Category: Goats on the Road

As our plane lifted off from Bali to Brisbane, we were so excited to start our two and a half week trip to Australia! This country had been on our list for many years, but for whatever reason, we hadn’t made it to this part of the world…

…until our Aussie friends decided to get married! They live on the Gold Coast and we ended up spending 12 days exploring up and down the coast, and inland as well.

We based ourselves in Broadbeach, which ended up being the perfect spot. It was central, walkable, relaxed, and close enough to everything we wanted to see without feeling like we were in the middle of the party zone the entire time.

Having locals to guide us around meant we got the insider’s scoop on the best places to visit, things to do, places to eat…and of course, where to find the best wine!

In this post, I’ll share the 10 best things to see and do on the Gold Coast that you won’t want to miss.

Don’t Forget Your Entry Visa!

Before getting into the best things to do on the Gold Coast, I need to mention one very important thing that we almost messed up ourselves.

You need a valid visa to enter Australia.

And I don’t just mean travellers from certain countries.

Every traveller needs some form of visa or travel authority to enter Australia. New Zealand citizens can usually get a visa on arrival, but everyone else needs to have the correct visa approved before travelling.

As Canadians, we assumed we didn’t need a visa and would be given six months in Australia on arrival, similar to what we get when visiting the UK.

Wrong.

Luckily, we realized this before flying to Australia, but only two days before our flight. Not exactly the relaxed pre-trip moment we wanted.

The good news is that the process can be pretty straightforward, but you definitely don’t want to leave it until the last minute.

Check your visa requirements before booking your flight, or at least well before your departure date, and make sure the visa is linked to the same passport you’ll be travelling with.

If you’re planning a trip to the Gold Coast, or anywhere else in Australia, you can check which visa you need and apply online before you go with iVisa – they offer 24/7 customer support through email, chat or WhatsApp…in 14 different languages.

If you try to get the visa yourself and make one small error, that will delay the processing time. iVisa has a 99% approval rate, showing how reliable and accurate the company is.

Of course, all visa decisions/outcomes still depends on the government and that’s nothing iVisa or other companies have control over.

About the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most famous holiday destinations, sitting in Southeast Queensland, about an hour south of Brisbane – which is the main airport in the area (and the one we flew into).

It’s known for its long sandy beaches, surf culture, high-rise skyline, theme parks, nightlife, shopping, and nearby mountain areas just inland from the coast.

You probably already know this, but the Gold Coast is famous for its beaches – there are around 50 kilometres of coastline here. But what surprised me most was how quickly the vibe changes once you start moving around the coast.

One minute you’re walking along a busy beachfront promenade, the next you’re watching sunset on an empty beach, driving through green valleys, or walking through rainforest in the hinterland.

During our stay, we explored Surfers Paradise, Southport, Mermaid Beach, Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera Valley, Tamborine National Park, Coolangatta, Snapper Rocks, Currumbin Valley, and a few beautiful spots in between.

Best Things To Do On The Gold Coast

After an awesome visit, here’s my list of the things you won’t want to miss.

1. Base Yourself in Broadbeach

If you’re wondering where to stay on the Gold Coast, I’d absolutely recommend Broadbeach.

For us, it was the ideal base. It has everything you need – the beach, great restaurants, cafés, shops, and public transport, but it feels more chilled out than Surfers Paradise.

You can still walk along the beachfront, grab coffee in the morning, go out for dinner, and be close to the action, but Broadbeach has a slightly more grown-up, relaxed feel to it. It’s more polished without feeling boring.

This was especially nice because we were on the Gold Coast to spend time with friends, not just running around ticking off attractions.

Kurrawa Beach is right there, and it’s a beautiful place for a swim, a walk, or just sitting in the sand watching the sunset – which is what we did a few evenings. Or, if you’re feeling more active, you could check out this surfing experience with a surf coach.

2. Walk Around Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is probably the most famous place on the Gold Coast, and even if you don’t stay there, it’s worth visiting.

This is the Gold Coast people often imagine: tall buildings, a wide beach, busy streets, restaurants, shops, and a bit of a flashy holiday vibe.

I wouldn’t necessarily want to spend my whole trip based here, but it’s worth checking out.

We walked along the boardwalk and sand from Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise. Just north of it, there’s a great beach club called La Luna – I recommend there for drinks, food and a swim!

Surfers Paradise Beach itself is beautiful, with a long stretch of sand and rolling surf right in front of the city skyline. Go for a walk, grab a drink or meal, people-watch, and then decide whether it’s your scene.

For us, it was fun to visit, but we were happy to return to Broadbeach afterward.

3. Spend Time in Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads was one of my favourite areas on the Gold Coast.

It has that perfect mix of beach, cafés, local energy, and natural beauty. There are great places to eat, people hanging out on the grass by the beach, surfers in the water, and a laid-back coastal vibe.

