Best for
- Remote workers on a budget
- Students who want a local neighbourhood
- Long-stayers who want to be near Nimman and the Old City
Not ideal for
- People who want new condos with full facilities
- Families who need space
What it is like
A mostly Thai area of low-rise apartments and shophouses. It is quieter than Nimman but still close to it. Costs are lower because the housing stock is older and simpler.
Getting around
Nimman and the Old City are a short scooter or songthaew ride away. Some residents cycle.
Weather
Burning season haze typically runs January to April and peaks in March, so many residents leave or buy air purifiers.
Immigration office for Santitham
Chiang Mai Immigration, 71 Airport Road
Serves all of Chiang Mai province. A Central Festival counter is reported for some services. Confirm before you go.
Chiang Mai Immigration Office (Airport Road): hours and tipsChiang Mai Immigration Service Point (Central Festival): hours and tips
Visa notes for long stays
- Monthly apartment buildings vary on TM30. Ask the office to file it and give you a copy.
- 90-day reports can reportedly be filed online after your first in-person report. Keep a paper backup in case the system refers you to the office.
- File at the immigration office for the province where your address is registered, not simply the nearest one.
Banks, hospitals and services nearby
Banks 40
- Krung Thai Bank · Chotana Soi 8, แขวงนครพิงค์
- Siam Commercial Bank · Taiwang Road, แขวงนครพิงค์
- Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) · Prapokkloa Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Bangkok Bank · Muang Samut Road, แขวงนครพิงค์
- Kasikorn Bank · Thapae Road, แขวงนครพิงค์
- Thanachart Bank · Changpuak Road, แขวงนครพิงค์
- Siam Commercial Bank · Soi Phongsuan, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Bank of Ayudhya · Changpuak Road, แขวงนครพิงค์
Hospitals 14
- Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital · Suthep Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Lanna Hospital Extension · Sookasem Soi 2, แขวงนครพิงค์
- Lanna Hospital · Super Highway, แขวงนครพิงค์
- Chiang Mai Ram Hospital · Bun Rueang Rit Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Lanna Hospital - New Building · ถนนคลองชลประทานป่าตันงาม, แขวงนครพิงค์
- Chiang Mai Hospital · Super Highway, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Chang Puak Hospital · Chang Phuak Soi 3, แขวงนครพิงค์
- St. Peter Eye Hospital · Anuban Road Soi 1, แขวงนครพิงค์
Coworking 5
- The Social Club - Coliving & Coworking Space · Arak Road Soi 3, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Mana Coworking Space · Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 10, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Co-working space with garden · Wiang Kaew Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- The Social Club - coliving & coworking space · Arak Road Soi 3, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Brain awake coworking space · Intrawarorot Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
Language schools 5
- The PRO Language · Nimmanhaeminda Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- International language school · Sirimangkalajarn Road Soi 7, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Chaing Mai Japanese Language School · Samlan Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Walen Language School · Huaykaew Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Chiangmai German Language School · Singharat Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
Muay Thai 3
- Thaphae Muay Thai · Thapae Road, แขวงนครพิงค์
- Sting Hive Muay Thai Gym · Arak Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Chiangmai Muay Thai Gym · Wiang Kaew Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
Gyms 2
- Gym · Prapokkloa Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Muay Thai Gym · Wiang Kaew Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
Int'l schools 2
- Singapore International School Chiangmai · Maneenopparat Soi 3, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- International Training Massage School · Chang Phuak Soi 4 Ching, แขวงศรีวิชัย
Supermarkets 21
- Supermarket · Changpuak Road, แขวงนครพิงค์
- Supermarket · Wichayanon Road, แขวงนครพิงค์
- Rimping Supermarket · Huaykaew Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Tesco Lotus · one way, แขวงนครพิงค์
- Tops Market · Soi Phongsuan, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Tops · Assadathorn Road, แขวงนครพิงค์
- J. Imboon Vegan Store · Photharam Road, แขวงศรีวิชัย
- Somchai Plastics and Furniture · Rachadamnoen Road Soi 8, แขวงศรีวิชัย
Living in Santitham: questions
Is Santitham cheaper than Nimman?
It is generally seen as cheaper, with older apartment buildings. Compare listings yourself, since prices change.
Is Santitham safe?
It is a normal residential area. Use the usual care with scooters and late-night traffic.
Where do Santitham residents do immigration?
At Chiang Mai Immigration, 71 Airport Road. All Chiang Mai province addresses use this office.
Can I walk to Nimman from Santitham?
Parts of Santitham are close enough to walk. Distances vary, so check your exact street on a map.
Sources
- Chiang Mai Immigration (official): 71 Airport Road
- CM Locals: Airport Road vs Central Festival counters (secondary)
- Immigration Bureau: notification of residence for foreigners (TM30)
- IQAir: Chiang Mai during Thailand's burning season (March 2026)
- Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors via Nominatim (ODbL 1.0)
Last checked 2026-11-04 · Pending expert review. Immigration offices move: confirm before you travel.