Finding a Monthly Apartment in Chiang Mai: The Complete Rental Guide (2026)

Finding a monthly apartment in Chiang Mai is one of those things that sounds complicated from abroad and turns out to be shockingly simple once you are on the ground. The city has thousands of furnished rooms, studios, and condos sitting empty at any given time, most of them never listed on any website. The best deals are found by walking around, talking to front desk staff, and being ready to commit on the spot.

But there is a gap between "it is easy" and "you know what you are doing." That gap is where people overpay by 3,000 Baht a month, sign a contract with a brutal electricity markup, or lose their deposit to a landlord who was never going to give it back. This guide covers the entire process: what types of places exist, what they actually cost in 2026, how to find them, what to check before signing, how to negotiate, and what to do when things go wrong.

I have rented seven different apartments across four neighborhoods in Chiang Mai over the past three years. Every piece of advice here comes from doing this repeatedly, making mistakes, and learning from them.

Exchange rate used throughout: 1 USD = approximately 35 THB (February 2026)

Types of Accommodation: Know What You Are Looking At

The terminology in Chiang Mai rental listings is loose. A "condo" and an "apartment" might describe the same room. A "serviced apartment" and a "guesthouse" blur into each other. Here is what actually matters.

Serviced Apartments

The easiest option for newcomers. Serviced apartments are purpose-built rental buildings with a front desk, cleaning service (usually weekly), and all utilities bundled into the rent or charged separately with clear rates. They are designed for monthly tenants. You walk in, ask about availability, and can move in the same day.

Typical rent: 5,000-12,000 THB/month ($143-343)
What is included: Furnished room, WiFi, water, weekly cleaning, bed linens
What is NOT included: Electricity (billed separately, often at inflated rates), sometimes internet
Contract: Month-to-month standard, some want 2-3 month minimum
Deposit: 1-2 months
Best for: First-time renters, people who want zero hassle, stays of 1-6 months

Condominiums (Condos)

Individually owned units inside larger buildings with shared amenities like a pool, gym, and security. You rent from the owner (not the building management), which means prices, conditions, and flexibility vary wildly between units in the same building. Condos are generally newer, nicer, and more expensive than serviced apartments.

Typical rent: 8,000-20,000 THB/month ($229-571)
What is included: Furnished unit, building amenities (pool, gym, parking), security
What is NOT included: Electricity, water, internet (all separate)
Contract: Usually 6-12 months, but many owners accept 3 months with negotiation
Deposit: 2 months standard
Best for: Nomads staying 3+ months who want a nicer space, pool access, and a gym

Houses

Standalone or semi-detached houses, mostly found outside the central areas in Hang Dong, San Sai, Mae Rim, and the suburban ring. You get actual space — a kitchen, a garden, sometimes multiple bedrooms. Rent is surprisingly affordable compared to city-center condos, but you absolutely need a scooter or car.

Typical rent: 6,000-18,000 THB/month ($171-514)
What is included: The building. Everything else varies by landlord.
What is NOT included: Often unfurnished or semi-furnished, utilities separate, no cleaning
Contract: 6-12 months typical, some flexible
Deposit: 2 months
Best for: Long-term residents, couples, families, people who want space and quiet

Shared Apartments and Co-Living

Shared flats (common in the Nimman area) or purpose-built co-living spaces (Hang Dong, Santitham, Old City fringe). You get a private bedroom and share kitchen, living area, and sometimes bathroom with other tenants. Co-living spaces add workspace and community events to the mix.

Typical rent: 4,000-8,000 THB/month for a shared flat ($114-229), 10,000-18,000 THB for co-living ($286-514)
What is included: Furnished room, shared spaces, WiFi, usually utilities
Contract: Month-to-month common
Deposit: 1 month
Best for: Solo travelers on tight budgets, people who want instant community, short-to-medium stays

Price Ranges by Neighborhood (2026)

Rent in Chiang Mai varies more by neighborhood than by anything else. The same room that costs 5,000 THB in the Old City costs 10,000 THB in Nimman. Here is what you will actually pay.