One of the best things to do here is walk through Burleigh Head National Park. The park sits right on the headland and has walking trails with ocean views, rainforest, rocky coastline, and the chance to look back along the Gold Coast skyline.

Even if you’re not doing a big hike, it’s worth going for a stroll here. The views over Tallebudgera Creek and the coastline are stunning.

Afterward, grab a bite at the Tropic. The views here are gorgeous – don’t miss the puffed bread with hummus and fresh oysters, before heading to the “hill” to watch the early evening surfers. Technically this is a public area, but having a drink or two here is common.

4. Swim at Tallebudgera Creek

I’m so bummed that we missed this spot! Quite simply, we just ran out of time…

When we drove passed Tallebudgera Creek, I couldn’t believe just how stunning it was. The water is calm, clear, and ridiculously blue on a sunny day. It’s a great spot for swimming, floating around, paddleboarding, or just sitting by the water with friends.

Unlike some of the surf beaches, the creek feels more sheltered and relaxed – which is what I was looking for during our trip! It’s one of the best swimming spots on the Gold Coast if you want calm water rather than waves.

5. Visit Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach is another great area to explore, especially if you like a quieter beach vibe.

It sits between Broadbeach and Miami, so it’s easy to reach if you’re staying centrally. Compared to Surfers Paradise, Mermaid Beach feels much more low-key. It’s still beautiful, still close to everything, but it has more of a neighbourhood feel.

This is a great place to come for a relaxed beach walk, followed by a slow coffee or brunch – which is exactly what we did at Sunnyboy Espresso.

Mermaid Beach doesn’t have the same big-ticket attraction feel as some other areas, but that’s kind of the point.

7. Explore Tamborine Mountain & Park

One of the best things about the Gold Coast is that you can be at the beach in the morning and in the rainforest by the afternoon.

Tamborine National Park is a great day trip and gives you a completely different side of the region. Instead of sand, surf, and high-rises, you get rainforest walks, mountain roads, lookouts, and cooler air. I loved that it didn’t feel like a mission to get here – it’s only like an hour drive.

The Witches Falls section of Tamborine National Park is especially worth visiting. It’s also historically significant, as Witches Falls was Queensland’s first national park.

There are several walking tracks in the park, including the Witches Chase Track, which passes Witches Falls lookout and goes through rainforest and eucalypt forest, it’s only about 2.5 kilometers and it took us roughly an hour to walk it.

If you have a rental car, I’d definitely add this to your Gold Coast itinerary. But if you don’t have your own wheels, you can join a tour from the Gold Coast. Like this one where you’ll get to see koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat, or this one where you get to go ziplining.

6. Visit Witches Falls Winery

Tamborine National Park is one part, but Tamborine Mountain has cafés, shops, viewpoints, walking trails, gardens, and a slower mountain-town feel.

We popped in here for a tasty sandwich at Franquette before heading to Witches Falls Winery, which is a well-known cellar door stops on Tamborine Mountain, and the setting is lovely.

We actually had a picnic in the vineyards (it’s all about who you know ), but they have many outdoor tables as well. We loved the variety of wines here.

If you’re spending more than a few days on the Gold Coast, I think it’s worth giving yourself at least one full day away from the beach. The coast is beautiful, obviously, but the mountains offer different scenery and a different vibe.

8. Watch the Surf at Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks

Coolangatta feels different from the central Gold Coast in the best way.

It’s still beachy and beautiful, but it has a more relaxed, old-school coastal feel compared to places like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. It’s right down near the New South Wales border, so it takes a bit longer to get there if you’re based farther north, but it’s absolutely worth the trip.

One of the highlights in this area is Snapper Rocks.

This is a famous surf spot, and even if you don’t surf, it’s still worth visiting just to watch the waves, walk along the coastline, and take in the views.

We watched the surf from the Rainbow Bay Surf Club, over chicken parmis and Mick Fanning’s beer…and actually, we spotted Mick Fanning surfing while we were here!

In case you don’t know, he’s an Australian pro surfer, famous for surviving a shark attack while surfing in South Africa – he punched and kicked the shark…

The coastline around Snapper Rocks is gorgeous. You can walk around the point, watch the surf, and look back across the beaches. It’s also a great area for photos, especially if the weather is clear.

I loved that this part of the Gold Coast felt more laid-back. It still has restaurants, cafés, and plenty going on, but it doesn’t feel as built-up as the central areas.

If you have time, pair Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks with a visit to nearby Kirra Beach or Rainbow Bay. This southern end of the Gold Coast is perfect for a slower beach day.

9. Drive Through Currumbin Valley

Currumbin Valley was another place that made me realize how much more there is to the Gold Coast than just beaches.

We drove through here with our friends and were lucky enough to spot kangaroos on the side of the road! This was our first day in Australia and already we’d seen kangaroos and a koala!

