Chiang Mai, Thailand 🇹🇭
#389
,
Nomad Score:
78%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Chiang Mai is the capital of Chiang Mai Province and known for its rich cultural heritage and historical sites. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.1 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 34 Thai Baht (THB) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B/C sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC are popular providers offering fast data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common services include Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai Bank, and online services like Wise. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available on platforms like Airbnb, Agoda, and local rentals through Facebook groups. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted but cash is still common in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Many options on Airbnb, with monthly rates ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 THB. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Stamps Backpackers and The Living Place from 300 THB per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Nimmanhaemin area is popular with tourists for its cafes, shops, and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Chang Phuak area is recommended for digital nomads due to proximity to coworking spaces and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Punspace, located in Nimmanhaemin, offers good facilities and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Ristr8to, known for its coffee and work-friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups and local expat communities frequently hold events, such as Chiang Mai Digital Nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook Groups like 'Chiang Mai Expats' often post meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the primary ridesharing app used in Chiang Mai. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available through EasyBike or numerous small rental shops, typically around 200 THB per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach (Koh Lanta) is about 2 hours away by flight. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Thai Lion Air operates flights connecting to Bangkok and other major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AirAsia and Thai Airways provide various international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main highways connect Chiang Mai to Bangkok and other Northern provinces. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Chiang Mai Railway Station is the primary station for train travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport mainly consists of red songthaews (shared taxis) and tuktuks; no formal pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and minivan services operate frequently to nearby cities like Pai and Chiang Rai. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Chiang Mai Ram Hospital offers comprehensive health services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Tree Chiang Mai and The Yoga Barn are popular among expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Chiang Mai and Gold’s Gym provide modern workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats such as Wash It provide affordable laundry cleaning. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood and Line Man are the most popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Khao Soi, a Northern Thai curry noodle soup. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like May Kaidee and Vegan Heaven offer diverse vegan menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe de Nimman for their famous Thai desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Talad Warorot (Warorot Market) offers affordable food and products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local businesses and products available via Shopee and Lazada. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh provides online grocery shopping options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nimmanhaemin is known for its vibrant nightlife and bar scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Chiang Mai Beer Company offers local craft beers and brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Connection is a popular choice for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food stalls are abundant, especially near the Night Bazaar. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Duke’s serve American-style dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a mountain temple, is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Art in Paradise is an interactive 3D art museum. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old City, with its ancient temples and ruins. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Chedi Luang represents the historical heritage of the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Yi Peng Lantern Festival is a spectacular local event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old City is rich in history and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Lanna Traditional House Museum hosts cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Sunday Walking Street Market is famous for local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at venues like The North Gate Jazz Co-Op. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Art Street in Nimmanhaemin showcases local street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Basil Cookery School offers popular Thai cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Seescape showcases local artists and holds events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Thapae Gate is a landmark and historical site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Known for its mix of Thai and ethnic minority cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Doi Suthep-Pui National Park offers hiking and beautiful scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Doi Inthanon National Park is known for its waterfalls and trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Ping River path is popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mon Cham provides stunning views of the mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Doi Inthanon National Park is also a hotspot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some areas in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park allow for designated bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Nim Express and Thailand Post offer reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Stores such as iRepair provide device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at local community centers and gyms. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various language schools offer Thai classes, including Chiang Mai Language School. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Chiang Mai Public Library offers study spaces and reading areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The YMCA provides various programs and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | K-Game provides a space for video gaming and esports. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Chiang Mai; the nearest is in Bangkok. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500,000 THB per m² (e.g., 25 m² = 1,500,000 THB) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200,000 THB per m² (e.g., 25 m² = 1,200,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,500,000 THB per m² (e.g., 45 m² = 2,250,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,800,000 THB per m² (e.g., 45 m² = 1,620,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 2,400,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,200,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,760,000 THB) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system with exemptions for foreign income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 7% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in Thailand. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on appraised value, relatively low rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% transfer fee at Land Department. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreign income is not taxed. |