Nimman (Nimmanhaemin)

Digital nomad central with coffee shops, coworking spaces, and international restaurants. Everyone speaks English, streets are safe at night, easy to meet other travelers. Doesn't feel very Thai since it's basically an expat neighborhood, but that makes it comfortable if you want familiar amenities.

Nimman is where digital nomads work from cafes and expats live in monthly rentals. Located west of the Old City near Chiang Mai University, the area is full of coffee shops, coworking spaces, and restaurants catering to foreigners. The main Nimmanhaemin Road has designer shops and upscale places, while the numbered side streets (Soi 1, Soi 3, etc.) have specialty coffee roasters, craft beer bars, and vegan restaurants. You'll hear as much English as Thai. People work alone in cafes all day and restaurant staff are used to serving individuals. Streets stay lit and busy until midnight, with security at most venues. You can find monthly apartment rentals, gyms, and pretty much anything you need without leaving the area. The downside is it doesn't feel very Thai - it's an international bubble. But if you want to meet other travelers, don't want to deal with language barriers, or are staying for a while, the setup works well.