by evan.mccall 
We’ve summarized the seven most popular districts/areas/suburbs in Chiang Mai among our clients. Of course, there are many more than what we’ve listed below, but hopefully this will give you a brief snapshot to get you started.
Sub-district #1 – Nong Kwai
One of the hottest areas for family housing in Chiang Mai. There is an abundance of cafes, western restaurants and small shops in Nong Kwai. Most of the neighborhoods here are more mature, but you can find a few modern options from time to time.
There are many western families in this area as it is one of the nicer suburbs with close proximity to the mountains and international schools, such as Grace International, Panyaden, Lanna International, Satit Bilingual School (SBS), American Pacific International School (APIS), Ambassador Bilingual School (ABS), Montessori, Hana Christian International Kindergarten, and others. If you like bike riding, mountain or road biking you will find areas nearby to ride. Many of the communities have their own work out room, tennis courts and pools.
Average House Price: 18,000 – 35,000 baht/month
Luxury Villa with private pools up to 75K
Townhomes available in World Club Land for 12-15K
Popular Neighborhoods in Nong Kwai: World Club Land, Lanna Tara, Home in Park, KP8, Lanna Pinery, Country Parkville, Sansaran. Many have pools, tennis courts and workout rooms.
Sub-District #2 – Mae Hia
Mae Hia is also a very popular area for westerners moving to Chiang Mai. It provides great access to a lot of shopping. Macro, Big C, Home Pro and Rimping are all close as well as many cafes and restaurants of all kinds.
You will find that most of the neighborhoods are more mature here and there are many western families. It provides great access to the city while still having the neighborhood feel. The mountains for hiking and biking are close by as well.
This area is a quick 10-15 minute drive to the airport as well as convenient access to several international schools, such as Grace International, Merriton, Panyaden, Lanna International, Satit Bilingual School (SBS), American Pacific International School (APIS), Ambassador Bilingual School (ABS), Montessori, Hana Christian International Kindergarten, and others.
Average House Price: 15,000 – 30,000 baht/month
Popular Neighborhoods in Mae Hia: Popular Neighborhoods in Mae Hia: Koolpuntville 5,6,& 7 Baan Nai-Fun, Tan Fa, Urbana 4, Thippamorn, Pruksa Villa.
Sub-District #3 – San Phak Wan
San Phak Wan is a great place to find good family budget options, while still maintaining a convenience location to the city, shopping, and international schools.
Wang tan is a popular neighborhood in this area and has a great pool, lots of space between houses and many say it feels like a US or NZ neighborhood because there are lots of single story options.
There are a higher percentage of retirees because of the laid back lifestyle and feel in this part of the city. There are several budget friendly options available here.
Average House Price: 15,000 – 30,000 baht/month
Luxury Villa with private pools up to 100,000 baht/month
Popular Neighborhoods in San Phak Wan: Wang Tan, Kwan Wiang, Celio
Sub-District #4 – Ban Waen
There are a mix of newer and older neighborhoods in the Hang Dong area from Ban Waen all the way down to the new Grace International School campus. It is convenient to many international schools including Lanna IS, Grace IS, and SBS.
A popular attraction for this area is Kad Farang, which has many western food options such as McDonalds, Auntie Anne’s, Dairy Queen, Dunkin Donuts, The Wine Connection, Starbucks, a western bakery and a Rimping Grocery Store.
This is also the home of Chiang Mai’s largest outlet mall. It is close to the North Hills Golf Course.
Apart from Kad Farang, there are not a lot of other Western food options in the area but it’s not far to the places in Nong Kwai.
Average House Price: 15,000 – 35,000 baht/month
Popular Neighborhoods in Ban Waen: Koolpuntville 9, Tharn Dong
Sub-District #5 – Suthep
Suthep encompasses a large part of Chiang Mai and has two distinct areas. Nimmanhamen is the younger, hipper scene in Chiang Mai. There are more cafes, restaurants in this area than any other area of Chiang Mai.
The other part of Suthep is known as Pong Noi and is the hipster area with many artists, both foreign and Thai. This area also is the home of Chiang Mai University, which is the largest and most popular university in Northern Thailand. This area is known for it’s more mature houses where a 2-3 bedroom house can be had for as little as 12,000-15,000 baht a month, and the demand is typically quite high.
Many of these houses are nestled into the foothills and, at times, have great mountain views. This area has many condo options, and most of them have a pool and either fitness equipment on-site or easy access to a nearby gym.
Average House Price: 15,000 – 35,000 baht/month
Condos in Nimman: 10-15,000 baht for a Studio, 1-2 bedroom 20-35,000 baht, Luxury Condos up to 50,000 baht a month.
Popular Neighborhoods in Suthep: Serene Lake, Chiang Mai Lake Land, Wat Pong Noi, Nimman area.
Sub-District #6 – Pa Daet
Pa Daet’s primary advantage is that it is very close to the city without the city feel. It is close to shopping, Airport Plaza Mall, The Chiang Mai International Airport, Tesco and some restaurants.
There are primarily smaller houses in more mature neighborhoods. Because of close proximity to ring roads and the bottom of the moat you can get to most places in the city quickly.
You might feel more comfortable in this neighborhood (or Nimman) if you only want to get a moped and would rather not have a car.
Average House Price: 18,000 – 40,000 baht/month
Popular Neighborhoods in Pa Daet: Kankonok 19
Sub-District #7 – Nong Hoi
Nong Hoi is an older neighborhood Southeast of the moat. The main road in this area is affectionately known as Big Tree Road because of the many towering trees that line the road.
It has a shopping area where a market is held called 89 Plaza and there is very little industry in this part of the city. Many find it quiet, yet close to the city.
It is close to Varee International School, The Promenada Mall and Unity South International School.
Average House Price: 15,000-30,000 baht/month
Popular Neighborhoods in Nong Hoi: Palm Spring Country Home, Urbana 1, Chiang Mai Khana Club and Palm Spring & Home in Town
