13 Best Pools in Chiang Mai + Map

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Updated: 7 March, 2025

These are the best pools in Chiang Mai, all just a short distance from the Old City—and personally tested by yours truly. That’s right, someone had to make the sacrifice, and it happened to be me. But hey, it was for a good cause! 😀

Chiang Mai has all kinds of pools, from Olympic-sized ones and those with extra amenities like gyms or massages to spots where you can simply relax with a cocktail while watching the sunset.

The best part? Most of them offer single-entry passes, so you can take a refreshing dip even during your vacation. Some are also incredibly affordable. Everything here is based on my experience living in the city for six months.

Best Swimming Pools in Chiang Mai

1. Eco Resort Chiang Mai

Eco Resort is less than a 10-minute drive from Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai’s Old City. The pool is in a quiet, gardened area, far from the street—perfect for unwinding.

When I visited on a Saturday around noon, there were few people. I also loved that the pool is big enough to swim comfortably. Just keep in mind that outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, but there’s a bar and restaurant on the way to the swimming pool.

There’s also a small fitness area with two cardio machines and a green space before you reach the pool—great for relaxing or even taking a nap.

✔️ Practical Info

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• Pool access: Check in at the hotel reception first
• Size: 25 x 25 m, max depth 2.9 m
• Good for swimming?: Yes
• Kid-friendly?: Yes, separate shallow area (60 cm deep)
• Amenities: Bar/restaurant, sun loungers with umbrellas, changing rooms (restrooms, open and closed showers), towel rental (200 baht deposit), fitness area, ping-pong, WiFi
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Single-entry fee: 150 baht adults, 100 baht kids under 8
• Check out the accommodation deals at Eco Resort here

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2 Santitham Plaza

The pool at Santitham Plaza Mansion is open to the public and is less than 10 minutes from Chiang Mai’s city center. It’s a bit old, but what I liked most is that it’s spacious and quiet, so you can swim comfortably without crowds.

The best part? The price is incredibly cheap—just 60 baht for adults and 30 baht for kids. If you have a big family, it’s a great option for a fun day out without spending much.

Towels aren’t provided, so bring your own. And if you forgot your swimsuit and need a last-minute one, don’t worry—there’s a small shop on-site.

✔️ Practical Info

• Size: 20 m long, max depth 1.8 m
• Good for swimming?: Yes, depending on how busy it is
• Kid-friendly?: Yes, with a shallow area
• Amenities: Cold drinks for sale, chairs, basic restrooms and showers, lockers by the pool
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Single-entry fee: 60 baht adults (2025 price), 30 baht kids

3 Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel

On the 4th floor of the Orchid Hotel, you’ll find this beautiful pool where you can swim, sip a cocktail, and relax on comfy sun loungers with umbrellas. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Chiang Mai’s Old City.

The hotel is quite elegant, so I was surprised they only charged 200 baht—though that was a promotion. The regular price for a single-entry pass is 400 baht, which includes access to the sauna and gym.

To get in, you don’t need to go through reception. Just head straight to the 4th floor, where you’ll find the pool staff.

✔️ Practical Info

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• Pool access: Go straight to the 4th floor
• Size: 25 x 15 m, max depth 2.6 m
• Good for swimming?: Yes, depending on how busy it is
• Kid-friendly?: Yes, with a separate shallow area (90 cm deep)
• Amenities: Cold drinks for sale, food and drink menu, sun loungers with umbrellas, changing room with restrooms and showers, lockers (bring your own lock), towel included
• Opening hours: Pool 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM; fitness area and sauna 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Single-entry fee: 400 baht (adults), free for children under 8 when accompanied by an adult
• Check out accommodation deals at Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel here

4 Buristro Bar & Café (Coworking)

Buristro is more than just a bar and café—it’s also a restaurant, coworking space, and co-living spot. And best of all, it has a beautiful swimming pool, which is what really matters here!

Located in Nimman, inside a modern building less than a 10-minute drive from Suan Dok Gate, this pool is perfect for a refreshing break while working. The day pass is super affordable and includes a drink and a towel.

