[Thailand/Chiang Mai] The slow-living charm of Chiang Mai: Why has this small mountain city in northern Thailand become a base camp for digital nomads?

Hi! Dear friend, how are you today? Today, Lucky is going to take you to explore one of the super strongholds of digital nomadic life in Asia-Chiang Mai, Thailand!

Chiang Mai is not only rich in culture and beauty, but also attracts countless nomads with its ultra-high quality of life and price advantages. Are you ready for an Asian nomadic adventure in Chiang Mai? Let's take a look at the charm of Chiang Mai!

The difference between Bangkok and Chiang Mai: Why do digital nomads love Chiang Mai more?

Chiang Mai vs Bangkok

Lucky used to be fascinated by a video game－"The Sims". In addition to shaping their own characters, players can also create their own home and city.

Chiang MaiThe feeling for Lucky is much like a scene in a video game: unlike the hustle and bustle of the metropolis Bangkok, the cement jungles have their own characteristics and characteristics.Sense of lifeAt home, you can see the green lawn and plants, and insideResidents come from different cultures from all over the world, And everyone finds themselves hereUnique and comfortable and peaceful pace of life。

The addictive charm of the mountain city

The charm of Chiang Mai's mountain city and Thai culture give birth to a relaxing and intoxicating slow life.

Recalling the morning Gilly first arrived in Chiang Mai, at eight o'clock in the morning, she opened the floor-to-ceiling windows of the apartment and saw a beautiful mountain view from a distance; looking downstairs, the neat houses were accompanied by green trees, and the soft light shone on the quiet road. What she saw was a beautiful mountain view.A digital nomad worker is wearing summer lightweight clothing, slippers, and carrying a laptop bag. Perhaps he is on his way to work.

That scene that day might seem to be just a normal daily life in Chiang Mai, but it made Gilly fall in love with this lovely mountain city.

Pleasant season

Specially recommended by GillyBetween October and December, Visiting Chiang Mai, it happens to be the end of the rainy season, and the climate is very comfortable and pleasant.

I remember that it was during this time when I first lived in Chiang Mai. Gili stayed for almost a month. It started to rain at about bedtime every day. When she got up during the day, it became a sunny day with moderate temperatures, suitable for walking around. The clever cooperation of the weather made Gilly fall in love with this charming mountain city even more deeply.

Chiang Mai on the tip of the tongue

Chiang Mai is aAn international mountain city, World travelers from different cultures and local cultures have also achieved the diversity of local cuisine. In addition to traditional Thai cuisine, many authentic and exotic delicacies can also be eaten here. The following describes some of the food and drinks that Gilly often eats：

Must-eat traditional Thai cuisine

Kao Soi Northern Thai Curry Noodles

This is the food that Gilly must rush to eat every time she gets off the plane.Golden noodles, Spread onCrispy fried noodles, Mix againFresh sauerkraut and raw onion minced, Multi-level taste plusCurry and slightly spicy aroma, It's really sultry! Immediately there was a kind of: "Ah! I feel like I'm back in Chiang Mai".

ต๋องเต็มโต๊ะ ซอย 17

Friends who love spicy food, this one is exclusively sold in Nimman DistrictNorthern Thai cuisineThe restaurant will allow you to experience a very authentic Thai spicy. (Haha! It's really spicy~Jili and Jiwa helped this restaurant get the nickname Spicy shiitake mushrooms. ) insideNorthern Thai grass Mushroom(We must order every time we go, the small grass mushrooms blasting in our mouths feel very interesting. ) andThai salad, fried fish, And very fierceRed ant egg dish(We really don't have the courage to try~~Friends who are not afraid should not try it).

