A Digital Nomad Guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai Visa

Nowadays when the pandemic has messed things up the info flow is unstoppably refreshing the news of the visa regulations in different countries almost every week and Thailand is not an exception! Luckily, Thailand has always been loyal to tourists, and for most western countries at the border cross, a visa wasn’t required. So, depending on where you are from, I would recommend checking the information on the official resources of the Thai government in your country. However, as far as it is spread across the network Thai government decided to open for tourists in the first months of 2021 with the quarantine measures upon arrival which tremendously leads to light at the end of the tunnel! You still can travel without a visa and stay for 30 days if you are willing to quarantine for 10 days and I think it is a great step forward for the growth of tourism in the country. Whilst already in the country there is a possibility to apply for an extra 60-, 90-days in the Thai embassy. 

Despite the fact that the pandemic is closing “doors” in many countries now visa-run is still available for non-immigrant visa holders, so if you desire to prolong your visit to Thailand you can go to Laos as the most popular point for a one-two days trip. Keep in mind that working on a tourist visa is illegal and it is not eventually that hard to obtain a work visa if you have necessary papers from your employer, although some employers are not interested in dealing with it.

Culture and Food in Chiang Mai

You can love the culture but without food, it is tasteless…

What an enormous joy and mouth-watering anticipation sweep over like a wave when you walk through the busy, spicy night market with its Pad Thai (fried noodles), Tom Yum (shrimp soup), Som Tum (papaya salad), and Khao Pad (fried rice)!

I fully believe that the first insight into the culture starts from the first bite of the local delicacy. Wherever you are in Thailand you find colorful night markets gathering the crowds of Thais and tourists like a magnet.

So, what is so special about Thai food, that it makes local businessmen set up cooking schools in the center of Bangkok because of the high demand among enamored tourists?

First of all, it is the abundance of ingredients and their variations: Thai fried rice with all those sides and herbs! Mmm … Lots of seafood at affordable prices enrich these dishes too; fruits and vegetables which grow all year round, thanks to the tropical climate. Second of all is the frenetic spices: there are 4 extra toppings on each table of Thailand and they are oyster sauce, sugar, minced chili pepper, and some garlic sauce or other mixes. What a culture shock it was when I saw some of my Thai friends pouring it all together to their soups and main dish! I must admit after trying it once I loved it but without adding sugar. 

Without a doubt, cuisine plays a big role in Thai culture – food is not just a source of nutrition and a need but life itself. People eat out a lot – restaurants are not a luxury, it is a daily habit. Depending on the pocket, it can be something simpler as a canteen, or a street food open-air eatery or a nice fancy restaurant, but generally, the food is the same delicious and in an upmarket place, and in a budget one (sometimes even better!).

In order to get fully immersed in the traditions of Thailand, the best is to come during the Thai New Year celebration, Songkran, where you can see the arrangements for this special occasion and fully experience it. The famous waterplay on Songkran is not just a fun game but a blessing that people wish each other for in the upcoming year. 

Thailand is home to a respectful and disciplined nation and it is rooted in the monarchical government system and hierarchical social base. People are addressed differently depending on their age, status, or profit. It is probably one of the prominent traits that pop out when observing locals: bowing and adding “-ka” and “-krap” at the end of the sentence is a norm of everyone’s etiquette rather than a show of excessive reverence. 

Not in vain, Thailand was nicknamed “the Land of Smiles”, people do smile a lot and seem as always in a happy state of mind. Maybe, it is the impact of the wisdom that they love to share with foreigners which sounds like “Sabai Sabai” or in other words “everything’s chill” or “relaxed”. It makes me think “Why are we really so stressed? Isn’t it better to take lessons from Thais and just slow down our galloping lives?”

Chiang Mai Nightlife

For me, Chiang Mai’s nightlife was concentrated along and inside the walls of the old city. The perfect square shape of it is fenced by a tall ancient wall with five gates beautifully named with some significance of the historical past, but also called by their cardinal points. Bars, restaurants, street food trucks, and tents – all can be found here in the squared heart of Chiang Mai. For the same reason, a good amount of hotels and hostels are also located nearby bringing a lot of tourists to one of the main attractions of the night city.

However, in Chiang Mai there are plenty of other spots where you definitely can enjoy the night out, partying, or just relaxing and sipping your drink.

