I spent about a year and a half as a nomad in the East, with half of that time in Chiang Mai. Why there specifically? A large nomadic community, many places to work, and a lower cost of living compared to other places in the country, like Koh Phangan.
In this article, I will share my recommendations about Chiang Mai from the perspective of a nomad who has almost become a local.
Table of Contents
ToggleCost of Living π°
Thailand is a very affordable country for digital nomads. Popular areas include Koh Phangan and Bangkok, both known for their reasonable cost of living. Chiang Mai is also a favorite among many for its affordability and charm.
You can live comfortably on approximately $1,600 per month, which includes food, rent, a gym membership, and other living expenses.
Even though the Thai baht has appreciated over the past 20 years, itβs still relatively weak compared to Western currencies. So, if you earn money online in dollars or other Western currencies, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Thailand.
Accommodation Options For Digital Nomads π‘
Alt-Chiang Mai is a hotel designed for coliving and coworking, ideal for digital nomads seeking a relaxed space to work, party, and unwind. With modern interiors, abundant natural light, greenery, and fresh air, it offers a spacious bed, ample storage, and a private bathroom. Guests can access a communal courtyard and kitchen and enjoy various social events like movie nights and games.
For those preferring more privacy or traveling with family, consider renting locally or browsing Airbnb for affordable leases or short-term subleases. A recommended option is a modern condo near Nimman featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious living area. Located in a hotel-like apartment block, it offers a communal pool, lobby lounges, a dedicated workspace, high-speed internet, air conditioning, and free parking.
Another choice is booking a hotel room through Booking.com. Many hotels and B&Bs in Chiang Mai offer long-term stay discounts. POR Thapae Gate is a three-star hotel in the city center with modern air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and beautiful bathrooms. Guests can enjoy breakfast with continental, American, and Asian options, along with an outdoor pool, garden, shared kitchen, daily housekeeping, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour front desk.
Neighborhoods Overview π
Chiang Mai is a relatively large city with a wide variety of areas to live in. Both apartments and houses are available for rent in the city and its surroundings.
To help you get started, here’s a map and overview of the most popular areas among travelers and digital nomads:
- The Old Town: The historic neighborhood of Chiang Mai includes historic squares, the central market, and many cultural sites. Here, you’ll find local restaurants, relaxed cafes, and traditional shops.
- Nimman: Chiang Mai’s art and design neighborhood. Here, you will find many art and designer shops, trendy cafes and restaurants, co-working spaces, fast wifi, and good coffee on every corner. This is likely why it’s called the digital nomad’s paradise. By the way, I spent six months in this neighborhood.
- Lang Mor: A new neighborhood developing in Chiang Mai, located near Nimman. The neighborhood is in the process of development and is home to young people and students. Like Nimman, Lang Mor has cheaper housing prices but is located a bit further from the Old Town.
- Santitham: Santitham neighborhood provides a relaxed and communal atmosphere. Here, you’ll find local restaurants, cozy cafes, and a small market.
- Night Market: The most popular market in Chiang Mai in the evenings. Here, you can find a wide variety of street food stands and restaurants.
- Riverside: The riverside area is a major tourist and entertainment center. On the riverside, there are luxury hotels, restaurants with river views, and leisure activities such as boat tours and evening shows.
Internet π
The city’s digital infrastructure is excellent! You’ll find plenty of coworking spaces with fast internet.
Cafes are also a popular option for remote work, although the internet speed can vary from place to place. If you prefer to work from your apartment/room, many hotels are usually equipped with a stable internet connection.
Additionally, there are various SIM card options to help you stay connected when you’re on the go or in emergency situations.
Coworking Spaces π»
Chiang Mai offers a wide variety of coworking spaces. I tried several places, including:
- Yellow Co-working Space: The place where I mainly worked. I found a great community of digital nomads, friendly staff, and excellent facilities. Possibly the most well-known coworking space in Chiang Mai.
- Punspace: Modern design, standing desks, pleasant atmosphere, and a large yard to breathe fresh air.
