Surviving Blockmountain Chiangmai 2025
Stell Koutsis
By Hawkerize
Introduction
This article is not meant to be a generic guide to visiting Chiangmai (CNX for short) the second largest city in Thailand, fuck, there are tons of those written by hippies and travel wannafluencers. So go read up on Doi Suthep and other attractions on your own.
This guide assumes you are a web3 natives and coming over specifically to make connections and learn more about the latest developments across the spectrum of decentralized technologies such as Defi, Gamefi, RWA, and you know the rest.
This article was not AI generated, so yeah, Expect typos and weird stuff. I wrote this article on the windy road up to the more northern city of Pai 3 hours away from Chiangmai itself.
Ok how do you tell I wrote this by hand? This is the shit that AI would put out:
“Gear up, degens – Block Mountain is almost here, and it’s shaping up to be the ultimate crypto gathering of 2025. From January 23-26 at One Nimman in Chiang Mai, Thailand, this four-day extravaganza will bring together 80 of the brightest minds in the space for a 20-hour hackathon, 60 Bitcoin and blockchain deep dives, and endless opportunities to network, collaborate, and innovate. Whether you’re a seasoned builder, a curious newbie, or just here for the vibes, Block Mountain is where the future of crypto gets built.
With just one week to go, the hype is real. Imagine non-stop coding sessions, fireside chats with industry OGs, and enough memes to fuel the next bull run. This isn’t just another conference – it’s a movement. So pack your bags, charge your Ledger, and get ready to connect with the best in the biz. Block Mountain is where ideas collide, partnerships are forged, and the next big thing in Web3 is born. Don’t miss out – because WAGMI.”
Yeah, I’ll tell you when I’m using AI.
Quick disclaimer
Always DYOR and nothing is meant to be financial advice. Recommendations are suggestions, if you lose your shit or get food poisoning or somehow end up in a Chiangmai police station, well, you Rekt. If you can’t accept that you are responsible for your own decisions please stay at home. There, done. For the rest of you, let’s move on.
Chiangmai and Crypto
Chiangmai is one of the crypto friendliest jurisdictions in Thailand. Many cafes do in fact support lightning network. It is also home to a colony of Bitcoin maximalists. Just be tactful because It is a sensitive topic because officially Thailand does not want to accept anything ASIDE from the Thai baht as legal tender. So I beseech you to be tactful.
Blockmountain Main convention
This is the main conference
Key event details
When: 23 to 26 Jan 2025
Where: One Nimman Chiangmai
Official website: www.blockmountaincnx.com
Facebook (more frequently updated) https://www.facebook.com/BlockmountainOfficial?mibextid=ZbWKwL
About Blockmountain
You will notice quite quickly that the main blockmountain web isn't as updated as the Facebook. Also you will notice a lot of Thai local businesses tend to use their Facebook presence as their primary touchpoint (and messenger + line as their go-to communication platform)
Blockmountain itself is going to be 80% Thai language content, with no guarantees of on-site translation, so I would suggest prioritizing networking over sitting in the sessions if you do not understand Thai language.
Previous speaker sessions
https://blockmountaincnx.com/speakersessions2024
Blockmountain does a pretty good job of making their content available, so if you miss a content slot, you would be able to find it on their YouTube channel. The link above has almost all the sessions from previous years online. Now again, most of it is in Thai but you are clever enough to find AI translation tools.
Nomad summit (non-web3 event)
Conference: 17 to 19 Jan 2025
Nomad week: 20 to 26 Jan 2025
Coincidentally, the nomad summit is happening in the same date range as Blockmountain. This event is targeted at a more generic audience that is pandering more towards the lifestyle of working remotely rather than having a Web3 technology focus, but good contacts come in all forms.
The Side events
Sometimes, most regulars to the crypto circuit dont bother to attend the main con, and just go side event hopping. Most side events should be free to attend and are organised by various community actors - in this case, we would like to give a shout-out to Offchain Chiangmai, Frying Fish Club, Monstro.fun, Hamza, Chainsatlas, TTM Ventures and 9cat.
Blockmountain operates on a smaller scale than most of the other major events (its a fraction of the size of Devcon 7 from Bangkok), so understandably there isn't a single ‘be-all’ list of side events and there are far less of them.
Note: It might be faster to scroll down to FFC’s calendar and register for all the events via luma
Pro tip: You actually have to REGISTER for the side events, don't just show up and expect them to approve you on the spot.
22nd Jan 2025
AI meets Blockchain (Free)
https://lu.ma/m0kfu6f3?tk=aOYHUJ
4pm till 8pm
Free refreshments and beer
Who to meet: Meet Jan Hanken who is the CEO of Chainsatlas - a conference circuit veteran and also running the ARC acceleration program in AUPP (American university of Phnom Penh) in Cambodia.