The Center (Old City)

My best-loved place is the North Gate Jazz Co-Op bar located just next to the North Gate of the old city in front of its moan. The venue is famous for its classy jazz and blues music nights and it is always full of people. Though, the bar is easy to find because of the crowd standing outside in the street, listening to the alluring loud tunes. Live jazz and blues are especially loved entertainment in Chiang Mai. Walking in the streets at night you will every now and then bump into live music bands singing favorite oldies.

The Nimman Road

For a good deal of parties, the best choice is visiting the Nimman Road area – lots of restaurants for any budget from cheap to chic, clubs with loud music and modish bars with a high concentration of backpackers. The great bar crawl is guaranteed along the Nimman Road in such places as Infinity Club, The Monkey Club, The Manung Bar, The Blar Blar Bar Pub & Restaurant, The East Bar, and others.

The Ping River

Another spot, which is considered more laid-back and favorite for chilling among locals and expats, is the Ping riverside. The beautiful sunset reflecting in the water, cooling air, and twinkling lights of the terraces everywhere give the atmosphere you certainly enjoy. A riverside vibe is a great option after a long hot day. The places to check out are Deck 1, The Riverside Bar & Restaurant, The Good View.

In my point of view, the nightlife of the city doesn’t differ a lot from any other Thai city’s: the street with good looking ladies and ladyboys waiting for their clients, friendly bars without windows opened widely to any walking by, busy roads crowded with tuk-tuks (motorbike cabs) and farangs (foreigners) of all ages drinking and smoking everywhere. Freedom is in the air of the streets of Chiang Mai and it is always charming, especially for someone who has just recently arrived in the Land of Smiles.

Things to do in Chiang Mai

Many digital nomads remain in Chiang Mai because of its undeniable benefits for online workers and low prices compared to many other places. Though the reason why the city is a gem lies beyond the comfort of a workspace or a glossy coffee shop. The reality is that you can occupy your free time with endless various activities and it is awesome! There are plenty of places to visit in Chiang Mai and outside the city to boost your weekend with fun and new experiences.

People say that Chiang Mai is magical and opens up to newcomers only when they are ready to embrace it. Chiang Mai is famous for its spiritual and cultural life and if you are fond of amazingly beautiful Buddhist temples, ancient gardens, and mysteries of the past you are at the right spot. 

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

  To begin with, temples and monasteries are called “Wat” in Thai language and I would absolutely recommend visiting one of the oldest temples in the region of Chiang Mai – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This temple is shining with gold from the peak of the Doi Suthep mountain. The view from the top is stunning as well as the temple itself worth visiting. The whole trip to the place can take a day which makes it a perfect getaway from the city on a day off. There are approximately 15 kilometers between the temple and the Old City and a songthaew (a red two-benches bus) can help you to get to the starting point. There are also 200 steps up to overcome, as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is on the top of a 1,060-meter hill. So, it is quite a hike to get there!

• The Bua Thong Waterfalls

  If you are an inborn adventurer and nature is your element there are lots of dense jungle and waterfalls for you. In fact, Chiang Mai is ringed with greenery! Don’t miss a chance and join some Facebook groups where expats gather to explore it together. One of the most amazing places to see is The Bua Thong Waterfalls, commonly known as “Sticky Waterfalls”. More than to see it is better to experience extraordinary waterfall climbing whereas the surface doesn’t really stick to you, but the spongy structure of the bottom makes it very easy to climb!

• The Old City

  Living in the city center is already an immersion into the Thai culture: The Old City is packed with historical buildings! The spirit of antiquity is dwelling in its streets making it a living museum. There are several temples that are adding some uniqueness to the center like Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Phan Tao.

• Wiang Kum Kam

  Chiang Mai is an exceptionally old city, whose foundation is dated in 1296 when it became the capital of the bygone Independent Lanna Kingdom. To satisfy the curiosity of Thai history it is a must to visit the older capital of this dominion – Wiang Kum Kam. The city is an open-space museum now and after the restoration, it became one of the top getaways, located just about 5 kilometers from the Old City to the southeast. There are many exhibits of the Lanna culture from the 13 century: architecture itself, Buddhist sculptures, and items of everyday life.