The valley is green, peaceful, and lush, with winding roads, trees, and relaxed feel that makes you forget you’re still so close to one of Australia’s busiest holiday destinations.

If you have a car, this is a beautiful area to explore at a relaxed pace, with a stop at Pasture & Co. for a piece of lemon merangue pie the size of your head!

Don’t go expecting a packed itinerary or a long list of attractions to tick off. The appeal is more about the drive, the scenery, and stopping wherever looks interesting.

For us, visiting areas like Currumbin Valley gave the trip a lot more depth. It made the Gold Coast feel less like a beach destination and more like a region with a totally different vibe depending on where you go.

If you’re someone who likes nature, road trips, and places that feel a little quieter, make time for the valleys.

10. Relax at a Bathhouse

One thing I didn’t expect before visiting the Gold Coast was how big the bathhouse and wellness scene is. But once you’re there, it makes total sense.

The Gold Coast has such an active, outdoorsy lifestyle. People are surfing, swimming, walking the beach, hiking, doing yoga, and spending so much time outside. So places where you can soak, steam, cold plunge, and unwind fits right in!

We visited Greenhouse the Bathhouse in Tallebudgera Valley on a girl’s trip, and it was such a nice change of pace from the beach days and sightseeing.

It’s a beautiful, relaxed space with warm pools, a cold plunge, sauna, steam room, massage treatments, outdoor areas, and a plant-based restaurant on-site.

It was classy, but not intimidating at all, and because it’s tucked away in the valley, it has that peaceful “escape for a few hours” feeling.

Suggested Gold Coast Itinerary

If you’re trying to figure out how to put all of this together, here’s how I’d plan a first trip.

For a short stay of three or four days, base yourself in Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads. Spend one day exploring Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, and Surfers Paradise. Spend another day in Burleigh Heads and Tallebudgera Creek.

Then use your final day for either Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks or a day trip to Tamborine Mountain.

For a longer stay of one week or more, you can slow things down and spread everything out. Visit the main beach suburbs, spend a proper day in Burleigh, swim at Tallebudgera Creek, drive down to Coolangatta, explore Currumbin Valley, and take a full day for Tamborine National Park and Tamborine Mountain.

If you have 10–12 days like we did, even better. That gives you time to revisit your favourite beaches, spend time with friends, try more restaurants, and not feel like every day has to be jam packed.

Where To Stay on the Gold Coast

For us, Broadbeach was the perfect base.

It was central, walkable, close to the beach, and had plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby. It also made it easy to visit other parts of the Gold Coast without feeling like we were staying in the busiest tourist zone.

Surfers Paradise is better if you want nightlife, big hotels, shopping, and a more energetic tourist scene.

Burleigh Heads is great if you want a more local, trendy, beach-town feel with great food, surf, and access to nature.

Coolangatta is a good choice if you want a quieter southern Gold Coast stay with beautiful beaches and a more relaxed pace. For a first-time visit, I’d personally choose Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads.

Getting Around the Gold Coast

You can get around parts of the Gold Coast without a car, especially if you’re staying in Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, or Southport. The tram makes it easy to move between some of the main central areas.

But if you want to visit places like Tamborine National Park, Witches Falls Winery, Currumbin Valley, Tallebudgera Valley, and some of the quieter areas, having a car makes a big difference.

The Gold Coast is spread out, and some of the best places are outside the main beach strip. A car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop at random viewpoints, and not worry about working around buses or tours. Click here to search for the best deals on rental cars in the Gold Coast.

Or, if you’re on a longer trip through Australia, you could always check out one of these routes in a campervan!

Final Thoughts

The Gold Coast surprised me. I expected beautiful beaches, which it definitely has. But I didn’t expect the mountain areas, the beautiful valleys and the funky beach towns!

After 12 days, I understood why people love this part of Australia.

The Gold Coast isn’t just one destination. It’s a mix of beach towns, surf spots, rainforest walks, valleys, wineries, restaurants, and easy coastal living.

And while you can absolutely visit for a quick holiday, I think it’s even better when you give yourself enough time to slow down and actually enjoy it.

The post Visiting The Gold Coast Australia: 10 BEST Things To Do appeared first on Goats On The Road.

Millions of people fly halfway across the world to stand in line at Magic Kingdom, ride a roller coaster, eat an overpriced burger, and go home with a sunburn and a smile.

Meanwhile, people live just 90 minutes away and haven’t booked a hotel room in Orlando since… ever? That’s the thing about staycations, they’re often overlooked because you don’t have to hop on a plane to get there!

But trust me, after basing ourselves in many places around the world, and going on weekends away, I can say that they can be just as fun – and less stressful – than an international holiday.

The feeling of being on vacation has almost nothing to do with distance and almost everything to do with giving yourself permission – to not check emails, to sleep in, to sit by the pool with a good book, and to just fill the day at your own pace.