| Neighborhood | Basic Studio (fan/AC) | Studio with AC + Pool | 1-Bedroom Condo | Utilities Included? | |---|---|---|---|---| | Old City | 3,500-6,000 THB ($100-171) | 6,000-10,000 THB ($171-286) | 8,000-15,000 THB ($229-429) | WiFi + water often included | | Santitham | 4,000-7,000 THB ($114-200) | 6,000-9,000 THB ($171-257) | 8,000-14,000 THB ($229-400) | WiFi usually included | | Nimman | 6,000-10,000 THB ($171-286) | 9,000-15,000 THB ($257-429) | 12,000-22,000 THB ($343-629) | Rarely — expect separate bills | | Night Bazaar | 5,000-8,000 THB ($143-229) | 7,000-12,000 THB ($200-343) | 10,000-18,000 THB ($286-514) | Varies | | Hang Dong | 3,500-6,000 THB ($100-171) | 5,000-8,000 THB ($143-229) | 6,000-12,000 THB ($171-343) | Sometimes | | Riverside | 5,000-9,000 THB ($143-257) | 7,000-15,000 THB ($200-429) | 10,000-20,000 THB ($286-571) | Varies |

Budget Tier: 3,500-6,000 THB/month ($100-171)

A basic studio with a fan or wall-mounted AC, a bed, a wardrobe, and a private bathroom. The building will be older. The mattress will be thin. The WiFi might be slow. But you have your own space, a door that locks, and a roof. These are found throughout the Old City, Santitham, and Hang Dong. You will not find this price range in Nimman.

Mid-Range Tier: 6,000-10,000 THB/month ($171-286)

A proper studio or small one-bedroom with working AC, a decent mattress, a fridge, maybe a balcony. The building might have a small pool or shared laundry. WiFi is included and usually fast enough for video calls. This is the sweet spot for most nomads and long-stay travelers — comfortable enough to live in for months without feeling like you are roughing it.

Premium Tier: 10,000-20,000 THB/month ($286-571)

A modern condo in a building with a pool, gym, keycard security, and maybe a rooftop. Fully furnished with a real kitchen, washing machine, smart TV, and fast fiber internet. Nimman and Riverside dominate this tier. You are paying for convenience, amenities, and location — and frankly, you are getting a lifestyle that would cost $1,500-2,500 in any mid-tier Western city.

How to Find an Apartment

Method 1: Walk Around (The Best Method)

This is not a suggestion. This is the strategy. The majority of apartments in Chiang Mai are not listed online. They have a small sign out front — sometimes just a phone number on a piece of paper taped to the gate — and the front desk staff are waiting for someone to walk in and ask.

How to do it:

Pick your target neighborhood (see our neighborhood guide if you have not chosen yet)
Book a hostel or cheap Airbnb for 3-5 nights in that area
Spend day one and two walking every soi (side street) in the neighborhood
Look for "For Rent" or "Room Available" signs on apartment buildings
Walk into buildings that look promising and ask the front desk: "Do you have rooms available? Monthly?"
Ask to see the room. Check everything (inspection checklist below).
If you like it, ask the price, negotiate, and move in

You will see 5-10 buildings in a single afternoon. By the end of day two, you will have found multiple options and will know the going rate in that area. This gives you leverage when negotiating.

Why this works better than online: Landlords who list online pay agent commissions or platform fees. Walk-in tenants cost them nothing. That savings gets passed to you as lower rent — typically 1,000-3,000 THB less than the online price for the same room.

Method 2: Facebook Groups

The second-best option, and the only online method worth serious attention. These groups have daily postings from landlords and agents.

Chiang Mai Apartments and Condos for Rent — The biggest and most active group. New listings daily. Respond fast; good places get snapped up within hours.
Digital Nomads Chiang Mai — Not a housing group specifically, but people post "looking for" and "available" threads constantly. Good for subletting from other nomads.
Chiang Mai Housing (Farang) — Smaller, more curated. Less spam, fewer agents.

Facebook group rules: Always negotiate the listed price. Always view in person before transferring money. Never send a deposit to hold a room without seeing it first. If someone will not let you view before paying, walk away.

Method 3: Thai Listing Sites

Renthub.in.th — The main Thai apartment listing platform. Functional interface in Thai and English. Filter by district and price range. Good for finding buildings you can then visit in person.
Hipflat — Focuses on condos and higher-end rentals. Useful for the 10,000+ THB range.
DDproperty — Similar to Hipflat, more selection in some areas. Listings include floor plans and building amenities.
FazWaz — English-friendly interface, skewed toward nicer condos. Agent-heavy — you will pay a premium, but the process is smooth.

Method 4: Agencies

Real estate agents in Chiang Mai take a commission from the landlord (usually one month's rent). This means using an agent should not cost you extra — in theory. In practice, some agents steer you toward higher-priced listings because their commission is larger. Agencies are useful if you want a specific type of condo (e.g., pool, gym, Nimman location, modern build) and do not want to walk around for two days. But for budget accommodation, they are not worth it.

