Chiang Mai has long held the crown as the the mecca of remote working. With strong wifi, numerous boutique coffee shops, warm weather year-round, and an abundance of outdoor activities, it’s no surprise digital nomads and other remote workers are setting up shop.

 

1. Coworking Spaces and Coffee Shops Abound

 

Everywhere you look there are coffee shops and coworking spaces such as Punspace, CAMP, and Wake Up where you can be productive and get your caffeine buzz. Several are open 24/7 allowing you to work all night when you are in the zone and also have redundant wifi lines to ensure you can get the job done without interruption.

1.camp coworking @md_sand

Camp, @md_sand

 

2. A Foodie’s Dream

From Khao Soi to the delectable desserts, Chiang Mai has an array of delicious Northern Thai and international cuisine to satisfy your every craving. The food is fresh, healthy, and at a very low price when compared to eating out in the United States. Smoothie enthusiasts will be delighted by the fresh fruit smoothie stands located on virtually every corner. The refreshing mango passion fruit mix comes highly recommended.

Khaosoi instagram photo by @Sileas.j

Khaosoi instagram photo by @Sileas.j

 

3. Easy to Get Around

Compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai is very manageable and easy to navigate–you can be almost anywhere in 20 minutes. You have plenty of options to get in and around the Old City either by Songtaew (open air shared taxi), tuk-tuk (private motorbike taxi), or motorbike. Motorbikes can be rented on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, or if driving a motorbike scares the bejesus out of you, the next shared Songtaew is just around the corner.

Songtaew and tuk-tuk instagram photo by @dimplesem

Songtaew and tuk-tuk instagram photo by @dimplesem

 

4. Supportive Community

The Thai people are so friendly and welcoming, it’s easy to understand why Thailand is called “The Land of Smiles.” There are also an estimated 30,000 expats in Chiang Mai, many of which are active in meet-up and other community groups. Some of the coworking spaces host regular networking and learning events as well, such as bi-weekly beer talks. It is easy to fit in and find your place even if you are not fluent in Thai.

Expat instagram photo by @Chelseeray

Expat instagram photo by @Chelseeray

 

5. So Many Activities

From taking a relaxing yoga class, getting a traditional Thai massage, or going for a refreshing dip at the Kad Suan Kaew pool, there is no shortage of awesome activities to partake in. For activities outside of the city, go ziplining with the eco-friendly Flight of the Gibbon, take a hill tribe trekking tour, or visit the Elephant Nature Park for an experience of a lifetime.

Elephant Nature Park instagram photo by @nattchann

Elephant Nature Park instagram photo by @nattchann

 

If I haven’t convinced to move to Chiang Mai yet, just google Mango Sticky rice and see for yourself what you are missing!