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Living in Chiang Mai · Lifestyle & Practical

International Schools in Chiang Mai

How families choose an international school and which areas keep the commute short.

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In short: Chiang Mai has one of Thailand's largest clusters of international schools outside Bangkok, offering British, American and IB curricula across the city and the greener northern and southern suburbs. Fees, curriculum and location vary widely, so shortlist by programme and commute, then visit.

Well-known international schools

  • Prem Tinsulanonda International School (Mae Rim) — IB, boarding available, large green campus.
  • Panyaden International School (Hang Dong) — British/IB, bilingual, sustainability focus.
  • Chiang Mai International School (CMIS) — American curriculum, one of the city's oldest, central.
  • Nakornpayap International School (NIS) — American curriculum with IB.
  • Lanna International School — British curriculum / IGCSE.
  • Grace International School — American, Christian.
  • American Pacific International School (APIS) (San Kamphaeng) — American, boarding.

How to choose

Match the curriculum to where your child may study next (IB, British or American), then weigh location and daily commute, class sizes, languages offered, and the full fee picture including enrolment, deposits and extras. Most schools run tours and assessment days — visit more than one before deciding.

Where families tend to live

Families often base themselves near their chosen school: Mae Rim and the northern suburbs for the greener campuses, Hang Dong for the south-west, or the central districts for city schools. See family-friendly areas.

General information, last reviewed July 2026. Curricula, campuses and fees change — confirm current details directly with each school.

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