Best Neighborhoods to live in Chiang Mai

Despite Chiang Mai being the third-largest city in Thailand, the province of Chiang Mai offers small-town charm and a laid-back atmosphere. You have neighborhoods to live in Chiang Mai, such as the historic Old City, the trendy Nimmanhaemin area, and the outskirts of Hang Dong and San Kamphaeng.

We have compiled a list of the best neighborhoods to live in Chiang Mai that cater to your wants and needs.

Old City 

Old City neighborhood in Chiang Mai is located in the heart of the province. It is home to historic sights and landmarks, shops, restaurants, and bars. The area is small enough to explore on foot. You can visit historic sites such as the Three Kings Monument and Wat Chedi Luang.

Other highlights of the Old City include the Sunday Night Walking Street Market, where you will find hundreds of stalls offering food, clothing, and unique gifts. Additionally, you can visit the famous North Gate Jazz Co-Op.

Hang Dong

Hang Dong, situated south of Chiang Mai City, is a large neighborhood with plenty to explore. It’s a popular choice among expats and families who enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and want to be close to nature. However, you’ll need a car to get around, and traffic conditions can be challenging.

There are several noteworthy cultural attractions in Hang Dong, including the remarkable wooden temple Wat Intharawat. The Baan Tawai woodcarving village is another highlight, where local artisans create wooden crafts, furniture, and decorative items that attract locals and visitors. The former quarry, now known as the “Grand Canyon,” is a fun adventure spot with kayaking, ziplining, and other water activities for people of all ages to enjoy. 

For a detail area guide on Hang Dong you can read here.

Central Business District 

The business district in Chiang Mai is known for its digital nomad neighborhoods and lifestyle. The neighborhood offers ease of travel and transportation, primarily due to the low cost of living in the area.

You will find one of the top-rated Khao Soi restaurants, Savoey Noodles, in Chiang Mai. There are also amazing fresh fruit stalls on the street and several great bars to visit after working hours.

San Kamphaeng

San Kamphaeng neighborhood is approximately 13 kilometers east of the city center. San Kamphaeng is an attractive choice for expats seeking a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Surrounded by nature and with fewer shopping and dining options, it draws many families to the area.

Though further away from the city center, if you are drawn to a family-friendly lifestyle, you have access to Highway 136, which connects to Chiang Mai city center.

Nimmanhaemin

The trendiest neighborhood in Chiang Mai is Nimmanhaemin, just outside of the city center. Fun fact: Nimmanhaemin is named after Chiang Mai’s oldest family. The Nimmanhaemin area population is divided into 50% expat community and 50% digital nomad community, showcasing the growing digital community in Chiang Mai.

The area is known for its several co-working spaces and amazing cafes, perfect for sharing on social media. If you are looking to start a tech company and travel around Thailand, I recommend renting a property in Nimmanhaemin to be surrounded by like-minded people.

For a more detailed area guide on Nimman, you can read here.

Riverside

Expats seeking a more upscale living environment should consider Riverside, located along Chiang Mai’s Mae Ping River. With its trendy coffee shops, boutique stores, and luxury accommodations, Riverside offers a refined atmosphere compared to other parts of the laid-back city. While the neighborhood is not famous for its party scene, its classic charm and serene ambiance make it an ideal choice for expats who appreciate a sophisticated living environment in Chiang Mai.

Along with upscale amenities and elegant riverside dining options, Riverside offers easy access to the Ton Lamyai Flower Market, where a wide variety of fresh flowers and plants are available. The neighborhood is also home to several spas and resorts, catering to those seeking wellness experiences.

Well these are the best neighborhoods to live in Chiang Mai in 2024 and more. If you are looking for popular areas to live in Chiang Mai in 2023 from past clients reviews and testimonials, you can read here. You read and found areas that looks like serve your wants and needs, click on the button below to search for your properties in Chiang Mai to have a call with our real estate agents. 

Properties in Chiang Mai