Orlando is one of the top visited places in the USA and happens to be a great place to staycation. And if you’re a Florida or Georgia resident, you can get it cheaper than almost anyone else.

Here’s how to plan an Orlando staycation that actually feels like a trip away.

Why Orlando Works Better as a Staycation Than a Vacation

Most visitors to Orlando are on a clock. They’ve got four days, seven parks, a dining reservation at 8:15pm, and a return flight on Sunday. They’re not relaxing…they’re on a tight schedule!

For Florida and Georgia residents, you don’t have that problem. You can drive in on a Friday afternoon, do exactly one thing per day, and drive home Sunday night without that panic of “we flew all this way, we have to do the water park.”

That changes everything about how you should plan. Instead of trying to see everything at once, you get to pick and choose…because you can simply come back next month if you want!

It also means you can travel in shoulder season, whereas tourists typically visit when school’s out. You can come the second week of September, or late January, or the first half of May – when the parks are quieter, the hotel rates drop, and you’re not lining up 80 minutes for a ride that lasts just three.

Choosing the Right Area to Stay In

This is something to consider when you just have a few days to visit Orlando, and it’s also where most staycations fail. People book whatever’s cheapest near the airport, spend the whole weekend on the I-4, and wonder why it didn’t feel like a holiday.

Orlando is enormous and sprawling, and the neighbourhood you pick determines what your weekend will actually be like. For most people doing a classic Orlando staycation, it’s I-Drive or the Disney side – those are the two areas built for it.

International Drive (I-Drive): this is the resort corridor, it’s a long strip running roughly parallel to I-4, packed with hotels, restaurants, outlet malls, mini golf, the convention centre, and Universal a few minutes north. If you want everything within a short drive, this is the most convenient base in the city. It’s also where you’ll find the biggest resort properties with the best amenities.

Lake Buena Vista and Highway 192 (Kissimmee): this is Disney’s orbit. If you’re doing the parks with kids, staying on this side saves you meaningful time and traffic every single day. It’s more spread out and less walkable than I-Drive, but the accommodation options are more varied. You’ll find villas and multi-bedroom units rather than standard hotel rooms – which is exactly what you want with a family.

Winter Park is the opposite end of the spectrum. Here you’ll find leafy, historic, brick sidewalks, independent shops, boutique hotels. There’s nothing theme-park about it. If your staycation is a grown-up weekend without the parks, this is where to be.

Downtown Orlando works if you want the city rather than the tourist version of it. Check out Lake Eola, Thornton Park, Mills 50, the Milk District. Here you’ll find nightlife, restaurants, and actual local life.

Where to Stay: The Florida & Georgia Resident Discount

Westgate Resorts have properties in both of the main corridors – on Turkey Lake off I-Drive, and on the Disney side near Kissimmee, and Florida and Georgia residents get a discounted rate at all of them.

Their highly-rated villa-style units come with full kitchens, and separate living areas. Not to mention, there are multiple onsite restaurants, pools and more. Check the Florida & Georgia resident rates here.

Things to Do in Orlando That Aren’t Theme Parks

In case you’re not planning on visiting Disney World, there are lots of other things to do in Orlando to keep you busy. The city is one of the best places to go in Florida for a reason!

The Chocolate Kingdom Factory. This tour walks you through the whole bean-to-bar process. How cacao is grown, roasted, ground, and turned into the chocolate you actually eat. It’s a guided tour with lots of tasting along the way, and you finish by making your own custom bar. Click here for details.

Enjoy the view from the Florida Eye. One of Orlando’s most recognizable attractions is The Orlando Eye at ICON Park, the 400-foot observation wheel on International Drive. The ride takes about 20 minutes, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the Kennedy Space Center

Do the downtown thing. Lake Eola with its swan boats is the postcard shot, but the surrounding neighbourhoods are where the actual city lives. Check out Thornton Park area which is walkable and a great place to eat. On the first Thursday of every month, the neighbourhood’s galleries open their doors for an evening of art and live music – which has a more local vibe.

Kennedy Space Center. An hour east, and one of the most impressive day trips from Orlando you can do. Visiting this NASA facility is worth the drive. Click here for a highly rated tour, including transport.

Doing the Theme Parks Like a Local (Not a Tourist)

If you do want parks, do them differently than the people who flew in.

Buy an annual pass if you’ll go more than twice. Florida residents get substantially reduced annual pass rates at both Disney and Universal, often with monthly payment options. If you’re going to visit two or three times a year, the pass beats individual tickets and removes the “we have to get our money’s worth today” pressure, which is the opposite of what a relaxed staycation is about.

Go for half days. The tourist mindset is: arrive when the rope drops, and stay to the fireworks. The local mindset is: arrive at 4pm, ride four things, eat dinner, watch the show, leave. The evenings are cooler, crowds thin after the day-trippers leave, and you go home happy instead of exhausted.

