Santitham

Local student area with authentic Thai life at half the price of tourist zones. Less English, less polished, but safe and genuine. Good choice if you want to save money and don't mind using Google Translate.

Santitham is a local student area between the Old City and Nimman where you'll pay about half what you would in tourist zones. The neighborhood around Rajaphat University has narrow streets with shophouse cafes, family restaurants, and Thanin Market. You'll see university students on motorbikes, families buying groceries, and some budget-conscious digital nomads who figured out the area has good food without tourist prices. Most menus are Thai-only, street vendors don't speak English, and you'll be one of few foreigners. Cafes like the original Akha Ama location have a mix of locals and expats. Safe during the day and evening, but residential streets empty out after 10pm. The area is crowded and rougher around the edges than Nimman - motorbikes on sidewalks, less polished - but that's what makes it feel local. Works well if you want authentic daily life, don't mind using Google Translate, and want to save money.