Overview
Galare Thong Tower is a legacy high-rise condominium located at the southern end of Chang Klan Road, specifically in the Pa Daet sub-district. Completed in 1995, it operates as a hybrid between a private condo and a budget serviced apartment.
It is famous in the expat community for one thing: Value. You can find massive 40+ sqm studios here for prices that would only get you a shoebox in Nimman. While the aesthetics are undeniably dated (think 90s tile and wood furniture), the building is solid, quiet, and professionally managed with a hotel-style front desk.
Developer
The project was built by a local developer and is currently managed by a Juristic body that runs the building efficiently. Unlike modern condos where you never see staff, Galare Thong has a staffed reception desk that handles mail, laundry, and general inquiries, adding a layer of convenience for residents who don't speak Thai.
Location & Transit
The building is located on South Chang Klan Road, significantly south of the main Night Bazaar strip. It sits in a quieter, more residential pocket.
| Station | Line | Distance | ๐ถ Walk | ๐๏ธ Motorbike |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chang Klan Road | Blue Truck | 50m | 1 min | 1 min |
| Night Bazaar | Tourist Hub | 2.2km | 30 min | 6 min |
| Airport (CNX) | Flight | 4.0km | N/A | 12 min |
| Old City Gate | Tha Phae | 3.5km | N/A | 10 min |
Tip: Do not expect to walk to the Night Bazaar from here comfortably; it is a 30-minute trek in the heat. The Blue Songthaews (trucks) pass frequently on Chang Klan Road and cost only 30 THB.
Nearby Landmarks
- Chiangmai Gymkhana Club โ 1.0km (Historic sports club with golf, tennis, and cricket; open to the public for a fee).
- Rajavej Chiangmai Hospital โ 1.2km (Good for minor emergencies and checkups).
- Krua Phet Doi Ngam โ 800m (Famous authentic Northern Thai restaurant).
Unit Types
| Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 40 โ 46 sqm | Very spacious. Most have a small kitchenette and a balcony. |
| 1 Bedroom | 80 โ 92 sqm | Often created by combining two studio units. Huge living space. |
| 2 Bedroom | 100+ sqm | Rare. Usually corner units with panoramic views of Doi Suthep. |
Facilities
Recreation:
- Swimming Pool: There is NO swimming pool. (Correction: Some older listings claim there is one, or confuse it with the nearby hotel pools. There is no operational pool on-site).
- Fitness: The gym equipment is largely defunct or removed. Residents usually join nearby gyms.
Convenience:
- On-site Restaurant: A budget-friendly restaurant on the ground floor serves decent Thai and Western food.
- Minimart: A small shop in the lobby sells water, beer, and snacks, saving you a trip to 7-Eleven.
Pros
- Price per Sqm โ Unbeatable value. You get double the space of a modern condo for the same rent.
- Front Desk Service โ The staff are helpful, speak English, and can arrange taxis, laundry, and cleaning.
- Quiet Location โ Set back from the main road, it is surprisingly peaceful despite being in the city.
- Views โ Upper floors (above 8th) offer unobstructed views of the city or the mountain.
Cons
- No Pool โ A dealbreaker for many in the tropical heat.
- Dated Interiors โ Expect beige tiles, older bathrooms, and non-smart TV setups unless the owner has recently renovated.
- Distance โ It is too far to walk to the "action" of the Night Bazaar.
- Internet Speed โ Some units still rely on VDSL; check if Fiber Optic has been installed in the specific unit you are renting.
- Strictly No Pets โ (Correction: While some older reviews mention pets, the current Juristic rule is strictly no new pets allowed).
Best For
- Budget Expats โ Who want a large, clean room and don't care about amenities.
- Retirees โ Who appreciate the quiet, the on-site restaurant, and the helpful staff.
- Long-Stay Tourists โ Who want hotel-like services (cleaning, reception) at a condo price.
The Bottom Line
Galare Thong Tower is "The Budget King." It isn't sexy, and it doesn't have a pool. But if your priority is space and savings, it destroys the competition. It is a solid, safe, and reliable place to live where your money goes very far.
Last verified: February 15, 2026. Data sourced from Juristic Office records and physical site audit.
Source: Galare Thong Tower
