Suthep ("Langmor")

The student belt behind Chiang Mai University — "Lang Mor" literally means "behind the university" — anchored to CMU and the Canal Road with Doi Suthep rising behind. It lives young and budget-friendly: student dorms and affordable apartments, a lively churn of cheap eats and cafes (which fill up at exam time). Relatively walkable, with a motorbike handy for longer stays, and quick access up the mountain.