The 123-room Dhara Dhevi is Chiang Mai's top luxury property, and is much more than just a resort. It was built to resemble an ancient Lanna kingdom or Burmese temple complex, and with horse and carriage transport at the gate, a huge swimming pool sitting under towering castle-like surroundings, and impressive faux temple ruins, it delivers plenty of wow factor. Villas with private plunge pools are made from reconstructed rice barns and overlook working rice paddies, while the Colonial Wing has elegant colonial-style rooms. The features here are spectacular: One of Thailand's best spas is housed in what looks like a giant temple, and gourmet dining options range from haute French cuisine to royal Thai fare. Guests also get access to a library of over 5,000 books and DVDs. This is truly one of Thailand's most romantic and luxurious stays, but also one its most expensive.

The Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa is an 84-room boutique resort located right on the Ping River and just minutes on foot from downtown Chiang Mai. This luxury property has some of the most elegant rooms and suites in Chiang Mai, all with private terraces, wood floors, rain showers, and freestanding bathtubs -- plus free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Features include a riverside swimming pool, spacious gym, and spa with private treatment rooms. Stylish lounges complement the tranquil grounds, while the restaurant serves Thai and Indian cuisine. However, there can be some street noise at night. This is one of Chiang Mai's most refined stays, and as such is one of the priciest properties here; the splurge is generally worthwhile.

The Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel is a charming, intimate in-town resort, housed in an exquisitely designed northern Thai colonial-style home. The 19 stunning rooms have period furniture and balconies, and property features include a small pool, spa, and restaurant (breakfast is free). The gorgeous building occupies a space near the Ping River, well out of the tourist noise and chaos of the central city, but it's only a 15-minute stroll to the Night Bazaar downtown. Guests can take trips around the city in the hotel's classic Mercedes.

The 383-room Le Meridien is one of the top stays in Chiang Mai, with chic, zen-like rooms in eight categories; a location in the heart of downtown, just steps from the Night Bazaar; and superb features, including an elegant Italian restaurant, pampering spa, and modern fitness center. The hotel is one of the tallest in the city, and has outstanding views of Doi Suthep mountain from its beautiful rooftop pool (not to mention some of the rooms). The only drawbacks here come from outside of the hotel, as there is plenty of traffic in the area, and the neighborhood turns a tad seedy at night, with plenty of girlie bars and tourist hustlers around.

The Shangri-La Chiang Mai lives up to the standards of the Shangri-La luxury brand. It has a massive footprint for a downtown property, allowing for lots of luxury features: the largest swimming pool in the city, a spacious health club, renowned spa, and plenty of dining and drinking options, from an elegant Chinese restaurant to a casual cafe. The spacious, elegant rooms have large soaking tubs and terrific city and mountain views. The location is slightly out of the noisy tourist zone, within walking distance to the Night Bazaar but a long walk to the old city.

The boutique-style 75-room Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai sits on the banks of the Ping River, a bit far from Chiang Mai's main sights. Traditional Lanna-style rooms have furnished balconies, and luxe features like flat-screen TVs over soaking tubs. Some rooms have plunge pools, home theaters, and excellent river views. The outdoor infinity pool and spa are major highlights, and the hotel's restaurants and bars offer a blend of Thai and international cuisines.