Chiang Mai, Thailand: A digital Nomad guide

Chiang Mai is well-known amongst the digital nomad community for its low-cost living and fast Internet connections. We’d been backpacking Thailand and Southeast Asia for a while and were in the market for somewhere to clear up so we could concentrate on getting some work done. As we were in the area it seemed like the best choice of location, so we settled there for a month and it [turned out to be] just that.

In this digital nomad guide to living in Chiang Mai we’re going to cover all the vital insider knowledge that you’ll need to set up shop there including accommodation options, what you can expect from Internet speeds, things to do in Chiang Mai, co-working space options and networking opportunities.

Accommodation in Chiang Mai

Depending on how long you are planning on living in Chiang Mai there are a couple of different options. generally if you are checking out staying for less than 3 months your best bet is to discuss a daily rate directly with a serviced apartment or condo building (this is what we did). However, if you are going to be settling for 3 months or a lot more you there are lots of short-term apartment or condo rentals available to choose from – you will struggle to find somewhere ready to sign a lease for less than 3 months.

Daily rate Serviced Apartment

There are major pluses to choosing this type of accommodation. firstly you will get a daily cleaning service included, but you will nearly absolutely be able to discuss a lower rate for this only to be done every other day, or 3 times per week as we did. Secondly, all your bills will likely be included in your room rate, including internet.

We paid $12 per night for a spacious, open plan apartment or condo and as well as a good Internet connection this included air conditioning, private en-suite bathroom, small table and chairs, kitchen area with kettle, microwave and fridge/freezer, TV with many English-speaking channels (including an exceptional motion picture channel), and a balcony.

There was also full-time onsite security, parking, communal washing machines and water stations. We could have rented a place for as low $9 per night but the building was quite dated and rooms were small.

Short Term apartment or condo Let

Finding an apartment or condo to rent in Chiang Mai longer term is best done once you’ve actually arrived, so just book yourself a few nights in a hotel for when you get there. Your best option then is to set up some viewings with a few of the estate agencies in Chiang Mai.

There are plenty that are very reputable, straightforward and complimentary for the renter. You just simply send them a brief email of what you seek and they will set up the viewings, ferry you around by automobile and sort out all the paperwork.

Here are some estate agent options that have good reviews:

Perfect Homes

Chiang Mai Properties

Open Realty

Chiang Mai House

Prices vary a fair bit for rental properties depending on how long you are renting for, the location and type of home you are after. For a newer apartment or condo you can expect to pay $400 – $500 per month. Some pals of ours are renting an extraordinary place for 6 months for $480 per month with a stunning kitchen and swimming pool included – you can check it out here.

Photo Credit: Our big Fat travel Adventure

But we also know someone who rents a a lot more basic but still wonderful rooftop apartment or condo on a year lease for $200 per month. If you are wanting to rent longer term and are also ready to pay a few months up front at a time you will have much a lot more negotiating power. You can also rent whole 2/3/4 bedroom houses outside of the city for similar prices if you don’t mind being additionally out.

☞ After hanging out in the city, you’ll probably be ready for the beach. There are many amazing things to do in Koh Phangan, check it out when you’re ready for a break from Chiang Mai.

Bills will not be included in your rent and you will have to pay these separately at around £120 per month depending on how much electrical energy you use and your choice of Internet – a lot more on that coming up.

*Note: There are many apartment or condo options on Airbnb. If you sign up now, you’ll receive $35 off of your first booking. already have an Airbnb account? just create another one with a new email address and you can still get the discount.

Top location options in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Old Town

You’ll be in the centre of the action here with no end of western eateries and nightlife options but accommodation prices tend to be on the higher end.

Chang Khlan Area

This area is around a 15 minute walk Southeast of the Oldtown and although it is less modern and has a few seedy bars, it’s still safe. accommodation is normally more affordable and there are lots of street food and low-cost restaurant options.

Nimmanhaeman road Area

This area is North West of the Old town and is where the amazing kids hang out. It has a large expat crowd with loads of coffee shops, western restaurants, a substantial mall with a cinema and lots of co-working spaces. It is one of the a lot more expensive areas Chiang Mai to rent in.

Chang Puak

Just North of the Old town is Chang Puak area. close to a major university there are large numbers of students here. accommodation is more affordable and again there are lots of street food and low-cost restaurant options. This is the area that we stayed in, it’s a 25 minute walk into the town centre and a 5 minute walk to a large supermarket.

☞ SEE ALSO:

Best things To do in Bangkok – Our top 13!

Things To do in Chiang Mai – Don’t miss These 17 Things

Backpacking Thailand – The utmost travel Guide

Places To check out in Thailand – Our top 15 Picks

Things To do in Thailand – These Are The top 25!

Getting around Chiang Mai

Tuk tuks aren’t exactly expensive but they will add up over time. We were paying around $3 for a 10 minute ride into town. So if you are wanting to go farther afield or are not living within walking distance of the Old town your best carry option is to get a motorbike.

You can rent them for as little as $5 dollars per 24 hours with insurance. A full tank of petrol will cost you around $2.50. Mr Mechanic is a credible company that we would recommend and has a variety of bikes.

Your best option if you are living in Chiang for a few months or a lot more though and need daily carry is to get a motorbike and sell it when you leave. depending on your budget you can either get a new one or pick up a second hand one. There are second hand bike markets at Ruem Chok on Saturdays and San Patong on Sundays. Or you can post your second hand motorbike enquiry on the Chiang Mai Facebook groups and will get plenty of ideas – a lot more on that later.

