A month in Chiang Mai as a digital nomad
By now, nearly everyone in the digital nomad community has heard of Chiang Mai. It’s been an extremely popular hotspot for years and go-to destination for those wanting to begin their digital nomad journey. Honestly, we didn’t plan our trip there far in advance — it was more of a “let’s give this a shot” decision.
I was quite skeptical, worried it might be overhyped, overcrowded and more of a tourist trap than a peaceful destination. On the other hand Amelie had a gut feeling about Chiang Mai. It felt authentic in a way that would let us dive into Thai culture while enjoying all the perks of a digital nomad hub. And oh boy, was she right!
Chiang Mai exceeded every expectation. It’s vibrant, inviting, and—despite its popularity—remarkably authentic. It feels like a Thai city first and foremost, where digital nomads are warmly welcomed guests rather than overwhelming invaders. It’s rare to find a place where modern work-life culture and local traditions coexist so harmoniously. That’s the magic of Chiang Mai.
Nimman: The Heartbeat of Chiang Mai’s Nomad Scene
When people talk about Chiang Mai, they inevitably mention Nimmanhaemin Road—or “Nimman” as everyone calls it. If you’re heading to Chiang Mai as a digital nomad, odds are this is where you’ll land. And for good reason.
Nimman is like a small town within a town — cozy, vibrant, and full of character. It welcoming energy and very quickly makes it feel like home. You’ll quickly start recognizing familiar faces—whether it’s other nomads you met at your coworking space, the barista at your go-to coffee shop or a street performer you pass every day on a way to get dinner. It’s a neighborhood where locals and visitors naturally intertwine, creating an organic, lived-in charm that’s hard to replicate.
What stands out most about Nimman is its authenticity. It remains a place for Thai residents first, where nomads integrate into the rhythm rather than disrupt it. Apart from the community vibe, Nimman offers some of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Asia—an endless array of Eastern and Western cuisines at a really affordable prices. On top of that Nimman feels like artistic and cultural center of a city. You’ll see street performers, local manufacturers, and cultural hubs, that makes the area feel so alive.
Work Life: Co-Working Heaven
As we already mentioned, Chiang Mai has been a digital nomad hotspot for a long time, and it shows. The city has had plenty of time to prepare for remote workers, so finding a great spot to work is not an issue. Co-working spaces, cafes, and all the infrastructure you’d expect are widely available. Nimman alone has at least five co-working spaces to choose from. Depending on your needs and limitations different places may speak to you. We had a chance to try a few.
Yellow Co-Working Space
Yellow is probably the most well-known co-working spot in Nimman. It’s really professional and has everything you’d want: spacious seating, plenty of phone booths for calls, snacks, and coffee. It’s all top-notch, but the price really reflects that. We didn’t end up working here because of the cost, but if budget isn’t a concern, Yellow seems like a really solid choice.
CAMP
At the opposite end of the spectrum is Camp. It’s not as much of a coworking space, but a publicly available area to read, study and yes, work. Located on the top floor of a Maya mall, it’s free to use as long as you order a coffee (which comes with Wi-Fi access). You can stay as long as you want, although the Wi-Fi is time-limited—unless you’ve got your own hotspot. It seems to be quite popular place, especially among the students, so sometimes it might be tricky to find a spot. Also, worth mentioning, Camp is a quiet zone, so calls have to be taken outside on the terrace. It’s a solid option if you’re just passing through or looking for a short-term work spot.
Real Space
We need to stop for a minute for this one. As a full time digital nomads we have been to many, many coworking spaces before, but this one really stands out. Real Space is a newer co-working spot — when we were in Chiang Mai it has been open only for six months. That means it’s fresh, modern, and full of potential. During our stay in Chiang Mai it still offered -50% for early clients and we ended up paying only 1200 Baht per month. Now, they offer monthly pass for around 2500 Baht (€70), which is still an amazing deal for what you get. You will not find other coworking space of that quality in that price range.
The space itself is well-equipped, with shared areas, a room with screens, a breakroom, phone booth, rooftop and more. The only issue it that the space is quite limited. During our stay, it was still not too crowded, so it was very comfortable to use and we didn’t have any issue getting a place to sit. BUT when the place will become more popular (and it will) it might become a bit of a problem. Still, what sets Real Space apart isn’t just the amenities—it’s the community.
This place feels like it was built by a group of friends who wanted to create something special, and it shows. They host events almost every day — from board game evenings and quiz nights, through networking events and yoga classes, to straight up parties. The events are free for members, but if you’re not one you can still attend any for a small fee (around 100–200 Baht). These aren’t just networking events – they’re genuine opportunities to connect, hang out, and make friends. Whether you need a workspace or just want to socialize, you really should visit Real Space at least once and there is a chance you will and up staying longer.
Social Life: Building Connections That Matter
One of the best parts of Chiang Mai is the sheer number of like-minded people you’ll meet. From yoga classes to board game nights, there’s something for everyone. Real Space’s events were a highlight, but we also found great opportunities through Facebook groups and a platform called nomeo. Just check out the website, sign up and you’ll see all the events to choose from. Nomeo is active mostly in Bali, but recently it started gaining some popularity and more and more events are being organized around Chiang Mai.
What’s truly special about Chiang Mai’s social scene is its inclusivity. Events often mix locals and expats, making it easy to connect with Thai culture while sharing your own. It’s not just about hanging out with other foreigners; it’s about creating meaningful, cross-cultural relationships that enrich your time here.
Things to Do: Beyond Work and Socializing
Chiang Mai offers an abundance of activities to fill your downtime. The city is renowned for its temples—stunning architectural gems that showcase Thailand’s spiritual heritage. You can spend hours exploring Old Town or venture to the suburbs for even more hidden treasures.
Another popular attraction is the elephant sanctuaries. However, it’s crucial to do your research to ensure you’re supporting ethical practices. Beyond that, Chiang Mai boasts cooking classes, yoga studios, art galleries, and all the amenities of a bustling city. You can check out our article about the cooking class to find out more.
Final Thoughts: The Surprise of 2024
Chiang Mai turned out to be the highlight of our year, even though it wasn’t part of the original plan. We only spent about five weeks here, but it was definitely not enough. We are already planning when could we come back there – hopefully for a bit longer this time.
If you’re considering Chiang Mai, by all means, don’t hesitate. Whether you stay for a few weeks or a few months, the city will leave long lasting impression and call you back. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left and we truly believe that your experience will be as unforgettable ours. Safe travels, and enjoy every moment in this extraordinary city.
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