Other must-eat delicacies

Hummus Chiang Mai

This Middle Eastern Israeli restaurant has a very good business, and it should be the best one Gili has ever eaten in her life. I went many times, and then I took my friends to eat. Everyone thought it was delicious. The ingredients are very fresh and the serving size is just right. I like to be able to see the cooking in the kitchen. The restaurant providesHummus Hummuscuisine，Fried chickpea ball Falafel、Pocket pie Pita、Grape leaf rice DolmawithPickled cucumbers and other kimchi, There are also delicious desserts (Lucky must order! ）：Canned pudding with mango and almond slices(The almond slices are large and biting, and I don't know if they have been roasted or roasted. They have a little temperature. They match the icy pudding and the aroma of fresh mint leaves. It's too soul-catching!) ), and traditional cheesecakeKnafehWith shortbreadBakalava。 The more Gilly writes, the more hungry she gets~

Must-drink drink

Thai tea Thai milk

The brick-red Thai Tea and the green Green Tea have a fresh green tea flavor. Hand-labeled Thai milk specialty stores, as well as the launch of rose flavor.

Kafe Dam

There are countless coffee shops of all sizes in Chiang Mai, and there are many coffee fans who make pilgrimages. But Jili and Jiwa's favorite is the Kafe Dam stall that they occasionally meet on the street. usuallyCustomers are all locals, And Gilly and Jiwa like this very muchsense of place。

The boss is usually a big brother, responsible for providing all the drinks on the sign, and the price of the drinks is between 20 and 40 baht, which is very affordable.

Gilly likes to watch the boss's skillful and smooth process of making drinks, and there is an inexplicable sense of healing. And although everyone was waiting for a drink, they seemed to be immersed in enjoying the boss's street performance.

Must-eat snacks

Mango glutinous rice

Jili couldn't imagine why mango could be eaten with rice before, until after trying it for the first time at the weekend night market, she never went back. Refreshing and not sweet and greasy, plusCoconut milk and crispy fried mung bean kernels, The taste is full of layers.

Xincheng vs. Old City: Find your comfort Zone in Chiang Mai

If you want to make a metaphor, Chiang Mai is a lot like臺灣的古城臺南與山城苗栗的綜合體。 As the second largest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai has not been replaced by modern modernization. On the contrary, it retains its history and culture, and combines the vitality of a new generation of design to show a romantic and unique style of Chiang Mai.

Old city: Chiang Mai Old City (Old City/Chiang Mai Old City)

Regional distribution

If you enter the keyword: "Chiang mai old city"In the Google search engine, you will see the following range markers appear on the map

Heading from the new city to the ancient city, it is obvious that you will see the ancient city walls piled up with red bricks and the surrounding moat. At this time, you will know that you have entered the scope of the ancient city.

Tha Phae Gate (Tha Phae Gate)

Built in the 13th century, it is the most intact of the ancient city walls and the main entrance into the ancient city.

Historical building

Moat（Moat）

This moat was built when Chiang Mai City was established in the 14th century, originally forProtect the ancient city from foreign enemies。 But he also has a very important function: to helpAlleviate the harm of smog。

When I traveled to Chiang Mai in 2023, the owner of the homestay I stayed in was a doctor who studied agricultural economics. On the way to the airport, we mentioned in the chat that there was a very serious smog situation before May. At that time, in addition to sprinkling water, the urban area relied on the moat to regulate humidity and relieve high temperature. The effect.

Whether it was a thousand years ago or a thousand years later, this river has always been a conscientious warrior, quietly guarding the lives of the people of Chiang Mai.

temple

The ancient city of Chiang Mai has more than 30 temples, Each one is full of historical and cultural value. These temples are distributed in all corners of the ancient city, and many of them are important symbols of Chiang Mai's history. The following are well-known temples：

Wat Phra Singh Temple (Wat Phra Singh)

One of the most important temples in Chiang Mai, it is famous for its spectacular architecture and enshrined Buddha statues.

Wat Phan Tao Temple (Wat Phan Tao)

Known for its all-wooden architecture and meticulous carvings, it is a rare wooden temple in the ancient city.

Each temple has its own unique story and architectural characteristics. It is recommended to take time to explore slowly. Gili recommends that you can walk, ride a bicycle or ride a motorcycle. Because in the alleys between the ancient cities, there will also be many small surprises on the journey, admiring the scenery of the locals living together with these historical sites.

