Discover the perfect destination for digital nomads in Thailand – Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a city that is often overlooked when it comes to digital nomad life, but it’s actually an amazing place for remote work. Good air quality and a city structure that feels more like a town. With superfast, widely available internet, convenient transportation, modern facilities, and shared office spaces, it has everything a digital nomad could want.
Chris has been living and working remotely in Chiang Mai for the past year, and in this blog post, he’ll share with you his daily routine as a remote web developer.
The benefits of working from coworking spaces in Chiang Mai, the convenience and affordability of transportation in the city, and the fun activities and cultural experiences that Chiang Mai has to offer. Plus, we’ll give you an overview of the cost of living in Chiang Mai, so you can see just how affordable it is to live and work there.
Chris’s Daily Routine as a Remote Web Developer in Chiang Mai:
At 5:00 a.m. in the morning, Chris wakes up and gets dressed to head to the coworking space. As his clients are based in Australia, he tries to get up early to maximize his availability during office hours.
At around 5:15 a.m., he arrives at the coworking space, which is open 24/7 for members. Chris finds that he’s more productive and happier when he works from a shared office space, especially one with lots of natural light.
At around 8:30 a.m., Chris makes his breakfast and then gets back to work. Given that Sydney time is 4 hours ahead of Chiang Mai, Chris is eating breakfast around lunchtime. #
Then, at 1 p.m., his workday is finished, and he gets to eat his lunch. Chris packs up around this time and heads to one of the many casual restaurants around Chiang Mai.
Afterwards, he grabs a coffee and does some computer work at a nearby cafe. Chiang Mai has many awesome coffee shops with high-speed internet, and the best part is that transportation is easy and affordable. Chris can ride his scooter or walk, and he doesn’t have to deal with crowds or pay for expensive parking to access high-speed internet.
At around 4 p.m., Chris heads to the gym for a workout, completing his day at around 5 p.m. and then having dinner and preparing to do it all over again the next day. Of course, not every day looks exactly like this in Chiang Mai – Chris also tries out some fun activities and hangs out with friends. But this gives you an idea of his daily routine as a remote web developer in Chiang Mai.
The Benefits of Working from Co-Working Spaces in Chiang Mai:
One of the common questions Chris gets asked on his YouTube channel is why he chooses to work out of coworking spaces when he has internet at home. The answer is that he finds he’s more productive and happier when he works from a shared office, especially one with lots of natural light. Much easier to engage and become friends with other digital nomads.
Co-working spaces in Chiang Mai, like Punspace, which has three locations throughout the city, offer a professional and convenient place to work, with all the amenities you need, including high-speed internet, printing services, and coffee. Plus, being surrounded by other like-minded professionals can be a great source of inspiration and support.
Cost of Living in Chiang Mai, Thailand: An Overview
If you’re thinking about moving to Chiang Mai, northern Thailand as a digital nomad, it’s important to know what to expect in terms of cost of living. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of the different expense categories you should consider, as well as some estimates of what you can expect to pay for each one.
Overview of the Different Expense Categories Tracked:
When tracking our cost of living in Chiang Mai, we broke down our expenses into the following categories:
Accommodation: This includes rent and utilities.
Phone and internet: This includes the cost of a phone plan and internet service.
Food: This includes eating out (local food, street food) and grocery shopping.
Transportation: This includes the cost of getting around, such as songthaews, scooters, and flights.
Miscellaneous: This includes any other expenses that don’t fit into the above categories, such as gym memberships, entertainment, and travel.
Accommodation Costs living in Chiang Mai:
Accommodation costs in Chiang Mai are very affordable, especially compared to Western countries. You can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500 per month for a one bedroom apartment, depending on the location and quality.
The city has a lot of options to choose from, whether you prefer to be in the heart of the city or in more peaceful and quieter areas, with modern amenities like air conditioning and elevator.
Additionally, if you’re a single person or a couple, you may be able to find a cheaper option, such as a studio or shared apartment. Utilities, such as electricity and water, are also very affordable in Chiang Mai, with monthly costs averaging around $30.
Phone and Internet Costs in Chiang Mai:
Phone and internet costs in Chiang Mai are also very affordable, especially if you have an iPhone that is unlocked. The best thing to do is to buy a SIM card and put it into your phone, then top up every month.
