When people talk about Thailand, they talk about Bangkok and the beaches.  I first came to this beautiful city of Chiang Mai back in early 2008 with my mother knowing  very little about it.   It was a side trip from Burma and our Pilgrimage in India.

My first trip to the northern Thailand had more to do with visiting a man (a physician) who, on his own, started a program near Chiang Rai providing assistance of all kinds including medical care to the hill-tribe people in that area.  Though I was only here for a few days I knew within those few days that I could very well and easily live here immersing ourselves  in service projects through volunteering with my little family.   A year later, in summer of 2009, we returned here as part of our three-month long summer holiday split between the US and Asia.

We’re hoping this info helps a little for those coming to Chiang Mai as a starting point. There are so many places to stay here. You can star with these places and then you can do a search depending on your length of stay.  

You’ll probably find something below 8,000b per month.  You’ll be required to give a down payment of one month of rent.  Electricity is usually 6-7b per unit.  Water varies with each landlord.  We’ve paid as much as 200b per month.    Wifi is extra and can cost up to 500b per month.

There are many serviced apartments from budget to luxury.  So it all depends on what you’re looking for.  We used www.ChiangMaiHouse.com (please ask for Am or Sandy) to find a house.  You can contact them via email and they usually do  long-term housing in Chiang Mai.  They cater to expats. Their website actually have many listings for both sale and rentals.

NEXT UP:  What to do in Chiang Mai and a round-up of everything Chiang Mai from our friends.

Chiang Mai Lodge is nicely tucked away in the back on a street perpendicular to Huay Kaew Road across from Shell Station and Bitter Sweet coffee shop.  It is close to  Nimmen  (popular, hip & trendy part of town) and Kad Suan Kaew Central Mall where you will find a night market on Thurs- Saturday weekly.

Mai Mansion is located close to the YMCA and close to the old city as well.   A friend of ours has stayed here and loved it.  Has studios and one bedroom apartments.   Contact @Dzema for more info about this place.

Huay Kaew Place – It’s on huay kaew road just past huay kaew residence.  Not the most westernized decor, but many locals and Asian expats live here, and there are 1 – 2 bedroom apts., in addition to studios, which start at 3,000b/mo.  It’s also occupied by many American college students on an annual basis, who are here for service learning projects.

Smith Residence - several friends stayed here.  It is right at Chiang Mai gate in the old city, very convenient if you don’t have a motorbike.

Suan Dok Mansion – This is also close to Nimmen and Huay Kaew road.   @OurOwnPath stayed here for about one month.

Malin Residence – This is located on Huay Kaew across from CMU, past Canal road. A friend is stayed there before and seems to like it a lot.  Maybe because it is the night market down below!

Wa Lai House – Northwest of the moat.  We’ve been told this is a great place to stay with lots of cheap eats nearby. Walking distance to Akha Ama Coffee and very close to Thanin Market (which is a great market!)

Sabai Garden – Want to try a traditional, Thai teak house?   We have stayed there several times.  Owned by Vicky, a well-known Thai Chef, & a hardworking single mom.  No Air Con, but has an air blower that you put ice in to cool you and the room.  In the cool season, this is all you need.  Worked for us, we stayed there in July 2009.  Her food is awesome, and there’s space to relax and get a massage.   Very close to Chiang Mai Gate.

Gap’s House Our friends @Spunkygirllogue @DriftingKiwi stayed here.

Na Inn Bessie and Kyle of @OurOwnPath stayed here.

BP Chiang Mai – Stayed here in 2008 and 2009.  Buffet breakfast included.  It’s a large hotel.  Not very cozy though like other guesthouses we’ve stayed in.

SK House II @Ccburns  @tracy_burns and their kids stayed here and they seemed to like it.  Newly remodeled and  has a pool and a restaurant.   Near Tha Pae Gate.

B2 Thippanate This is fairly new. I have recommended this to a couple of volunteers for one of the orgs I work with because it is close to the organization.  But it is also very close to Chiang Mai gate. I’m not sure how good this place is so please leave a comment about your stay if you have stayed here before. 

Varada Place This is located in a good location close to the city center, Kad Suan Kaew, Santitum and Nimmen areas.  We’ve heard good things about this place as well.

Mata Apartment - is located right above Akha Ama. Mata has three different types of rooms. You can learn more about it on their FB page. It is in the middle of Santitum area which we really like because it is close to everything.

If you’ve stayed in a place you recommend to others in Chiang Mai, please mention it in the comments.

Cheers!

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