If getting second hand be sure take someone with you who knows what they are doing, there are procedures you will need to follow to register the bike after purchase. There are also Honda and Yamaha dealerships in the Old Town. If you don’t need carry day to day, just hire a motorbike for a few days at a time to take you on your adventures like we did.

Internet Speeds in Chiang Mai

You will get complimentary wi-fi in serviced apartments but it may be a little slow depending on your needs. The one we had was a bit hit and miss but worked better when we moved rooms closer to a router. Of course you are sharing the connection with others so it will be slower if a lot more people are using it. You best option, like we did, is to work from a coffee shop or co-working space, particularly if you are wanting to publish or download anything.

If you are renting an apartment or condo in Chiang Mai and plan to work from home, personal broadband installation is readily available. There are a number of companies who will get you a fast and reputable connection up and running within a few days for around $16 per month.

Because it depends on which area you are in as to which company you are covered by, your best option is to just ask your landlord or estate agent but a lot of people we know in Chiang Mai are currently using SINET.

SIM Card Options

It’s really easy to get a SIM card in Chiang Mai, you can readily pick them up from the airports or lots of 7-Elevens dotted around the city. The pay as you go ones are normally complimentary or you can get monthly plans for around $15 per month. again there are lots of companies but popular ones are TRUEMOVE or AIS.

Co-Working Spaces

The majority of these are clustered around either the Old town or Nimmanhaeman road area and prices vary along with Internet speeds and facilities. For a top notch one that is open 24 hours, has a incredibly high speed internet, complimentary refreshments and a gym and swimming pool you are checking out a monthly membership fee of around $100 per month.

For a a lot more flexible option which you pay for by the hour or per day but with a lot more basic amenities you can expect to pay around 50 cent per hour or $3 per day.

These are three of the most popular ones: Punspace, CAMP & Mana. There are also literally hundreds of coffee shops all around Chiang Mai that have respectable connections where you can work for a few hours for the price of a couple of coffees.

Networking opportunities & Making Friends

Owing to having such an well established digital nomad community there are plenty of opportunities to meet like minded people in Chiang Mai. Be sure to join the friendly Facebook groups ‘Chiang Mai digital Nomads’ and ‘Farang (foreigner) community Chiang Mai’.
Johnny FD runs a weekly event called Nomad Coffee Club at healthy B cafe at 4.30pm every Friday where a variety of entrepreneurs and bloggers speak on a variety of topics, from writing e-books to monetizing your blog. There’s lots of complimentary beneficial information and useful contacts to be made in Chiang Mai.

Eating & Drinking Costs

The least expensive way to eat in Chiang Mai is at the plentiful street and market restaurants, there are also lots of stalls that just offer takeaway options. This is predominately how we ate in Chiang Mai and we ate well. average dishes cost around $1.

If you like western food, there are lots of options, however expect to pay closer to western prices for these. If you are a vegetarian or vegan there are lots of choices, in the Old town there are whole streets specialising in these dishes. Make sure you check out the Sunday market in Chiang Mai, this is a terrific place to find cost effective and delicious food. You’ll also find lots of souvenirs and clothing.

The big supermarkets, normally Tesco Lotus, sell anything and everything although the produce is a lot more expensive and we found it more affordable to eat out than cook. We found these are the least expensive places to get beers and wine, however and could pick up a crate of 24 beers for around $22 dollars. Be forewarned though you cannot by law purchase alcohol in supermarkets between 2pm and 5pm, so plan your shop around that if you’re getting your beers in for the weekend.

Example costs:

Domestic beer in a bar: $1.70

Imported beer in a bar: $2.85

Cappuccino: $1.70

Litre of milk: $1.40

Loaf of bread: $1.00

A dozen eggs: $1.45

Kg of bananas: $1.00

Bottle of mid-range wine: $14

Health & fitness Options

There are so lots of gyms and fitness studios available in Chiang Mai. prices start at around £1.50 a session or $26 dollars per month. There also lots of yoga studios and martial arts classes, in particular Thai boxing. naturally there are plenty of massage places using a whole range of kicking back treatments throughout Chiang Mai for less than $5.

You can also check out Mahasiddha Yoga for some classes, workshops and retreats. They are located at 49 Chang Lor Rd T. Haiya Mueang Chiangmai, เชียงใหม่ 50100, Thailand and are open Sunday to Saturday, 8am – 10pm.

Entertainment Options

With such a lively and diverse community in Chiang Mai comes lots of enjoyment options. There are several night markets that take pace across the city a lot of nights of the week which are terrific for getting clothes and food. Thai boxing fight nights are held regularly, just make sure you’re going to a proper competition one and not one of the a ‘fake’ ones put on for tourists. The Maya shopping mall has a snazzy new cinema with all the current English films and runs discounted options on Wednesday nights.

You will invariably at some point find yourself at the popular late night bars of ‘Zoe in Yellow’ and ‘Reggae Bar’ having a few Samsong rum and cokes. Chiang Mai isn’t a late city however and even these later bars are closed by 12pm due to strictly enforced regulations. There are underground bars behind shutters to be found that are open all night, but be careful of police raids as they’re against the law.

Around Chiang Mai

Nestled in central North Thailand, Chiang Mai, is also a best location for exploring the surrounding areas on your ‘off’ days. Chiang Rai and its stunning white temple and stunning hiking trails are absolutely worth a look, as are the