Temple city, jungle adventures, and the original digital nomad capital
Chiang Mai put the "digital nomad" lifestyle on the map, and for good reason. The Old City is ringed by a medieval moat and packed with over 300 Buddhist temples, the most impressive being Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the mountain overlooking the city. The food is extraordinary — Northern Thai cuisine (khao soi coconut curry noodles, sai oua sausage) is distinct from Bangkok and arguably better. Coworking spaces like Punspace and CAMP are purpose-built for remote workers. The cost of living is genuinely low: $800-1,200/month covers a comfortable apartment, daily Thai food, and a coworking membership. The Sunday Night Market along Ratchadamnoen Road is the best market experience in Thailand.
Old City (inside the moat) is the most convenient — temples, restaurants, and markets within walking distance. Guesthouses from $15/night, hotels $30-60/night. Nimman (Nimmanhaemin Road) is the trendy neighborhood with cafes, coworking, and boutique shops — the nomad hub. Hotels $40-80/night. For longer stays, apartments in Nimman or Santitham run $250-400/month furnished. The Night Bazaar area is good for budget travelers who want market energy.
Fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). No direct US flights — connect through Bangkok (1hr domestic flight, very cheap on AirAsia or Nok Air), or through Singapore, Seoul, or Kuala Lumpur on budget carriers. Many travelers fly into Bangkok and take the overnight train north (12hrs, from $15). November through February is the cool, dry season — the best time to visit. March-April is burning season with air quality issues.
Plans change — and that's okay. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance covers trip interruptions, medical emergencies, and lost luggage with flexible monthly billing. No lock-in, cancel anytime.
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