Information on living in Chiang Mai for one month, local information, accommodation recommendations, prices, etc
Chiang Mai one month living information
Local basic information
Monthly living expenses
Local restaurants
Basic tips
Basic preparations
🏙️ Nimmanhaemin
💸 Estimated Monthly Cost: Around 30,000–40,000 THB
🏡 Features: A modern and trendy area bustling with cafes and restaurants.
🍴 Recommended Restaurants:
Ristr8to Coffee ☕
Tong Tem Toh 🍲
Rustic & Blue 🥗
The Salad Concept 🥙
Italics Restaurant 🍝
🚕 Transportation Costs:
Taxis start at about 40 THB; Grab prices vary based on distance and time.
🎉 Activities:
Visit MAYA Shopping Center 🛍️
Enjoy art at Think Park 🎨
Explore One Nimman 🎭
🏨 Recommended Accommodations:
The Artel Nimman 🛏️
BED Nimman Hotel 🛌
Stay with Nimman 🏨
Akyra Manor Chiang Mai 🏩
Various Airbnb options 🏠
✅ Pros: Excellent infrastructure, diverse dining options, vibrant atmosphere
❌ Cons: Relatively high living costs, crowded with tourists
🏰 Old Town
💸 Estimated Monthly Cost: Around 25,000–35,000 THB
🏡 Features: A traditional area rich in history and culture, filled with ancient temples and heritage architecture.
🍴 Recommended Restaurants:
Huen Phen 🍛
Dash! Restaurant and Bar 🍽️
Cooking Love 🍲
Kanjana Restaurant 🍚
The House by Ginger 🍜
🚕 Transportation Costs:
Taxis start at about 40 THB; Grab prices vary based on distance and time.
🎉 Activities:
Visit Wat Phra Singh Temple 🕌
Explore Wat Chedi Luang 🏯
Stroll through the Sunday Walking Street Night Market 🛒
🏨 Recommended Accommodations:
De Naga Hotel 🏨
Tamarind Village 🏡
BED Phrasingh Hotel 🛏️
99 The Heritage Hotel 🏰
Various Airbnb options 🏠
✅ Pros: Rich history and culture, close to major attractions
❌ Cons: Limited parking, crowded tourist spots
🏡 Santitham
💸 Estimated Monthly Cost: Around 20,000–30,000 THB
🏡 Features: A quiet residential area primarily inhabited by locals, offering affordable living costs.
🍴 Recommended Restaurants:
Khao Soi Khun Yai 🍜
Huen Muan Jai 🍛
Tikky Cafe 🍲
Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak 🍖
Imm Aim Vegetarian & Bike Cafe 🥗
🚕 Transportation Costs:
Taxis start at about 40 THB; Grab prices vary based on distance and time.
🎉 Activities:
Visit Chang Phueak Night Market 🛒
Explore Wat Lok Moli Temple 🕌
Discover local shops at Santitham Plaza 🛍️
🏨 Recommended Accommodations:
The Opium Serviced Apartment & Hotel 🏢
Sanae Hotel Chiang Mai 🏨
ALEXA Hostel 🛏️
The Pause Hostel 🛌
Various Airbnb options 🏠
✅ Pros: Affordable cost of living, authentic local experience, quiet environment
❌ Cons: Distance from tourist attractions, limited English usage
🎓 Near Chiang Mai University
💸 Estimated Monthly Cost: Around 20,000–30,000 THB
🏡 Features: A lively area with a youthful vibe, filled with affordable eateries and cafes catering to students.
🍴 Recommended Restaurants:
Khao Soi Mae Sai 🍜
Tong Tem Toh 🍲
The Salad Concept 🥗
Nimman Social 🍽️
Ristr8to Coffee ☕
🚕 Transportation Costs:
Taxis start at about 40 THB; Grab prices vary based on distance and time.
🎉 Activities:
Take a campus tour at Chiang Mai University 🚶♂️
Go trekking at Doi Suthep ⛰️
Explore Nimmanhaemin Road 🛍️
🏨 Recommended Accommodations:
U Nimman Chiang Mai 🏨
BED Nimman Hotel 🛌
Stay with Nimman 🏢
Akyra Manor Chiang Mai 🏩
Various Airbnb options 🏠
✅ Pros: Lively atmosphere, younger crowd, affordable dining options
❌ Cons: May be slightly removed from tourist attractions, noise from student life
🏕️ Essential Items and Tips for a Month-long Stay in Chiang Mai 🏕️
1. 🧳 Basic Essentials to Pack
Clothing:
Summer clothes: breathable light T-shirts and shorts
Long-sleeved tops and a thin jacket: for cooler mornings and evenings
Rain gear or an umbrella: to prepare for occasional rain showers
Electronics:
Smartphone and charger
Adapter plug: Thailand uses 220V, but plug shapes may differ
Laptop: for work or watching shows
Hygiene Items:
Personal medicine: cold medicine, antacids, anti-diarrheal tablets
Basic toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap
Sunscreen: essential due to the strong sun
Insect repellent: particularly for outdoor activities in the evening
2. 📑 Documents and Information to Prepare
Passport:
Ensure it’s valid for your entire stay and keep a copy
Visa information:
Check visa policies and extension procedures if staying longer than a month
Travel insurance:
Get travel insurance to cover emergencies
Local address and contact numbers:
Note down your accommodation address and local emergency contact numbers
3. 💵 Cash and Financial Preparations
Local currency:
Exchange some Thai baht before departure
Credit cards:
Have cards that work abroad, and know how to handle a lost card scenario
Online payment methods:
Set up mobile payment options for Grab (taxi/delivery) and local delivery services
4. 🍱 Extra Items for Local Living
Multi-purpose bag:
A small backpack or crossbody bag for daily outings to markets or cafes
Reusable tumbler:
Use it instead of plastic cups at cafes
Snacks:
Bring some familiar snacks until you adjust to local cuisine
Basic cooking tools:
If you plan to cook, bring a small pot, plate, and cutlery
5. 🚗 Local Transportation Tips
Grab app:
Install Grab for convenient transport around town
Scooter rental:
If you’re planning to ride, bring an international driver’s permit and a helmet
Local transportation card:
Some local buses or transport systems may require a transportation card
6. 📝 Living Tips
Local SIM card:
Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival or set up a local data plan
Download local apps:
Grab (transport/delivery), Foodpanda (food delivery), LINE (for local communication)
Respect local customs:
Wear appropriate attire when visiting temples
Learn a few basic Thai phrases and show respect to locals
Friends, have a safe and enjoyable trip.
-G-