Chiang Mai, the major city in the north known for its natural beauty and recognized as the cultural capital of the country by UNESCO, is a place many people aspire to live in. Beyond its well-known livability, Chiang Mai has many other potentials waiting to be discovered.

A Look Back at the Growth of Chiang Mai

The center of Chiang Mai is concentrated around the city moat road, a layout that has existed since the Lanna period, with various districts located near city gates such as Chang Phueak Gate, Suan Dok Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, and Tha Pae Gate. As the city has grown, its expansion has begun to move outward from the moat road, but typically does not exceed the boundaries of Ring Road 1 (Chiang Mai-Lampang Superhighway).

However, in the past 20 years, the city has seen a clear expansion of residential areas reaching Ring Road 2 (Chiang Mai 700 Year Celebration Road) and is beginning to extend to Ring Road 3 (Chiang Mai City Roundabout). This has led to urban development not only in the Mueang Chiang Mai district but also in neighboring districts such as Hang Dong, Mae Rim, Saraphi, Doi Saket, San Kamphaeng, and San Sai.

Where Are the Residential Areas in Chiang Mai?

The expansion of residential areas in Chiang Mai can be divided into 11 zones, each differing in price levels and types of housing. The development follows the road networks connected by Ring Road 1 to Ring Road 3, allowing for the grouping of districts as follows:

  • Inner City Zone: Chiang Mai City / Upper Hang Dong

This is a densely populated area within the boundaries of Ring Road 1 and Ring Road 2, not far from the airport, featuring a concentration of business districts, job opportunities, schools, universities, and shopping centers, with single houses, townhomes, and condominiums available.

  • Middle City Zone: San Sai, Payap University, Saraphi

This area is located around the boundaries of Ring Road 2 and is a residential zone close to the city, allowing easy access to central Chiang Mai within 20 minutes via the ring road and main roads. Most residences are single-story homes, twin houses, and townhomes.

  • Outer City Zone: Mae Rim, Mae Jo, Tha Ruea-Doi Saket, Bo Sang-Doi Saket, San Kamphaeng, Lower Hang Dong

This residential area is located around Ring Road 3 and serves as a residential zone for neighboring districts, allowing access to the city within 30-45 minutes. There are commercial areas, dining spots, and community hubs scattered throughout.

Chiang Mai: A Large City with Complete Amenities Close to Nature

The highlight of Chiang Mai is its perfect blend of urban and natural environments. In urban areas, there are leading shopping centers, large markets, multiple hypermarkets, hospitals, schools, and universities, with job opportunities and shopping spread across key intersections that serve as sub-centers for each district, covering the daily lives of residents.

And just a short distance outside the city, one can easily access tourist attractions and nature, allowing Chiang Mai residents to balance their work life during weekdays with relaxation in nature on weekends.

Chiang Mai: A City Everyone Wants to Live In

Chiang Mai is no longer just a tourist destination in the eyes of the world; it has become a living destination for foreigners, especially among the Digital Nomad community—those who work online from anywhere in the world. According to the global Nomad community website nomadlist.com/, Chiang Mai ranks as the third most popular city for Nomads worldwide, with over 8,600 Nomads currently residing in Chiang Mai, often renting homes in the inner city zone near the airport, such as in the inner city of Chiang Mai and upper Hang Dong, as well as in the middle city zone that remains close to nature with mountain views, such as Mae Rim, San Sai, Payap, Saraphi, and Hang Dong.

In addition to Digital Nomads, Chiang Mai also attracts foreigners working under Section 59 General and Section 62 (*Section 59 General typically includes managers, educators, and senior executives, while Section 62 Investment Promotion usually includes managers, technicians, and senior executives), ranking fourth in the country with approximately 5,178 individuals, mostly in managerial, executive, and teaching positions. Additionally, there are over 2,000 foreigners living in Chiang Mai during their retirement, distributed across the inner and middle city zones, such as Hang Dong, Mae Rim, and San Sai.

Opening International Schools in Chiang Mai

Another reflection of the popularity of Chiang Mai as a residence for foreigners, aside from the total number of over 16,000 foreigners per year, is the number of international schools. There are 20 international schools in the inner and outer city zones of Chiang Mai, with tuition fees ranging from 103,000 to 715,000 baht per year, mostly clustered in the inner and middle city zones.

  • Inner City Zone: Chiang Mai City, Upper Hang Dong

There are 7 international schools, with tuition fees in the city center ranging from 130,000 to 700,000 baht per year, and in upper Hang Dong from 170,000 to 480,000 baht per year.

  • Middle City Zone: San Sai, Saraphi

There are 6 international schools, mostly located in Saraphi near the superhighway, with tuition fees ranging from 100,000 to 350,000 baht per year in Saraphi and 200,000 to 375,000 baht per year in San Sai.

  • Outer City Zone: Lower Hang Dong, Mae Rim

There are 7 schools, mostly in lower Hang Dong, with tuition fees ranging from 175,000 to 620,000 baht per year, and 1 school in Mae Rim, namely Prem Tinsulanonda International School, with tuition fees from 369,000 to 715,000 baht per year.

Analyzing the Low-Rise Housing Market in Chiang Mai

Data from the Real Estate Information Center (REIC) shows that the low-rise housing market in Chiang Mai in the first half of 2023 remains clustered around the inner, middle, and outer city zones, with most projects being single houses (63.4%), twin houses (17.2%), townhouses (14.7%), and commercial buildings (4.7%).

