Free Wifi in Chiang Mai - Where To Find It
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Free wireless internet access is not as prevalent in Chiang Mai as it is in Bangkok, but there are still a few places where you can enjoy free wifi
Seeking out free wifi is worth doing if you want to save some travel cash. The Chiang Mai Starbucks was charging a phenomenally high fee for wireless internet access. Even the employees thought it was ridiculous. Across the moat from Starbucks, paid wifi was available for about $1.50 per hour, with some free time if you spent a small sum for a drink or food.
Generally, I used two locations for free access, the Pirates Cove and Chiang Mai Coffee.
The Pirates Cove is an expat bar at the edge of the tourist area as you head down Ratchamankha from Moon Muang. It was founded by an American, is now owned by an Australian. Try the excellent, and juicy, hamburgers. Ask for extra napkins.
Chiang Mai Coffee is on the left side of the parking lot for DK Books, located on the far side of the east moat, not far from the intersection with Ratchamankha. This cute and funky little shop offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The inside is air-conditioned, a relative rarity in Chiang Mai.
The Garden Chiang Mai near the west moat on Ratchadamnoen is another option. Two adjacent guest houses and a restaurant, situated across from the Top North Guesthouse on Moon Muang Soi 2, offered limited access, subject to being turned off when the owner of all three went to bed. A couple of guest houses offer ADSL lines for an extra fee, though sometimes only in rooms set aside for long term stays.
Always ask if the wifi and internet access from your own computer are free. I set up in a coffee shop that claimed to have free wifi, bought an iced coffee, and surfed away. When I left I was charged for two hours internet access. Only the wireless part was free!
Obviously, the situation is always changing. Try sites like JiWire to find new hot spots. If you know of any other good free wifi spots in Chiang Mai, please a comment below.
See this previous Travelhappy stories if you're looking for free wifi in Bangkok and Bangkok hotels with free wifi.
Other Travelhappy posts of interest:
- Free Wireless Internet Access in Bangkok
- Bangkok Hotels With Free Wireless Internet (Wi Fi)
- Free Wireless Internet Across Bangkok Until June 2009
- Mobile Internet Access in Thailand
- Free Flights From Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Phuket!
