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- Alt_Newsletter #0011 | July Main
Alt_Newsletter #0011 | July Main
So, Bansko is over for another year, but what a ride!
It was like a giant family reunion, and I made so many new and amazing connections -coliving operators as well as nomads who wanna come stay at Alt_.
My brain feels like exploding with all the new ideas I want roll out at.
Once a year of this is all I need 😆
Luckily, the team has been looking after the community (and operations/buildings!!) back in Chiang Mai. We’re really diversifying the events nicely for the many nomads who are realising this time of year is great to visit the city.
We’re laying foundations now for a lot of different events (including the residence you’ll read about shortly) for the rest of the year.
John
In today’s Alt_Newsletter:
Alt_ChiangMai’s new Community Manager talks pasta and sport
Baltic Midsummer parties in the tropics rock!!
A new venture (yes, another one!) might be tempting if you’re an entrepreneur or founder
What to do in Chiang Mai in July
Spilling The Beans
🤖 We might have paused the AI Meetup for a couple of weeks, but there was a reason. AI workshops are launching in mid-July, so watch this space or Instagram to find out about the first one.
🇯🇵 Alt_Popup #2 is coming! Japan in Novemberr is going to be a level up on our first venture in April, and we can’t wait. Details coming…..
👀 We spotted, well us! This piece on Skift.com is an interesting take on how Thailand is leaning on nomads a little more…and we got a nice mention as one of the reasons Chiang Mai is such an attractive destination 😀
What happened at Alt_ in June
   | Visit Estonia took a leading role in helping us (well, Samanta!) host a Baltic Midsummer celebration a couple of weeks ago. Alongside information on their digital nomad schemes, there was traditional food, dancing and throwing fire! 🔥 TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) were also keen to sponsor one of our events. We found a local tour guide and took a tour around the most significant - and hidden - historical locations around Chiang Mai. As a former Lanna captial, there was no shortage of stop-offs last Friday! Brad & Sean’s workshop - From Hustle to Harmony - pushed the attendees to really decide what is important for them, make more time for themselves, and simplify their schedules. They covered some terrific techniques, and unsurprisingly, this was one of the most engaged workshops we’ve had at Alt_PingRiver for a while! |
Alt_Projects (one for you solopreneurs & founders!)
Alt_Projects isn’t just a tagline. Between John and the partnerships that have been made locally and internationally, there is ALWAYS a project or initiative being conducted or planned.
Alt_PingRiver is hosting the first residency in September
This September sees Alt_ host one that hits the core of where we see the future of Chiang Mai as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration.
The Solopreneur’s Residency is in September at Alt_PingRiver.
Participants will be part of a small cohort across a range of working and lifestyle disciplines who will gather in one place and collaborate on their own, and shared, projects.
Founders and solopreneurs can find out all they need to know and apply to join the residency below.
Alt_Community Stories
“It was as if it was meant to be!”
Milla - and partner Ryan - had already decided Chiang Mai would be the place to stop for a while. A LOT of research into coliving spaces here (mainly Alt_ of course!) led Milla to our Instagram, where she spotted the Community Manager position that had come up at Alt_ChiangMai.
 | We gave her a couple of weeks to settle in before sitting and having a chat about how it’s going and why she’s here! Tell us a bit about your digital nomad journey. |
That changed everything. After living in Brighton for eight years, until I realised again that I’m not designed to stay in one place, my partner and I left the UK in December and have been travelling ever since.
Q: How did you find out about Alt_ and the position?
I’ve stayed in a lot of co-living spaces over the years, because I was mostly travelling solo and needed connection. This time, my partner and I had been on the move for a while and hadn’t met many people—we were craving that. A friend mentioned Alt_ and I started researching. I read blog posts and articles that made it clear this wasn’t just another co-living - it was a space where people are building things and sharing ideas. Then I saw they were looking for a community manager and thought, ‘This is a sign.’ I got really excited, applied, and now here I am.”
Q: What do you plan to do for residents at Alt_ChiangMai?
I’ve walked into a community that’s already really strong. It doesn’t need fixing. But I’m really keen to be a bridge between the Thai staff and the residents. Sometimes it’s hard for them to fully understand what the residents are experiencing or struggling with, and I want to help with that.
I also want to make sure everyone feels at home, safe, and empowered. I’ve felt really lonely in my travels at times and it can impact everything - your work, your mental health. I want people to arrive and feel like, ‘OK, I belong here.’ Oh - and I’m planning a pasta night soon. Cooking is my love language!
Q: Where has been a destination that surprised you, or that others must visit?
Hoi An really took us by surprise. We were supposed to stay for a few days, but we just didn’t leave. It had the right vibe. It’s got that kind of Chiang Mai energy…despite the karaoke and noise!
Another was Koh Rong Sanloem, a small island in Cambodia. It’s like Thai islands were 30 years ago—really undeveloped but still with amazing Wi-Fi. The cafes close at 10, the beach is beautiful, and there’s not much else. But it’s magic.
Q: How has community helped your nomad journey and/or work life?
There’s so much openness here. People are generous with their time and knowledge. At the Monday family meetings, people volunteer to run workshops - on writing, culture, fitness, whatever. It’s not just about hobbies, it’s about sharing. I’ve never been in a space where you walk in and just absorb so much.
Someone here helped me with an injury, someone else shared supplement tips. It’s like if you’re building something, people want to help you. Everyone’s up for a conversation, and it’s just normal to support each other like that. I haven’t seen a coliving like this one.
Q: If new residents want to connect with you, what should they talk to you about?Yoga, wellness, and food - I can talk about food all day long! And anything sporty: tennis, volleyball, basketball, beach volleyball. If someone starts talking to me about food or movement or just staying active, I’m in!
This isn’t Milla’s first - or last - coliving, and her experience and openness is going to really benefit the community at Alt_ChiangMai. If you’re staying over the next few months don’t hesitate to say hello (if she hasn’t got in there first!), and if you’re into sport she’ll definitely try and persuade you to give her a game of something!
Our community managers usually stay for anything from a couple of months to half a year, so if you think you’re perfect for the role and see yourself landing in Chiang Mai later this year then get in touch. Simply tell us a bit about yourself in this form.
Also, if you have an Alt_ story to tell, or want to appear here and share your passion/business/project with the community, fill in this form.
Get involved at Alt_
Here’s what’s happening in July at Alt_, and how you can join in:
Please come along and support our stall at the monthly Sanpakoi Sunday Market this weekend! There are tons of stalls and food and drink places, and we’ll have some bargains on our Thrift and Give stall. If you can’t make it please contribute your unwanted treasures - it all goes to local community causes! Drop them at Alt_PingRiver before Sunday.
Jason Ryer - who you’ll have likely seen at Alt_ running ice bath sessions, breathwork, zen strength…well, anything wellness related really - brings back his Sleep Masterclass next week. It was a packed house last time with an audience full of a range of sleep issues, patterns and questions. Book your place next Wednesday here.
Our regular yoga, breathwork and ice bath sessions - as well as all other events held at the Alt_ sites - can be found and booked here.
Alt_Recommends
John has been on the road a lot lately, and as he’s just returned back from Bansko. We thought we’d ask what keeps him entertained - or learning - while he is traveling (at least when he isn’t with the kids, anyway!):
Diary of a CEO - The Sex Expert This is a GREAT podcast episode on learning how to do better in relationships (all kinds!!).
Anthony Bourdain - In Stories. He’s my hero!
Youth Sheldon. Always gives a good laugh, and sometimes learn something!
Two Lanes. I was listening to their piano performance at the airport on my way home.
If you’ve any recommendations other Alt_Fam people might benefit from, drop what you’ve got here.
What’s going on in Chiang Mai this month
The city is buzzing with events and meetups after a marginally quieter Spring, and these are some of our teams picks for the next couple of weeks.
See more on our Instagram!
We’ll be back with our mid-month catch-up in a couple of weeks. There’ll be updates on what our new community managers have been cooking up for the community, and what’s in store later in the month.
John and the Alt_ team.