Use the resident-only ticket offers. Both major park operators run Florida resident promotions throughout the year, particularly in the autumn and late winter. These are frequently the cheapest park admission available anywhere.

Skip the park entirely and do Disney Springs or CityWalk. There’s no ticket required. You get free entry, access to restaurants, live music, shopping, and a cinema. It scratches the theme-park itch for the price of parking.

Money-Saving Tips for an Orlando Staycation

The whole point of a staycation is that it should cost meaningfully less than a “real” trip. Here’s how you can save some money.

Use the resident rates – all of them. Resort resident discounts like with Westgate Resorts, Florida resident park tickets, resident rates at attractions like Kennedy Space Center and the aquariums. A surprising number of places will honour it if you simply ask. Make sure to bring your ID.

Book accommodation with a kitchen. Breakfast at home, pack a lunch, and enjoy dinner out. That’s one restaurant meal a day instead of three. A family of four eating three meals a day in Orlando restaurants can easily clear $200/day.

Drive, obviously. The great thing about a Florida staycation is you don’t have to pay for pricey flights, baggage fees, and there’s no rental car needed! You can bring a cooler, some of your own food, a case of water, your favorite coffee machine, whatever you need! Even things like beach chairs – and whatever else you’d otherwise be buying or renting at resort prices…just toss it in the car.

Travel midweek. Sunday-to-Thursday rates in Orlando are frequently a fraction of Friday-Saturday rates. If your schedule has any flexibility at all, you’ll be able to save quite a bit.

Avoid peak weeks. Spring break, Christmas week, Easter, and the July 4th stretch are the most expensive and most crowded times to be anywhere in central Florida. The best time to travel around Florida is September, early December, and late January – lower rates, fewer crowds, and better weather than July.

Pre-book parking or use resort shuttles. Theme park parking runs $30+ per day. If your resort runs a shuttle, use it.

Set a daily “one nice thing” budget. Rather than tracking every dollar, pick one thing per day that you’ll spend properly on. Maybe a good dinner, the spa, a special ticket – and keep the rest cheap. It feels indulgent without the hefty bill at the end.

How to Actually Make It Feel Like a Vacation

This is the difference between a staycation that feels like you went abroad, and one where you just…slept somewhere else.

Pack a real bag. Not a gym bag with a toothbrush. Pack a suitcase like you’re going somewhere. The act of properly packing makes it feel like you’re actually going on holiday.

Set an actual departure time and stick to it. The problem with the staycation mentality is leaving at 4pm on Friday because you “just had to finish one thing.” Leave at noon if you can and take the half day. The extra four hours is a quarter of your weekend.

Turn off notifications. All of them. Pretend like you’ve gone away on holiday to Europe. Don’t answer your emails, texts or anything – you’re offline!

Don’t plan every hour. The joy of the staycation is you don’t have to jam everything in…because you could just return a month later if you wanted! Pick two main activities for a weekend, and make sure to carve out some pool / relax time as well.

Eat somewhere you wouldn’t normally. Tourists eat at the resort, and locals eat at the same six places on rotation. Break both patterns and go somewhere new! Ask your hotel for recommendations, or check Google Maps or Yelp.

Sample Orlando Staycation Itineraries

The Two-Night Reset (no parks)
Friday: Arrive midday, check in, pool time, spa treatment, dinner on I-Drive, and finish with a sunset ride on The Florida Eye at ICON Park, which is a five-minute walk from most of the restaurants there.

Saturday: Winter Park morning, enjoy the Morse Museum and the Scenic Boat Tour, followed by a long lunch on Park Avenue. Back to the resort for the afternoon, followed by a food tour in the Milk District for dinner.

Sunday: Wekiwa Springs early, drive home by mid-afternoon. Day-use entry is $6 per vehicle and you need to reserve a slot in advance now, so book it before you go.

The Family Long Weekend
Thursday: Arrive, stock up on groceries, settle into the villa, resort pool time.

Friday: Sleep in and enjoy the resort, have a slow breakfast in the villa, pool until lunch, then head to the park rested around 3pm. Half-day park visits work well because you’re not exhausted by 3pm…being lazy in the morning in the point.

Saturday: Chocolate Kingdom in the morning, resort waterpark all afternoon, nobody drives anywhere else. Dinner at the resort.

Sunday: Disney Springs or CityWalk, before heading home in the afternoon.

The Space and City Weekend
Friday: Arrive, settle in, dinner and a wander around downtown. Saturday: Kennedy Space Center – it’s an hour each way and deserves a full day, so leave early and don’t try to pair it with anything. Back for a late dinner.

Sunday: The Historic Districts walking tour downtown, brunch in Thornton Park, home mid-afternoon.

The Cheap Weekend
Friday night arrival, cook all your meals in the villa except one. Saturday at Wekiwa Springs, which is $6 per vehicle, then Lake Eola and wandering around the downtown in the afternoon, which costs nothing at all.