• Elephant Sanctuary

  For some people to see a live elephant close in its habitats is a dream and really it can easily come true in northern Thailand. Uncommonly or not, I never had it on my wish list, but unexpectedly I got to see a giant animal in one of the northern National Parks! The elephant decided to cross the road and all cars froze at this moment like in trance – it was an unforgettable experience! However, it is also very dangerous, because in wild nature animals are unpredictable and a distance can be life-saving. If your dream is to see elephants close and safe, the best is to find authorized elephant sanctuaries, thanks to popularly they are growing in number! Though be careful and choose wisely, not all sanctuaries take care of these animals and poor them can suffer mistreatment and cruelty. Here are some sanctuaries that are cruelty-free and provide you a responsible experience: Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary and Elephant Nature Park.

• Things to do in the city

  Apart from all the cool places you can find outside of Chiang Mai, there are actually plenty of leisure activities in the city and there is no need for a whole day to explore them if you are really busy working on your projects online.

  First of all, night markets are places that cannot be avoided in Thailand. I recommend trying all kinds of street foods in Chiang Mai and furthermore, it has unique northern dishes you wouldn’t try anywhere else, like Khao Soi (chicken noodles) and Sai Oua (a fried sausage). 

  Secondly, don’t even think of leaving Thailand without getting Thai massage! Real Thai massage that is so replicated all over the world is possible to get here any time you want! As an option after a hard day of sitting in front of the laptop in a local coffee shop, your relaxation can cost only 5-7 USD. I know many indeed expensive masseuses who travel to Chiang Mai on purpose to master their skills and get certificates from respectable old teachers of Thai Massage. Even I had a desire to accomplish a course of Classic Thai massage for just 16,000THB (510 USD) but instead, I went to Bali.

The nightlife of Chiang Mai is also a very vivid attraction and there are heaps of bars, restaurants, and clubs to go to. You meet all sorts of people from all over the world here by the Northern Gate of the Old City or do a bar crawl in the Nimman Road area. At least once it is worth doing even if you are not a party animal.

Overall, the time spent in Chiang Mai is priceless and I strongly suggest taking advantage to the maximum. The elephant sanctuaries, bar crawling in the Nimman Road area, jungle hiking, getting authentic Thai massage a few weeks in a row, delicious Thai cuisine, ancient temples, and abnormal waterfalls – isn’t it all worth repeating?

Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai

There are many things to love about Chiang Mai and its weather is definitely in the list.

When you look at the map, you see mountain chains enclosing very neatly to the city. And though the elevation is not sky-high the mountains still bring the city coolness, unlike the capital plain has got.

Chiang Mai is situated in a tropical climate zone which means it hasn’t got European summer, spring, and winter, rather it has a “rainy season and hot season” like a typical tropical jungle. 

The rainy season begins in early June and lasts till late October. The temperature during this time is averagely 30C (86F) degrees and it might sound a lot for some people, but the truth is that through overcast and frequent rains with smooth chill breezes it feels much lower.

The heat comes to the city in the mid of March and stays then till May. No wonder that the popular holiday Songkran is being celebrated right on the most burning days of the hot season! It is really helpful to have a stranger behind the corner with a bucket of iced water which is thrown into your face every 5 minutes!

The temperature during this period can reach 40C (104F) degrees. Honestly, after celebrating the Songkran festival in different cities of Thailand – Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai – I find the heatwave the most bearable in Chiang Mai. Yes, it was hot and the bright sun was relentless but it is nothing compared to scorching heat in the south.

Chiang Mai for Families

Chiang Mai is clearly not a big city and its population is just approximately 127,000 residents. But what if I tell you that the number of expats equals almost 40,000 by some latest research? Isn’t it incredible that the city’s growth is so significant owing to the flow of unbound incomers?

No wonder that people often start their families in the Land of Smiles and decide to settle down or just come with their family and stay long-term. In the end, why not live in such a beautiful city?

By the opinion of many expat parents, the city surely withstands the test on living with children. Thai people are very friendly and they respect personal space – you won’t meet awkward keen interest in your offsprings in a public place like it might be in some other Asian countries. And of course, there are lots of activities to do with children in your spare time! The places you can take them to are Chiang Mai Night Safari, The Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking classes, Child yoga, Grand Canyon Water park Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Zoo, excursions to nearby waterfalls, indoor play areas in all major shopping malls such as Central Festival, Maya and Kad Suan Gaew, etc.

