Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most romanticised places. The unique ambiance is far different than Bangkok or the country’s resort destinations. The city is inherently Thai despite rapid growth during the past decade. Tourists from around the world visit this laid back locale in order to experience a more authentic side of Thailand.

Some of these guests have fallen head over heels for Chiang Mai going as far as purchasing a holiday home in the city. Buyers from Singapore love the region’s cool winters while entrepreneurs from the US and Europe settle down here as it has become a hub for startups.

Live…

A number of condominiums have sprung up throughout the city and while many of these are nice, for a little more money buyers can enjoy the space and privacy of a villa or detached house. Sky Villa from Rochalia Development, winner of Best Developer Chiang Mai at The Dot Property Thailand Awards 2017, boasts beautiful villas with modern facilities.

Set upon the tranquil surroundings of Chiang Mai, each villa has several impressive features including the Sky Garden, a unique rooftop recreation area for relaxation, parties, barbecues and more. Here you can soak up the beautiful surroundings and tranquil ambiance.

Sky Villa
Rochalia Development’s Sky Villa helped the firm win Best Developer Chiang Mai at The Dot Property Thailand Awards 2017

Play…

While Old Chiang Mai remains a must visit destination, Nimmanhaemin Road has blossomed into the city’s most happening spot. Here you will find trendy bars and restaurants popular with tourists and locals alike.

It is also home to the city’s popular art scene. Numerous galleries can be found on the small streets in the neighbourhood. And surprisingly, you will stumble upon a few hipster antique shops around Nimmanhaemin Road with everything from old Rolex watches to neon beer signs for sale.

…Invest

Honestly, the Chiang Mai property market is nothing to write home about. The market was hot in 2014 but began cooling off in 2015 and became rather stagnate with weak supply and demand in 2016. However, there has been a turnaround in 2017.

“The real-estate market trend for Chiang Mai in 2017 shows a likelihood of demand growth, partly from the development of local infrastructure projects,” Anukul Ratpitaksanti, managing director of Plus Property, said. “There is also a trend of increased foreign demand for real estate in Chiang Mai, which is a popular city for foreign nationals. Foreign media outlets, such as The Huffington Post in the United States, have ranked Chiang Mai as one of the best real-estate investment locations in Southeast Asia.”

Final thoughts on Chiang Mai

If you are going to buy real estate in Chiang Mai, it’s probably best to avoid condominiums for the time being unless you plan on living here. Residential developments such as Sky Villa are not only in high demand from both international and foreign buyers, but contain better features.

For example, Sky Villa is equipped with a mineral water swimming pool, the very first one in a Chiang Mai residential complex. Rochalia Development has also added a green park that has a running track, water pond and a pavilion for yoga or meditation.