Living in Chiang Mai

How big is Chiang Mai? The real population of the city, urban area and province in 2026 — and whether it's actually Thailand's second-largest city.Keep hearing that Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand? Read our article to find out the facts!It may have begun life as a “New City” back in the late 13th century, but Chiang Mai didn’t actually make the cut for official city status until...

So what exactly is a yellow house book?Quite simply, it’s a type of government-issued document called a Tabien Baan (literally ‘House Registration’ in Thai) which lists all foreign individuals holding a ‘Temporary Stay’ or a ‘Long Stay’ visa/visa exemption who live at the condo or house address specified in the house registration book. This often allows you  to get the Pink ID Card which is...

Chiang Mai is as popular with families as it is singles and couples – if not more so. The combination of city conveniences, slower pace of life, interesting nature and culture, and food scene make it just as viable for families as anyone else.If you were wondering what to consider with renting in Chiang Mai if you have kids, then we’re one step ahead of you.Here are the most common things that crop up...

Over the past 18 months, Chiang Mai has witnessed a notable shift in how people play, train and socialise through sport.

Finding the right home in Chiang Mai often goes hand-in-hand with finding the right school. For families relocating to the "Rose of the North," the quality of education is a top priority, and the British curriculum remains one of the most prestigious and sought-after pathways available. Whether you are looking for academic rigor or a well-rounded environment for your children, here is why a British...

Drinking Water in Chiang Mai – A Survival Guide It’s a familiar scene to those living in the developed world: parched, you reach for the tap (faucet) to enjoy a cool, refreshing drink of water not giving a moment’s thought to the origin, treatment or conveyance of such a precious –and life-giving- resource. Do that in Chiang Mai and you may find yourself on the receiving end of a nasty stomach...

Chiang Mai has become one of Thailand’s most dynamic centres for international education, with three schools offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. Together, they are shaping a generation of globally-minded, compassionate, and capable young people ready to thrive in an interconnected world. What is the IB? The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognised framework of...

Most of the things that made this list could be said for a lot of Thailand. There are a raft of factors that makes life in Chiang Mai easier than anywhere else

If you use your Thai mobile banking app to receive or track rental payments, it’s crucial to be aware: access could be blocked if your SIM card details don’t match your bank profile. Here’s what to watch for—and how to fix it fast. 1. What’s Changing — and Why It Matters By April 30, 2025, banks are required to suspend mobile banking for users whose SIM card’s registered name or...

So what exactly is a Wing 41 Pass?Quite simply, it’s a special permit that allows everyday folk to drive their car or motorcycle on the 2km or so stretch of two-way road that runs through the Wing 41 Royal Thai Air Force base skirting the north-eastern flank of Chiang Mai International Airport. But naturally security’s tight with a Military Police checkpoint on the south side at the very end of...