What To Look For When Choosing A Moo Baan in Chiang Mai?

When deciding what are the best places to live in Chiang Mai, one must consider that not all moo baan neighbourhoods are created equally. Each has its own style, feel, amenities, and monthly management fee. Some are taken care of better than others and some have wonderful communities while in other moo baans, people mostly keep to themselves.

So, how do you choose a moo baan? 10 things to consider

There’s a certain set of criteria that sets moo baans apart from one another and makes them the best places to live in Chiang Mai with kids or without them. These factors make some moo baans in Chiang Mai stand out above the rest. Let’s see what makes the list of the best moo baans in Chiang Mai!

1. Amenities

Amenities are a strong deciding factor in choosing the best moo baan in Chiang Mai. Amenities include sporting facilities, swimming and fitness facilities, restaurants or cafes, playgrounds, and dog walking parks. It’s important that you look for upkeep. How well have the amenities stood the test of time? Are they still being maintained?

Here’s a listing of amenities to look for in moo baans in Chiang Mai:

• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Playground(s)
• Tennis court(s)
• Badminton court(s)
• Cafes or restaurants
• Greenspace
• Hairdresser or barber
• Dog walking area
• Convenience store
• Security

2. Location

Location is so important! You won’t want to live somewhere where it will take you ages to get to what you need; restaurants, schools, supermarkets, work, etc. The best neighbourhoods in Chiang Mai (moo baans) are located near what most people want and need.

You’ll also want to factor in the road system here in Chiang Mai into your location. The roads largely operate on a U-turn system. This can be a huge pain in the butt and add up to 15-30 minutes on your travels. Some U-turns are 3 km or more away from intersections or the entrance to a moo baan, so it’s important to consider this factor when choosing a good place to live in Chiang Mai.

3. Security

Security is usually the main reason people or families choose to live in a moo baan in Chiang Mai. You’ll want to visit a few moo baans a test out their security. Guards are supposed to stop visitors and ask for your ID which will be returned to you upon exiting. Some moo baans even require you to get a stamp from the person you’re visiting to get your ID returned. If the security guard just lets you right in, then that’s a red flag.

Another sign of good security will be 24/7 service with guards that patrol the neighbourhood hourly. Some moo baans even spend a bit extra and hire police to canvas the community once or twice a day.

4. Privacy

This is important to some people. If it’s important to you, then you’ll want to look for housing communities in Chiang Mai where homes are gated and walled or where there is plenty of space between neighbouring homes. 

5. Other people, families, friendliness

If you’re moving to Chiang Mai with kids or teenagers, then having peers around for them to play with is a priority. All of the moo baans we’ll recommend below are known for their friendliness and are very popular places to live in Chiang Mai with kids.

6. A good community management board 

All moo baans have a community management board or committee. The management board is usually made up of long-term residents of the moo baan and sometimes the developer plays a role as well. The moo baan management committee is responsible for setting rules and managing everything within the community. They earn income through monthly moo baan fees which is supposed to be put back into the community (it will be quite obvious if they aren’t doing this – red flag!).

7. The monthly moo baan management fee

A monthly management fee in moo baans is standard for all homes no matter what the cost to rent or own. The monthly fee varies depending on the moo baan but the general rule is that you’ll pay more the more facilities and amenities the moo baan has. Always inquire with the house owner about the fee and at what percentage it increases each year.

What are moo baan management for?

• Security
• Construction or maintenance
• Swimming pool maintenance (if there’s a pool)
• Garbage collection
• Landscaping in public areas
• Water facilities upkeep
• Sports facility upkeep
• Fitness centre upgrades or maintenance
• Paying the office staff
• Electricity issues

8. Landscaping and general esthetics

You’ll want to look for greenery and good landscaping and obviously that there is no trash piled up anywhere. Greenery and trees are so important as not only do they provide shade, beauty, and a tranquil feeling, but they indicate the moo baan is established and (if landscaped) is properly managed.

9. There are no wild dogs or soi dogs

This is a big one if you have kids. Living outside of moo baans in local communities and Thai villages, usually means there will be soi dogs. These poor dogs aren’t kept and roam the streets looking for food. Other times dogs do have homes, but are let out to do as they please. The dogs are territorial which can result in people being bitten.

A good moo baan in Chiang Mai will have strict rules about pets, especially dogs. It’s common that dogs must be leashed when outside of their home, and no dog shall be let out alone.

10. Quietness

Moo baans are quiet. Like really, really quiet (most of them are anyway). This can be a good or bad thing depending on your lifestyle. Sometimes neighbours will complain about loud noise and having parties or BBQ’s in a moo baan means your party needs to end early. 

During Loy Krathong or New Year, loud celebrations are also typically not allowed, which means no lighting off fireworks!