It’s a quiet place, ideal for focusing on your laptop while taking a dip now and then. The food is great, with well-prepared Thai and Western options. Just keep in mind they add a 10% service charge.

There’s also a hotel with reasonably priced rooms, in one of the best areas to stay in Chiang Mai, perfect if you want to be close to good restaurants and nightlife.

✔️ Practical Info

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• Size: 15 x 6 m, max depth 1.5 m
• Good for swimming?: Yes, depending on how busy it is
• Kid-friendly?: Yes, under adult supervision
• Amenities: Sun loungers with umbrellas, tables with chairs, restrooms, open shower by the pool, towel, restaurant
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM
• Single-entry fee: 200 baht (October 2024 price), includes coworking with WiFi, pool access, one drink, and a towel
• Check out the accommodation deals at Buristro Bar and Café here

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5 Top North Hotel

This pool is inside the Top North Hotel, just 100 meters from Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai. To get there, walk through the car entrance until you reach a tree-lined corner—surprisingly peaceful for being right in the city center.

Next to the pool, there’s a small playground with swings and a slide, perfect if you’re traveling with kids. That said, the pool floor is a bit worn in some areas, so watch your step. Some of the sun loungers also look a bit old.

The best part is the waterfall jet in the pool—perfect for a shoulder massage. And if you're looking for even more relaxation, there's a massage service right next to the pool for an extra fee.

✔️ Practical Info

• Pool access: Check in at the hotel reception first
• Size: About 15 m long, max depth 1.7 m
• Good for swimming?: Yes, depending on how busy it is
• Kid-friendly?: Yes, separate shallow area (60 cm deep)
• Amenities: Bar/restaurant, sun loungers with umbrellas, changing area with restrooms, outdoor showers by the pool, towel included in the price, playground.
• Extra: Paid massage service available
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Single-entry fee: 100 baht adults and children
• Check out accommodation deals at Top North Hotel here

6 Lai-Thai Guesthouse

Lai-Thai Guesthouse, located near the southeastern edge of Chiang Mai’s Old City, has a beautiful and peaceful swimming pool open to the public in a relaxed setting.

One thing I really appreciated for hygiene is the foot-washing area before entering the pool—not very common, but such a great idea. The pool has steps for easy access and gradually gets deeper.

Behind the pool, there’s a seating area with tables and fountains, perfect for unwinding with the sound of water (this is also the smoking area). At the entrance, the bar and restaurant serve a wide variety of delicious homemade Thai dishes—just what you need after a refreshing swim.

✔️ Practical Info

• Instagram
• Size: Approx. 15 m long, 1.5 m max depth
• Good for swimming?: Yes, depending on how busy it is
• Kid-friendly?: Yes
• Amenities: Bar/restaurant, sun loungers, open showers by the pool, changing room, towel included, seating area, WiFi.
• Extra: Massage service available for 250 baht
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Single-entry fee: 100 baht adults, 50 baht children up to 12 years old
• Check out the accommodation deals at Lai-Thai guesthouse here

7 Shangri-la Hotel

The five-star Shangri-La Hotel has an amazing pool open to the public. While the price is high for Chiang Mai, if you’re planning to spend the whole day, it’s totally worth it.

It’s just a 15-minute walk from the southeastern edge of the Old City, and the highlight is its 20-meter slide with a 4-meter drop. When I went, no one else was using it, so I had it all to myself—I was absolutely thrilled! 🥳

There’s also a kids’ play area with a splash zone and a separate pool for little ones. Outside the water, you’ll find a playground, giant chess, and a ping-pong table.

The pool is huge, with sun loungers, umbrellas, jacuzzis, and plenty of space for swimming. Plus, the hotel has three restaurants and a spa with a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and gym (for an additional fee).

