Santitham Chiang Mai
A vibrant local neighborhood north of Chiang Mai's Old City, known for its bustling markets, delicious street food, and authentic Thai atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience local life
Santitham Chiang Mai
Best Time
Experience local life

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant local neighborhood north of Chiang Mai's Old City, known for its bustling markets, delicious street food, and authentic Thai atmosphere.
"Santitham offers a genuine taste of Chiang Mai life with incredible street food and a local feel."
🎯 Embrace Local Markets
Thanin Market is a must-visit for authentic local experiences and delicious street food. :shopping_bags:
🏊♀️ Cool off at Santitham Plaza
Enjoy a swim at the affordable public pool for a local way to beat the heat. :swimming_pool:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thanin Market
Santitham
A bustling local market offering everything from fresh produce and street food to clothing and household goods. A true taste of Chiang Mai life.

Santitham Plaza Pool
Santitham
A public swimming pool offering a refreshing escape from the heat, surrounded by apartments with a local feel.

Local Eateries
Santitham
Discover authentic Thai flavors at numerous street food stalls and local restaurants, offering delicious and budget-friendly meals.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Navigating Santitham
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace Local Markets
Thanin Market is a must-visit for authentic local experiences and delicious street food. :shopping_bags:
🏊♀️ Cool off at Santitham Plaza
Enjoy a swim at the affordable public pool for a local way to beat the heat. :swimming_pool:
🛵 Scooter for Freedom
Rent a scooter to easily explore Santitham and surrounding areas. :scooter:
📱 Grab for Convenience
Use the Grab app for easy and affordable transportation around Chiang Mai. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace Local Markets
Thanin Market is a must-visit for authentic local experiences and delicious street food. :shopping_bags:
🏊♀️ Cool off at Santitham Plaza
Enjoy a swim at the affordable public pool for a local way to beat the heat. :swimming_pool:
🛵 Scooter for Freedom
Rent a scooter to easily explore Santitham and surrounding areas. :scooter:
📱 Grab for Convenience
Use the Grab app for easy and affordable transportation around Chiang Mai. :iphone:
🏠 Consider Santitham for Stay
A local-feel area with great street food, ideal for longer stays. :house:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Santitham is praised for its authentic local atmosphere and abundant, affordable street food, making it a favorite for those seeking a genuine Chiang Mai experience. While accommodation can be limited in larger sizes, its vibrant markets and community feel make it a highly recommended area for longer stays and budget-conscious travelers.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Santitham is easily accessible by taxi or Grab from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). If you're coming from the Old City, it's a short ride. Many travelers opt to rent a scooter for convenient exploration within the area and beyond.
Yes, Santitham is a walkable neighborhood, especially if you're staying within the main areas. However, for exploring further afield or reaching attractions outside the immediate vicinity, transportation like scooters or Grab is recommended.
For getting around Santitham and Chiang Mai, renting a scooter offers the most freedom. Alternatively, the Grab app provides convenient and affordable ride-hailing services. Public transport options are limited within Santitham itself.
Santitham is located just north of Chiang Mai's Old City, making it a convenient base for exploring both areas. It offers a more local feel while still being close to the main tourist attractions.
While there isn't extensive public transport within Santitham, songthaews (red shared taxis) can be hailed for travel to other parts of Chiang Mai. However, Grab and scooters are generally more convenient for navigating the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Santitham itself is a neighborhood, not a ticketed attraction. You don't need tickets to wander its streets or visit local markets. However, specific attractions within or near Santitham, like Dantewada or elephant sanctuaries, may have entrance fees.
No, Thanin Market is a public market and does not have an entrance fee. You can freely explore its stalls and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Thanin Market is typically open daily from early morning until late evening, though specific stall hours may vary. It's a great place to visit any time of day for a taste of local life.
Yes, the Santitham Plaza Pool has a small entrance fee, often around 50 THB, making it a very affordable option for a swim.
Yes, Dantewada is located about an hour outside of Chiang Mai and can be visited from Santitham. It's recommended to arrange transportation, such as a taxi or scooter, for this trip.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Santitham is known for its authentic local atmosphere, bustling Thanin Market, and a wide array of street food options. It's a great place to experience daily life in Chiang Mai away from the main tourist crowds.
