Pros and Cons Of Living In Thailand (Chiang Mai)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มิ.ย. 2024
- Is living in Thailand worth it?
If you are thinking about coming here as a tourist or to live long-term, here are some important points for you to consider.
#simplelifestyle #minimalistlifestyle
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I created a 34-page guide (PDF) on living in Chiang Mai, including visa, places to live, cost of living, things to do, and more
/ aslowsimplelife
Chapters:
00:00 - 01:36 - Intro
01:37 - 04:07 - Why Chiang Mai
04:08 - 07:34 - Places To Live
07:35 - 08:07 - Monthly Budget
08:08 - 09:48 - Visas
09:49 - 11:44 - Points To Consider
11:45 - 13:46 - Wrap Up
Just like most people, I prefer to live in a place that's affordable, where I can get the best value for my money.
I've lived in the Philippines most of my life, yet I wanted to explore another country where my budget can go a long way.
I prefer to live simply, ideally on $500 a month or less. I like to live somewhere close to the mountains or the woods, somewhere with affordable and good quality fresh produce available all year round, and preferably a place that's safe and with a very low crime rate...
After traveling in a few countries in my quest to find my home, I realized that all the things I have been looking for are in Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand. Although it is not perfect and there are some challenges, I can honestly say that it's still my favorite place to live by far.
In today's video, I'll share what it's like to live in Chiang Mai, Thailand based on my own experience, pros and cons of living in Thailand, activities to do, visa, and monthly budget. I'll also share some of the challenges that comes with living in Thailand as a foreigner, so you know what to expect during your stay.
Helpful Links:
Burning Season in Chiang Mai www.tielandtothailand.com/chi...
Thailand Long Term Visas www.siam-legal.com/thailand-v...
Things to do in Chiang Mai www.thecrazytourist.com/top-2...
Best places to live in Chiang Mai thenomadvisor.com/where-to-st...
Chiang Mai national parks www.tripsavvy.com/nature-park...
Chiang Mai vegan restaurants www.chiangmaicitylife.com/clg...
Thanks!
You are welcome 😊
@Quinton Oliver Thank you so much! You are very kind and generous. Much appreciated and blessings to you! :)
Well thought out video and explanations.
Video was valuable and helpful. I appreciated your closing statements--"So I don't have to constantly push myself and be part of the rat race..." Thanks for sharing.
I'm glad to know this video was helpful for you 😊
Yes, that part was amazing! mic drop moment!
Very helpful and solid info, thank you 😊 🙏
Glad to know this was helpful for you 🙏
This is so helpful, thank you for sharing your experiences and insight!
Glad it was helpful for you 😊
Well thought out video with easy explanations.
Thank you 🙏
This is seriously one of the best videos I've ever watched. You covered everything and you did it in such a humble way. Subbed immediately even though I usually never subscribe to channels. Good luck to you!
Thanks for watching. I appreciate your kind comment 🙏
Thank you for sharing this. Very informative and honest. 😁👍
Thank you and I am happy to know this video has been helpful for you. 🙏
Thank You for sharing Your knowledge 🙏
This was most helpful > Subscribed
Thank you 🙏
Thank you for the great video, very informative.
I'm glad to know this video was helpful for you ☺️
Absolutely Fantastic. Checks all my questions and more. Thank you so so much for the information.
I'm glad to know that this video has been helpful for you. 😊
Thank you very much, your video covers a good range of topics, wich are very useful in my case.
Thank you and glad it was helpful for you 😊
Thank you very much for your helpful and valuable information.🌺
I'm glad to know this was helpful for you 😊
i really love the way you share. It's so detail and helpfull. Your video is chillout
I'm glad to know this video has been helpful for you 😊
I def have CM on my radar. Thank you for posting this
Glad you liked this video. Thanks! 🙏
Namaste Suzy 🙏 This video was very informative. I especially loved the maps you included! Have a great week and we look forward to seeing what your next video is about.
Thank you, Andy! Wishing you and your wife a beautiful weekend 🙏
Looking forward to next weeks vlog 😊
Thank you 🙏
Thank you for this video. It's very helpful. All the best to you and your partner.
Thank you 🙏
Hi, just found you. Thank you for your information, very calm and factual.I'm coming to Chiang Mai in a few weeks time and am looking forward to exploring and experiencing all it has to offer.
