Highlights:
- Premier expat family hub south of the city
- Numerous gated communities and standalone homes
- Abundant international schools and Western amenities
Best for: Expat families seeking a spacious, suburban lifestyle with strong international community
Transportation: Car or motorbike necessary, not very walkable between different areas
Cost of living: Housing prices range from ฿12,000-30,000/month, with affordable daily living costs due to local markets. Living and eating Western-style will drive your costs up much higher though.
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Hang Dong stretches south from the Outer Ring Road, with the Canal Road (kinda-sorta) forming its western boundary. It’s bisected by the Chiang Mai-Hot Road, which leads all the way down to Doi Inthanon National Park.
Once a sleepy rural district, Hang Dong has transformed into Chiang Mai’s premier expat family hub over the past couple of decades. It’s become the go-to area for those seeking a more spacious, suburban lifestyle without completely disconnecting from the city.
We might be biased (since we call Hang Dong home), but we have to say it’s THE best neighborhood in Chiang Mai for expat families. The vibe here is relaxed and family-friendly, with a strong sense of community among both expats and locals. You’ll find plenty of green spaces, including small farms and orchards interspersed among the housing developments.
Speaking of housing, Hang Dong is basically mooban-land. There’s plenty of standalone homes, but most expat families here opt for one of the many popular gated communities like Wang Tan, World Club Land or Sansaran.
When it comes to expat amenities, Hang Dong is hard to beat. Within a 5-10 minute drive, you’ll find just about everything an international family might need – from Western supermarkets and international schools to kid-friendly cafes and restaurants.
Expat-friendly Amenities in Hang Dong:
- International Schools: Lanna International School, Grace International School, SBS International School Chiangmai, The Nest International School, Meritton British International School, Chiang Mai Montessori International School, British Concordance International School, Panyaden International School, and American Pacific Internaitonal School.
- Supermarkets: Big C Supercenter Hangdong 2, Rimping Supermarket Kad Farang Branch. Mae Hia shopping centers are also just up the Canal Road.
- Hospitals & Clinics: Hang Dong Hospital and Klaimor Hospital up in nearby Pa Daet.
- Parks & Playgrounds: Nics Restaurant & Playground, YuuBaan Studio, Triplets Eat & Play, Bella Goose Cafe on the Pond.
