Why Chiang Mai is a Digital Nomad Dream Place in 2023

Chiang Mai, a city located in northern Thailand, is becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads and expats seeking a slower pace of life, opportunities to immerse themselves in Thai culture, and low-cost living. Although Chiang Mai has undergone modern development, it has managed to maintain its rich cultural heritage. With its great communities, a chilled and homey vibe, and excellent coworking spaces, Chiang Mai has become a mecca for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. This article will explore the experience of being a digital nomad in Chiang Mai, the best coworking spaces in the city, and the benefits of living in Chiang Mai.

Digital Nomad Experience in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai provides a tranquil lifestyle and numerous opportunities to immerse oneself in the Thai culture. The city harmoniously blends the traditional customs and infrastructure with the contemporary way of life. Digital nomads searching for a more affordable and relaxed option will find Chiang Mai appealing. The city offers a conducive working environment, inspiring coworking spaces, and coffee shops within and around the city. Chiang Mai provides plenty of activities for outdoor and indoor experiences, making life not just about work.

Digital Nomad: Work Places in Chiang Mai

The Hub

The Hub is an eco-friendly coworking space in Chiang Mai that emphasizes community, experiential learning, and sustainability. The facility uses only LED lights, and the building comprises 17 upcycled shipping containers, making it a unique and trendy space. You can purchase a day pass or have a monthly membership to enjoy amenities such as coffee, internet, food, and more. The daily fee is 500 baht, while the monthly subscription costs 5,000 baht (USD 135).

Punspace

Punspace is one of the most sought-after coworking spaces by digital nomads in Chiang Mai. You can choose between the two locations, Punspace Tha Phae Gate or Punspace Wiang Kaew, situated in the city's cultural heart. The space offers all the features of a high-quality coworking space, including a great design, a prime location, a private ambiance, and complimentary unlimited coffee. Additionally, you get high-speed internet, quiet arrangements, 24-hour service on weekdays, chill-out areas, and private offices in addition to shared spaces. Punspace provides an outdoor garden area for work and relaxation. Day passes and memberships starting at approximately 4,000 baht (USD 105) are available.

Hub53

Hub53 is a friendly community with welcoming staff offering both coworking and coliving facilities. Despite being a ten-minute walk from the bustling Nimman Road, the location is peaceful and serene. Hub53's work area features spacious desks and comfortable chairs. The space offers free coffee, tea, and snacks to keep you energized throughout the day.

Living in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a popular destination for digital nomads and expats, often referred to as the "gateway to northern Thailand." The city is accessible from Bangkok and offers various tourist attractions. Chiang Mai is a secure city, and you will meet fellow travelers or like-minded individuals. The cost of living in Chiang Mai is affordable, and digital nomads can budget around $1,000 per month for condos in Chiang Mai city center. Chiang Mai has transformed from a quiet and religious city into a town filled with tourists, unique cafes and coffee shops, modern malls, and new accommodation. Nonetheless, the city retains its cultural richness.

Recommended Cafe in Chiang Mai 2023

Looking for a place to work or relax in Chiang Mai? While many coworking spaces offer coffee and other amenities, there's something special about the city's coffee shops. Chiang Mai is known for producing some of the best coffee beans in Thailand and Southeast Asia, making it a great destination for coffee lovers.

Here are three coffee shops in Chiang Mai that are definitely worth a visit:

1. Akha Ama Coffee: Akha Ama Coffee is more than just a stylish coffee shop near Chiang Mai's tourist attractions. It's also a social enterprise that empowers the "Akha" hill tribe community in Northern Thailand. More than 20 households from the Maejantai village have banded together to form the coffee collective known as Akha Ama. By working together, they are able to improve the social and financial benefits of farming, which is their primary source of income.
   Aside from its great social mission, Akha Ama Coffee also serves excellent coffee. Try their iced latte made with milk from New Zealand and enjoy the firm yet creamy foam of milk. And with ample seating on the second floor, it's the perfect spot to work or relax while enjoying the surrounding views of Chiang Mai.
2. Ma-Chill Coffee
   If you're looking for a place to unwind close to Chiang Mai's Old Town, Ma-Chill Coffee is the perfect spot. Founded in 2014 by Kuk and Add, Ma-Chill serves excellent coffee from Northern Thailand, with roasting done in-house. Don't miss their great selection of cold brew coffee, and be sure to try their espresso shot made with local Chiang Mai beans.
3. Artisan Cafe
   For a coffee shop with unique latte art and decor, check out Artisan Cafe in the Nimmanhaemin district. This coffee shop is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable coffee experience. While Chiang Mai's coffee shops may be a bit different from those in Bangkok, the city's coffee scene is certainly worth exploring.

Whether you're a coffee snob or just looking for a great place to relax and work, these coffee shops in Chiang Mai are sure to impress.

As a digital nomad or expat looking for a city with a laid-back atmosphere, plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Thai culture, and affordable living. Need not to look further than soul-city of Chiang Mai is the perfect destination. With its inspiring co-working spaces, great coffee shops and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Chiang Mai offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity in Northern Thailand. Consider visiting one of the city's many coffee shops, such as Akha Ama Coffee, Ma-Chill Coffee and Artisan Cafe, or working in a co working space like The Hub, Punspace, or Hub53. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the beauty and culture of Chiang Mai.