Pai

avoid going to the waterfalls with weed (or buying any on the way there)
It's a very old trick the cops stop & search bikes on their way back.
(while the locals try to sell you stuff on the way there)

Lots of digital nomads seem to be moving up to Pai. It's way more chilled out than Chiang Mai, way cheaper and there's a few good cafes popped up that're ideal for working from (Check out The Pedlar).

Not sure why NomadList says English is bad here.. most of the locals speak very good English. Avoid coming here in April though, it's way smokier than Chiang Mai due to its geography. Pai sits in a valley so it sort of wallows in the smoke if there's no wind.

Definitely come here in the Rainy/Cool seasons - it's absolutely beautiful!

It’s easy to see why digital nomads head north from Bangkok and Chiang Mai to take advantage of the ast internet and cheap cost of living in idyllic Pai. Well-connected to Chiang Mai via bus and plane, Pai makes a great break from city life with its waterfalls, hot springs, spas, elephant treks and Pai Canyon.