The two best providers in Chiang Mai are True Move and AIS. We were able to get an unlimited data package for about $15 per month, which included no calling or texting. This is great for remote workers who need to stay connected and have fast internet speeds at all times. In Chiang Mai, you can always find coffee shops that offer free wifi, so it’s a perfect location for digital nomads.
Food and Grocery Costs in Chiang Mai:
Food and grocery costs in Chiang Mai are very affordable, especially if you eat local food or street food. Street food is cheap and delicious, with prices starting at around $1 for a meal. Local markets and night markets are also great options to try out local foods and delicacies, and they offer a great variety of options and at a cheap cost. If you want to eat out at a restaurant with western food, you can expect to pay around $5 to $10 for a meal.
However, I think if you like asian countries and thai food you will not cook by your own for those prices. Grocery shopping is also very affordable in Chiang Mai, with prices for basic items such as rice, fruits, and vegetables starting at just a few dollars. Western products, such as dairy and imported items, may be slightly more expensive, but overall, the cost of food and groceries in Chiang Mai is much lower than in many Western countries.
Transportation Costs in Chiang Mai:
Transportation costs in Chiang Mai are also very affordable, with options such as songthaews (red trucks) and scooters being the most popular. Songthaews are a cheap and convenient way to get around, with fares starting at just a few dollars. Scooters are also a popular option, with rentals starting at around $5 per day.
If you need to travel further, such as to another city or country, flights are also affordable, with prices starting at around $50 for a domestic flight and $100 for an international flight. This makes Chiang Mai a great location for those who like to travel and explore the area.
Miscellaneous Expenses in Chiang Mai:
Miscellaneous expenses in Chiang Mai can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Some examples of miscellaneous expenses include gym memberships, entertainment, and travel. Gym memberships in Chiang Mai start at around $30 per month, while entertainment costs, such as going to the movies or out to a bar, can vary.
Thai Massage is also a popular form of entertainment in Chiang Mai and the prices are affordable. Travel costs can also vary greatly, depending on where you’re going and how you’re getting there. Overall, miscellaneous expenses in Chiang Mai are very affordable, especially compared to Western countries.
Aside from its affordability, Chiang Mai offers a great variety of activities for remote workers. From visiting temples and taking part in traditional rituals, to enjoying a relaxing thai massage and exploring local markets, as well as western restaurants. So there’s always something to do in Chiang Mai. With its vibrant nightlife, friendly locals, and great food, it’s no wonder that it’s become a favorite destination for remote workers from all over the world.
Chiang Mai Nightlife: An Overview
If you’re thinking about visiting Chiang Mai and enjoying the nightlife, you’re in luck. The city is known for its vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, loved by digital nomads, with options ranging from laid-back bars to lively clubs. We’ll take you on a tour of some of the best spots in Chiang Mai, including local and more tourist-oriented venues. Digital nomads love Chiang Mai nightlife.
Bars in Chiang Mai: Beer Lab and More
One of the best places to start into Chiang Mai’s nightlife is at Beer Lab, a bar on the main road in the popular neighborhood of Nimman. Known for its wide selection of imported beers and laid-back atmosphere, Beer Lab is a great place to grab a few drinks and relax. Prices are a bit higher than at some other bars in the city, but the quality and atmosphere make it worth it.
Local Party Scene: Living Machine and More
If you’re looking for a more local party scene, Chiang Mai has you covered. One spot to check out is Living Machine, a lively bar in the Nimman neighborhood that is popular with Thais and largely frequented by locals. The party here is wild, with loud music and a rowdy atmosphere. Another local spot to check out is Rush, a bar with live bands, or Vibe, which plays R&B music and has a great atmosphere. This is the Chiang Mai Nightlife Scene, love it.
Nightlife Options for Tourists: Maya and More
While Chiang Mai has a lot of great options for local nightlife, the city also caters to tourists. One spot to check out is Maya, a popular club located on the east side of the city. Maya is known for its dance parties, which often feature international DJs. The club has a large outdoor area and a dance floor, making it a great place to let loose and dance the night away.
Other notable clubs and bars for tourists in Chiang Mai include Warm Up, a small club with a cozy atmosphere and a mix of Thai and Western music, and Mövenpick, a trendy bar and restaurant with a rooftop terrace and live music.
Chiang Mai Has Something for Everyone
Whether you’re looking for a laid-back bar to enjoy a few beers, a lively club to dance the night away, or a mix of both, Chiang Mai has something for everyone. With its diverse nightlife scene and affordable prices, it’s no wonder that the city is a popular destination for travelers and digital nomads alike. I will definitely see that living in Chiang Mai as a Digital Nomad, with good internet and inexpensive living costs, is great.