Method 5: Airbnb (Temporary Only)

Use Airbnb for your first 3-5 nights while you apartment-hunt on the ground. Monthly rates on Airbnb are 30-50% higher than what you will pay going direct. Treat it as a convenience cost, not a long-term solution. Some Airbnb hosts will offer you a direct rental rate if you ask — it saves them the platform fee, so they are usually open to it.

The Inspection Checklist

Never sign a contract or hand over a deposit without checking these things in person. This takes 15 minutes and can save you months of frustration.

WiFi Speed

Ask to connect to the WiFi. Open your browser and run a speed test (fast.com or speedtest.net). You need 30 Mbps minimum for comfortable remote work. Most modern condos deliver 50-200 Mbps. Many older serviced apartments offer 10-20 Mbps — fine for browsing, miserable for video calls. If the landlord says "WiFi very fast" but will not let you test it, that is a red flag.

Air Conditioning

Turn it on. Does it blow cold within 2 minutes? Does it make grinding or rattling noises? Is the filter visibly clogged with dust? Old AC units consume more electricity and cool less effectively. In a city where you will run the AC 8-12 hours a day from March to October, the age and condition of the AC unit directly affects your monthly electricity bill.

Water Pressure and Hot Water

Turn on the shower. Is the pressure strong enough to actually rinse shampoo out of your hair? Does hot water come through? Many budget apartments have electric shower heaters (the units mounted on the wall above the showerhead). These work, but they range from "pleasantly warm" to "barely tepid." If hot water matters to you, test it.

Mattress Quality

Sit on it. Lie on it. Thai apartment mattresses are frequently rock-hard or deeply sagged. If the mattress is terrible and you plan to stay for months, ask the landlord if they will replace it. Many will — they have spares. If they will not, factor in the cost of a mattress topper from HomePro or Index Living Mall (500-1,500 THB).

Cooking Situation

Can you cook? Some apartments prohibit cooking entirely. Others allow an electric hot plate but not gas. Some have a full kitchen. If you plan to cook (and cooking at home is the single biggest way to cut your food budget), confirm the policy before signing. Also check: is there a fridge? Is there a sink with running water in the room?

Laundry Access

Most apartments do not have in-unit washing machines. Check for coin-operated machines in the building (20-30 THB per load) or ask about the nearest laundry service (30-40 THB per kilogram, 24-hour turnaround). If the nearest laundry is a 15-minute walk, that adds up in inconvenience.

Noise

Visit at different times if possible. The apartment that seems peaceful at 11am might sit next to a construction site that starts hammering at 7am, a bar that pumps music until 2am, or a rooster that has no concept of time. If you can only visit once, go in the evening — that is when noise problems reveal themselves.

Proximity Basics

Before committing, check the walking distance to:

Nearest 7-Eleven (sounds trivial, massive quality of life factor)
Nearest food options (street stalls, restaurants, night market)
Nearest ATM
Your co-working space or primary work location

Negotiation and Contracts

Always Negotiate

The listed price is the starting point. Always. This is true whether you found the place online, through an agent, or by walking in. Thai landlords expect negotiation and build margin into their asking price.

What works:

"Can you give a better price for monthly?" — simple, direct, effective
"I will stay for 3 months. Can you do a discount?" — longer commitments get 500-2,000 THB off per month
"I saw a similar room down the street for [lower price]" — only use this if it is true
Cash payment offer: "I will pay 3 months upfront in cash" — this sometimes unlocks the best discount

What to expect: Discounts of 500-2,000 THB per month are standard. For premium condos (15,000+ THB), discounts of 2,000-3,000 THB are realistic for 3+ month commitments. During low season (April-October), landlords are more flexible because occupancy drops.

Deposits

Standard deposit is 1-2 months rent, paid upfront along with your first month's rent. This means move-in day costs 2-3 months of rent in total.

1-month deposit: Common at serviced apartments and budget buildings
2-month deposit: Standard at condos and higher-end rentals
Getting it back: You should get the full deposit back when you leave, minus any damage beyond normal wear and tear. In reality, some landlords find excuses to keep part of it. Protect yourself: photograph everything on move-in day. Every scratch, stain, and crack. Send the photos to the landlord or front desk with a timestamp. This is your evidence if there is a dispute.