Due to the high land prices in the inner city zone, most low-rise housing projects are located in the middle and outer city zones, such as Saraphi, San Sai, and Tha Ruea-Doi Saket, with a total of 635 units and a project value of 2,579 million baht. The areas with the highest project values are primarily in the middle and outer city zones, including San Sai, lower Hang Dong, Payap, and Saraphi. Overall, there has been a decrease in the growth rate of low-rise housing in Chiang Mai by 46.7% - 52.8% compared to the same period last year, with few new projects entering the market, but demand for low-rise housing continues to persist.

Investment Opportunities in Single Houses in Chiang Mai

With Chiang Mai's continuous growth potential and its livable city status, the demand for housing has increased in all forms, whether for tourism, vacation, permanent residence, or retirement. Real estate in Chiang Mai presents a great opportunity for investors, especially in the single house rental market, which has demand from foreign groups including Digital Nomads, expatriates working in Thailand, and families with children attending international schools seeking rental housing. The rental yield from purchasing single houses for rent is approximately 6% - 10% per year, with rental rates depending on the condition of the house, amenities, and furnishings. Single houses with 2-3 bedrooms and an area of 120-150 sq.m. rent for about 20,000 - 35,000 baht/month, while houses with 3-4 bedrooms and an area of 150-200 sq.m. rent for about 25,000 - 50,000 baht/month, and houses with 3-5 bedrooms and an area of 200-250 sq.m. rent for about 30,000 - 80,000 baht/month.

Projects in Convenient Locations Accessible to Key Places Within 25 Minutes*

Sansiri, one of the real estate developers recognizing the potential of the Chiang Mai area, has developed residential projects here. Following the success of the single house project, Setthasiri San Sai, they are now developing nearby projects such as Burasiri San Phisuea, a modern Lanna-style single house project ready for occupancy, catering to both homeowners and investors. It is conveniently located next to Ring Road 3, facilitating travel in and out of Chiang Mai and connecting to the Chiang Mai-Lampang superhighway, a major route for traveling to other provinces. This location is not far from the city center, allowing access to amenities within 25 minutes*, including government centers, Central Festival Chiang Mai, Kad Ruam Chok, NIS International School, Chiang Mai University, Theppanya Hospital, and Chiang Mai Airport.

Additionally, two new projects are set to launch soon: Anasiri Payap, a new twin house design in the Modern Barn House style located in a convenient area connecting the superhighway and Ring Road 2, with access via three routes, close to Central and adjacent to Payap University, making it easy to reach the city center in just 10 minutes*, priced at 6 - 12 million baht*, and Setthasiri Ruam Chok, a new Modern Classic-style project located on the main road of Ring Road 2 with mountain views, near the Ruam Chok intersection and close to Nakorn Payap International School, priced at 14 – 30 million baht*.

All three projects are situated in prime locations, close to the city, and easily accessible, catering to both personal living and investment needs.

Burasiri San Phisuea: The Ideal Warm Home

Burasiri San Phisuea is a modern Lanna-style single house project under the concept “A PLACE IN YOUR HEART: The Ideal Warm Home”, designed to reflect the essence of Lanna houses, harmonizing with the lifestyle of Chiang Mai residents.

Surrounded by natural beauty, residents can enjoy life amidst mountain views, cool breezes, and lush green rice fields, creating a truly relaxing atmosphere close to nature.

This project is inspired by gemstones that convey uniqueness, blending contemporary Lanna aesthetics, and designed to create shared happiness spaces for families with large terraces adorned with woven patterns, while accommodating modern living.

More than just beauty, it offers convenience for a healthy lifestyle, ensuring the well-being of all family members with a Clean Fresh Air system that filters air down to 0.1 microns, providing pure air. Residents can feel secure with Sansiri's 24-hour standard security, featuring an Easy Pass Card system and CCTV cameras at all key points around the project.

5 Perfect House Designs for Multi-Generational Families

The standout feature of the house designs at Burasiri San Phisuea is their layout, which caters to multi-generational living and aligns with the lifestyle of Chiang Mai residents. The interior spaces are airy with ceiling heights of up to 2.65 meters, and the ground floor features an open-plan design that connects the living area with the dining zone. Most house types include a ground-floor bedroom designed to be open to garden views and fresh air, while the second floor features a large terrace for family relaxation and activities.

Each house type has its unique features, as follows:

1. HUANNARA Type: 128 sq.m., 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 parking spaces, emphasizing spacious outdoor areas for activities or gardening, with a large terrace on the second floor for relaxation.

2. HUANNARIN Type: 159 sq.m., 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 parking spaces, a corner house with ample front yard space, well-defined areas, and a large terrace on the second floor for relaxation.

3. HUANTARIT Type: 166 sq.m., 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 parking spaces, a wide-front house with defined areas and garden space suitable for family activities.

4. HUANTARIN Type: 190 sq.m., 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 parking spaces, a deep house with well-defined rooms, focusing on relaxation in the bedrooms.

5. HUANTANIN Type: 247 sq.m., 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 parking spaces, a corner house with a wide front, complete functions, and spacious ground floor areas connected for family activities, with all three upstairs bedrooms featuring en-suite bathrooms for added privacy.

Burasiri San Phisuea offers ready-to-move-in single houses in a modern Lanna style, set in a resort-like atmosphere amidst nature, equipped with functions and amenities for everyone, whether for small or large families, located just 15 minutes* from the heart of Chiang Mai, priced at 6 - 12 million baht*. For more information, register at http://siri.ly/1aBuVZA.