Chiang Mai Digital Nomads Ultimate Guide for Remote Working in Thailand

Last Updated on June 4, 2023

Why Visit and Stay in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for digital nomads, offering a vibrant cultural experience as well as convenient access to modern amenities.

Furthermore, the city has an abundance of:

• co-working spaces
• fast internet connections
• a wide choice of affordable accommodation options
• plenty of attractions and activities that make it a great destination for travelers.

This makes Chiang Mai an ideal spot for digital nomads and you can see why it has been continually growing in popularity for remote working.

Food and accommodation are very affordable, and you can easily find a decent place to stay for a fraction of the price compared to other cities in Southeast Asia.

In your free time, you can explore Chiang Mai’s Old City, which is an incredibly charming place to explore, with centuries-old temples and buildings to visit, as well as street food stalls, markets, and shops.

The city also offers wonderful parks and gardens to explore and if you are adventurous, you can also find plenty of activities like treks in the nearby mountains, jungle adventures, or zip-lining through the jungle.

Whether you are looking for a place to stay for just a few days or a few months, Chiang Mai is a great choice!

Our Experience and Thoughts on Chiang Mai From Our Time There as Nomads

We had a great time in Chiang Mai and found the people extremely friendly, the cost of living great from the point of view of being a remote worker staying for a while, and we absolutely loved the food.

As a location for digital nomads, we found that it is excellent overall, especially with many cafes and other places offering very good WiFi speeds.

It’s a great place to spend a few months and excellent for combining getting work done with seeing some great sights in your free time.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available across the city and is normally more than fast enough for online meetings, and for working online.

Chiang Mai caters well to remote workers in terms of WiFi and Internet speeds.

Pros and Cons of Living in Chiang Mai

So, as a digital nomad, what are the advantages and disadvantages of living here?

Pros:

1. Low Cost of Living – Chiang Mai’s cost of living is significantly lower than other major cities around the world.

2. Plenty of Coworking Spaces – Getting work done online is of course central to us digital nomads, and you should have no problem with this in Chiang Mai.

3. Great Food Scene – From street stalls to upscale restaurants, there’s something for everyone when it comes to dining out in Chiang Mai. The city is also known for its unique regional cuisine and dishes that combine Thai and Burmese flavors.

4. Natural Beauty – There’s no shortage of stunning natural beauty in Chiang Mai, from its lush forests to the misty mountainside capital of Doi Suthep.

5. Easy to Get Around – With plenty of public transportation options, including buses, tuk-tuks, and songthaews (shared taxis), getting around Chiang Mai is generally easy and affordable.

Cons:

1. Air Pollution: The city of Chiang Mai suffers from high levels of air pollution, especially during the dry season when the burning of agricultural waste is common. The city is making efforts to reduce air pollution though.

2. Traffic Congestion: Just like in any city, there can (especially at rush-hour) be traffic congestion. This can make it a little more time-consuming to get around during peak times of the day.

3. It’s Landlocked: If you are looking for beach coworking spaces, then Chiang Mai might not be for you, as it is landlocked and quite far from the coast.

Getting to Chiang Mai, Thailand

Getting to Chiang Mai (which is located in the north of Thailand) is relatively easy and affordable.

1. By Plane

Many visitors fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) via domestic and international flights operated by Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, China Airlines, Air Asia, and Nok Air from most major cities in Thailand.

The airport is located 3 km (2 mi) south of the city center.

Alternatively, you can fly into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and then transfer by flight or train to Chiang Mai (I recommend a flight transfer if you are already flying into Bangkok airport).

2. By Train

Chiang Mai is served by Thailand’s State Railway with several daily departures to Bangkok and other northern towns. Trains can be slow but comfortable and are an inexpensive way to travel.

You can find the train station on Charoen Muang Road, located close to the center of Chiang Mai.

3. By Bus

From Bangkok or other cities in Thailand, there are many daily buses and minivans departing from various stations in Bangkok directly to Chiang Mai.

These can be booked online or through a travel agent and generally take 10 to 12 hours.

4. By Car

Chiang Mai is easily accessible by car from Bangkok or the surrounding cities, but it can be a long drive.

Thailand is not known as being one of the safer countries in which to drive, due to the condition of many of the roads, and road deaths are higher than in many major European cities.