Exploring the Top 10 Things to Do in Chiang Mai
A Guide to the Best Activities and Experiences in Chiang Mai
This beautiful city is full of amazing people from all over the world, unique cuisine, and friendly locals. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing our top 10 things to do in Chiang Mai, as recommended by locals and expats.
Explore the temples:
Religion and rituals are an integral part of daily life in Buddhism, and Chiang Mai is home to over 300 temples. Our local guide, Kit, recommends visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a must-see temple and pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world. To beat the crowds, be sure to reach the top of the mountain before sunrise to discover sleepy monks chanting their morning prayers and admire the temple in the beautiful sunrise light.
Experience the night markets:
Chiang Mai’s nightlife, artisans, street performers, masseurs, fortune tellers, and more can all be found at the night markets in Chiang Mai. These markets are also great place to taste and explore the endless maze of street food. Our local tip is to visit the local markets just before closing time to avoid crowded streets and possibly get better prices. Remember to keep things light hearted and friendly when bargaining, as those few extra dollars you’re trying to save can make a big difference for someone living in Thailand.
Street Food, Nightmarket, Chain Mai Nightlife Try some northern Thai food:
Thai food is known for being spicy, but you can always ask for “my pet, my pet, my pet” (meaning “no spicy” in Thai) to survive in Thailand. Our local expert, Kyle, recommends visiting a local food market to try some staple dishes like Khao SOI and Thai iced tea.
Visit the Elephant Nature Park:
If you love animals and want to learn more about elephant conservation, the Elephant Nature Park is a must-see destination in Chiang Mai. This park is home to rescued elephants and offers visitors the chance to learn about elephant behavior and care and interact with the animals through feeding and bathing.
Chian Mai north Thailand Elephant Sanctuary Go trekking in the jungle:
Chiang Mai is surrounded by a beautiful jungle landscape, and there are many tour companies offering guided treks through the wilderness. These treks can range from one day to multiple days, and often include activities like bamboo rafting, visiting hill tribe villages, and exploring waterfalls.
Visit the Mae Sa Waterfall:
The Mae Sa Waterfall is a beautiful destination located just outside of Chiang Mai. This multi-tiered waterfall is a great spot for swimming and picnicking, and also offers a small market selling souvenirs and snacks.
Take a cooking class
If you’re a foodie, then taking a cooking class in Chiang Mai is a must. These classes often include a trip to a local market to learn about the ingredients used in Thai cuisine, as well as hands-on cooking lessons to create your own dishes. If you are staying longer as a digital nomad in Chiang Mai, you should do that to understand the thai culture.
Transportation in Chiang Mai
One of the great things about Chiang Mai is that it is very easy to get around. The city is relatively small, so you can easily walk or bike to most places. However, if you want to go further, there are many options for transportation. Songthaews, or shared taxis, are a popular and cheap way to get around. You can also hire a motorbike or scooter, or take a taxi or Grab (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber). The transportation costs in Chiang Mai are very affordable, so you can easily get around without breaking the bank.
Cultural Experiences in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a city with a rich cultural history, and there are many opportunities to learn about and experience Thai culture while you are here. You can visit the many temples and learn about Buddhism, try your hand at traditional Thai cooking, or visit one of the many cultural museums and the city center. Additionally, Chiang Mai is known for its handicrafts and art, so be sure to check out the local markets and art galleries to get a sense of the local culture.
Chian Mai City Temple Adventure Activities in Chiang Mai
If you are looking for some adventure during your trip to Chiang Mai, there are plenty of options for you. You can go rock climbing, white water rafting, or zip lining through the jungle. Chiang Mai is also home to many elephant sanctuaries, where you can learn about these incredible animals and even have the chance to interact with them. Additionally, the city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, so you can go hiking or take a trip to one of the nearby waterfalls.
Conclusion
Chiang Mai City in the northern Thailand, is an excellent destination for digital nomads, offering a great balance of convenience, affordability, and cultural experiences. The city has many coworking spaces, affordable transportation options, and a variety of fun activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a place to work, eat, or play. Chiang Mai Specifically has something to offer. If you’re considering a move to Chiang Mai as a digital nomad, like many digital nomads we highly recommend it. It’s the perfect start location for new digital nomads.
