How does it actually work?

You pick the group that fits you on this website, click the WhatsApp button, send us a message, and within 48 hours (usually the same day) a real person adds you to the right WhatsApp community. That's it. No apps to download, no login, no fees.

Yes. Joining any Chiang Mai People Club group is 100 percent free. We do not sell your number, we do not spam the chat, we do not run ads inside the groups.

Can I join more than one group?

Absolutely. If you're a digital nomad who rides mountain loops at dawn and eats at night markets on Fridays, join the Nomads, Motorbike Trips and Foodies groups. Most members are in 2 to 4 groups.

What's the group size? Won't it be spammy?

Each group stays under 250 members with active moderation. Anyone posting promo, crypto, or off-topic links gets removed. The chat is for members, by members.

I'm only in Chiang Mai for 5 days. Worth joining?

That's exactly why Tourists - 10 Days exists. You get a welcome dinner, airport-pickup carpools, and a dozen locals telling you the real spots within hours of landing.

I don't have WhatsApp. Another option?

WhatsApp is how Chiang Mai actually runs - Grab drivers, trek guides, scooter rentals, doctors - everything. If you're in Chiang Mai it's the one app to install. If you really can't, message us from the contact page and we'll figure something out.

Are these groups safe? Vetted?

Every new member sends one intro message before being added - 1 photo, first name, where you're from, which group you want. We remove anyone flagged for harassment or scams. We're a community of travellers, not a business directory.

Chiang Mai People Club is run by long-term Chiang Mai residents and travellers who believe nobody should stay alone here. We started informally with one WhatsApp group; now we moderate ten. It's a labor of love, not a company.

All communities

Community

Ethical Elephant Volunteers

You will not stay alone. The Chiang Mai Ethical Elephant Volunteers community is already waiting.

Join the group Who is in it

Ethical Elephant Volunteers community in Chiang Mai

About this group

No riding. Real care. Real conservation.

Community for members who volunteer at or visit ethical, no-riding elephant sanctuaries around Chiang Mai. Sanctuary reviews, volunteer-day coordination, and honest talk about which operators are genuinely ethical.

Group vibe

Caring, well-researched, quick to call out greenwashing.

Members

Who is in this group.

Example members. Real archetypes drawn from the people who already meet up here.

Rafa, 39

From Lima

Monthly sanctuary volunteer

Luc, 42

From Reunion

Conservation advocate

Miki, 36

From Okinawa

Documents ethical operators

Jorge, 45

From Valparaiso

Group-visit organizer

What we do

What happens in the chat.

Ethical-sanctuary vetting notes
Volunteer-day sign-ups
Group-visit carpools
Photo-and-story sharing
Conservation-fund discussions
Operator red-flag warnings

Before you join

Quick answers.

Is it free to join?: Yes. All ten Chiang Mai People Club communities are free. No hidden fees.
How fast do I get added?: Usually same day, always within 48 hours. You will send a quick intro message before being added.
Can I leave whenever?: Of course. Leave the WhatsApp group any time. No questions, no guilt.
Will the chat be spammy?: Each group is capped around 250 members with active moderation. Promotional or off-topic messages get removed.