Using public transport might be a better option where possible if you are not used to driving in Thailand.

Getting Around Chiang Mai

Inside the city, there are taxis, tuk-tuks, songthaews (shared taxi vans), and motorbike taxis.

It is normally quite easy to wave and hail a taxi or tuk-tuk, as they tend to be plentiful and easy to spot (most of the time).

Also, do make sure to ask or negotiate the fare before getting on or in your taxi or tuk-tuk.

For those looking for a more eco-friendly option, there are also bicycles and electric scooters available to rent.

Whether you choose to fly, take the train, drive, or use local transportation once inside the city, you can get around quickly and conveniently.

Cost of Living in Chiang Mai

It’s estimated that the average digital nomad in Chiang Mai spends around 4,500 to 5,500 baht a month on necessities like food, accommodation, and transportation.

You can find everything from budget guesthouses and hostels with prices starting as low as 400 to 550 baht per night, all the way up to luxury apartments which start at around 3,200 baht per night.

The cost of food in Chiang Mai is also very reasonable and you can find delicious local dishes for as little as 55-65 baht.

Transportation in Chiang Mai is also quite affordable, with public transportation costing around 12-18 baht per ride.

Taxis are slightly more expensive, but still quite reasonable at around 50 baht per ride.

Best Areas of Chiang Mai to Live

The most popular areas in Chiang Mai for digital nomads are:

• Nimman
• Pae Gate
• and Chang Phueak

The Nimman area is filled with great restaurants, cafes, and bars that are perfect for relaxing after a long day of work.

Tha Pae Gate is a bit quieter and offers more of a “neighborhood” feel, with lots of local shops, restaurants, and markets to explore.

Finally, the Chang Phueak area is perfect for those looking for something a bit more rural yet still close to the city center. It’s known for its beautiful views, relaxing atmosphere, and lower cost of living.

3 Coworking Spaces We Love in Chiang Mai

Here is a list of seven of the best coworking spaces in the city.

1. Punspace

Punspace is arguably the best coworking space in Chiang Mai and is very popular.

It’s a large space and is fantastic for meeting and networking with other digital nomads.

Despite its popularity, it is a place where you can easily get work done and there are meeting rooms available also.

They have a couple of coworking offices, i.e., one at Phae Gate and one on Wiang Kaew Road and both are very good.

2. Basecamp

Located on Tambon Su Thep, Mueang, Basecamp coworking space is designed to promote collaboration, with plenty of bright and spacious areas for teams to come together.

You can use the coworking using a day pass or buy a monthly membership. Overall this is another great option.

3. Yellow Coworking Space

I really also enjoyed working from Yellow coworking space (part of Coworking Hub), located on Nimmanahaeminda Road.

Lovely space with very friendly staff, and one of my personal favorites.

When to Visit and Stay in Chiang Mai

From November to February, this is considered the peak season for visitors, with cooler temperatures and almost no rain.

This makes it ideal for sightseeing outdoors and enjoying the city’s many cultural attractions such as temples, markets, restaurants, and nightlife spots.

If you’re willing to pay extra for convenience or if beautiful weather is your priority then consider visiting Chiang Mai during this time.

The summer months, from March to June, can be hot and humid, but this period also offers some of the best prices on accommodation.

If you don’t mind a little extra heat and humidity, then this is a great time to visit Chiang Mai while saving money.

From July through October, the city experiences its wet season with occasional showers throughout the day.

On the other hand, the rain brings lush greenery and beautiful waterfalls making it an ideal time for those looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure.

Prices are also generally lower during this season.

If you are staying in Chiang Mai for several months as a digital nomad, then potentially any time of the year is fine as you will be working a lot, as opposed to primarily being a tourist.

10 Attractions Worth Seeing in Chiang Mai

Boasting incredible architecture, stunning natural wonders, and plenty of historic sites, Chiang Mai has something for everyone to explore. Here are 10 attractions you must visit when in Chiang Mai.

1. Doi Suthep

A stunning mountain with a temple on its peak, Doi Suthep is one of the most famous attractions in Chiang Mai that should not be missed.

You can reach the summit and enjoy sweeping views of the city from here.

2. Tha Pae Gate

Located at the entrance to the old walled city, Tha Pae Gate is an incredibly impressive structure that represents the ancient fortified walls of Chiang Mai.

3. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

A unique shopping experience you won’t want to miss, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar has everything from souvenirs to handmade goods and delicious local snacks.

4. Wat Phra Singh

This temple complex is a great place to explore and learn about the history of Lanna-style architecture. It also houses some beautiful Buddha statues.

5. Grand Canyon Water Park

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, head to the Grand Canyon Water Park where you can zip line across a lake, take part in thrilling water rides, and enjoy other activities like bungee jumping.

6. Doi Inthanon National Park

Located on the highest mountain in Thailand, this stunning national park is home to a variety of flora and fauna as well as incredible views.

7. Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium

Perfect for kids of all ages, Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium has over 200 species of animals ranging from tigers and elephants to reptiles and amphibians.

8. Wat Suan Dok

This beautiful temple complex is a popular place for visitors to the city as it houses some incredible Buddhist artifacts.

9. Chiang Mai Old City

Explore the old city and its winding streets. Here you’ll find plenty of great restaurants and shops, as well as street markets selling souvenirs and local handicrafts.

10. Mon Cham Hilltop Viewpoint

Located just outside of Chiang Mai, Mon Cham Hilltop Viewpoint offers some of the best views in the city.

Here you can see sprawling rice fields, rolling hills and mountains, stunning sunsets, and much more.

The Food in Chiang Mai and What To Expect

Chiang Mai is well-known for its vibrant street food and dishes that are sure to tantalize the taste buds.

With a mix of Thai, Burmese, and Chinese influences, Chiang Mai has something to offer everyone – from unique flavors found nowhere else in the world to traditional family recipes passed down through generations.

The street food of Chiang Mai is renowned for its freshness and diversity, with stalls serving up a variety of dishes ranging from fragrant noodles to rich curries, as well as a selection of grilled meats and seafood.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some ‘Khao Soi’ -a northern Thai specialty made with egg noodles?

For something a little more upscale, Chiang Mai has plenty of restaurants serving up traditional dishes such as Khao Soi Gai (coconut curry) or Kaeng Khiao Wan (green curry).

There are also plenty of fusion restaurants blending Thai and international flavors.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds.

If you are looking to buy ingredients to cook your own food, then head over to one of the city’s many markets where you can pick up locally produced treats such as sticky rice cakes, chilis preserved in oil, freshly made sausages, and a wide range of fresh vegetables and exotic fruits.

Chiang Mai is a food lover’s paradise and with its abundance of both street food and fine dining options, it’s no wonder why this vibrant city is so highly regarded by travelers from all over the world.

3 Backpacker Hostels in Chiang Mai

If you are looking not only to work remotely but also to meet lots of other people, then you might be interested to stay in one of the backpacker hostels in Chiang Mai. Here are three that we stayed in that we can recommend.

1. Hidden Garden Hostel

A great hostel located in the Phra Sing area, a great location, right by the night market.

Great facilities and very friendly staff who run this hostel.

You cannot go too far wrong by staying in the Hidden Garden Hostel.

2. The Yard Hostel

This trendy hostel is located in the heart of Old Town and features modern decor, free Wi-Fi, and a large outdoor terrace for socializing.

3. Good Morning Chiangmai Hostel

This cozy little hostel has all you need including free Wi-Fi, comfy beds, and a relaxing garden with hammocks.

Chiang Mai Travel – Recommended Booking Resources

I have been traveling for many years and have come to use a lot of travel sites and resources for booking my trips. They represent the companies that I often use and have served me well and they are the first ones I use when booking new trips.

• Booking.com – they tend to provide very competitive prices and the reviews are easy to view, and they normally have something available wherever in the world I am going to. They also now provide airport transfers, local attractions, and flights.
• Safety Wing Travel Insurance – Safety Wing has become one of the leaders in travel insurance, especially for remote workers and digital nomads as they provide cover that includes for long-term stays.
• Get Your Guide – is the site on which I normally book tours (I love to visit the local sports stadia, aquarium, royal palace, and some cultural attractions). With get Your Guide they have excellent customer support and have a wide range of tours.

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