Living in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai: Schools, One Road

Prem International School is at Huay Sai. Nakornping Hospital, an HA centre hospital, serves the district with more than 800 inpatient beds. The district covers 443.6 square kilometres, with 11 sub-districts and 91 villages. Road 107 is the main north-south road between Mae Taeng and Chiang Mai.

By Vincent Nguyen

Mae Rim trades one highway for a garden and cool air. If you drive and want space, this is the district to look at.

Mae Rim at a glance

• School: Prem International School at Huay Sai.
• Hospital: Nakornping Hospital, an HA centre hospital.

What Mae Rim means

The district on the map is far bigger. It covers 443.6 square kilometres, with 11 sub-districts and 91 villages. It borders Mae Taeng, San Sai, Mueang Chiang Mai, Hang Dong and Samoeng.

Prem and the school run

Prem Tinsulanonda International School is at 234 Moo 3, Huay Sai. It was established in 2001 and describes itself as “Northern Thailand’s Leading IB Boarding and Day School”. The campus covers 100 acres.

Early Years is for ages 2.5 to 5. Tuition for the 2026-2027 year:

On top of tuition, budget the one-time fees: THB 6,000 to apply, a THB 50,000 security deposit and a THB 130,000 foundation fee. The foundation fee is charged for the first two children enrolled. Sibling reductions on tuition start at 10% for the second child and 15% for the third. Day students pay THB 17,100 to THB 20,700 per term for transport.

The international schools guide compares Prem with the schools in the city and Hang Dong. The fee guide has the fees.

Getting to town

Road 107 is the main north-south road between Mae Taeng and Chiang Mai.

Without a car, take a yellow songthaew from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal. Warorot Market also sends yellow trucks north to Mae Rim and Samoeng, so start at Chang Phueak and ask there if you are at Warorot. Agree the fare before you board, because prices outside the city walls are negotiated. In-province buses to Mae Rim use Chang Phueak too.

The songthaew guide covers the trucks and fares. The getting around guide covers Grab, and buy or rent a motorbike covers two wheels.

Nakornping Hospital

Nakornping Hospital is the public regional hospital for the district. It is at 159 Moo 10 Chotana Road, Don Kaeo, and has more than 800 inpatient beds. The main number is 053-999000 Ext. 0. It is an HA centre hospital, and its latest re-accreditation survey covers 10 February 2026 to 9 February 2030.

In a government hospital most doctors speak English, but nurses and other staff are unlikely to. If you want English at every step, go private.

Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai has a team of interpreters and medical coordinators for expats, and the outpatient department is open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm every day. Chiangmai Ram Hospital has interpreters for German, French, English, Chinese, Japanese, Myanmar and Korean. Both are in the city, so keep one saved before the first emergency.

The English-speaking hospitals guide compares the private hospitals in the city. The ambulance guide covers the emergency number.

Daily life and nature

A Rimping supermarket there sells fresh produce, gourmet food and international imports.

The Kad Farang Mae Rim is at 225 Mae Sa, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, phone +66 91 027 8445.

For cheap fresh food, go to Mae Rim Market, opposite Nakornping Hospital. The Huay Tung Tao anchor is also a swimming spot.

The Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark has a free astronomy exhibition. It is open Tuesday to Friday 09:00 to 16:00 and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..

The pet-friendly guide covers places that take pets.

Floods and smoke

Mae Rim floods along the Mae Sa River. In September 2025 the river overflowed into three villages in Rim Tai and Mae Ram.

A flash flood swept through Mae Sa Noi Waterfall inside the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden on 5 October 2026. People in or near the waterway were told to move to a safe location. Mae Sa Waterfall closed on 15 August 2026, and the park will announce when it reopens. Check the park’s Facebook page before you drive up.

The rainy season and flooding guide covers the alerts.

The burning season, February to April, causes severe smog from agricultural fires, and air quality often reaches hazardous levels. The burning season guide covers what to do, and air quality explains the readings.

Deposit and your lease

For operators with three or more units, a term letting the landlord collect advance rent and deposit above three months of monthly rent is prohibited. That notification has been in force since 4 September 2025.

A single house let by its owner is therefore outside the rule. The rental contract guide, deposit guide and rent guide cover what to check either way.

Who Mae Rim suits

• Suits: families who want a 100-acre school campus within the district.

Other areas

To weigh Mae Rim against the city, see where to live in Chiang Mai. The Hang Dong guide covers the south, and the San Sai and Doi Saket guide covers the north-east. The Old City guide, Santitham guide and Nimman guide cover the centre.

↑ Contents

Not confirmed: Mae Sa Waterfall: no reopening notice was found by 15 October 2026, so check the park's Facebook page before you drive up. Songthaew: no timetable or fare is published, so ask the driver at Chang Phueak.

Reach readers planning life in Chiang Mai. Advertise → hello@chiangmaijao.com

General information checked against the sources listed above, not legal advice for your situation. Rules and office practice change; confirm with the immigration office or a licensed adviser before you act. See how guides are checked.

Spotted an error? Report it.