Ultimate Travel Guide To Nimman Chiang Mai: Do, Eat & Stay

Welcome to the hipster district of Chiang Mai! A neighborhood full of young students and digital nomads along Nimmanhaemin Road, affectionately known as Nimman.

Nimman is an enclave with trendy coffee shops, modern shopping malls, lively bars, and innovative co-working spaces. I first lived in Nimman in 2014, which is a long lifetime ago!

Since then, I've been back many many times. I've seen the area change immensely, new malls and boutique hotels getting built, food courts changing, there's definitely not much Thai culture left within the bubble of Nimman. But despite that, I love this neighborhood of Chiang Mai so much!

In this guide, I aim to delve into what makes this neighborhood truly special. I'll cover all the things to do, the best cafes and restaurants, and accommodations in Nimman. And I'll uncover exactly why Nimman stands out among Chiang Mai's neighborhoods.

Where is Nimman?

Chiang Mai's neighborhood Nimman is located close to Chiang Mai University. Its central artery is Nimmanhaemin Road, commonly known as Nimman. This location on Google Maps is the heart of Nimman Road.

The street begins at MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center on the northern end where it intersects with Huay Kaew Road. It ends at the intersection with Suthep Road on the southern end, close to the Chiang Mai University Convention Center.

Nimman Road is the main thoroughfare of the neighborhood, bustling with traffic during rush hour and lined with a mix of shops, cafes, and boutiques. From the main street, many little alleys are going off.

The area is just a short 7-10 minute drive from Chiang Mai's Old City, making it easily accessible. Alternatively, you can also walk from the historic Chiang Mai Town to Nimman in 30-40 minutes.

Getting Around Nimman

Nimman has a compact and pedestrian-friendly layout and you can easily wander the neighborhood's tree-lined streets on foot.

For longer distances, hop on a songthaew, the iconic red trucks in Chiang Mai, offering affordable rides into the Old City or up Doi Suthep mountain.

Alternatively, rent yourself a scooter if you feel comfortable driving, it's the ultimate flexibility and my preferred way to get around Nimman and Chiang Mai and its surroundings.

What's Nimman in Chiang Mai Really Like?

The neighborhood of Nimman in Chiang Mai is a mix of modern vibes, well-developed infrastructure, renowned for its fast internet connectivity and affordable cost of living.

Being close to Chiang Mai University, the area attracts a young crowd of students as well as digital nomads and expats, many of whom come to live here for several months of the year in fully furnished apartments – which I have too done many times.

In Nimman, you'll find plenty of charming boutique hotels that promise a cozy stay. This city spot is where the cool kids hang in hip coffee joints. It's got entertainment, shopping, restaurants and bars, all without that overly touristy vibe.

While it's not entirely steeped in Thai authenticity, Nimman's atmosphere offers a unique blend of modernity and local charm that's hard to resist.

Where to Stay in Nimman

Best Luxury Hotels in Nimman

($$$) U Nimman – One of the most luxurious hotels in Nimman, U Nimman is located right at the start of Nimman Road, opposite Maya Mall and next to One Nimman.

($$$) Art Mai Gallery Nimman – I loved my stay at Art Mai Hotel! If you ask for a room on a higher floor, you'll get mountain views! Rooftop pool and bar had fantastic views.

($$$) Akyra Manor Chiang Mai – You'll get to stay in luxurious suites with chic interiors. The rooftop pool is what sells this place!

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Nimman

($$) De Chai Oriental Nimman – Elegant boutique hotel with spacious rooms and a rooftop pool and bar.

($$) The Craft – I extended my stay at The Craft twice because I loved it so much. Hot tip: Book a Deluxe Room to get stunning mountain views, otherwise you'll be looking at a wall!

($$) G Nimman – Modern minimalist accommodation that's aesthetically so pleasing. Fairly new with a nice pool at its center.

Best Budget Accommodation in Nimman

($) The Empire Nimman – Huge rooms, great for longer stays. Each room comes with a private balcony offering views over the rooftops of Nimman and the mountains.

($) Hug Nimman Hotel -Great 3-star options offering modern twin or double rooms.