Another question that sooner or later pops up in parenting life is “What schools should I give my child to?” and fortunately, there is a good choice in Chiang Mai. Here some international schools and childcare to look up: Satit International Bilingual School of Rangsit University Chiangmai, Prem Tinsulanonda International School, Chiang Mai International School (CMIS), and so on. 

For younger kids’ parents, it should be mentioned how easy it is to find a private babysitter for a reasonable price.

Living in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Transportation

The first time it might seem tricky to get around in Chiang Mai because of the absence of a distinct transportation system.

Coming from the capital to the second-largest city in the country I did not research any information about the way to use public transport there. As a result, it took me one hour at the main entrance of the railway station to comprehend that songthaew (or  “red car” in Thai language) is not just a public transport in this city but actually, a real taxi that can be hired and shared with other just arrived visitors. My misunderstanding was rooted in a well-organized public transportation system in Bangkok, where you can get anywhere by MRT (metro), BTS (an elevated rapid transit system), big buses, songthaews of different colors which also have their own unchangeable routes, and tuk-tuks (small two passenger cars).

So, what transport do they have in Chiang Mai?

First and foremost, of course, it is songthaew – a pick-up truck with an open backside with two benches inside. There are six colors that help to figure out where the car is operating. Most tourists encounter red ones which function in the city center, nearby the walls of the old city. Others – blue, white, yellow, green, and orange – hold their route from Chiang Mai to surrounding towns, provinces, or even national parks. Beyond doubts, the fare is very cheap if you are going with many other passengers, but the time of a trip can increase incredibly. The reason is that the driver’s income depends on the number of people, so the course can deviate multiple times to drop passengers on the way.

Tuk-tuk is another transport and very popular one, especially if to haunt in the city center. The tuk-tuk drivers usually call out their clients, so it won’t be a problem to get a ride. Prices depend on the distance but you can always bargain down.

Taxis – a convenient but a higher cost option, though the best one to secure your schedule if you need to get to the airport, for example. There are several ways to hire a taxi: the first one is to flag it down along the roadside, the second – to download applications like Uber or Grab. In case of catching the taxi along the road, it is recommended to insist on the meter. Some dishonest folk can try to take advantage of naive and inexperienced tourists.

The last transport most common in use among expats and locals is a rented scooter or motorbike. Also, if you want to drive only a car, it is possible to rent as well, however, practice shows that it is quite expensive in the long term. At the same time, motorbikes rental shops are plenty in Thailand. This popularity brought the possibility to rent them at a very low price. However, there are some things to be aware of while renting a vehicle. Make sure your license and insurance are relevant and don’t leave your passport to the renter, then it might be a scam. Highly recommended to take pictures of the vehicle: any scratches, dimples can become a problem afterward if there is no evidence of their earlier existence.

Fitness and Health

Luckily, I had a small gym and a swimming pool in my condo and it is quite common in Thailand to have an inclusive gym with at least 2 treadmills and some exercise machines and weights. Also, I went running almost every night to the nearest park which belonged to the university nearby.

Though, living in a Chiang Mai dreamland with dining-outs, cheap night markets, and parties till the dawn is marvelous, it might have a bit of a challenge for keeping the best shape. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to work out! It is worth mentioning that we are all different and have different preferences, so I will try to cover all the city options. 

Chiang Mai is outstanding with its beautiful tropical parks and if you are like me enjoy jogging you definitely need to visit green spaces like Buak Hard Public Park, Chiang Mai University Running Track, The Old City Moat. First I jogged at noon and was surprised that there were no people at all…well it is wiser to come after 6 p.m. if you don’t want to get a sunstroke.

If you desperately need some air conditioning while exercising, I fully relate. Here are some gyms that are great in service and size: Powerhouse Gym Fitness Center, Strong Gym Chiang Mai, Maxx Fitness. 

For everyone who is a yoga fan, Chiang Mai is a hotspot of all shapes and sizes of existing yogas. You can visit popular studios: Yoga Ananda, The Yoga Tree, etc., but also, there are some free and on-donation yogas in the city center.

