Highlights:
- Green residential area close to the city
- Spiritual and creative hub with temples and artist villages
- Budget-friendly options near stylish cafes and market plazas
Best for: Artists, spiritual seekers, and families looking for a balance of nature and city access
Transportation: Motorbike is the preferred mode, some areas walkable but with tight spaces
Cost of living: Housing costs range from ฿12,000-25,000/month, offering a more affordable alternative to Nimman with access to both local markets and nearby Western conveniences. Daily living is moderately priced but higher if you frequent Western stores.
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Nestled at the foot of Doi Suthep, Pong Noi is a beloved slice of Chiang Mai. Having called this neighborhood home ourselves, we can attest to its unique charm and hidden treasures.
Pong Noi is a spiritual and creative hub, dotted with temples like Wat Pong Noi, Wat Rampoeng, and Wat Umong along its back roads. The Baan Kang Wat artists village adds a hefty dose of creativity to the mix, making this area a haven for the artistically inclined.
While it’s budget-friendly thanks to its proximity to the university, Pong Noi doesn’t skimp on style. Pretty cafes and market plazas are sprinkled throughout, offering plenty of spots to while away an afternoon. The neighborhood hides some truly stunning houses, though yard space is at a premium. What it lacks in lawns, it makes up for in lush greenery.
You get to Pong Noi via the Canal Road, or by navigating the back soi that runs roughly parallel. Getting around can be a bit of an adventure – the narrow roads make motorbikes the transport of choice. It’s somewhat walkable, but be prepared for some tight squeezes.
When it comes to Western amenities, Pong Noi is more of a hidden gem than a one-stop-shop. You’ll find a sprinkling of expat-friendly cafes and restaurants, but for a full suite of Western conveniences, you might need to venture to nearby Nimman or Mae Hia. That said, its proximity to these areas means you’re never far from familiar comforts.
Expat-friendly Amenities in Pong Noi:
- International Schools: Northern International Montessori School near the airport, Ambassador Bilingual Academy, American Pacific International School Primary or Lanna International School in Mae Hia with more options further south in Hang Dong.
- Supermarkets: Shopping centers in Nimmanhaemin or Mae Hia are equally accessible.
- Hospitals & Clinics: Nearest options are Sriphat and Maharaj Hospitals on Suthep Road. Ram Hospital is a little further into the Old City and very popular with expats.
- Parks & Playgrounds: Nong Buak Hard Park is not far in the Old City, but the CMU Campus is nearby and the Ang Kaew Reservoir is a particularly nice parklike area open to the public.
