Air Quality
| Measure | PM2.5 | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 annual average | 17.0 | Better than Bangkok, worse than Phuket |
| 8 June 2026 live reading | 7.0 | Looks fine on a good day, but the season still matters |
Source: Smart Air 2025 rankings and IQAir's Chiang Mai live page. Chiang Mai is the city that can look decent outside burning season and then punish you when the smoke arrives. See the full city comparison in our pollution comparison article.
Getting Around
- Scooter150–250 THB (about USD 4.6 to 7.66, £3.41 to 5.69, and €3.95 to 6.58)/day. Essential for anything outside the Old City moat. Flat city, easy to navigate.
- Red songthaew30–50 THB (about USD 0.92 to 1.53, £0.68 to 1.14, and €0.79 to 1.32) per person on shared routes. Flag one down on main roads.
- BicycleViable for the Old City moat area and Nimman. Many rental shops from 50 THB (about USD 1.53, £1.14, and €1.32)/day.
- GrabAvailable but patchier than Bangkok. Useful for airport runs and rainy days.
- Minivan to Pai150–200 THB (about USD 4.6 to 6.13, £3.41 to 4.55, and €3.95 to 5.26). 3-hour mountain road — take something for motion sickness.
Where to Work
- Punspace NimmanThe best-known digital nomad hub in CM. Strong community, events, fast internet.
- Punspace Tha PhaeSecond branch, closer to the Old City. Good alternative when Nimman is busy.
- YellowDesign-focused space, Nimman area. Reliable internet, quieter vibe.
- CAMP @ Maya MallAir-conditioned, cheap coffee, buzzing with laptop workers. Classic CM institution.
- Ristr8toSpecialty coffee that doubles as a workspace. Nimman — go early for a seat.
Eat & Drink
- Nimman areaCafes, brunch, international food. Clean, walkable, where most expats live and eat.
- Old City moat areaNight Bazaar, temples, the best Khao Soi spots in Thailand.
- Warorot Market (Kad Luang)Best for fresh produce and local snacks. Go in the morning.
- Saturday Walking Street (Wualai Rd)Food, craft, live music. Best one-stop evening out.
- Sunday Walking Street (Th Wichayanon)Bigger, closes the Old City streets. Busy but worth it once.
Stay Healthy
- Bangkok Hospital Chiang MaiMain private hospital. Well-regarded, English-speaking staff.
- Chiang Mai Ram HospitalLarge private, central location. Second-most recommended by expats.
- McCormick HospitalMission hospital. Good reputation, affordable by private hospital standards.
- Lanna HospitalOlder private, budget-friendly option for non-complex needs.
Immigration Offices
- Chiang Mai Immigration OfficeAirport Road, Suthep. The main office for the city and surrounding district.
Activities
- Doi Inthanon National ParkHighest peak in Thailand. Waterfalls, hill tribe villages, cool air. Day trip from town.
- Elephant Nature ParkOne of very few genuinely rescue-focused sanctuaries. Book well in advance.
- Doi Suthep temple30 mins from town. Mountain forest, views over the city, worth the songthaew ride up.
- Thai cooking classesDozens of quality options starting from Old City markets. Half-day format works well.
- Muay Thai trainingSeveral solid camps near the Night Bazaar. Week-long courses available.
Schools
- Lanna International SchoolBritish/IB, years 1–13. North of town. Strong expat community around it.
- CISDPYP/IB. Smaller campus, well-regarded, good for younger children.
- Prem TinsulanondaBoarding-focused, IB, 15 mins from town. Strong outdoor programme.
