Highlights:
- Suburban comfort with familiar Western feel
- Known for Ruam Chok Mall and surrounding amenities
- Modern townhomes and mid-range gated communities
- Easy access to the city via Superhighway
Best for: Expat families seeking a balance of Thai and Western lifestyles in a suburban setting
Transportation: Car or motorbike recommended, some areas walkable
Cost of living: Mid-range housing from ฿10,000-20,000/month, with moderate living costs supported by both Thai markets and access to Western supermarkets at nearby Central Festival Mall. The area balances affordability and Western conveniences.
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Fa Ham, often associated with the Ruam Chok area, is a popular suburban neighborhood just north of Chiang Mai’s Old City. It’s grown into an appealing option for expat families due to its balance between city convenience and a quieter suburban lifestyle. The area is well-known for Ruam Chok Mall and its surrounding complex, which offers Western-style supermarkets, coffee shops, and local eateries, which means you don’t have to trek all the way to the city center for familiar conveniences.
Housing in Fa Ham typically consists of modern townhomes and mid-range gated communities, offering more space compared to urban neighborhoods. Families appreciate the laid-back atmosphere, where daily life is a little slower, and the streets are less congested. Although Fa Ham is more developed than other nearby areas, it maintains a residential charm, and its proximity to the Superhighway makes commuting into the city easy.
Expat-friendly Amenities in Fa Ham:
- International Schools: Nakornpayap International School in San Phi Sua.
- Supermarkets: Rimping Ruam Chok, Tops Ruamchok Mall, and Lotus’s Ruamchok Chiang Mai.
- Hospitals & Clinics: Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai is a job away on the Superhighway
- Parks & Playgrounds: Chiang Mai Chaloem Phrakiat Park in nearby Chang Phueak.
