Remote work at Chiang Mai is an excellent choice for digital nomads and long-term travelers. This city has become a top destination for remote work, thanks to its affordable cost of living, excellent infrastructure, and vibrant community. Walking around, you’ll see locals speaking basic English, and a diverse mix of Europeans, Americans, and Asians working on their laptops in cafes and co-working spaces.

1. Strong Internet and Co-Working Infrastructure for Remote Work at Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai boasts high-speed internet, even in regular cafes and accommodations. In fact, I found it even faster than in Korea.
Beyond just fast internet, the city has plenty of well-equipped co-working spaces, making it an ideal place for remote work at Chiang Mai. Many offer full-day passes for less than $10, making them both affordable and high-quality. Some even operate as co-living spaces, creating a great community for freelancers and entrepreneurs.

A freelancer friend I recommended Chiang Mai to booked a flight immediately after hearing about the digital community here and ended up sharing his business ideas with like-minded people.

While some cafes impose WiFi time limits or require passwords, I usually checked Google reviews beforehand and avoided those spots unless they were highly recommended for other reasons.

2. A Coffee Lover’s Paradise for Remote Workers

If you’re into coffee, Chiang Mai is a dream. With coffee farms nearby, you can easily find fresh-roasted beans at most cafes. Many places roast their beans in-house, allowing you to enjoy freshly roasted coffee at a reasonable price.

Trendy cafes in areas like Nimmanhaemin and Old Town also provide a stylish atmosphere, making them hotspots for coffee enthusiasts and digital nomads working remotely in Chiang Mai. I’ll be sharing my favorite cafes in a future post!

3. Lower Cost of Living Compared to Bangkok

Chiang Mai is significantly cheaper than Bangkok—sometimes by as much as a third! That said, prices in Nimmanhaemin can be on the higher side due to its popularity with tourists.

Luxury massages are affordable, and local food like Pad Thai can cost as little as $1-2 per dish. Even golf, which can be expensive in other countries, is incredibly cheap here. A friend who traveled with me played almost every morning, paying only $8-9 for a round at budget-friendly courses.

4. Michelin-Recognized Dining Scene for Remote Workers in Chiang Mai

Despite its small size (you can reach most places in 10-20 minutes by taxi), Chiang Mai is packed with high-quality restaurants. The city has several Michelin-recommended spots, including places that serve the local specialty, Khao Soi. If you visit, this dish is a must-try!

5. A Safe and Comfortable City for Remote Workers

Chiang Mai has a relatively safe atmosphere, especially in the Old Town area, where a large police station is located. The presence of many foreign remote workers also contributes to the city’s safety.

To put it into perspective, women can walk around at night or take taxis without major concerns, though I still recommend getting home before midnight. Personally, I never encountered aggressive street vendors or stray dogs, which can sometimes be issues in larger Thai cities.

6. Convenience: Delivery & Cashless Payments in Chiang Mai

Life in Chiang Mai is incredibly convenient.

Food delivery apps like Foodpanda, LINE MAN, and Grab Eats are widely used, with Grab Eats being the easiest for foreigners due to its English interface.

Cashless payments are well integrated. QR code payments (like GLN) are widely accepted, even in local markets and food stalls. Unlike in China, you don’t need a local bank account to use them, making transactions effortless.

Things to Be Cautious About When Doing Remote Work at Chiang Mai

Despite all its perks, there are a few things to be mindful of:

Water quality & hygiene: Even in high-end accommodations, old plumbing can be an issue. I used a shower filter, which turned yellow in just 2-3 days, indicating the presence of contaminants.

Food safety: Always drink bottled water and avoid fermented foods. I learned this the hard way after eating century eggs at a restaurant—only to end up with food poisoning on my flight home, fasting for four days to recover.

Despite this minor setback, my experience of remote work at Chiang Mai was overwhelmingly positive. The city offers an incredible balance of affordability, convenience, and community, making it a top recommendation for anyone considering remote work abroad!