Your Expat Community in Chiang Mai

Find Out More about Life in Chiang Mai

A distinctive blend of youthful culture and historic charm, Chiang Mai offers a unique twist on Thai living. A relatively modest population of 300,000 and a thriving student community helps the city to feel intimate enough to make a mark on, but busy enough that there's always something new to see or experience. Many expats are drawn to the city either for study and teaching opportunities, or to work for one of the many NGOs that have a presence in Chiang Mai. While wider business opportunities aren't as plentiful as they are in Bangkok, there are a significant number of companies that have operations in the city — particularly those that cater to the sizeable student population. On the whole, this is a city with a relatively laid back pace but plenty of history, culture, nightlife, and entertainment just waiting to be discovered.

Connect to Other Expats in Chiang Mai with InterNations!

InterNations is a unique community of expatriates who have agreed to abide by our guiding principles of trust, responsibility, and politeness, plus a friendly "netiquette" that forms a central component of our platform. This means you can join InterNations in the knowledge that you're interacting with a safe and secure environment. Don't hesitate to ask any questions relevant to living in Chiang Mai. These questions may relate to local administration or legal concerns, such as work permits or renters' rights. You might also wish to indulge your hobbies and interests by joining one of our interest-based InterNations Groups in Chiang Mai in order to find fellow members with whom you can practice Thai, schedule playdates for small children, or go on sightseeing walks around the city. In case your interests aren't yet covered by an existing group, you are also more than welcome to create your own! Lastly, don't forget that you can also attend the larger official events organized by InterNations — putting you in touch with fellow members of the community in a relaxed and friendly environment with delicious food and drinks.