Chiang Mai is the nomad capital of Thailand’s north - laid-back, mountainous, and full of hidden gems. There’s way less chaos than Bangkok, with cooler weather, cleaner air (except burning season), and a much tighter expat + digital nomad community. Good food is everywhere, temples line the streets, and there's no shortage of cheap cafes or places to train. The old city is walkable and full of character - ideal for long stay nomads looking to grind.
With so many awesome hostels in and around the old city, it's hard to say which are the best. Here are a couple I stayed in which offer decent comfort and solid value.
Lazy Gibbon 2 Hostel – Located about a 5min walk from the SE moat corner. This place is a real purpose built hostel - solid steel padlock lockers, nice chill deck, and reliable WiFi. Free towels and soap. I paid only 140 baht for the 8 bed dorm - felt like a steal. Lobby is fully equipped with cafe and workspaces.
Doze Hostel – Located right at the northern moat gate. Steel lockers, free drinking water, and reliable WiFi. Towels available for rent (~20 baht). I paid only 100 baht for the dorm - excellent deal. Rooftop offers enough space for some push movement work.
Lanna Muay Thai – One of the most prominent boxing gyms in Northern Thailand. Real Thai energy and serious amateur fighters. Welcoming to all levels, whether you're passing through or doing a full camp.
Buak Hard Park Outdoor Gym – Free calisthenics spot at the southwest corner of the Old City. Locals and nomads train shirtless in the sun. Has bars, rings, a track, light weights, and minimal gear. Vibes are solid.
Chiang Mai Stadium – Located just north of the old city, the Chiang Mai Municipal Stadium is part of the Thailand Institute of Physical Education. Expect to find a soccer field, a track, plenty of outdoor calisthenics bars, and cheap free-weight gyms.
Chiang Mai Muay Thai – Located inside the old city. Old-school setup with affordable group classes. A gymnastics gym is located right next door.
Chiang Mai is a paradise until crop burning season hits from February to April, turning the air into a smoke sauna. Most nomads peace out during this stretch.
Temples and fitness parks like Buak Hard lock up at night, and while the mountains are nearby, the city itself is pretty flat, so good luck finding hill sprints without a motorbike.