($) Box Hostel N Cafe – Dorm rooms that are clean and come with everything you need for an affordable price.

Best Things to Do & See in Nimman

While Nimman is a small neighborhood in Chiang Mai, it's got plenty of things to keep you busy, from chic shops to trendy restaurants and shopping malls.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Nimman:

Explore the Coffee Culture

Although the Old Town of Chiang Mai has fantastic coffee shops, it's undeniable that Nimman has an even greater abundance of them! Explore the coffee scene by visiting specialty cafes like Ristr8to Lab, Graph Café, and Nine One Coffee. My favorite cafe recommendations are below!

Join a Workshop or Yoga Class

Join a cooking class, yoga sessions, or craft workshops such as jewelry marking or silk classes offered in the area.

While most cooking schools are located in the Old City of Chiang Mai or outside of town on a farm, they do offer pickup from Nimman.

Here are some yoga and fitness places I can recommend:

• Annie Bliss Yoga: Basic and intermediate classes, from THB350 for drop-ins.

• Om Ganesha Yoga: On Nimman Soi 5, practice Vinyasa, Hatha, Yoga Flow and much more.

• The Wall Fitness: A new gym with affordable day passes.

• Gold Hillside gym & fitness: Super cheap but older equipment – you get what you pay for!

Relax in One of the Rooftop Bars

Enjoy scenic views of the Nimman neighborhood while sipping on a cocktail at one of Nimman's many cafes and rooftop bars. Some of my favorites are:

• Myst MAYA Chiang Mai: On the 6th floor of the Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre.

• Surr Bar: Indoor bar with huge windows on top of the Art Mai Gallery Hotel.

• De Chai Rooftop Bar: Outdoor space on top of the boutique hotel with the same name.

• NORI Sky Terrace: Great for Japanese cuisine and views of Doi Suthep mountain.

Spa and Wellness

I love treating myself to a relaxing massage or spa treatment when in Thailand. And there are certainly plenty of wellness centers dotted around Nimman:

• Lapas Massage: Several treatment options, right on Nimman Road.

• The Artist Spa: The place feels authentic with its traditional Thai Lanna-style wooden interior design.

• Let's Relax Spa: Located at One Nimman.

• Shanta Massage Day Spa: Which I frequented a bit as it was opposite my hotel, with great staff.

Discover Art Galleries, Street Art and Murals

Discover local and contemporary art at galleries around the neighborhood, like Gallery Seescape, which also has a cafe. Art Mai Hotel also has a small Gallery on the ground floor with art.

As you walk through the streets of Nimman, you will find many corners with vibrant street art and murals on buildings. From thought-provoking pieces to whimsical creations, Nimman's art scene is certainly visible, no matter if you're an art enthusiast and just a casual observer.

Explore the Nightlife in Nimman

The nightlife in Nimman is a little bit different from what you find in Chiang Mai's Old Town. The evenings come alive in the restaurants, cozy bars and rooftops with panoramic views featuring a more chill atmosphere, some have live music.

Nimman Soi 7 is the main party street that draws in a young and hip crowd. For those seeking a taste of the club scene, Infinity nightclub in Soi 6 has got the beats and dancing until the early hours.

If you're looking for a wilder nightlife, Loi Kroh Road on the other side of Chiang Mai's Old Town is where it's at. It's Chiang Mai's red light district.

Go on a Day Trip

The surrounding nature and mountains of Chiang Mai are perfect for little day trips.

• Explore Doi Suthep National Park and visit the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. I recommend sunset time!

• Have an ethical elephant encounter at the Elephant Nature Park.

• Relax and rejuvenate at the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, known for its therapeutic mineral waters.

• Head to the stunning Huay Tung Tao Lake, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities. There are little bamboo huts where you can eat with lake views.

• Experience the majestic beauty of Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand's highest peak. Go on a hike, explore the waterfalls, and visit the Royal Twin Pagodas on top of the mountain with its panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It's a little further but I highly recommend it!

• Drive into the mountains for coffee and cake with the best view at The First Valley Coffee Academy. It's a hidden gem!