Written vs Verbal Contracts

Always get something in writing. At serviced apartments, you will get a standard contract in Thai and English (or just Thai). Read it. At privately owned condos, some landlords operate on a handshake. Do not accept this for anything over a 1-month stay. At minimum, get a written agreement that includes:

Monthly rent amount
Deposit amount and refund terms
Minimum stay period
Notice period for leaving (usually 30 days)
What is included (WiFi, water, cleaning)
Electricity rate per unit
Move-in and move-out dates

If the landlord does not have a contract template, write one yourself. Even a simple one-page document signed by both parties is better than nothing.

Utilities and Bills: The Hidden Costs

Rent is not your only housing cost. Utilities add 1,000-4,000 THB per month depending on your AC usage and how your building charges for electricity.

Electricity (The Big One)

This is where many renters get stung. There are two pricing models:

Government rate: Approximately 4 THB per unit (kWh). This is what you pay if you have your own electricity meter connected to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA). Most condos you rent directly from the owner charge government rate because you get your own electricity bill.

Building markup rate: 7-8 THB per unit. Many serviced apartments and older buildings buy electricity wholesale and resell it to tenants at a markup. This is legal and extremely common. At 8 THB per unit, running your AC for 8 hours a day can cost 2,000-3,500 THB per month. At government rate, the same usage costs 1,000-1,800 THB.

Always ask: "How much per unit for electricity?" If the answer is 7-8 THB, factor that into your total monthly cost when comparing apartments. A room that costs 5,000 THB with 8 THB electricity might cost you 7,500-8,500 THB total — which is more than a 7,000 THB room at government rate.

Water

Included in rent: Common at serviced apartments. No separate bill.
Flat fee: 100-200 THB/month. Many buildings charge a fixed monthly water fee regardless of usage. This is a good deal.
Metered: Rare for apartments, more common for houses. Usually minimal — 100-300 THB/month.

Internet

Included in rent: Most serviced apartments include WiFi. Speed varies wildly (10-100+ Mbps). Test before committing.
Not included: Most condos do not include internet. You arrange your own through AIS Fibre, 3BB, or TrueMove. Costs 500-900 THB/month for 100-200 Mbps fiber. Installation takes 1-3 days.
Tip: Ask if the previous tenant had fiber installed. If the cable is already in the wall, activation is faster and sometimes free.

Monthly Utility Breakdown

| Expense | Low Usage | Medium Usage | Heavy Usage | |---|---|---|---| | Electricity (gov rate, 4 THB/unit) | 500-800 THB | 1,000-1,800 THB | 2,000-3,000 THB | | Electricity (markup, 7-8 THB/unit) | 900-1,400 THB | 1,800-3,200 THB | 3,500-5,000 THB | | Water | 0-200 THB | 100-200 THB | 150-300 THB | | Internet (if not included) | 0 THB | 500-700 THB | 700-900 THB | | Total utilities | 500-1,400 THB | 1,600-3,900 THB | 3,350-6,200 THB |

Low usage: Fan instead of AC, minimal cooking, included WiFi. Medium usage: AC 4-6 hours/day, some cooking, separate internet. Heavy usage: AC all day and night, electric kettle and cooking, heavy internet usage.

Scams and Red Flags

Most landlords in Chiang Mai are honest. But the scams that do exist target newcomers who do not know the local norms. Here is what to watch for.

The Airbnb Bait-and-Switch

You find a great-looking place on Airbnb or Facebook. The photos show a modern, clean studio. You arrive and the reality is a cramped room with stained walls that looks nothing like the pictures. The host claims "that room is taken" and offers you a different (worse) room at the same price.

Prevention: Never commit without seeing the exact unit you will rent. If booking online, confirm in writing that you will get the specific unit shown in the photos.

Deposit Theft

You pay your deposit, stay for several months, leave the room in good condition, and the landlord claims damage that did not exist. They keep part or all of your deposit.

Prevention: Photograph and video the room on move-in day. Every wall, every surface, every piece of furniture. Send the photos to the landlord with a timestamp. On move-out day, do a walkthrough together and have them confirm the room condition in writing or via LINE message. If they refuse to return the deposit without legitimate reason, you have limited recourse — Thai small claims court exists but is slow. Your best protection is documentation.

The Electricity Markup Surprise

You sign a contract that says "electricity not included" but does not specify the per-unit rate. Your first electricity bill arrives at 8 THB per unit — double the government rate. You are now locked into a lease with inflated utility costs.

Prevention: Ask the rate before signing. Get it written into the contract. If the rate is above 5 THB per unit, factor that into your total cost comparison.

Illegal Sublets

Someone rents a condo from the owner, then sublets it to you without the owner's knowledge. This is technically illegal under most condo contracts. If the owner finds out, you can be asked to leave immediately — and the person who sublet to you disappears with your deposit.

Prevention: At condos, confirm that the person renting to you is the actual owner or has written permission to sublet. At serviced apartments, this is not an issue — you deal with the building management directly.

Key Money

Some landlords, especially for desirable rooms, ask for "key money" — a one-time non-refundable fee on top of the deposit and first month's rent. This is not standard in Chiang Mai. If someone asks for key money, negotiate it away or find a different place. There are too many options in this city to accept non-standard fees.

Best Neighborhoods for Renters (Quick Reference)

Each neighborhood suits a different renter. Here is the short version — for the full breakdown with food prices, walkability scores, and detailed neighborhood profiles, see our Chiang Mai neighborhoods guide.

Nimman (Nimmanhaemin Road): The most convenient area for nomads. Cafes, co-working, and restaurants everywhere. Walkable. The most expensive rents in Chiang Mai. Best for first-timers and people who prioritize convenience over cost.

Old City (Inside the Moat): The cheapest area in central Chiang Mai. Temples, street food, backpacker infrastructure. Older buildings, smaller rooms, but unbeatable prices. Best for budget travelers and cultural immersion.

Santitham / Chang Phuak: The local favorite. Thai neighborhood feel with lower rents than Nimman but close enough to walk to the Old City. Excellent food scene around Chang Phuak Gate. Best for long-stay nomads who have done Nimman and want something more grounded.

Night Bazaar Area: Social and buzzy. Nightly markets, bars, easy access to the Ping River. Noisier than other neighborhoods. Best for social travelers on short-to-medium stays.

Hang Dong: The cheapest rents in the Chiang Mai area. Houses with gardens for the price of a Nimman studio. You need a scooter — this is non-negotiable. Best for long-term residents who want space and quiet.

Riverside: Emerging neighborhood with creative energy, galleries, and riverside cafes. Limited services and co-working options. Best for couples and creatives who want atmosphere over convenience.

Moving In: What Apartments Do Not Include

You have signed the contract, paid the deposit, and have the key. Now you need to actually live there. Most furnished apartments in Chiang Mai include a bed, a wardrobe, a desk or table, and a chair. That is it. Here is what you will probably need to buy on day one.

The Essentials Run

Head to Tesco Lotus (now Lotus's), Big C, or HomePro for the basics:

Towels (most apartments do not provide them): 100-200 THB each
Hangers (surprisingly absent from most wardrobes): 50-100 THB for a pack
Pillow (many apartment pillows are flat and ancient): 150-400 THB for a good one
Bed sheets (if the provided ones are questionable): 200-500 THB
Toilet paper (stock up): 100-150 THB for a multi-pack
Dish soap and sponge (if you have any kitchen): 50 THB
Laundry detergent (for coin-op machines): 60-100 THB
Extension cord with surge protector (outlets are always in the wrong spot): 150-300 THB
Mosquito repellent (you will need it): 60-120 THB

From 7-Eleven (Day One Survival)

Your nearest 7-Eleven will fill the gaps:

Drinking water (5L jug, 25 THB — do not drink tap water)
Basic toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste)
Instant coffee or a cold brew if your apartment has no coffee setup
Snacks and ready meals for the first evening
Laundry bags (if using a laundry service)

Total First-Day Setup Cost

Budget 800-2,000 THB ($23-57) for these basics. It is a one-time cost and a small price for making your room actually livable. If you want kitchen supplies (electric kettle, plates, cooking utensils), add another 500-1,000 THB from HomePro or a local market.

Breaking a Lease

Thai landlords are, on the whole, more flexible about lease-breaking than landlords in Western countries. The formal lease might say 6 or 12 months, but the practical reality is usually more forgiving.

The Standard Approach

30 days notice. Tell your landlord you are leaving 30 days before your intended move-out date. Most will accept this without drama, even if your lease technically runs longer. The apartment rental market in Chiang Mai is tenant-friendly — there are always more rooms than renters, and landlords would rather fill the room quickly than chase you for remaining lease payments.

Deposit Situations

You give 30 days notice and the room is in good condition: Full deposit refund. This is how it should work.
You leave early without proper notice: Expect to lose your deposit. Most landlords will keep one month's deposit as compensation and refund the rest (if you paid 2 months).
You leave and the room is damaged: Landlord deducts repair costs from the deposit. Reasonable if there is actual damage. Unreasonable if they are claiming wear and tear as "damage." This is where your move-in photos matter.
Emergency departure: If you need to leave suddenly (medical emergency, family situation), most Thai landlords are understanding. Explain the situation, be polite, and you will usually get most of your deposit back.

