Chiang Mai is a gorgeous city in the north of Thailand. It’s got mountains, temples, rice fields, and a whole lot more. 

And you might not know this but it also has a thriving nightlife filled with bars, clubs, night markets, and even festivals.

This vibrant city is home to expats and friendly locals alike. The city and its outskirt villages and communities offer a more laid-back lifestyle than Bangkok. 

But it still has modern amenities and cultural richness. 

So if this is already intriguing you, read on to discover everything you need to know to about moving to Chiang Mai…or at least visit.

1. Why Choose Chiang Mai?

• Affordable Living: Enjoy a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost compared to Western cities.
• Great Weather: Cooler temperatures than Bangkok, especially in the winter months.
• Expat Community: Meet like-minded individuals in one of Thailand’s largest expat hubs.
• Rich Culture: Explore ancient temples, local festivals, and the stunning surrounding countryside.

2. Finding a Place to Live

Chiang Mai offers a variety of housing options:

• Condos: The city is home to a ton of modern and secure, starting from $200/month. They aren’t skyscrapers like Bangkok but they have their own charm.
• Houses: You can find houses in the outskirts and in the city. Perfect for families or those who want more space.
• Co-working and Co-living Spaces: Chiang Mai is arguably the next big hub for digital nomads and expats. There are ocuntless cafes, hostels, and co-working spaces where you can work and network.

Popular Areas:

• Nimmanhaemin: This is the trendiest neighborhood in Chiang Mai. Trendy and lively, with cafes, bars, and restaurants. Thais love to visit here. 
• Old City: Rich in history and culture, surrounded by temples. You will get to experience a slower way of life. But there is a wild side here too. More on that later. 
• Hang Dong: A quieter, suburban area for those who want more space and greenery.

3. Cost of Living

Chiang Mai offers an affordable lifestyle:

• Rent: $200 - $500/month depending on location and size.
• Groceries: Around $150/month for local produce.
• Dining Out: Street food starts from $1; restaurants from $5. But you can also eat fine dining at luxury restaurants and rooftop bars. 
• Transportation: Renting a scooter is common, around $50/month. You can also rent a car. If you don’t want to drive, Grabs and Bolts are convenient ways to get around. 

4. Healthcare & Insurance

Chiang Mai has excellent healthcare options, with both private and public hospitals.

• Private Hospitals: High standards of care; top choices include Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai Ram Hospital.
• Insurance: Expat health insurance starts around $50/month.

5. Work & Visas

• Digital Nomads: Chiang Mai is a hotspot for remote workers, with plenty of co-working spaces like Punspace and Yellow.
• Work Permits: If you’re planning on working in Thailand, you’ll need a work permit and visa. There are options for retirees, digital nomads, and business owners. The best is to reach out to a lawyer and/or talk to other expats who have been through the process. 

6. Things to Do in Chiang Mai

• Temples: Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for breathtaking views of the city.
• Nature: Hike through Doi Inthanon National Park or explore sustainable elephant sanctuaries. There are tons of waterfalls in Chiang Mai too. You can spend days chasing them. A unique one to visit is the sticky waterfall. Also, check out the Grand Canyon Chiang Mai. This used to be a hidden gem but is now a full-blown waterpark. Interesting how things change over time.
• Cafes and Markets: Chiang Mai is known for its cozy cafes and vibrant night markets like the Sunday Walking Street. Nimman has many cafes and so does old town. There are also popup markets all over the city, so keep your eyes and ears peeled.
• Visit nearby beautiful provinces such as Phayao, Chiang Rai, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son. These are more underrated places but make for a fantastic weekend getaway.
• Nightlife: Believe it or not, Chiang Mai has a thriving nightlife. There are bars, clubs, rooftop joints, and even special festivals to keep you busy from sunset to sunrise. Zoe in Yellow is one of the most popular places to start your partying. And then there are plenty of clubs and other bars in walking distance from there.
• ‍Festivals - Chiang Mai has yearly cultural, food, and nightlife festivals. Lantern festival is an iconic one that is not to be missed.
• ‍Gem of Chiang Mai: You must visit Doi Ang Khang for a truly unique experience. We wouldn’t say it is a hidden gem but it is a gem nonetheless. 

7. Tips for Expats

• Learn Basic Thai: It’s not essential but helps with day-to-day interactions.
• Join Expat Groups: Connect with others on Facebook groups like Chiang Mai Expats.
• Stay Updated on Visa Rules: Thai immigration laws can change, so keep up to date on the latest requirements.
• FB Groups and Social Media: Joining Facebook groups can be very helpful with people willing to give tips and advice. But be careful, sometimes it’s unsolicited advice and people can be quite rude on social media. Best to talk to locals too. You can also try Meetup.com to find people with similar interests. 

Hope that was a helpful guide. If you have any questions about visas or living in Thailand, send us a message on Facebook or visit our website.

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