Precautions for visiting temple rituals

clothing
You need to wear a sleeveless blouse, knee-length down.
There will usually beStore rental scarf。

photography
Can't take a selfie with the Buddha statue, You can take pictures of Buddha statues alone.
In the middle of the Buddhist hall，Need to sit down when taking pictures。
(This is very important! Jili had seen a Thai tour guide who was very angry at the tourists walking around in front of the Great Buddha without sitting down. )

**Please speak softly, This should be international etiquette! **

New town: Nimman District (Nimman) and Chiang Mai City Center (Chang Klan Road and its surroundings)

Regional distribution

Walking between the new city and the old city of Chiang Mai, it's like a movie."Travel through time and Space to Fall in Love with You Kate & Leopold"insideHugh JackmanThe ancients who traveled through time and space appeared in modern times, and the charm of classical romance was unforgettable.

The most worthwhile reason to live in Nieman District

Convenient living functions and transportation

During the non-tourist season, walking in the Nieman district, people and cars are not so crowded, and the whole atmosphere is relaxed and leisurely.

Nimman District (Nimman) is the area where Gili lives most often every time she visits Chiang Mai. This area is very concentrated. The nearest shopping center (Maya), coffee shop, and co-working space can be reached on foot or by bicycle, and it will not be far from sweating or foot pain. Compared with the old town, there will be many tourists traveling by car during the day, and the Nieman district provides a more living atmosphere.

It's a metropolitan area, and it's as comfortable as home.

Nieman District is home to the largest number of digital nomad workers and is a hot spot for digital nomadism. Therefore, it has the feeling of a micro-global village and is also one of the ideal living environments in Jili's mind. It is home to gourmet restaurants, coffee shops, and creative markets where Wenqing gathers from all over the world.

The best place to work for digital nomads: cafes, shared spaces and accommodation options

Coffee shop

The leisurely atmosphere of Chiang Mai inevitably makes people want to have a cup of coffee and feel the slow pace of life here. Chiang Mai has a variety of coffee shops from the city to the mountains，As of 2024 statistics, there are about 3,000 coffee shops！ If you go to one room every day, it will take about 8 years.

Recommended for shared workspaces

Nimman District

Yellow

This is the most well-known work space in Chiang Mai, but it is easily full, and the customer base is international, with workers from all over the world. And it's like the legendary "as quiet as a library." There are two floors in total. There is a coffee shop on the first floor. There are outdoor open-air seats set off by a large area of greenery. There is plenty of natural lighting indoors, and it is suitable for sedentary office seating.

Life Space

Near Yellow, it can be reached in 5 minutes on foot. The price is cheaper than Yellow, and only the first floor area can be used. Use half of the customer base of international and local students, and have the opportunity to communicate with the locals. The interior is dominated by fluorescent lighting. You can rent a screen. There is also a coffee and snack bar at the counter.

Old town

Alt_ChiangMai

It is a shared space that combines accommodation and provides many ergonomic computer chairs. The coffee shop is outside, and the overall design is modern and simple.

PUNSPACE

It is also a space with natural lighting. On the first floor is a coffee shop and meeting room, and on the second floor is an open space office area.

Recommended accommodation

There are many options in Chiang Mai, especiallyAirbnbAccommodation ofThis way can make you more integrated into the environment of local residents. Because this is a well-known distribution center for digital nomadic workers, it is possible that your landlord was the same worker before.

The apartment where I once lived in the Nimman district also provides related digital work equipment such as screens and keyboards, and the shared work space Life Space is opposite when I go downstairs, which is very convenient.

Must-visit attractions: Where should I go in Chiang Mai during the day?

National Park

Mae Wang National Park Mae Wang National Park：Pha Chor Canyon (Pha Chor)

Located in Meiwang National Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand, it is a magnificent natural wonder formed by the erosion of rivers millions of years ago.

The towering sandstone cliffs are like natural sculptures, stunning the ingenuity of nature.

suburbs

Century-old village Mae Kham Pong Village

There is a sense of independence and tranquility here. You can take a day trip, but Gilly recommends that everyone stay for one night without imitating, and stay in a historic wooden house. In the afternoon, it is arranged to walk to the waterfall area to enjoy the baptism of Fendo essence in the forest bath. On the return trip, sit in the coffee shop and have a leisurely cup of coffee.

