Chiang Mai – Travel Guide for Digital Nomads 2023
Chiang Mai is a city located in northern Thailand and is a popular destination for digital nomads looking for a change of scenery. With its affordable cost of living, stunning scenery, delicious food, and thriving digital nomad community, Chiang Mai has become a hub for remote workers from all over the world. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your time in this amazing city.
Getting There and Around
The easiest way to get to Chiang Mai is by flying into Chiang Mai International Airport. Many airlines offer flights from Bangkok, Phuket, and other major cities in Thailand, as well as from other countries in the region. Once you arrive, you can take a taxi, tuk-tuk, or songthaew (red truck taxi) to your accommodation.
To get around the city, you can rent a scooter or bicycle, or use public transportation like songthaews, which are inexpensive and can take you to many different parts of the city. Grab, the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber, is also available in Chiang Mai and is a convenient option for getting around.
Where to Stay
Chiang Mai has plenty of affordable accommodation options for digital nomads. Many people choose to stay in the Nimmanhaemin neighborhood, which is a trendy area with lots of coffee shops, restaurants, and coworking spaces. Another popular area is the Old City, which has many guesthouses and hostels, as well as historical landmarks and temples.
If you prefer a quieter, more residential area, you might consider staying in the Santitham or Wat Ket neighborhoods, which are both located just outside the Old City and have a more local feel.
Where to Work
Chiang Mai has a thriving digital nomad community, and there are plenty of coworking spaces and coffee shops where you can work and network with other remote workers. Some of the most popular coworking spaces in Chiang Mai include Punspace and CAMP. These spaces offer fast internet, comfortable workspaces, and opportunities to connect with other digital nomads.
If you prefer to work from a coffee shop, Chiang Mai has no shortage of options. Some of the most popular coffee shops for digital nomads include Ristr8to and Akha Ama. These cafes offer high-quality coffee, comfortable seating, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Where to Eat
One of the highlights of visiting Chiang Mai is the delicious food. Whether you prefer traditional Thai cuisine or international dishes, Chiang Mai has something for everyone. Some of the most popular local dishes include khao soi (a Northern Thai noodle soup), som tam (papaya salad), and sai ua (a spicy sausage).
If you're 1ooking for a place to eat, you might consider checking out the night markets, which offer a wide variety of street food and snacks. The Sunday Walking Street and the Saturday Night Market are both popular options.
For a sit-down meal, some of the best restaurants in Chiang Mai include Dash! Restaurant & Bar and Tong Tem Toh. These restaurants offer a mix of international and Thai cuisine and are popular among both locals and tourists.
What to Do
When you're not working, there are plenty of things to see and do in Chiang Mai. Some of the top attractions include:
Visit the Temples: Chiang Mai has many beautiful temples, including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is located on a mountain and offers stunning views of the city.
Doi Inthanon National Park: This national park is located about an hour outside of Chiang Mai and is home to Thailand's highest mountain.
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park: Located just outside the city, this park is home to beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and stunning views of the city.
Night Bazaar: This popular night market offers a wide variety of souvenirs, clothing, and other items, as well as street food and live music.
Thai Massages: Chiang Mai is known for its traditional Thai massages, and there are many spas and massage parlors where you can relax and unwind after a long day.
Overall, Chiang Mai is a fantastic destination for digital nomads looking for a new experience. With its affordable cost of living, beautiful scenery, delicious food, and thriving digital nomad community, Chiang Mai has everything you need to work and play.