- Heartwork the Sharing Space: An affordable coworking space because you can “settle” on a private table by simply ordering a coffee/meal, unlike other spaces that charge a membership fee not including drinks/meals.
- Chiang Mai Maya Mall: Few people know, but the mall has a nice area where you can sit and work. Buying a coffee grants you two hours of WIFI.
The Nomad Community: How to Get Involved π₯
Chiang Mai has a bustling community of expats and digital nomads, so you will find plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Here are some Facebook groups that will help you stay connected to the events and social gatherings in the city:
Additionally, keep an eye on the Events section on Facebook for the city.
Getting Around Chiang Mai π
- Songthaew: The most common means of transportation in Chiang Mai is the songthaew. These are small converted trucks with two rows of benches facing each other. Both tourists and locals use them. They are available and easy to catch.
- Tuk Tuk: Another common option is the tuk-tuk, although it is slightly more expensive than a songthaew. Prices start at around $2 for a short trip to the city.
- Taxis: There are few taxis in the city, and they are harder to catch by waving. You’ll usually find them waiting at the airport or transportation hubs. A taxi ride within the inner city will cost between $4 to $5.50, depending on the destination.
- Grab: Uber and Grab are the two most common ride-sharing apps and are much cheaper than regular taxis. Grab is Southeast Asia’s version of Uber, so make sure to download this app before you arrive.
- Buses: Although the city has a bus network, it’s not extensive and only covers two lines connecting the airport to the city. A one-way fare costs about $1.50 per person.
- Getting from the Airport: One of the key advantages of living in Chiang Mai is its proximity to an international airport. Songthaews and tuk-tuks are plentiful and cost about $6 for a 15-minute, one-way trip into the city.
- Scooter Rental: Another option is renting a scooter. This is a flexible and convenient way to get around the city, especially if you want to explore areas outside the center. Rental prices are relatively low, starting at around $6 per day.
Insurance for Peace of Mind β
It’s important to remember that even on the best trips, things can go wrong. Medical emergencies, luggage loss, and more can happen and cause high expenses and significant distress.
This is where insurance comes into play. Insurance will protect you in case of unexpected events and provide you with the assistance and coverage needed so you can focus on what really matters β enjoying your trip.
I highly recommend checking out SafetyWing. These guys offer insurance specifically designed for digital nomads, so you’ll be covered wherever your laptop takes you. That way, if something unexpected does happen, you can focus on getting better (or finding your swimsuit!) SafetyWing will handle the rest, leaving you free to stress less and enjoy Thailand more!
Chiang Mai: Much More Than a Nomad City π§
Chiang Mai offers amazing landscapes suitable for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, scooter or motorbike tours, rafting, and much more. There are also many yoga clubs and gyms.
I recommend joining a game if you’re a soccer fan like me. I used to play weekly with locals and foreigners, which was a really good experience. Here’s the Facebook group of one of the teams I played with, where you can sign up for the next game: Monday, Wednesday & Friday Night Football.
Chiang Mai boasts an active SEO community with renowned experts like Matt Diggity and Kyle Roof. Want to start with SEO or level up your skills? Attend their regular meetups for valuable insights and networking.
It’s important to note that there is air pollution due to fires from November to April. I recommend not coming during this period for health reasons. For more info, click here.
For more detailed information on living and working as a digital nomad in Chiang Mai, check out these additional guides:
- Grab App Tips: Essential tips for using the Grab app efficiently for transportation and delivery services in Chiang Mai.
- What is a Digital Nomad Visa?: Learn about the digital nomad visa, its benefits, and how to apply for it.
- Tinder in Thailand: A comprehensive guide to using Tinder in Thailand, including tips for creating a great profile and navigating the dating scene.
- How to Save Money as a Digital Nomad: Find practical tips on managing finances and cutting costs while living the digital nomad lifestyle.
- Improve your digital nomad skills
- Become a Digital Nomad
- To be my friend