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-