Sunday morning spent at the resort pool, then head home. Cooking your own food, getting the resident accommodation rates, and doing free activities will really save you a lot of cash on your staycation.

Final Thoughts

Some of the best trips we’ve taken weren’t the most expensive or farthest away. They’ve been the ones where we actually slowed down, where the schedule was relaxed and we had a ton of time to be spontaneous.

Orlando is unusually well-equipped for that. It’s built for visitors, it’s stacked with things to do at every price point, and if you’re a Florida or Georgia resident, you have access to rates that people flying in from any other state (or abroad) would love to get their hands on.

You don’t need a passport. You don’t need a two week holiday. You just need a weekend, a tank of gas, and a room that isn’t yours.

The post Orlando Staycation Guide: for Florida & Georgia Residents appeared first on Goats On The Road.

Chiang Mai is well-known amongst the digital nomad community for its cheap living and fast internet connections. We’d been backpacking Thailand and Southeast Asia for a while and were in the market for somewhere to settle so we could concentrate on getting some work done. As we were in the area it seemed like the perfect choice of location, so we settled there for a month and it turned out to be just that.

In this digital nomad guide to living in Chiang Mai we’re going to cover all the essential insider knowledge that you’ll need to set up shop there including accommodation options, what you can expect from internet speeds, things to do in Chiang Mai, coworking space options and networking opportunities.

Accommodation in Chiang Mai

Depending on how long you are planning on living in Chiang Mai there are a couple of different options. Basically if you are looking at staying for less than 3 months your best bet is to negotiate a daily rate directly with a serviced apartment building (this is what we did). However, if you are going to be settling for 3 months or more you there are lots of short-term apartment rentals available to choose from – you will struggle to find somewhere willing to sign a lease for less than 3 months.

Daily Rate Serviced Apartment

There are major pluses to choosing this type of accommodation. Firstly you will get a daily cleaning service included, but you will almost definitely be able to negotiate a lower rate for this only to be done every other day, or 3 times per week as we did. Secondly, all your bills will likely be included in your room rate, including Wi-Fi.

Expect a spacious, air-conditioned studio with a private bathroom, small kitchenette, TV, and a balcony for somewhere in the region of $15–25 per night depending on the building and area.

The place we got included a small table and chairs so there was somewhere to work, a kettle, microwave and fridge/freezer in the small kitchen, and a TV with numerous English-speaking channels (including an excellent movie channel).

There was also full-time onsite security, parking, communal washing machines and water stations. If you’re not bothered about all that, there are older, more basic buildings with smaller room that can come in lower.

SEE ALSO: The 5 Best Cities with Lightning-Fast Internet for Digital Nomads

Short Term Apartment Let

Finding an apartment to rent in Chiang Mai longer term is best done once you’ve actually arrived. So book a few nights in a hotel, then set up viewings with a few local estate agencies once you’re on the ground. Facebook rental groups also tend to turn up some good deals and can be a great place to look too.

But there are plenty that are very reputable, straightforward and free for the renter estate agents in Chiang Mai. Simply send them a brief email of what you are after and they will arrange the viewings, ferry you around by car and sort out all the paperwork.

Here are some estate agent options that have good reviews:

• Perfect Homes
• Open Realty
• Chiang Mai House

As of 2026, a one-bedroom apartment typically runs $300–500 per month in popular nomad areas like Nimman or the Old City, with basic studios available from around $150–250 further out, and nicer condos with pools running higher.

It was a few years back now, but some friends of ours rented an incredible place for 6 months for $480 per month with a gorgeous kitchen and swimming pool included – you can check it out here.

We know someone else who for years rented a more basic but still fantastic rooftop apartment on a year lease for $200 per month. If you are wanting to rent longer term and are also willing to pay a few months up front at a time you will have much more negotiating power. You can also rent whole 2/3/4 bedroom houses outside of the city for similar prices that you’ll get for apartments in the city if you don’t mind being further out.

Bills (electricity, water, internet) will not be included in your rent and you will have to pay these separately at around £120 per month depending on how much electricity (i.e. air-con) you use and your choice of internet – more on that coming up.

Top Location Options in Chiang Mai

• Chiang Mai Old Town

You’ll be in the centre of the action here with no end of western eateries and nightlife options but accommodation prices tend to be on the higher end.

• Chang Khlan Area

This area is around a 15 minute walk Southeast of the Old Town and although it is less modern and has a few seedy bars, it’s still safe. Accommodation is generally cheaper and there are lots of street food and cheap restaurant options.

• Nimmanhaeman Road Area

This area is North West of the Old Town and is where the cool kids hang out. It has a large expat crowd with loads of coffee shops, western restaurants, a huge mall with a cinema, and many coworking spaces. It is one of the more expensive areas Chiang Mai to rent in.