Palo Temple (Wat Pha Lat)

A must-visit temple on the return trip to Mount Suthep, completely different from the style of common gorgeous temples in Thailand. Is aA zen temple hidden in the mountains and forests, with a quiet style。 The temple is built next to the flowing water, and the Buddha statues and stone carvings are climbing with moss, exuding a kind ofAncient mystery。 It seems to be a scene that only appears in adventure movies.

Jili liked this temple very much. Sitting on the promenade of the temple, her heart calmed down unconsciously.

Hmong Doi Pui, Hmong Cultural Village

Located in the mountainous area of Chiang Mai, it not only has magnificent mountain views, but also feels the unique culture of the local Hmong tribe.

Creative market

Zhenxin Market Jing Jia Market

It is a very dynamic daytime market that combines creative handmade crafts, agricultural products and food areas.
The entire area is also very large.
Opening hours areweekendof6:30~15:00。
(Don't remember the wrong time like Gilly did the first time she went, and she only went at night, and she fell into the air. 😅）

Easy to Explore: Chiang Mai's Transportation and Car Rental Guide

Rent a locomotive

The price is about 350 BAHT/day, so you can rent a locomotive in good condition and about 250cc.
You need to provide the store's international driver's license and fill in some basic information.

Grab call a car

I don't want to ride a bicycle in Thailand. I want to leave the city and go to suburban points such as the mountains. This is one of the most convenient modes of transportation. In the suburbs, there are also ways to temporarily call a car on Grab to return to the city.

Traffic safety

It is safe to ride a bicycle in the urban area of Chiang Mai, but if you are heading to the suburbs, the route to Chiang Rai, Central Festival Shangtai Chiang Mai Shopping Center, and the national Park will be a fast road for all kinds of vehicles. Therefore, if you ride a motorcycle, you may feel more oppressive. Riding a motorcycle during the day, because there is no shelter, it will appear very high temperature and the air is not very fresh. It is recommended to pay attention to sunscreen or wear a mask.

Once on the way to the national park by motorcycle, we happened to meet a local elder brother. We chatted with him in a small shop on the side of the road. The elder brother said that he rides a road bike back and forth on this fast road for exercise every morning, that's why we met him. I really admire it so much!

Chiang Mai at night: Night markets, bars and nightlife charm

Although Chiang Mai does not have the prosperity of the metropolis of Bangkok at night and the trendy high-rise bars in "The Drunk Man", this mountain city offers his unique nightlife charm.

Stroll to the weekend night market with iron legs

The scope of this night market is very large. On the roads around the ancient city, there are many creative goods that combine the characteristics of local culture. No matter how many times Jili has visited, she still loves to go. Jili suggested: If you already feel hungry, if you see the food area, eat a little bit, because you missed the food area and you have to go back, you need to cross a sea of people or line up, especially during the tourist season, you need to wait. Time.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

The scope is also very large, and there are other night markets in the night market. Most of them have awnings, and there are many street galleries where artists sit and paint on the spot. There are also all kinds of snacks and delicacies, all kinds of costumes and souvenirs, which are very easy to visit.

The small market in One Nimman Square

In this market, sometimes there will be small food stalls, music performances, and sometimes there will be some second-hand antique markets, which are very suitable for digging for treasures.

Lucky Conclusion

When Jili was writing the article, it was freezing weather where she had to wear gloves for typing. Looking at the photos and remembering everything, she wanted to pack her bags and fly to Chiang Mai to drink Thai milk immediately!

I hope everyone has the opportunity to experience the sense of life in Chiang Mai and feel the Thai romance.

The current information is that the Thai government will implement the same as on July 15, 2024.Passengers holding Taiwanese passportsAble toVisa-free entry, Every time you stayNo more than 60 days。 (For detailed visa details or other fees, please go toConsular Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign AffairsInquiry regulations or assistance from relevant units).

Extended reading：

• 【Digital Nomad Information Security】 Essential for Remote Workers
• 【Nomad Mentality Development】 "Green Light"
• 【Digital Nomad Time Management】 Say Goodbye to Procrastination

Lovely reader，
Do you have any other ideas?
You are welcome to leave a message to discuss with Lucky!