Getting Around

  • Scooter150–250 THB/day. Essential for anything outside the Old City moat. Flat city, easy to navigate.
  • Red songthaew30–50 THB per person on shared routes. Flag one down on main roads.
  • BicycleViable for the Old City moat area and Nimman. Many rental shops from 50 THB/day.
  • GrabAvailable but patchier than Bangkok. Useful for airport runs and rainy days.
  • Minivan to Pai150–200 THB. 3-hour mountain road — take something for motion sickness.

Where to Work

  • Punspace NimmanThe best-known digital nomad hub in CM. Strong community, events, fast internet.
  • Punspace Tha PhaeSecond branch, closer to the Old City. Good alternative when Nimman is busy.
  • YellowDesign-focused space, Nimman area. Reliable internet, quieter vibe.
  • CAMP @ Maya MallAir-conditioned, cheap coffee, buzzing with laptop workers. Classic CM institution.
  • Ristr8toSpecialty coffee that doubles as a workspace. Nimman — go early for a seat.

Eat & Drink

  • Nimman areaCafes, brunch, international food. Clean, walkable, where most expats live and eat.
  • Old City moat areaNight Bazaar, temples, the best Khao Soi spots in Thailand.
  • Warorot Market (Kad Luang)Best for fresh produce and local snacks. Go in the morning.
  • Saturday Walking Street (Wualai Rd)Food, craft, live music. Best one-stop evening out.
  • Sunday Walking Street (Th Wichayanon)Bigger, closes the Old City streets. Busy but worth it once.

Stay Healthy

  • Bangkok Hospital Chiang MaiMain private hospital. Well-regarded, English-speaking staff.
  • Chiang Mai Ram HospitalLarge private, central location. Second-most recommended by expats.
  • McCormick HospitalMission hospital. Good reputation, affordable by private hospital standards.
  • Lanna HospitalOlder private, budget-friendly option for non-complex needs.

Activities

  • Doi Inthanon National ParkHighest peak in Thailand. Waterfalls, hill tribe villages, cool air. Day trip from town.
  • Elephant Nature ParkOne of very few genuinely rescue-focused sanctuaries. Book well in advance.
  • Doi Suthep temple30 mins from town. Mountain forest, views over the city, worth the songthaew ride up.
  • Thai cooking classesDozens of quality options starting from Old City markets. Half-day format works well.
  • Muay Thai trainingSeveral solid camps near the Night Bazaar. Week-long courses available.

Schools

  • Lanna International SchoolBritish/IB, years 1–13. North of town. Strong expat community around it.
  • CISDPYP/IB. Smaller campus, well-regarded, good for younger children.
  • Prem TinsulanondaBoarding-focused, IB, 15 mins from town. Strong outdoor programme.