Chiang Mai Alternatives

I LOVE CHIANG MAI, and I think I want to be a digital nomad there, any alternative spots I should look into????

Heres the full story:

I lived there for 2 months straight and didn't even want to leave really. I work in blocks though, so I had to. I intend to return. I stayed the entire time in just Old Town. Stayed in the same hotel (cheapest I could find) it was about 14 USD a night. Really only explored the same corner of old town. there was one cafe I just loved. I made friends and just stayed put with some of the expats. I intend to be full expat there someday.

My question is: are there any places similar to chiang mai I should explore as well? I mean its a big world out there. I loved how it felt like all my favorite parts of thailand. It had tourists but longer term ones which allowed me to make longer term friends. It had some nightlife but little enough that it filtered out most like 18 year olds. I love cafe culture, third spaces. The whole of chiang mai hinged on the one cafe I found that was such a perfect 3rd space that I never ran out of people to meet and hangout with. Enough tourists that it wasnt dead. Enough expats that I could have long term friends. I also love muay thai and they had great gyms.

Anyways, anyone have ideas? I feel expats focus more on the economics or visas or whatever (which are very important) but im here asking if anyone knows of places that fit that vibe?
May head to Bankso, Bulgaria this winter as I hear thats like the Chiang Mai of skiing and I want to try out skiing.

Just looking for somewhere:

Extremely social with a mix of expats and tourists. Mid to late 20s and above age range. Wonderful weather. And very cheap.

Thats all I need :)

Let me know yalls thoughts, thanks!