• Chang Puak

Just North of the Old Town is Chang Puak area. Close to a major university there are large numbers of students here. Accommodation is cheaper and again there are lots of street food and cheap restaurant options. This is the area that we stayed in, it’s a 25 minute walk into the town centre and a 5 minute walk to a large supermarket.

☞ SEE ALSO:

• Best Things To Do in Bangkok – Our Top 13!
• Things To Do in Chiang Mai – Don’t Miss These 17 Things
• Backpacking Thailand – The Ultimate Travel Guide
• Places To Visit in Thailand – Our Top 15 Picks
• Things To Do in Thailand – These Are The Top 25!
• Things To Do In Koh Phangan – Such a cool place!

Getting Around Chiang Mai

Tuk tuks and songthaews (red trucks) remain common for short trips around $3, and Grab is now widely used for rides and food delivery. For regular transport, renting a scooter runs roughly $70–90 per month including basic insurance, with petrol still cheap. CityGlide is a reputable company that we would recommend and has a variety of bikes.

Your best option if you are living in Chiang for a few months or more though and need daily transport is to buy a motorbike and sell it when you leave. Depending on your budget you can either get a new one or pick up a second hand one. There are second hand bike markets at Ruem Chok on Saturdays and San Patong on Sundays. Or you can post your second hand motorbike enquiry on the Chiang Mai Facebook groups and will get plenty of suggestions – more on that later.

If buying second hand be sure take someone with you who knows what they are doing, there are procedures you will need to follow to register the bike after purchase. There are also Honda and Yamaha dealerships in the Old Town. If you don’t need transport day to day, just hire a motorbike for a few days at a time to take you on your adventures like we did.

Internet Speeds in Chiang Mai

You will get free Wi-Fi in serviced apartments but it may be a little slow depending on your needs. The one we had was a bit hit and miss but worked better when we moved rooms closer to a router. Of course you are sharing the connection with others so it will be slower if more people are using it. Your best option, like we did, is to work from a coffee shop or coworking space, particularly if you are wanting to upload or download anything.

If you are renting an apartment in Chiang Mai and plan to work from home, personal broadband installation is readily available. There are a number of providers who will get you a fast and reliable connection up and running within a few days for around $20 per month.

Because it depends on which area you are in as to which provider you are covered by, your best option is to just ask your landlord or estate agent but most people we know in Chiang Mai are currently using SINET.

SIM Card Options

It’s really easy to get a SIM card in Chiang Mai, you can readily pick them up from the airports or many 7-Elevens dotted around the city. The pay as you go ones are usually free or you can get monthly plans for around $15 per month. Again there are lots of providers but popular ones are AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC.

Co-Working Spaces

The majority of these are clustered around either the Old Town or Nimmanhaeman Road Area and prices vary along with internet speeds and facilities. For a top notch one that is open 24 hours, has a super high speed internet, free refreshments and a gym and swimming pool you are looking at a monthly membership fee of around $100-150 per month.

Punspace remains one of the most established options in Chiang Mai, alongside newer spaces that have opened in Nimman and the Old City. Monthly memberships for a well-equipped space with fast internet typically run $110–160 per month, with day passes for around $10 available at most locations for more flexibility.

There are also literally hundreds of coffee shops all around Chiang Mai that have decent connections where you can work for a few hours for the price of a couple of coffees.

Networking Opportunities & Making Friends

Owing to having such an established digital nomad community there are plenty of opportunities to meet like minded people in Chiang Mai. Be sure to join the friendly Facebook groups ‘Chiang Mai Digital Nomads’ and ‘Farang (foreigner) Community Chiang Mai’.

There’s often plenty of events where a variety of entrepreneurs and bloggers speak on a variety of topics, from writing e-books to monetizing your blog. There’s lots of free useful information and valuable contacts to be made in Chiang Mai.

Eating & Drinking Costs

The cheapest way to eat in Chiang Mai is at the plentiful street and market restaurants, there are also many stalls that just offer takeaway options. This is predominately how we ate in Chiang Mai and we ate well. Average dishes cost around $1-3.

Western food is available widely but priced closer to home-country rates. If you are a vegetarian or vegan there are lots of choices, in the Old Town there are whole streets specialising in these dishes. Make sure you check out the Sunday market in Chiang Mai, this is a great place to find affordable and delicious food. You’ll also find lots of souvenirs and clothing.

The big supermarkets, usually Tesco Lotus, sell anything and everything although the produce is more expensive and we found it cheaper to eat out than cook. We found these are the cheapest places to buy beers and wine, however and could pick up a crate of 24 beers for around $25 dollars. Be forewarned though you cannot by law purchase alcohol in supermarkets between 2pm and 5pm, so plan your shop around that if you’re getting your beers in for the weekend.

