Expats guide to Nimman neighborhood in Chiang Mai
You might know of Chiang Mai for its cultural and natural wonders but there is actually so much more to the city.
It actually has plenty of neighborhoods with fancy cafes, bars, clubs, restaurants, and modern hotels.
One such area is Nimmanahaeminda Road, also known as Nimman Road, which is a cool and trendy neighborhood frequented by artsy local hipsters and curious travelers.
Let’s go take a look at why this street has become so popular, why you should visit and what you can do here.
Things to do
The best thing to do on Nimman road is to walk or ride a bicycle through its many sois and main road. You can spend hours just exploring the ins and outs of the neighborhood. Every corner and street opens up new perspectives and hidden gems.
You will find street art, art galleries, shops and all kinds of places to chill, eat or drink.
There are also spas, an insect museum, a lifestyle shopping mall and other entertainment venues all around.
Be sure to check out One Nimman, which is a community mall with lots of art, shops, cafes, restaurants, and other leisure options.
Lastly, Nimman is even home to Chiang Mai University Convention Center and the Arts Center, which are surrounded by parks and beautiful scenic views. It’s a wonderful place to take a stroll and soak in the vibes.
Places to eat
Although Nimman road is also known as the coffee street, there are loads of cafes and restaurants here as well that will keep you busy for weeks if you were to try them all.
Cafes
Nimman is an ideal place to go café hopping. It has so many, it’s hard to count. Some are on the main road while others are nested deep into the sois. Here are a few worth visiting.
- Ristr8to
- GRAPH one nimman
- Koland
- The Barisotel by The Baristro
- Light Up Cafe Nimman
- Hang & Craft
Restaurants
Just like cafes, there is no shortage of restaurant eateries in Nimman neighborhood either. Here are some options.
Rustic and blue – farm to plate food with seasonal and local products. Very homely food.
Hong Tauw - traditional Thai & northern Thai food restaurant
Kuay Teaw Tamlung – a local favorite noodle shop
Ginger Farm Kitchen – another amazing farm to city restaurant concept restaurant serving home-cooked meals using organic and free range ingredients.
Tong Tem Toh - this restaurant serves authentic Lanna cuisine.
If you are a Japanese food fan, there are so many sushi restaurants and bars such as Ginza, Okada Izakaya, Tengoku+Yaki, Mu's Katsu, Nimman Katsu, and more.
For different types of burgers, check out Beast Burger or Rock Me Burger.
Why Not? Italian Restaurant & Wine bar is another great western food joint, serving traditional Italian cuisine such as pasta and wood-fired pizzas in a rustic and quaint wine bar setting.
You will also find plenty of popup stalls, food trucks and street vendors on the main road and side lanes at all hours of the day and even well into the night. We are talking about all types of food – burgers, sandwiches, sushi, Thai snacks, you name it. There is always something to eat no matter your craving.
There is even a stylish night market that opens every month with shops, food, clothing and even craft beers.
By now you are probably seeing why this is called the hipster street of Chiang Mai.
MICHELIN restaurants
There are also 5 famous Michelin-listed restaurants in Nimman Road worth checking out.
Ginger Farm Kitchen – a farm to city eatery featuring home-cooked traditional as well as western-inspired Thai meals. They use organic and free-range ingredients.
Yangzi Jiang – a Chinese restaurant known for their selection of dim sums and dumplings. They also have other popular dishes such as Peking duck, BBQ pork,
Gai Yang Cherng Doi – a highly rated and reviewed roast chicken joint. The chicken here is juicy, crispy and fragrant. The place also has other northern delights such as lab, spicy salads, and som tam.
Jok Sriphing – a road-side restaurant serving all kinds of Asian comfort food but the highlight is the Jok, which is a Thai version of a rice porridge.
Blackitch Artisan Kitchen – a chef table’s style restaurant that focuses on seasonal ingredients and cuisine.
Bars and clubs
There is a decent nightlife scene here as well with quite a few iconic bars, pubs, and rooftop bars. Some bars are fancy and expensive but others are more local and casual.
- Myst at Maya Shopping Mall
- Warm Up Cafe
- MIX Restaurant & Bar
- Beer Lab
- The Cave
- Rise Rooftop Bar at akyra Manor
- Yayee rooftop bar at Hotel YaYee
- Lynx
Where to stay
Nimman road has dozens of great hotels and Airbnb accommodation options. There is absolutely no shortage of different budgets and styles of places to stay here.
Here are a few amazing options.
akyra Manor Chiang Mai – fantastic boutique Five Star Hotel
U Nimman Chiang Mai – a luxury 5 star hotel
NORN Nimman13 Boutique Hotel Chiang Mai – a great 3 star budget option
Stay with Nimman Chiang Mai – 5 star hotel at an affordable price with very good ratings
G Nimman Chiang Mai – modern hotel with a four star rating
Bella Nara Hotel Chiang Mai – a beautiful 5 star hotel that has both modern and traditional design aesthetics
Art Mai Gallery Nimman Hotel - boutique hotel decorated with art works from renowned local Thai artists
Bed Addict Hostel - stylish and modern hostel for backpackers
These are just some hotels on Nimman road and its Sois. There are lots more, which you can search for here.
Does Nimman Road sound like a place you would visit or even live in? It might be a small neighborhood but it is filled with surprises and packed with things to do and places to eat.