The Complete Guide to Smile Lanna Hotel, Chiang Mai

Introduction

Nestled in the historic heart of Chiang Mai’s old city, Smile Lanna Hotel lives up to its warm, welcoming name, blending traditional northern Thai charm with modern comfort. Perfect for first-time visitors, family travelers, and slow-travel explorers alike, this boutique-style property puts you steps from Chiang Mai’s most iconic temples and cultural hotspots, while offering a peaceful retreat to unwind after a day of exploring.

Hotel Overview

Smile Lanna Hotel is located at 129 /1 Chang Lor Road, Phra Sing, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, right within the old city’s ancient walls. The property caters to every travel style, with spacious non-smoking rooms and family-sized accommodations, all fitted with air conditioning, soundproofing, coffee/tea making facilities, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi that works reliably across the entire hotel. Every private bathroom comes stocked with free toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and a hairdryer, while many rooms open out to private balconies overlooking the hotel’s lush garden.

Standout amenities include a year-round open-air heated swimming pool with a shallow wading area for kids, a small but well-equipped fitness center, and a hot tub for post-hike relaxation. Guests rave about the hotel’s breakfast, which includes both Thai and Western options, with fresh fruit and made-to-order dishes available daily. The 24-hour front desk speaks English, Thai, and Mandarin, and offers services ranging from free luggage storage to tour bookings, plus complimentary private on-site parking for guests driving themselves. The hotel also hosts regular live music and local cultural classes, with paid walking tours led by local guides that showcase hidden old city gems.

Nearby Attractions

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

• Wat Phra Singh: Just five minutes away, this 14th-century temple is one of Chiang Mai’s most revered, housing a revered Buddha statue and intricate traditional Lanna wood carvings. Its quiet courtyard is perfect for escaping the midday heat.
• Three Kings Monument: A 10-minute walk from the hotel, this iconic public monument honors the three rulers who founded Chiang Mai, surrounded by shaded gardens and the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center, which explores the region’s 700-year history.
• Sunday Walking Street Market: Starting just two blocks from the hotel, this famous weekly market stretches for kilometers along Ratchadamnoen Road, with hundreds of stalls selling handmade crafts, street food, and local art every Sunday evening.

Travel Tips

Book a ground-floor pool-view room for easy access to the pool, especially if you’re traveling with young children. The hotel can arrange paid airport transfers for a smoother arrival than hailing a taxi, and its paid laundry service is much faster and more affordable than street-side options for longer stays. Don’t skip the hotel’s breakfast – the mango sticky rice and congee are local favorites, and the outdoor dining area overlooks the garden for a peaceful start to your day. If you’re planning a day trip to Doi Suthep or the northern hill tribes, the front desk can book reputable tours at fair prices, avoiding common tourist scams. Always carry a bottle of water when walking around the old city – Chiang Mai is warm year-round, and you’ll work up an appetite exploring the nearby temples before returning to the cool comfort of Smile Lanna.