Example costs (2026):

• Domestic beer in a bar: $2
• Cappuccino: $1.50-2.50
• Litre of milk: $1.50
• Loaf of bread: $1.50
• A dozen eggs: $1.80
• Kg of bananas: $1.20
• Bottle of mid-range wine: $15

SEE ALSO: 10 Cheapest Digital Nomad Destinations

Health & Fitness Options

There are loads gyms and fitness studios available in Chiang Mai. Prices start at around $2 a session or $30 dollars per month. There also lots of yoga studios and martial arts classes, in particular Thai boxing. Naturally there are plenty of massage places offering a whole range of relaxing treatments throughout Chiang Mai for $5-8.

You can also check out Mahasiddha Yoga for some classes, workshops and retreats. They are located at 49 Chang Lor Rd T. Haiya Mueang Chiangmai, เชียงใหม่ 50100, Thailand and are open Sunday to Saturday, 8am – 10pm.

It’s also worth being honest about something that doesn’t get talked about enough in digital nomad circles: burnout. Constantly moving, working across time zones, and never quite switching off can catch up with you. When this happens you can end up feeling tired even after a day off, the places you’re in can stop feeling exciting, or even feeling isolated despite being surrounded by other nomads can be quite common.

For most people, slowing down, building a routine, and finding community is enough. But if it’s gone past that and become something more serious, it’s worth knowing that Chiang Mai is also home to The Dawn, a Thailand rehab centre that runs a dedicated programme specifically for professional and executive burnout.

Entertainment Options

With such a vibrant and diverse community in Chiang Mai comes lots of entertainment options. There are several night markets that take pace across the city most nights of the week which are great for buying clothes and food.

Thai boxing fight nights are held regularly, just make sure you’re going to a proper competition one and not one of the a ‘fake’ ones put on for tourists. And the Maya shopping mall has a great cinema with all the latest English films and runs discounted options on Wednesday nights.

You will invariably at some point find yourself at the popular late night bars of ‘Zoe in Yellow’ and ‘Reggae Bar’ having a few Samsong rum and cokes. Chiang Mai isn’t a late city however and even these later bars are closed by 12pm due to strictly enforced regulations. There are underground bars behind shutters to be found that are open all night, but be careful of police raids as they’re against the law.

Around Chiang Mai

Nestled in central North Thailand, Chiang Mai, is also a perfect location for exploring the surrounding areas on your ‘off’ days. Chiang Rai and its beautiful white temple and gorgeous hiking trails are definitely worth a look, as are the intriguing ‘Sticky Waterfalls’ and beautiful ‘Grand Canyon’ – more info on those here.

If you have a few more days at a time to play with, another great way of exploring the scenic countryside around this part of Thailand is to rent a motorbike and do the 370miles over the incredibly picturesque western mountains to Pai, Mae Hong Son and back. There are numerous things to do in Pai, so make sure you stick around for a bit.

You are only a few hours by bus either way to the borders of Laos and Myanmar if you fancy a trip to either, but with Chiang Mai airport so close by you are within a few hours domestic flight connection to the rest of South East Asia also.

Visa Requirements

In May 2026 Thailand scrapped its long-standing 60-day visa-exempt entry, and what’s more border-run cycling is now actively discouraged by immigration.

The main route for digital nomads today is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV):

• A 5-year, multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry, extendable once for a further 180 days at a Thai immigration office.
• Requires proof of at least ฿500,000 (~$14,500 USD) held in savings for a minimum of 3 months before applying.
• Requires proof of remote income from outside Thailand (employment contract, freelance client agreements, or business registration)
• Must be applied for via the Thai e-Visa portal while physically outside Thailand.
• Requires completing a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours of arrival
• If renting, your landlord is required to file a TM30 form on your arrival, and address reporting is required every 90 days

This has changed significantly from how it used to work previously, and the consequences of overstaying can now result in   complete blacklisting). So do double check your specific situation and directly against the official Thai e-Visa portal or a licensed immigration lawyer before travelling for the most up to date information.

Just a couple of things to note:

• Chiang Mai experiences a period of heavy smoke/pollution from agricultural burning, typically February–April — worth timing around if you’re sensitive to air quality, and checking current air quality index reports before booking.
• Peak season remains December–February, with good apartments harder to find from around November onward.

If you’re trying to find a base to set up as a digital nomad, Chiang Mai should for sure be high up on your list of considerations. It has a much slower pace than the frenetic capital of Bangkok, is modern and convenient with access to good healthcare if needed. It’s a beautiful city with so much going on and is the perfect option for people wanting to experience a great lifestyle on a cheap budget.

For more on being a Digital Nomad around the world, check out:

A Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Malta

Mexico: The Best Digital Nomad Spot for North Americans

Our Digital Nomad Lifestyle on Lake Atitlan

The Cost of Living on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Like this Post? Pin it!

The post Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Digital Nomad Guide appeared first on Goats On The Road.