In my previous article Crypto Nomad's Guide to Bangkok,I discussed how Chiang Mai, ranked eleventh on the Nomad List website, enjoys popularity among digital nomads globally. This raises the question, which is a more suitable destination for crypto nomads in Thainland, Bangkok or Chiang Mai?
Crypto landscape in Chiang Mai
First, let's delve into the crypto landscape in Chiang Mai. Compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai has fewer crypto and web3 projects and activities, resulting in a considerably lower level of activity. While Chiang Mai houses a decent number of crypto digital nomads, the majority are traders, with builders being a rarity and long-term crypto/ web3 projects even rarer.
If asked to choose, my preference lies with Chiang Mai, primarily due to my love for the outdoors. Chiang Mai, with its allure for outdoor enthusiasts, can make one reluctant to work ahaha. After a two-month stay, I found myself being drawn to the mountains daily. But of course, no need for an either-or choice, I spent a month in Bangkok and two in Chiang Mai.
Crypto Events & Organizations in Bangkok
Yellow is a Web3 startup incubator. ETH Chiang Mai & Yellow is a thriving crypto DAO community based in Chiang Mai for the past three years. Every Tuesday night at 7 PM, they host complimentary offline gatherings at Yellow. These events, which often include free snacks and beverages, primarily serve to introduce crypto and web3 newcomers to the industry. I once attended an event where they offered a hands-on tutorial on using crypto wallets.
You can find event details on the Facebook community group, Chiang Mai Web3 - Blockchain Meetup. They also have a Telegram group with over 200 active members. During one event, I had a discussion with the presenter who revealed that while the DAO lacks concrete plans for community expansion and business, they are committed to conducting regular offline activities. He said that digital nomads usually are drawn by the lifestyle and working environment in Chiang Mai, but often don't stay long. We both agreed that Chiang Mai's crypto scene has room for growth compared to cities like Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh. They are also inviting volunteer speakers, so if you're interested, feel free to reach out.
2️⃣PlanckerDAO
Plancker is a group of engineers, reseachers, and product designers from Asia dedicated to building the Ethereum eco in the Great China. They hosted a half-day offline event in Chiang Mai that received significant attention. A local friend humorously remarked that the organizers must be rich guys, considering they rented a luxury villa for the event. Upon further investigation, I discovered they had organized an "English Training Camp" event, charging participants a varying fee based on the duration of their stay (450U-2000U). While this could be an interesting opportunity for those eager to improve their English, as they regularly host English study groups. However spending this much just to learn about crypto might not be necessary.
3️⃣Individual Organisations
Keep an eye out for events on FaceBook communities; there are quite a few.
Accommodation and Work Space
🟠Accommodation🏡
The cost of accommodation is more affordable compared to Bangkok, averaging about $300 per month. If you are looking for a vibrant area with easy access to transportation, Nimman is a great choice. If you prefer a peaceful environment without giving up convenience, consider staying on the fringes of the Old City. For a serene setting, accommodations along the Ping River are worth considering. I highly recommend the DD Park service apartment, located near the North Gate of the Old City, and Villa Pattranid, located by the Ping River.
🟠Working space 💼
Coffee Shops☕️
🔻The Baristro x Pring River
🔻Blue Coffee at Agriculture CMU
🔻365 Coffee Bistro Chiang Mai
🔻CarrotCoffeecnx
🔻Zohng Coffee
Co-working Spaces 💻
🔻CAMP
🔻Punspace Wiang Kaew
🔻Punspace Tha Phae Gate
🔻The story 106 Coworking space & cafe
🔻Yellow Coworking space
🔻TCDC
🟠Outdoor Activities🧗🏻
Here are some of my top recommendations for outdoor activities in Chiang Mai:
🔻Tennis and golf are must-tries, you can even get private lessons for less than $20 per session.
🔻Immerse yourself in nature with hiking and mountaineering. If you can, dedicate six out of seven days to exploring the mountains ahaha
🔻How about pushing your boundaries with jungle ziplining or banana boating? Or, for a more serene experience, join temple meditation sessions.
Whether you're a crypto nomad scouting your next destination or simply curious about the crypto scene in Chiang Mai, I hope this guide offers a comprehensive overview of what to expect. Happy travels!
About Me
Hey there! I'm KAS, your global crypto/web3 enthusiast! Ditched the corporate life for the thrilling world of web3 in 2021 and haven't looked back since. Now, I'm steering the ship in the web3 market. Excited to share with you all about my adventures in this amazing industry and my digital nomad life!
You can find me at
Telegram: @KasperSone
Telegram group：KAS的web3信息交流群
xiaohongshu ：GO WEB3 WITH KAS
Substack: The Web3 Journal