Pro tip: 23rd will be the busiest day of the Blockmountain week!
23rd Jan 2025 Nostr Day: Discover how freedom tech can empower your nomadic life
Registration link:
https://www.nomadsummit.com/event/nostr-day-discover-how-freedom-tech-can-empower-your-nomadic-life/
Date
January 23, 2025
Time
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Venue
Punspace Wiang Kaew
Location
Punspace Wiang Kaew, 10 Wiang Kaew Rd, Tambon Si Phum,, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand,
This is part of the Nomad Summit week. Take note that this event is not free - its $5 to attend.
Tools for the Sovereign Digital Nomad: Dive into the technologies enabling secure communication, financial freedom, and decentralized collaboration.
23rd Jan 2025 Defi meetup (free)
Registration link:
4pm - 7pm at Frying Fish Club
Face it, Defi is the future of finance and it is democratising several key elements of the finance industry into the hands of normal users. I'll be personally doing a talk on yield farming and providing liquidity.
Who to meet:
Daniel Milton (linkedin), wordsmith at Bebop.asia for expertise in web3 PR.
23rd Jan 🌟 MemeWonder x BlockMountain: Meme Night Takeover! 🌟
Get ready for an unforgettable evening! 🎉 MemeWonder proudly presents "Meme Night" at BlockMountain 2025!
📅 Date: January 23, 2025
🕟 Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
🏞 Venue: One nimman, Chiang Mai
✨ For two full hours, dive into 3 engaging sessions with renowned speakers.
We’ll explore and share ideas about the world of Meme Coins and Web3 —
🌐 From building communities to the future of memes in the crypto space.
Join us for a night of insights, fun, and the power of memes you don’t want to miss! 🐸🚀
#MemeWonder #MemeNight #BlockMountain2025 #9CATGROUP #BitArcade #HybridDAO #Web3Community #MemeCoin
————————-
Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | Telegram
23rd Jan 2025 MemeConomy: From Hype to Values @ BlockMountain 2025
Registration link:
https://lu.ma/0s9wyreq?tk=L5mVyz
This event is held in yellow co-working space, another Chiangmai institution. As it begins at 7pm, you can attend the FFC defi event and then go to this one!
A free side event at Block Mountain 2025, where we’ll explore the exciting world of meme-driven crypto projects. This engaging discussion will explore:
🔥 The Rise and Risks of Meme Hype
Unpacking the trends, volatility, and challenges of meme-based tokens.
🌟 From Hype to Values
How the future of meme coins can be anchored in transparency, utility, and community-driven growth.
Who to meet: Denis, cofounder of MIDAO
24th Jan 2025 Learn, Network, Open Bar @ Decom Night | Hamza | Block Mountain
https://lu.ma/tg80oq4g?tk=YS65Bw
Hamza.market is launching their decentralised e-commerce or “Decom” marketplace and you can be part of this movement! It makes total sense to disrupt monopolies like Amazon and taobao and transact natively in crypto!
Who to meet: Mike Michelini, cofounder of Hamza.
Beau from Hamza is pretty cool too :)
25th Jan 2025 AI and Gaming VIP Afterparty
Organized by TTM Ventures, join us for an unforgettable evening filled with electrifying music and vibrant energy!
Don’t miss out on a night everyone will be talking about!
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the most epic night of the week and win exclusive prizes! Connect with innovative AI & Gaming projects and explores the intersection of blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and gaming in the era of Web 3.0.
Features DJ Lu Jain (Bangkok) and DJ Moon Asset (Korea)
This is a picture of Lu Jain, Moon Asset looks like a Korean salaryman. We love him.
Frying Fish Club
Sponsor, partner and recommended venue
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ePknZAkhRQo7jecA6?g_st=ac
Join other web3 enthusiasts at their telegram community for chiangmai:
https://t.me/FryingFishClub/537
Official website: www.fryingfish.club
Frying fish club side events: https://lu.ma/fryingfishclub
Today's article sponsor, is the host of 4 side events in the blockmountain experience
Frying fish club or FFC for short, is a hub for web3 enthusiasts since their inception, hosting many community events. E.g.: hosted 8 of them during the Singapore F1 / token2049
Try out their Signature fish and chips as well as their Oyster shooters. (Alot of photos on their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fryingfishclub?igsh=cDc4MDU5OGRpemc2
Promotion: There will be a 1 for 1 (buy one get one free offer) for their fish and chip mains during the Blockmountain period.