Explore Thanin Market for local goods and food, enjoy a swim at Santitham Plaza Pool, and sample the diverse street food offerings. It's also a good base for day trips to nearby attractions.
Many digital nomads find Santitham appealing due to its local feel, affordable living costs, and proximity to amenities. While it might lack the extensive co-working spaces of other areas, its authentic vibe is a major draw.
Santitham offers a range of accommodation, from guesthouses and budget-friendly apartments to modern condos like DVieng Santitham. However, larger two-bedroom units can be scarce.
Santitham has a vibrant, local atmosphere. It's a busy residential area with markets, shops, and eateries catering to locals, offering a more authentic Chiang Mai experience compared to heavily touristed areas.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
Santitham is a street food paradise! Look for Khao Soi, sai oua (Northern Thai sausage), mango sticky rice, and various noodle dishes. Thanin Market is a prime spot for sampling a wide variety.
Yes, Santitham boasts numerous local restaurants serving authentic Thai cuisine. You'll find everything from casual eateries to more established spots, often at very reasonable prices.
Khao Soi is a famous Northern Thai curry noodle soup. Many local restaurants and street food stalls in Santitham serve delicious versions of this dish.
While Santitham is more known for its local eateries and street food, you can find cafes scattered throughout the neighborhood, offering coffee and light snacks.
Eating in Santitham is generally very affordable. Street food and local restaurants offer delicious meals at budget-friendly prices, making it ideal for travelers looking to save on food costs.
📸 📸 Photography
Thanin Market offers vibrant scenes of local life, colorful produce, and bustling activity. The residential streets themselves can also provide charming glimpses into everyday Chiang Mai.
While not strictly in Santitham, nearby Chiang Mai has unique cafes like Carp Cafe, which offers a surreal dining experience surrounded by koi fish, perfect for memorable photos.
Early mornings are great for capturing the market in action with softer light. Evenings are also good for street photography as food stalls come alive.
It's always respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially vendors. A smile and a polite gesture usually go a long way.
Santitham is excellent for street photography, capturing local life, food photography, and architectural details of local buildings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For day trips, consider visiting Dantewada, a 'land of angels' with waterfalls and gardens where kids can interact with animals like rabbits and goats. Ethical elephant sanctuaries are also a popular family activity, offering educational and heartwarming experiences.
💰 Budget Travelers
Transportation is also budget-friendly, especially if you rent a scooter. Even using Grab for shorter trips is quite economical. The Santitham Plaza Pool is a very cheap way to cool off compared to resort pools.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Digital Nomads
While it might not have the same density of co-working spaces as other areas, its relaxed vibe and proximity to local life make it an attractive base. Renting a scooter or using Grab makes it easy to get around and explore the city's many attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Thanin Market
When visiting, be prepared for a sensory overload in the best way possible. The sights, sounds, and smells are intoxicating. It's the perfect place to try local delicacies like sai oua (Northern Thai sausage), khao soi (curry noodle soup), and an endless variety of fresh fruits and snacks. Bargaining is common for non-food items, so don't be afraid to negotiate respectfully.
For photographers, Thanin Market offers endless opportunities to capture candid moments of local vendors, colorful displays, and the general hustle and bustle. Remember to be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
Accommodation in Santitham
While it's a great area, finding larger apartments can be a challenge. Many listings are for studio or single-room apartments, with two-bedroom units being particularly scarce. Condos like DVieng Santitham are available and offer amenities such as pools and gyms, though some find them a bit pricey for the neighborhood.
If you're looking for a central location with a local feel and good access to amenities, Santitham is an excellent option. It provides a comfortable base for exploring the city while offering a glimpse into everyday Chiang Mai life.
Santitham's Culinary Scene
The star of the show is often Khao Soi, a rich and flavorful curry noodle soup that is a Northern Thai specialty. You'll also find plenty of opportunities to try other local favorites like sai oua (spicy Northern Thai sausage), grilled meats, fresh spring rolls, and an abundance of tropical fruits. Don't miss out on the chance to try mango sticky rice for dessert!
Beyond street food, Santitham has numerous small restaurants that offer a more sit-down dining experience. These establishments provide a chance to savor traditional Thai dishes in a relaxed setting. For those seeking unique culinary experiences, nearby attractions like Carp Cafe offer a whimsical dining adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit