Overview
North 8 is the most prestigious phase of the "North" condominium series within the Serene Lake estate by Land and Houses. Completed in 2013, North 8 (N8) is the only genuinely lakefront building in the complex, hugging the southeastern shore of the massive 100-rai man-made lake.
Consisting of two 7-story buildings, North 8 trades the proximity to the main road for absolute tranquility and the best views in the estate. It is widely considered one of the top five living environments in Chiang Mai, offering a level of security and open space that is impossible to find in city-center developments like Nimman.
Developer
Land and Houses (L&H) is arguably Thailand's most trusted developer. Their Serene Lake project is a flagship "city within a city" development. L&H is known for exceptional master-planning and strict property management. The Juristic team at North 8 is highly professional, and the 24/7 on-call technician service is a significant value-add for long-term residents.
Location & Transit
Serene Lake is located in Mae Hia, along the Middle Ring Road (700 Year Road). While the location is "out of the way," it is strategically close to the airport and several international schools.
| Station | Line | Distance | 🚶 Walk | 🏍️ Motorbike |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estate Entrance | Main Rd | 1.2km | 15 min | 2 min |
| Airport (CNX) | Flight | 4.2km | N/A | 8 min |
| Central Airport | Mall | 4.5km | N/A | 10 min |
| Nimman Area | Tourist Hub | 8.0km | N/A | 15 min |
Tip: You must have your own wheels. The walk from North 8 to the estate entrance is over 1.2km through a gated road. While peaceful, it is too far for a daily commute on foot. Grab drivers may also be scrutinized at the multiple security gates.
Nearby Landmarks
- The Lake & Wat Klang Nam — 0m (A 100-rai lake with a preserved Buddhist monument on a peninsula; perfect for sunset walks).
- North Arena — 100m (A massive 14-rai sports complex with an Olympic-sized pool and stadium-seated gym).
- The Good View Village — 1.5km (Huge local dining and karaoke hub).
- Rimping Supermarket (Mali Place) — 1.8km (Expat-favorite grocery store).
Unit Types
| Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | 35 – 50 sqm | The 50 sqm units are often "Premium" corner units with better lake views. |
| 2 Bedroom | 73 – 146 sqm | These units are palatial. The 146 sqm penthouses are rarely on the market. |
Facilities
Recreation:
- Swimming Pool: North 8 has its own decently sized outdoor pool that is free for residents.
- North Arena: This is the "big" sports club adjacent to the condo. It features a professional-grade gym, a 20x40m pool, and tennis courts. Note: Access usually requires a paid membership (~20,000 THB/year), although some high-end rentals include this in the price.
- The Path: A 3.7km paved circular road around the lake is the best place in Chiang Mai for safe, traffic-free jogging and cycling.
Security:
- Security is uncompromising. You must pass through three separate checkpoints to reach your front door. It is arguably the safest residential project in Northern Thailand.
Pros
- The Scenery — Unmatched 180-degree views of the lake with the Doi Suthep mountain range in the background.
- Air Quality — Being away from the city bowl and surrounded by water/trees, the air is noticeably fresher here.
- Silence — Zero road noise. You only hear birds and the wind across the water.
- Maintenance — L&H management is top-tier. Everything works, and the gardens are perfectly manicured.
Cons
- Isolation — You cannot walk to a 7-Eleven. Every errand requires a car or bike trip.
- Cost of Fitness — Unless included in your rent, the "good" gym (North Arena) is an extra annual expense.
- Strictly No Pets — Despite the vast grass areas, the rules are ironclad.
- Airport Path — While quiet, you are near the flight path; you will see (and hear) planes descending into CNX, though it's less intrusive than in Nimman.
Best For
- Active Residents — Who will actually use the 3.7km track and the North Arena facilities.
- Airport Commuters — Pilots, crew, or frequent flyers who need a 5-minute commute to the terminal.
- High-Level Security Seekers — Who want the highest level of privacy and gated safety.
The Bottom Line
North 8 at Serene Lake is "The Waterfront Gold Standard." It trades the convenience of city living for a "resort" lifestyle. If you own a vehicle and prioritize physical health, security, and world-class views over being able to walk to a bar, this is the finest condo living Mae Hia has to offer.
Last verified: February 15, 2026. Data sourced from Land and Houses records and physical site audit.
Source: Perfect Homes - North Condo