If you are on a budget, their 90 thb rice meals still have their famous 3mm crust fried fish.
Frying fish club is seeking franchisees, partners (especially in the web3 space) and is currently raising a round. Contact moshimoshi@fryingfish.club for more information.
James is your hero
This is James, manager of Frying Fish Club Chiangmai. Wearing sponsor Monstro.fun official jersey, a top tier defi protocol on base chain. If you are a monstro NFT holder you can redeem a blue monstro cocktail at FFC during 21 to 26 Jan 2025.
Reach him for venue enquiries. He is Thai and also a long time resident of Chiangmai and can help you with some questions about local matters. But please don't treat him like a one-stop information service, that's not his job. Buy him a beer first.
Local guide
Sigh, though this is meant to be web3 centric guide, some local recommendations would help. Especially since the mileage of your money would go quite far in Chiangmai.
Transport
Use grab for everything. Download it on your phone now.
You can get around with a motorbike taxi for most destinations under 5km and its around 40 thb which is barely 2 dollars. You also have the option of renting bikes or a car (remember, Thailand cars drive on the left hand side)
p.s.: This should be pretty obvious to most travellers to southeast Asia. But just like in web3, there are people that need more guidance than normal.
Hotels
Hop Inn
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8NcKG1BaXo9cAaXi6?g_st=ac
Recommend staying at the Hop Inn Chiangmai (Don't book the one at the airport by accident!)
Its a budget property by Erawan (one of the biggest developers in Thailand) - but safe, convenient. And its right next to FFC so you can crawl back after the side events.
Of course there are many other options (if you are baller stay at the empress premier or Shangri-la). But our recommendation is to stay around Nimman where the main conference is, but bear in mind that the Nimman area is the one place you can get stuck in traffic.
CMOR hotel
A good second option, nearer to the main con if you like malls Vs local experience.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/B1sZD5Zd2rBigzwb9?g_st=ac
Walking distance to One Niman (the main convention venue) and next to Maya shopping mall. It's about 1300 thb a night but bear in mind it might be fully booked for the convention week
Where to do your laundry
Varada “aunty”
(Really cheap)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qdstpw6neeZ6bBF29?g_st=ac
Doing laundry makes sense because you wont need to bring that much clothes. Fuck, you can buy more clothes in Chiangmai from the various markets if you are short. I got shafted because of the sudden low temperature spike that brought the temperature to 14 degrees.
Anyway! This is a laundry hack that requires local knowledge:
Varada opposite FFC has several washing machines that are coin operated. And this is in the courtyard (left of the Varada hostel door)
Its 30 thb for a medium load or 20 thb if you are lucky enough to have the smaller machine vacant.
Be nice to the lady that does the hotel bedsheet cleaning, she’s usually out there in the courtyard and can speak simple English.
You have to use the dryer (another 30 thb) instead of the clotheline because that’s strictly reserved for the Varada residence’s house keeping.
Washdrop
Washdrop is a Thai based startup that provides a pickup and return service, direct to your hotel that has options for dry cleaning and even more complex options.
Authors note: Washdrop was my go to in previous chiangmai visits but they are like ten times more expensive than the Varada aunty with the coin operated machines.
Medical
Dentist
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XzZCq1zD4SsjXMQV8?g_st=ac
Yes, some of you from Australia, Europe or USA tend to want to look for a dentist because it costs a fortune back home compared to Thailand, let alone NORTHERN Thailand.
I swear by Hollywood smile, just that they often try to upsell you on things like replacing your fillings and more. Expect about 1000 thb for a regular checkup and scaling
Gym
Not that you will actually have time to go to the gym in event season, but if your hotel gym doesn't cut it, Gold hillside gym is open 7am to 10pm
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZLymrQZkvUzC3zGw7?g_st=ac
Its around 120 thb for a day pass. And they have lockers and a shower. There's no heater in the shower so enjoy the free cold therapy. And water is 10thb, they don't have a water cooler.
Cutting your hair
Oh’s barber and Tattoo
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zPniRZHYVgYZdZ9L6?g_st=ac
A one man show (he’s opposite Khao Soi Mai sai! And Varada - so you can get your laundry done and get a hair cut done at the same time)
The owner is Mr Oh, tell him you were referred to by Frying Fish Club.
You can also get a tattoo. Make sure it says REKT SURVIVOR.COM. As large as possible, forehead recommended.
Food
Chiangmai has fantastic eats. These are recommendations that I have personally tried and you can’t go wrong.
