×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange - Discovering the Best of Chiang Mai 2024
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Yi Peng Lantern Festival


Discovering the Best of Chiang Mai

By Betsy Burlingame

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Summary: Discover the charm of Chiang Mai with our guide to the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, we'll also help you find the best recreational activities to enjoy, and offer advice on making lasting connections with the friendly locals.

Welcome to Chiang Mai! If you're planning to move to Chiang Mai, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Chiang Mai has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is a popular tourist destination in Thailand, offering a variety of attractions for both tourists and locals. One of the most popular sites is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple located on a mountain overlooking the city. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and offers stunning views of the city. Other popular sites include the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a bustling market with a variety of goods, and the Chiang Mai Zoo, which is home to a variety of animals. The city also has a number of museums, including the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center, which showcases the city's history and culture.

Chiang Mai is known for its vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Some of the most popular restaurants include the Khao Soi Khun Yai, which serves traditional Northern Thai cuisine, and the Chiang Mai Gate, which offers a variety of international dishes. For nightlife, some of the most popular bars include the Chiang Mai Beer Garden, which offers a variety of craft beers, and the Chiang Mai Pub Crawl, which takes visitors to some of the city's best bars.

Chiang Mai is also a great destination for recreational activities. Popular activities include hiking, biking, and rafting. For hiking, visitors can explore the trails at Doi Inthanon National Park, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. For biking, visitors can explore the city's many bike trails, or take a guided tour of the city. For rafting, visitors can take a trip down the Mae Taeng River, which offers a thrilling ride through the jungle.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

Insider Tips from Expats in Chiang Mai: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"There are over 5000 expat families living in this city. Because of this, there are literally hundreds of programs and clubs to join. From "Little League" to ballet classes to chess clubs to golf schools, this city is a great place for families. Our family was lucky enough to be transferred here for work," said one expat living in Chiang Mai.

"Expats in Chiang Mai often join clubs and activities such as yoga, running, cycling, and language classes. Expats can also join book clubs, art classes, and cooking classes. Additionally, there are many expat-run organizations that host events such as movie nights, potlucks, and game nights. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, visiting local markets, and exploring the city's many cafes and restaurants," wrote a member in Chiang Mai.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

"Chiang Mai is a pretty social city. There are a lot of family events and outdoor places to go. A lot of families spend their weekends at resorts just outside the city," commented an expat living in Chiang Mai.

"This is a very laid back place overall. People who are working still work hard but enjoy the social aspects available," said an expat in Chiang Mai.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Chiang Mai is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its low cost of living, friendly locals, and vibrant culture. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide variety of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury apartments. The city also offers a wide range of activities, from exploring the city's many temples and markets to taking part in outdoor activities such as trekking and rock climbing. The city also has a thriving digital nomad community, with many co-working spaces and networking events. All in all, Chiang Mai is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an affordable and exciting place to live and work," remarked one expat who made the move to Chiang Mai.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


GeoBlue
GeoBlue

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Yi Peng Lantern Festival

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Contribute to Thailand Network Contribute
Help others in Thailand by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Thailand.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides