The Chiang Mai Nimman area is a popular hub for many digital nomads, expats, and travelers.
The neighborhood gives a modern city vibe without the tall buildings and loud street traffic.
This is a list of essential shops you will need when staying in the Nimman area longer than just a few days.
Why Stay in Nimman Chiang Mai?
Are you thinking of spending time in Chiang Mai for longer than just a few days? Maybe you want to stay a month in the area where digital nomads congregate but don’t know where to start.
If you are like me, the first time I lived in Chiang Mai for six months, I was lost when I first arrived. I needed to buy groceries, and a few household items for my condo, get a haircut, and do some laundry ASAP.
Luckily I was staying in the Nimman Chiang Mai area, and a fellow nomad stopped me in the street and asked me if I was lost. Which I was! He pointed me to a few places to get me started and after that, I fell in love with the neighborhood.
I will preface this by saying there are dozens of restaurants, cafes, salons, and stores in the area. It would be impossible to name them all.
This list is to help you find quick necessities so you can spend more time exploring and meeting new people and less time searching for locations!
Where is Chiang Mai Nimman?
The Nimman Chiang Mai area is named after the main roads that run throughout the area, called Nimman Haemin Road (Lane 1-17). It is known for its vibrant street life and bustling social scene and is popular with tourists.
It is located in the North West of Chiang Mai, just a 5-minute drive from the Old City.
Nimman Chiang Mai Essential Locations
Scooter rental
The most popular location is Mango Motorbike and Scooter Rental but there are many in the Nimman area to rent from if Mango is sold out. I have an entire article about renting a scooter in Chiang Mai to help you with the process.
Groceries
The International Market, Rimping Supermarket, is in the basement of Maya Mall.
If you just need quick packaged items and water, there are 7-11’s on every street corner, as well as Lotus Go Fresh for your basics.
You will need to leave the Nimman Chiang Mai area via Grab taxi or Scooter to get to larger supermarkets, like Tops.
Grocery Store Pro Tip
Use my guide on How to Read a Thai Nutrition Label when food shopping for Thai products!
Household Items
Located on the third floor of Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center, is Daiso. This store is your go-to shop for everything. You can buy hammers, snacks, kitchen gadgets, even Halloween costumes. | Google Maps Address
Laundry
Bear Wash Laundry has both washers and dryers, as well as plenty of space to fold your clothes. They will let you hang dry items while you wait for the dryer. They take credit cards and Thai baht. | Google Maps Address
Nail Salon
Located a block from Bear Wash laundry is Coquette Nails. I got a mani-pedi for approximately $30 USD in late 2023. The place is very clean and they have nice large chairs to relax in during the treatment. | Google Maps address
Chiang Mai Accommodation Options:
- Hostel in the Old City: Revolution Chiang Mai
- Boutique Hotel: Pran @ Kumuang House
- Hotel with Pool: Yantarasri Resort
- Apartment in Nimman Area: Palm Springs Fountain Nimman
Haircut
I like New York New York Hair Studio for both men’s and women’s color and cut.
They do charge higher prices than other locations ($12 USD – $50 USD for cuts) but for me, they have always been super nice, give you the hairstyle you want, and speak English. This helps me get my haircut idea across more easily than using Google Translate. | Google Maps Address
Co-Working Space
There are some REALLY great co-working spaces in Chiang Mai Nimman. I went to several of them over the years, but for condensing purposes, I will mention Yellow Coworking Space.
They have a good community in which to get to know other nomads as well. Prices are listed on the site, starting at 429 THB ($12 USD) for a one-day pass. | Google Maps Address
Where to Workout in Chiang Mai
Use my guide to find where to run and take the best fitness classes in Chiang Mai.
How to Get Around + Traffic
The Nimman area is very walkable. From the north end to the south end, it will take approximately 16 minutes to walk from Maya Mall to the Princess Mother’s Health Garden. The roads are paved and easy to manage.
Traffic can be very bad on Huay Kew Rd throughout the day so walking is your best option. To leave the Nimman area, you can call a Grab taxi or hail a tuk-tuk or Songthaew.
Chiang Mai Food Tour + Cooking Class
My favorite tour is a Food Tour with 15+ tastings. They take you around in a Songthaew to try Northern Thai food. We watched someone drink pig’s blood during it!
My favorite cooking class is run by Thai Farm Cooking. They take you to a market and then show you how to cook several Thai dishes. I have been twice!
Where to Eat in Nimman Chiang Mai
If I had to list my favorite places it would be a VERY long article so I will just mention some highlights in the Chaing Mai Nimman to get you started. There are so many amazing places you can spend days trying them all!
Thai food – I like to eat at the local stands, the ones with outdoor seating and no AC. Cat Graffiti is one example | Google Map
Khao Soi – A Northern Thai dish, Khao Soi Chiang Mai is also Michelin-rated. It’s technically not in Nimman but only three blocks from the outskirts | Google Map
Vegan/ Vegetarian Food– There is a food stall located in the basement of Maya Mall serving vegetarian Thai dishes for under $2.00 USD each. Google Map
Artisanal Local Cuisine (Fancy) – Blackitch is where to go for a special occasion meal | Google Map
Italian Food– Why Not? is the perfect Chiang Mai restaurant to take a break from eating Thai food every day | Google Map
Mexican Food– Salsa Kitchen is just two blocks outside of the Nimman area serving up fresh Mexican cuisine | Google Map
Cheese Shop– Curdy Craft Cheese Shop is a quick 3-minute scooter ride from the Nimman area. I love cheese so I had to give a shout-out! | Google Map
Final Thoughts
I could go on and on with locations in the Nimman area but then we would be here for days reading the article.
The Nimman area is a great starting point for your first visit to Thailand. Once you get acclimated you can try other neighborhoods and just know that Nimman Chiang Mai will be there with all of your essentials when needed!
Any questions just contact me!
How to Book a Long-Stay Apartment
If you have the time, my suggestion is to book accommodation for a few days and then use that time to walk on foot to different condos to see if they have availability and how much the rent will be for one month.
You will need to pay in Thai baht, in advance for all locations. Pricing depends on the time of the year you are visiting. I paid approximately $450 USD per month for a one-bed condo.
Most employees who work at the front desk speak English, and if not, use Google Translate to ask them what you are looking for. Ask them:
- Do you offer one-month rentals?
- Do the units have air conditioning?
- What is the monthly price?
It will be a quick conversion and you can see several locations in one day. Most of the time the employee will tell you which buildings are offering month-long rentals and will show you on a map how to get to the next map. It really is that simple!
Traveling Tips for Thailand
Is it safe to travel in Thailand alone?
Yes! I have never felt unsafe in Thailand. You can follow the same rules in many countries, don’t walk alone at night and keep your belongings close to you but overall I have never had an issue.
How many days in Thailand is enough?
This all depends on what you want to see. Do you want to spend your time in a city, in the woods, or on the beach?
What should I pack for my Thailand itinerary?
Some essentials for traveling Thailand include light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes for walking (you know I love my on-cloud sneakers), sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
What should I wear when visiting Temples?
Comfortable sneakers, long pants or a skirt for women, a scarf to cover your shoulders, and a water bottle are some of the necessary items to pack.
Is it worth going to Thailand for 10 days?
Yes, shorten your time in Bangkok and pick either the North (Chiang Mai) or the South (beaches) to visit.
Is there a Beach in Chiang Mai?
No! Chiang Mai is landlocked. There are lakes and waterfalls to visit, however. You can take a quick, 3-hour flight to most of the islands from Chiang Mai Airport to Krabi.
Are there any cultural etiquette tips I should know?
Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes before entering homes or sacred places, and show respect.
Where can I buy groceries in Thailand?
Everywhere! There are Western-like grocery stores all over the country that sell local and international items. Use this guide to read a nutrition label in Thailand.
Is it safe to explore Thailand at night?
While it’s generally safe, stay in well-lit areas, avoid dark alleys, and be mindful of your belongings.
Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?
No, bring your reusable water bottle to keep the water cold, and stop at 7-11 to get bottled water. You can buy large bottles for under $1 USD each.
Should I ride a motorbike around Bangkok?
I wouldn’t, I doubt anyone will rent one to you also. Save the bikes for Northern Thailand and the islands.
How much money do I need for Thailand?
That all depends on how much you want to spend. You can easily spend less than $50 a day with accommodations and food if you stay in hostels and eat at food stalls. Or you can splurge on a fancy hotel, go to the spa, and dine at fancy restaurants.
Can I take a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Yes! There are three ways to buy tickets for the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Visiting Thailand? Here are my Guides:
Northern Thailand
- How to Rent a Scooter in Chiang Mai
- Why You Should Visit Chiang Mai Thailand
- 10 Waterfalls in Chiang Mai Not to Miss
- Chiang Mai Night Market – Sundays
- 8 Reasons to Live in Chiang Mai
- The Best and Worst of Chiang Mai
- Where to Workout in Chiang Mai
- 13 Beautiful Temples Not to Miss in Chiang Mai
- How to Read a Nutrition Label in Thailand
- Where to Spend a Rainy Day in Chiang Mai – Maya Mall
- How to Lose Weight Eating Thai Food Everyday
- Muay Thai in Chiang Mai – Where to Watch & Practice
- How to Get a Muay Thai ED Visa
Bangkok
Southern Thailand/ Islands
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