Where to Go Shopping in Nimman

When it comes to shopping in Nimman, there's no shortage of options.

Start your retail therapy at the Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center, a huge 6-story mall with a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and a cinema and rooftop bar on top. You'll find international brands such as H&M, Pandora and Mango here.

For something different, head to One Nimman Mall, which houses lots of independent shops and has a European-style ambiance. It's newly opened with its chic boutiques and trendy eateries.

The main street of Nimman is also dotted with an array of boutique shops, art galleries, and handicraft stores. You'll find everything from local designer clothing to handmade jewelry along Nimman Road and its many little side streets.

Night Markets in Nimman

Nimman does not have the typical Thai night markets you'd expect – for that I recommend my favorite Sunday Night Market along Tha Phae Walking Street. Yet, if you want to stay around Nimman, you can still eat your way through delicious Thai street food and shop for souvenirs at Nimman's night market.

I like the little night market inside One Nimman Mall every night from Friday to Sunday. The market actually continues just outside One Nimman Mall along the charming tree-lined side street.

Lastly, there's also the Think Park Night Market in front of Maya Shopping Mall, it's small and artsy, if you're in the area you might want to have a brose.

Kad Na Mor Night Market (also called Chiang Mai University Night Market – this is the location on Google Maps) located a short drive away offers a more traditional night market experience with a wide range of food stalls, clothing, and handicraft stalls. It's a great place for people-watching too!

If you're up for a little drive, head to Lang Mor Night Market, it's a small market but has affordable food stalls and is popular with Thai people and students.

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Nimman

Nimman is renowned for its thriving cafe culture. It's got plenty of exceptional eateries and coffee spots.

Even if you spend a month or more in Nimman, you'll still find yourself unable to visit all the cafes due to their abundance.

Here are some of my favorite cafes and restaurants in the Nimman area:

• Ristr8to Original

• The Barisotel by The Baristro

• Graph at One Nimman

• Roast8ry Lab

• Hang & Craft

• Rustic and Blue

• The Booksmith 

• Coco Corner

Some of my favorite restaurants in Nimman are:

• Health Junk, one of my go-to's for a poke bowl

• Ging Grai for awesome Thai food.

• Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant

• Beast Burger for the best burgers in Nimman.

• Khao Tom Baht Diao, easy and affordable Thai food court.

• Tong Tem Toh for Northern Thai cuisine specifically.

• Why Not, Italian restaurant if you crave something other than rice.

Best coworking spaces in Nimman:

• CAMP on top of Maya Mall.

• Yellow Coworking is one of the biggest ones in Nimman.

• You can also work from pretty much any cafe in the neighborhood, as there is always fast free Wi-Fi.

Ultimate Travel Guide To Nimman Chiang Mai – Frequently Asked Questions

📍 Should I stay in Nimman and Old Town Chiang Mai?

Nimman offers a trendy atmosphere with modern amenities such as malls, boutiques and coffee shops, while Old Town Chiang Mai provides a more historical and cultural experience with temples and night markets. If this is your first time traveling to Chiang Mai, I recommend staying in the Old City. If you're a return visitor to Chiang Mai, a digital nomad or want to stay a little longer, then Nimman might be the better choice.

❓ What's the name of the main street of Nimman Chiang Mai?

The main street in the Nimman neighborhood in Chiang Mai is called Nimmanhaemin Road, often referred to simply as Nimman Road. It starts at Maya Mall and goes until the intersection of Suthep Road.

☀️ When's the best time to visit Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand?

The best time to visit Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, in general, is during the cool season, from November to February, when the weather is mild and pleasant with lower humidity and minimal rainfall.

Ultimate Travel Guide To Nimman Chiang Mai – Final Words

Nimman in Chiang Mai has that young, laid-back vibe with loads of cool spots and plenty of socializing, and almost everyone speaks English.

I personally love Nimman for its hip cafes, trendy boutiques, and colorful street art scene, it's my go-to neighborhood to stay in Chiang Mai. Whether you're trying local cuisine, hunting down hidden gems, or just chilling at one of the many cafes, Nimman is an awesome neighborhood, even if it's not your typical Thai scene.