A beautifully designed boutique hotel set in a converted traditional Lanna teak house within the Old City walls, featuring private pool rooms and loft-style suites. Wonderfully atmospheric with exposed brick, Thai antiques, and a rooftop pool overlooking nearby temple spires.
The Inside House is a boutique property on Rajdamnoen Road within the Old City walls, metres from the western moat and close to Tha Phae Gate. The hotel occupies a converted traditional Lanna teak house sensitively adapted for hospitality use, retaining the original structure's heavy timber framing, carved panels, and elevated floor platform while incorporating contemporary fittings.
Accommodation covers approximately 18 rooms and suites in loft configurations and ground-floor rooms with direct pool access. The Loft Suites — the upper level of the original teak house — offer the most character: high ceilings with exposed timber structure, open mezzanine sleeping areas, and private balconies. Standard rooms on the ground floor open directly onto the garden. A rooftop pool on the upper storey overlooks nearby temple spires and the moat neighbourhood.
The hotel's aesthetic combines exposed antique brickwork, re-used teak beams, and Thai decorative objects with modern plumbing and air conditioning. A small treatment room offers Thai massage; there is no full spa facility. Breakfast is served in the ground-floor sala and is included in most rates.
Because the property sits within the Old City moat, guests can walk to Wat Phra Singh (700 metres), Wat Chedi Luang (800 metres), and the Saturday Walking Street without any transport. Bicycles are available on loan for day use.
The Inside House is best suited to independent travellers seeking atmosphere over resort amenities. There is no dedicated concierge desk, full restaurant, or bar, though the Old City's dense concentration of cafés and restaurants makes this an acceptable trade-off. Children are welcome, but the loft staircases and rooftop pool require supervision.
Amenities
- pool
- wifi
- breakfast
- rooftop
- antique decor
- bicycle rental
Location
6 Rajdamnoen Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
18.7900, 98.9860 View on map
Highlights
- Converted traditional Lanna teak house retaining original heavy timber framing, carved panels, and elevated floor structure
- Rooftop pool overlooking Old City temple spires, one of the more distinctive pool settings in central Chiang Mai
- Loft Suites with high ceilings, exposed timber structure, and private balconies in the upper level of the original teak house
- Prime Old City location within walking distance of Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and the Saturday Walking Street
- Complimentary bicycles for exploring the Old City and surrounding moat neighbourhood
Tips for visiting
- Loft Suites sell out well in advance during November to February high season — book at least six weeks ahead for these rooms
- The rooftop pool is best in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat; sunscreen is essential as shade is limited
- The Saturday Walking Street on Wualai Road is a 1.5 km walk south and worth the trip; the Sunday Walking Street on Rajdamnoen Road runs past the hotel entrance
- Breakfast is served until a set time — confirm this at check-in if planning early temple visits
When to visit
November to February for pleasant walking weather and clear evenings. The Walking Streets are active year-round but most atmospheric during the cooler months.
Accessibility
The teak house structure has multiple stairways between floor levels. The rooftop pool is stair-access only. The property is not suited to guests with mobility limitations.