Oh, and a fun fact: there’s a metal detector at the entrance, so leave your weapons at the hotel. 😆

✔️ Practical Info

• Pool access: Check in at the Health Club reception. Enter the hotel, walk to the back before reaching the garden, take the hallway on the right, go all the way down to the tailor shop, then turn left.
• Size: Irregular shape, approx. 80 m total length, 2.5 m max depth
• Good for swimming?: Yes, depending on how busy it is
• Kid-friendly?: Yes, separate pool and play area
• Amenities: Bar and three restaurants in the hotel, canopy and standard sun loungers with umbrellas, changing rooms with bathrooms and showers, towel service by the pool, fitness area, ping-pong, WiFi.
• Extras (paid): Tennis court, personal trainer (gym, Muay Thai, tennis), jacuzzi.
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Spa hours (Health Club): 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Single-entry fee: 450 baht for 1 adult + 1 child, family pass 850 baht for 2 adults + 2 children (2025 rates)
• Check out the accommodation deals at Shangri-la Hotel here

8 Rujirawong

Rujirawong has two pools: a 50-meter Olympic pool and a diving pool, both part of Chiang Mai University (CMU). They used to offer one-time entry tickets, but unfortunately, it’s now only available for members with a very affordable annual fee.

It’s less than a 15-minute drive from Suan Dok Gate and is perfect for serious swimming. It’s one of my favorites—huge, quiet, and super budget-friendly. The day I went, there were only two people swimming… total luxury! Next to the Olympic pool is the diving pool, one of the few in Chiang Mai.

Keep in mind that it closes at noon, on Mondays and Tuesdays, and during major national holidays..

There are some swimsuit rules to follow, but they’re pretty standard. A regular swimsuit or swim trunks should be fine, along with a swim cap and goggles.

✔️ Practical Info

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• Olympic pool size: 50 m long, 2 m max depth
• Diving pool: 3.5 m deep, with 3 m and 5 m platforms
• Good for swimming?: Yes, it’s a paradise for us swimmers! 😃
• Kid-friendly?: Yes
• Amenities: Changing rooms with showers and lockers, outdoor seating area. There’s a café across the street.
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM – 5:45 PM; closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thai holidays.
• Single-entry fee: 50 baht (same price for adults and kids). They no longer offer one-time entries.
• Annual membership: 300 baht (2025 price)

9 Green Hill

Green Hill Place is a condo with two infinity pools and a gym open to the public, less than a 10-minute drive from Chiang Mai’s northwest edge. One side of the swimming pools has waterfalls, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

The gym is spacious, with modern machines and a good selection of dumbbells—something rare in condo gyms. Entry is free for residents and paid for visitors.

They don’t provide towels, so bring your own. The price is very affordable and even includes access to a small sauna in the bathrooms. For me, it’s one of the best pools in Chiang Mai, perfect for a relaxing day.

✔️ Practical Info

• Size: Two infinity pools—25 x 20 m and 20 x 15 m, 1.5 m max depth
• Good for swimming?: Yes
• Kid-friendly?: Yes
• Amenities: Bar/restaurant, sun loungers with umbrellas, bathrooms and showers, sauna, WiFi.
• Extra: Gym (additional fee)
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Single-entry fee: 80 baht (2025 price) or 10-use pass for 750 baht

10 Coco Kala (Coworking)

Coco Kala opened in January 2020 and is a tropical coworking space with a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for staying focused. It’s close to downtown Chiang Mai, about a 10-minute drive from the northwest edge of the Old Town.

There are both indoor and outdoor workspaces—hammocks by the pool, loungers, terraces, a café, and private rooms with air conditioning and air purifiers (a must during burning season).

You can pay per day, week, month, or three months. A one-time entry includes WiFi, a coconut, tea or coffee, lunch or dinner, pool access, and yoga classes (based on the schedule). Such a great deal!

That said, if you're only looking for a pool, this might not be the best place. But if you want to work in a relaxed setting and take a refreshing dip, it’s perfect.

✔️ Practical Info

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• Size: About 12 m long, 1.5 m max depth
• Good for swimming?: Yes, but mainly for a quick dip (depends on crowd levels)
• Amenities: Bar/restaurant, loungers and hammocks, bathrooms, air purifier, WiFi, coconut, coffee or tea, one meal, and a yoga class
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Single-entry fee: 300 baht (adults)

11 Center of the Universe Chiang Mai

Centre of the Universe is a 15-minute drive from the northwest edge of Chiang Mai’s Old Town and is one of the few pools that offers swimming lessons. The schedule is divided into time slots for swimming and recreational use, so you can train early in the morning or late in the afternoon and relax the rest of the day.

