In Search of Chiang Mai's Luxury Living

Astra Condo, one of Chang Klan's premier residential properties, lived up to Chiang Mai's reputation for luxury condos. At $193.06 for a week (averaging $27.58 per day), it was pricier than my previous stays in Nimman. However, the one-bedroom layout and comprehensive amenities justified the cost. The fully-equipped apartment, complete with washing machine, smart TV, and full kitchen facilities, proved ideal for long-term stays.



First Impressions and Facilities

Located just a 10-minute Bolt ride ($2.7/94 THB) from Nimman, Astra Condo consists of two buildings - Tower A and B. While my initial reaction to Tower B's slightly dated exterior was underwhelming, the welcome amenities and interior quickly won me over.

The 16th-floor facilities were the standout feature. The rooftop pool offered refreshing swims with cool breezes even during peak afternoon hours. Adjacent shower facilities and sauna were available, though the sauna required 30 minutes of preheating. Later in my stay, I switched to the gym, which provided a safer and more comfortable alternative to outdoor workouts.



Daily Life as a Digital Nomad

Working Environment

The one-bedroom layout created a perfect separation between work and rest spaces. Internet stability supported YouTube streaming without issues, and the excellent soundproofing made video calls and focused work sessions seamless.

Living Comfort

The 11th-floor views were spectacular, and I appreciated the freedom to use air-conditioning liberally. Water pressure remained consistent throughout my stay. However, the lack of mosquito screens meant occasional unwanted visitors despite the high floor, and being in Tower B made accessing facilities slightly inconvenient.

Local Area and Dining

While situated next to the Shangri-La Hotel in an upscale area, the immediate surroundings were surprisingly quiet. The nearby BigC mart (10-minute walk) closed at 8 PM, which led to my first experience with food delivery services. Grab delivery proved impressively fast, with drivers willing to come directly to Tower B - a welcome convenience.





Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Premium living environment with excellent soundproofing
  • Fully-equipped one-bedroom layout
  • Luxury facilities including pool and gym
  • Reliable internet and workspace setup

Cons

  • Limited facility access from Tower B
  • Few nearby conveniences
  • Restricted late-night shopping options
  • Somewhat isolated location

Recommendations

Astra Condo best suits digital nomads prioritizing quiet, focused work environments over active social scenes. It's perfect for those who value premium amenities and privacy. However, if you're looking for walkable cafes and shops or vibrant nightlife, you might find the location limiting.




Long-Stay Tips

  1. Consider Tower A for better facility access
  2. Plan shopping around BigC's operating hours (closes at 8 PM)
  3. Set up Grab delivery app with saved location
  4. Time pool/sauna visits for optimal experience
  5. Stock up on mosquito repellent