📝 1. Overview
Santitham Road and its surrounding streets form a chill, affordable, and low-key neighborhood just north of Chiang Mai’s Old City and west of Chang Phuak Gate. Popular with young locals, students, digital nomads, and in-the-know expats, it’s packed with hidden cafés, great street food, vintage apartments, co-working spots, and authentic northern Thai living. If Nimman is the stage, Santitham is the cool green room.
🌟 2. Highlights
🍲 Legendary Street Food – Some of the best khao soi, grilled meats, and rice bowls in town
🏘️ Old-School Thai Houses & Apartments – Local vibes + low-rise charm
☕ Chill Cafés – Less polished than Nimman, but full of character
🎓 Near CMU & Chang Phuak – So prices are low and portions are big
🛵 Underrated Base for Living or Long Stays – Quiet nights, walkable mornings
🧘 Temples + Fitness Studios – Community-focused scene
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Santitham Yai Rd market zone – Carts, smoke, motorbikes = Bangkok-but-Chiang Mai
- Quirky cafés with open fronts – Street life meets coffee
- Golden hour around Wat Santitham – Peaceful + no tourists
🕒 Best time to explore:
- Morning (7–9 AM) for market energy
- Evening (6–8 PM) for food stalls
💸 Most places = cash only
🛏️ Want long stay? Santitham has monthly rentals from 5,000–8,000 THB
🍽️ 4. Must-Try Food Spots
- Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom (คั่วไก่ลุงประกิจ)
🍜 Bold, spicy khao soi with crispy + soft noodles
📍 Near Santitham Plaza
🕒 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM - Cherng Doi Roast Chicken
🐔 Northern Thai grilled chicken with tamarind dip
📍 Off Hussadhisawee Rd
🕒 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM - Santisuk Market Night Food Stalls
🌮 Budget rice plates, grilled skewers, mango sticky rice
🕒 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
💸 30–70 THB per meal
☕ 5. Chill Cafés & Work Spots
- 9th Street Café
☕ Minimal, local-style café with plug-ins and chill staff
📍 Near Santitham Rd
🕒 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Akha Ama Coffee (Wat Jed Yod)
🌿 Social enterprise roastery with amazing beans
📍 Slightly west of Santitham
🕒 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM - Ombra Caffè
📚 Bookish café with dark interior and fast Wi-Fi
📍 Near Hussadhisawee area
🛕 6. Nearby Sights & Walks
- Wat Santitham – Peaceful, tucked-in local temple
- Wat Jed Yod – Unique ancient site just 10 min by bike
- Chang Phuak Gate – 15-min walk south for night market, temples
🛍️ 7. Mini Markets & Local Life
- Santitham Market (Morning) – Sticky rice, grilled chicken, fresh veg
- Santisuk Night Market – Street food + cheap clothes
- 7-Elevens, fruit stalls, noodle shacks every block
🚗 8. Access
📍 From Old City (North)
🚶 15–20 min walk from Chang Phuak Gate
🛺 Red songthaew (~20 THB)
📍 From Nimman
🛵 5–10 min scooter ride via back roads
📍 Scooter Rental Nearby
🛵 Many shops around Hussadhisawee & Santitham Plaza
🛏️ Best for:
- Budget travel
- Long-stay living
- Quiet cafés & food mission days
