Panyaden International School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$9K - US$16K
Curriculum: British · IB
Age Range: 2-18
Students: ~350
Location: Hang Dong, Chiang Mai
Updated April 2026
In Brief
For families who want a bilingual British-curriculum school with a genuine values framework - not just as a branding exercise - Panyaden is worth a serious look. The eco-campus and Buddhist-principles approach suit families who want their children to grow up bicultural in Thailand; if you need an exit straight to UK sixth form or US university, check the IBDP results first.
No other school in Chiang Mai runs British curriculum and IBDP alongside a formal values framework rooted in Buddhist philosophy, delivered bilingually in English and Thai from Nursery through Year 13. That combination appeals to families committed to raising genuinely bicultural children - not the mainstream international school crowd. At around 350 students, class sizes are small, each class typically staffed by both a Thai and an English-speaking teacher.
Fees include meals, textbooks and most field trips, which makes the true cost-per-year more competitive than the headline number suggests. The Namprae campus - set among rice fields 15 minutes south of Hang Dong - is built in bamboo and earth; it's roughly 20-25 minutes from central Chiang Mai, and about 25-30 from Nimman. The school is WASC-accredited and added the IBDP for senior years; most students continue to international universities.
The social mix is predominantly international families and wealthy Thai families, and the community can be cliquey - worth visiting to get a feel before committing. The Buddhist ethos is genuinely woven in: daily mindfulness, vegetarian lunch options, a 12 Wise Habits curriculum. Families either embrace this fully or find it too distinctive; there isn't much middle ground.
What parents value
- –Fees include meals, textbooks and most overnight trips - one of the few Chiang Mai schools where headline tuition is close to all-in cost. Sibling discounts of 10% for a second child and 15% for a third-plus are available.
- –Genuinely bilingual from Nursery: dual Thai and English teachers in every class. Children build real functional Thai alongside academic English - not a side programme, but embedded in the daily timetable.
- –Bamboo-and-earth eco-campus in rice fields with a swimming pool, Buddhist chapel, vegetable gardens and outdoor learning areas. No other school in Chiang Mai looks or feels like this.
Points of consideration
- –The one-time Admissions Fee is THB 65,000 (non-refundable) plus a Security Deposit of THB 5,000 or THB 15,000 depending on year group. First-year total outlay including these fees runs to THB 83,000 or more on top of tuition - confirm current figures with the school.
- –Namprae is 15-20 minutes south of Hang Dong, 25-30 minutes from central Chiang Mai. Families near Nimman or the Old City are looking at a real daily commitment; factor in whether the school run fits your working day.
- –Buddhist philosophy and Thai bilingual immersion are core to the school model, not optional extras. Families for whom this is a preference rather than a genuine priority should visit before enrolling - it's present in every part of the day.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years (Nursery - K2) | 2 | 9,302 |
| Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2) | 6 | 10,161 |
| Key Stage 2 (Years 3-4) | 8 | 11,359 |
| Key Stage 2 (Years 5-6) | 10 | 11,666 |
| Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) | 12 | 13,600 |
| Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11) | 15 | 14,306 |
| IB Diploma (Years 12-13) | 17 | 17,529 |
Fees converted from THB. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | 92 |
| Admissions Fee (non-refundable) | 1,995 |
| Security Deposit (refundable, Years 7-13) | 460 |
Photos
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Chiang Mai's international schools serve a mix of long-term resident families, digital nomad households, and children of NGO and business professionals. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for details.