The swimming pool is saltwater, which I loved. Another great feature is the ramps and handrails, making it accessible for people with reduced mobility. There are also two kids' pools with different depths.

I don’t know if it ever gets crowded, but both times I visited, there weren’t too many people. There were about 10 swimmers, but since the pool and outdoor area are large, it felt peaceful.

✔️ Practical Info

• Size: 25 x 12 m, max depth 1.6 m
• Good for swimming?: Yes, from 7:00 to 10:00 AM and 4:30 to 6:45 PM
• Kid-friendly?: Yes, with two separate pools
• Amenities: Bar/restaurant, sun loungers with umbrellas, changing rooms with bathrooms and showers, WiFi with three routers near the pool.
• Extras: Lockers and towel rental for 30 baht
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Single-entry fee: 250 baht for a full day (price as of October 2024); swimming slots cost 100 baht per person per hour. They also offer 10, 20, 30, and 40-use passes.
• Payment: Cash only

12 700th Anniversary Stadium

The 700th Anniversary Stadium, a 20-minute drive from Chiang Mai’s Old Town northern entrance, has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a diving pool with platforms up to 10 meters high. A dream for those of us who love swimming.

The complex also has badminton, tennis, basketball, and athletics courts, plus a gym you can access for an extra 50 baht.

One important thing: They don’t allow beachwear or standard Western-style swimsuits here. Men must wear knee-length cycling-style swim shorts. Women need a full-body surfer-style swimsuit with shorts and a skirt on top or a long swimsuit. If you don’t have one, they sell them at the entrance.

Check out the photo below to see what kind of swimsuits I mean—after all, a picture is worth a thousand words. 😉

✔️ Practical Info

• Olympic Pool Size: 50 x 22 m, max depth 2 m
• Diving pool: 7 m depth; 5-level platforms at 10, 8, 5, 3, and 1 m
• Good for swimming?: Yes, a paradise for swimmers (as long as you have the right swimwear)
• Kid-friendly?: Yes
• Amenities: Changing rooms
• Extras: Lockers for 20 baht, gym access for 50 baht, swimwear available for purchase at the entrance.
• Opening hours: Pool 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, gym 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Single-entry fee: 60 baht; 40 baht for university students; 20 baht for school students.
• Annual membership: 750 baht per year. You need to register at the office across from the pools between 8:30 AM and 7:30 PM.
• Payment: Cash only

13 Lanna Golf

Lanna Golf Course, less than a 15-minute drive from the northern entrance of Chiang Mai’s Old Town, has an Olympic-sized pool surrounded by greenery, with mountain views.

Next to it is a small children’s pool, though it's missing some tiles—something to consider if you're bringing little ones. I also have to warn you that everything looks old and a bit run-down, though it’s clean, including the pool water.

The best part? There’s almost no one here! I spent a couple of hours with the whole pool to myself at a super low price. Can’t ask for more!

✔️ Practical Info

• Size: Olympic pool, 50 m long, max depth 1.6 m
• Good for swimming?: Yes, there are almost never any people there.
• Kid-friendly?: Yes, with a separate pool
• Amenities: Bar/restaurant, chairs and sun loungers (look shabby but serve their purpose), changing rooms with bathrooms and showers, WiFi.
• Extras: Locker and towel rental for 20 baht, Thai massage for 200 baht.
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Single-entry fee: 60 baht for adults, 40 baht for kids

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Map of Chiang Mai’s Pools

Final Thoughts

These are the best pools in Chiang Mai—some are Olympic-sized, others are perfect for relaxing, and some are even great for working. I hope you find the perfect spot to cool off!

In this Chiang Mai guide, you can read all my articles about the city and northern Thailand, where I lived for six months.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

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• 11 Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai
• 5 Best Temples in Chiang Mai – for beauty and importance
• Thailand Itinerary 2 weeks: Must-Sees
• 4 best Yoga Teacher courses in Thailand
• Tips for Moving to Thailand: pros and cons
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