Chiang Mai People

Though the language barrier split us apart in some way, I was lucky enough to make several outstanding Thai friends in the Land of Smiles. Among them were people of different professions like video-makers, models, students, musicians, and restaurant owners, but one thing that united them all was a good fluency in the English language.

Thai people are not just welcoming hosts who let you enjoy their cherishing country but also loyal and gentle friends. Beyond any doubt, I would not prevaricate if I say that Thais are the most tolerant nation I have ever met on the planet and the proof is the huge expat community that grew in virtue of flexible immigration policies. During my adventurous life in Thailand, I met many people from Africa, Europe, and the Americas who had lived for ages in the country on successive non-immigrant visas. Doesn’t it tell us about Thai tolerance foremost? Of course, as well as the famous nickname of the country “The Land of Smiles”. You might be surprised to know that there are 13 ways of smiling each with its special meaning and use in a certain situation!

Although it might not be so obvious for a temporal visitor, the northern Thai population is very different from the central. After a year spent in Bangkok, the lifestyle in Chiang Mai seemed too rural and people – relaxed and more simple. The thing is that Bangkok is infested with business people rushing every hour somewhere, like any regular megapolis with over a 10 million population! Meanwhile, Chiang Mai resembles a village with its 127 thousand residents – a beautiful playground where everyone knew each other and for many expats it is indeed more appealing.

Also, religion plays a major role in Thai personality. Buddhism is spread in all regions of Thailand and Chiang Mai is an epicenter of spirituality and faith of the Thai population. People honor their traditions and many Thais come to Chiang Mai’s vicinity to forsake the world and serve some time in a monastery. Thai people believe that sinning leads to a hell world and doing good is improving your “karma” and eventually brings you a better life after rebirth. Imperceptibly karma becomes a pattern of life and in some way, it might control your response to others. This philosophy has grown in a great popularity among foreigners and it doesn’t surprise whilst seeing the kindness and friendliness of Thai people.

Chiang Mai Insurance and Medical Care

At some point in my expat life in Thailand, I really regretted not getting health insurance beforehand. Tropical climate, high humidity, air conditions, new bacterias are just some of the factors that didn’t come to mind when I was booking a flight with the intention of a long-term stay. My immune system though is far from impregnable and as a result, once I had to visit a public hospital and I was blessed to receive healthcare in a line with other Thai residents. I was lucky enough to have my kind English-speaking Thai friend by my side. However, without her help, I wouldn’t have been able to manage that complicated mission.

In contrast to that, purchasing international health insurance gives the privilege of private healthcare with highly professional doctors and English-speaking service, which is very appreciated in extreme situations. 

According to the official resources Thailand has also been on the green list of the Covid-19 least infected countries. So, doesn’t it already say a lot about the medical care service in the country? 

In many places, due to the pandemic, medical insurance became a must for foreign visitors and Thailand is no exception. Here are the most recognizable companies to take into account, in case you are planning to travel: Pacific Cross, AXA, Bupa, NZI, Thai Vivat. Overall, Thai medicine is very competitive and never the less than western health services.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Chiang Mai

On the Buddhist retreat, I met a few Chiang Mai residents of different professions and different nationalities. Many meditators were digital nomads and worked remotely, which was very convenient considering that renewing temporary visas had become almost an endless opportunity with “visa runs” to neighboring Laos or Vietnam. Also amongst them were psychologists, bloggers, writers, English teachers, journalists, business owners, and just travelers with no purpose.

I worked as an English teacher in a local public primary school- a job which can be promptly found in Asia with appropriate certificates and high education(and with decent fluency in the language, of course). In this way, if you are a native speaker (or even not) you can find a teaching position in Thailand at ease. Only it better be a legal position, so your employers could provide you an appropriate visa to avoid any mess in the future. 

Other jobs are also possible to find, however, remember that there is a list of positions in Thailand – so-called “prohibited occupations for foreigners”. It normally includes work in agriculture, wood carving, animal husbandry, forestry, or fishery, bricklaying, carpentry, or other construction works, and so on. In other words, all that can be done unhindered by Thai citizens.

Besides, because Chiang Mai is a touristy place, there are enough shops and bars owned by foreigners as well. Many of them are happy to employ international workers, even though there is a quote for Thai staff established by law. So, it might bring a good opportunity for earnings too.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.