help you rent a bicycle or book a red songthaew shared taxi for a fair price. Wear modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting nearby temples, and pack lightweight, breathable fabrics to handle Chiang Mai’s warm tropical climate. If you’re visiting between November and February, book your room at least one month in advance, as this is peak season for cool weather and cultural festivals. Don’t skip the in-house cooking class—led by local chefs, it includes a trip to a nearby market to source ingredients and teaches you to cook classic Northern Thai dishes you can recreate at home.