Looking for local ways to scout small guesthouses/businesses for rent around Chiang Mai
Hey guys,
I’m a 40-year-old Swiss guy and already have my flight booked to Chiang Mai for November 2026.
I’ve been to Thailand several times, spent about half a year in Phuket, and visited Chiang Mai around 20 years ago. I loved it back then and I’m really looking forward to coming back.
My plan is not to rush into anything blindly. I’m close to burnout, so first I want to slow down, relax for a bit and spend 4–6 months getting a feel for life in and around Chiang Mai again. I might not even like it and end up in Honolulu, who knows what life says :D
If all is positive and I decide to stay in Chiang Mai, I want to scout for a small business I could rent and run long-term, ideally something like a quiet 6–8 room guesthouse on the outskirts or in the countryside. My rough budget would be around 60k–80k baht/month. I’m not looking for luxury, just something simple that could cover living costs.
I’m aware of the risks: scams, legal issues, burning season and the fact that this kind of move is not easy. That’s exactly why I want to take it slow, experience the area properly first, talk to lawyers if needed and not blow money on the first place I see.
What I’m trying to figure out is this: where do I actually start looking for these kinds of opportunities?
Are there any local websites, Facebook groups, agencies, or other channels where small guesthouses/businesses for rent are listed? I can find the obvious stuff online, but I’m hoping to dig deeper, especially for more local opportunities.
I’d also be open to old-school scouting by scooter and looking for “for rent” signs, but I’d love advice on which areas are worth checking and how locals usually find these deals.
Any tips would be appreciated.
Thank you, Flash :)