Breakfast
Khao Soi Mae sai
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fMzeGG1wnpjSBkrEA?g_st=ac
The most iconic northern Thai noodle dish is Khao soi. And no trip to Chiangmai is complete in this writer’s opinion without trying one of the cheapest Michelin starred dishes in the world, 60 thb (that’s barely 3 USD)
Again, its walking distance from both Hop Inn and FFC. Wonderful isn't it?
Walk in, get the buzzer from the lady that runs the place and wait for it to buzz before you go in. Unbelievably they also supply free water, just go to the dispenser on the right hand side when you walk in, take a metal cup and pour yourself drinking water.
Now this is the quintessential Khao Soi, With the raw onion and pickles on the side, fried noodles on top of a curry soup base :) 60 Thai baht. You are welcome.
Lucky’s: Fantastic Bun cha
https://maps.app.goo.gl/po6puiUSwZmHpUVMA?g_st=ac
Lucky’s vietnamese restaurant. It has been opened no more than 2 months before this article is written, but already has quite a bit of a
Classic vietnamese bun cha and even bun bo is available.
The portions are large, the picture here is a small order - and its 140 thb
Lunch
Maison Chiangmai
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wUt2TCjKEmiULgXr9?g_st=ac
French - Thai fusion But you can get classic Thai dishes alongside proper french food. There is a bunch of french speaking Thai nationals that frequent the place too.
Try the fusion Kra pow crepe. It was infused with french cheese and still kept the most of its core Thai flavour.
Salsa kitchen: Authentic Mexican
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1JCAEHGDkfhVRwNHA?g_st=ac
So good that my Mexican friend brought me here. The steak Fajita really hits the spot
Night
Boo Boo: Authentic Korean BBQ
Owned by a Korean national, Boo boo is usually full of Koreans living in Chiangmai which is a testament to the service standards as well as the food quality. It gets crowded, recommend contacting them ahead.
https://maps.google.com/?cid=18234150249922636168&entry=gps&g_st=ac
Yawk Bar
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zw7mfw5dp2WVAyWh6?g_st=ac
If any bar in Chiangmai has combined the expat / international vibe ala sports on multiple TVs with local elements like ssangsom whisky and pretty Chiangmai waitstaff, it would be Yawk that has a busy crowd even on weekdays.
This is Serena the owner of Yawk (the only lady in the picture) and she is one of the OGs in the scene, having worked as a hotelier before having an establishment of her own. She should be there most nights, just show her this picture!
Madam Koh
A Singaporean fusion restaurant.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rSCvYTQADmB7Vcd59?g_st=ac
We put their Singaporean laksa and soft shell crab (picture above) done Singaporean chilli crab style to the rest. And they passed a native Singaporean palette!
Go talk to owner Gavin Koh. He's very sociable and sleeps like 3 hours a night.
Marijuana in Chiangmai
Weed is LEGAL in Thailand and frankly there are weed shops EVERYWHERE. Though bear in mind some bars do not allow you to smoke the green stuff on-site, just walk onto the road. Just a gentle reminder for some readers that if you have a citizenship such as being from Singapore - you are not allowed to take controlled substances no matter where you are on the planet, because they get to tell you what to do :)
If you are into edibles Chok Dee edibles cofounder Mr Pat will be around for most of the FFC side events. He might even be dropping some gifts.
Hobbies / Tabletop
Golden Goblin Games
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JqqAjFomvznjYNyg9?g_st=ac
They are perhaps the only wargaming store with plenty of board games for purchase
Look for JS or Jean Sebastian the owner. Its less than 20 meters from Fizzy so you can visit both.
Fizzy Card Game
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eZrQA36MuT97yuBP6?g_st=ac
(Note that fizzy may not have updated their grab app address, so double check that it is THIS one)
Fizzy is an institution in Chiangmai, perhaps the biggest retailer of magic the gathering store. It is both a Dragonshield and MTG premium store at the same time. The store is one of the most well known online retailer for single cards in Thailand, even rivalling it's Bangkok counterparts. You can find many Trading Card Game titles in stock, and it has a comfortable play space on the second floor if you want to squeeze in draft or commander inbetween degenning and networking.
As mentioned above Fizzy and GGG are near each other so you can visit them in single outing.
Safety and security
While Chiangmai is relatively safe, there are still some concerns. Don't flash your cash and obviously don't leave your wallet or devices on tables.
This is the official Chiangmai tourist police website which has online channels to get help. And also an emergency number in the picture below:
And of course, don't give your seed phrase to anyone.
Chiangmai cafe culture
Chiangmai is a student city. You will notice quite a lot of cafes with signs “laptop friendly” advertising good wifi and power plugs. So frankly co-working spaces are pretty redundant (no offense to Yellow, they do a great job and have many events)