What About the Contract?

Technically, breaking a fixed-term lease means you owe the remaining rent. In practice, almost nobody enforces this in Chiang Mai. The landlord keeps your deposit, re-rents the room, and moves on. The exception: high-end condos with formal property management companies may be stricter. For serviced apartments and independent landlords, flexibility is the norm.

The Polite Way to Leave

Thai culture values non-confrontational communication. When leaving, be respectful and give as much notice as you can. A simple LINE message works: "Thank you for the room. My plans have changed and I need to leave on [date]. Can we arrange the deposit refund?" Most landlords appreciate the advance notice and will work with you.

Tips from Experience

A few things I wish someone had told me before my first Chiang Mai rental.

Do not book your apartment from abroad. It is tempting to lock in a place before you arrive. Resist this. You will pay more, you cannot inspect the room, and you have zero negotiating leverage. Book a hostel or Airbnb for 3-5 nights and find a place on the ground. You will have a better room at a lower price within 48 hours.

Low season is your friend. Between April and October (hot season and rainy season), occupancy drops and landlords negotiate harder. If your timing is flexible, arriving in low season can save you 1,000-3,000 THB per month on rent.

LINE is everything. Download the LINE messaging app. Thai landlords communicate almost exclusively through LINE. Your contract details, move-out arrangements, maintenance requests, and deposit refund discussions will all happen on LINE. Save your landlord's name and keep the chat history — it is your record of all agreements.

Check the building's long-term tenants. If an apartment building has long-stay residents (you will see the same faces in the lobby over several days), that is a good sign. If turnover seems high and rooms are constantly being cleaned for new arrivals, the building may have problems.

Ask about the hot season. If you plan to stay through March-May, ask current tenants about the building's AC performance and electricity costs during the hottest months. Some buildings become ovens with inadequate AC, and electricity bills can spike by 2,000+ THB per month.

The Numbers: What Your Monthly Housing Actually Costs

Here is the full picture, combining rent and utilities, for each budget tier.

| Tier | Rent | Electricity | Water | Internet | Total Monthly | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Budget (basic studio, fan/AC, Old City or Santitham) | 4,000-6,000 THB | 500-1,000 THB | 0-200 THB | 0 (included) | 4,500-7,200 THB ($129-206) | | Mid-Range (AC studio or 1-bed, pool building) | 7,000-12,000 THB | 1,000-2,500 THB | 100-200 THB | 0-700 THB | 8,100-15,400 THB ($231-440) | | Premium (new condo, Nimman, full amenities) | 12,000-20,000 THB | 1,500-3,000 THB | 100-200 THB | 0-900 THB | 13,600-24,100 THB ($389-689) |

For a complete breakdown of all living costs including food, transport, co-working, and entertainment, see our Chiang Mai cost of living guide.

Your First Week: The Action Plan

Here is the play-by-play for going from "just landed" to "signed a lease" in under a week.

Day 1: Arrive. Check into your hostel or Airbnb. Rest. Walk your target neighborhood in the evening to get oriented.

Day 2: Morning walk through every soi in your target area. Note every building with a "For Rent" sign. Photograph them with your phone. Afternoon: visit the 3-4 most promising buildings. Ask for prices, view rooms, take notes.

Day 3: Morning: visit 2-3 more buildings. Compare against yesterday's options. Afternoon: check Facebook groups for any listings you missed. Visit any that look promising.

Day 4: Return to your top 1-2 choices. Negotiate the price. Run the WiFi speed test, check AC, test the shower. If everything checks out, sign and pay.

Day 5: Move in. Do your essentials run (Tesco Lotus, 7-Eleven). Set up your internet if not included. Photograph the room for your move-in record.

That is it. Five days, and you have a home base in one of the best cities in the world for the price of a phone bill back home.

Related Guides

Best Neighborhoods in Chiang Mai — Full breakdown of six neighborhoods by rent, food, walkability, and vibe
Chiang Mai Cost of Living Guide — Complete monthly budget: rent, food, transport, co-working, and all the hidden costs
Chiang Mai Digital Nomad Guide — Co-working spaces, community, internet speeds, and the backpacker-to-nomad transition
Budget Calculator — Build your personalized monthly budget for Chiang Mai