Wishing you a wonderful time in Chiang Mai 🙏❤️
Thank you for interesting video! :)
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for sharing this. I'm considering staying for a long while in Chiang Mai and Da Nang so this is so very helpful. Love your content ❤️
We enjoyed our stay in Da Nang, too. I hope you enjoy Chiang Mai. Have a lovely weekend and thank you for your kind comment 🙏
Thank you for this beautiful and very much informative video. Personally, I lived in Chiang Mai before and I am loving it! 🇹🇭😊
Thanks and I love Chiang Mai, too ❤️
Excited to visit Thailand one day. Thank you. it is valuable.
Glad to know this was helpful and enjoy your visit to Thailand 🇹🇭
Subbed ,thankyou for the imformation.
Thank you and glad it was helpful 😊
Awesome video. You have a sweet and caring disposition; this made the video pleasant to watch. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks 😊
I really appreciate your video. It's nice to get info on places from someone that's already been there. I'm looking to go to the north of Chang Klan as it's close to a Thai language school. It's nice to know it's less touristy than Nimman area.
Thank you and wishing you a wonderful time in Chiang Mai 🙏
Thanks for the update
Welcome 😊
Thanks for this very comprehensive review of Chang Mai, this is certainly one of the places I hear that I is worth considering for expats.
My pleasure!
Wow - really well done. Many questions answered and although I've never been to Chiang Mai, I have a friend living there and he's always commenting on the ease of living and laid back lifestyle. Thanks again.
Thank you for watching and for your feedback, Bryan. I appreciate it. Have a good weekend. 🙏
Thanks for taking us with you The Wandering Elf.... also reminds me of "Malama Life" and "Gabe Bult" that lives simple, slow and happy life. Now have to add you as another favorite. Blessings.
Thank you for your kind words and wishing you a peaceful day or night ❤️
such helpful information. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Well that indeed was an Elf 🙂
Thanks for the video, very informative.
I'm glad to know this video was helpful for you 😊
Very informative 🙏
Thank you
@ASlowSimpleLife I texted you on IG
Like you videos, good information, like the fact you speak slow. Plan on moving mid February to the area. Pick up some good intel, thanks.
Glad this video was helpful for you and wishing you a wonderful move to Thailand soon! 🇹🇭
I love the way you speak nice a calm
Thank you 😊
Hi. Thanks for sharing. I love Chiang mai. It is one of the best places that I love to live. ❤😊
I agree. Thanks for dropping by ❤️
LoL when you said that is the best mango you ever tasted, to me that says something for a girl coming from Philippines. Another great video, myself and my wife will probably go there and check this place out.
Sadly, the best mangoes in the Philippines are either super expensive or exported to other countries. It's definitely not as reasonably-priced as the mangoes in Thailand. 😩 Thanks for watching and for your comment 🙏
Great video thanx! L
From the States, living in Dalat VN. right now which I love....the weather! Gonna start looking for work teaching English this Monday and see how it goes for a couple of weeks. Then I'm headed to Chiang Mai. I lived and taught English in Bangkok and loved it. But the simple life of Chiang Mai is more my speed. Probably see you soon as I just feel Chiang Mai is more for me. ~See you in the jungle~ Best, Todd
Chiang Mai has its challenges, especially now during the burning season, but when the air quality improves during the rainy months, and with the overall slower pace of life outside of the city, there's so much to appreciate about this province in Northern Thailand. I hope you have a wonderful stay in Chiang Mai soon, Todd 🙏
hi, before covid i had plans for a move to chiang mai too, nice to see positive feedback from people......plus i have a dog too, greets from europe
I'm happy to hear that. Chiang Mai is particularly lovely some parts of the year and can be challenging in certain months, as I mentioned in my video. But how you feel once you visit is all that matters. ❤️😊
Hello, I just subscribed. I really enjoyed your video. Thank you !! I am studying Chiang Mai very much, and hope to live there on 500 to 750 USD a month. I look forward to watching more of your videos.
Thank you! Depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to live, I think living on 500 to 750 is possible. 😊
What a brilliant video on Chiang Mai life. Ironically, I just left CM Friday, September 2nd, after the Kingdom opened on July 1st. I also did my 60 days. It’s been 2.5 years since I’ve left in February 2020. I was happy to return since I waited until no vaccine was required. Take care. 🙏🏼
Thank you for your feedback. And I agree, Chiang Mai is a good place to live and very affordable. The nature is gorgeous too. Wishing you well🙏
Thanks for your video....I am looking forward to live in Chiang mai....😍😍
I hope you enjoy your stay here soon 🙏
I plan on teaching in Thailand and Chang Mai has been one of my main choices for what city I would like to live in due to the temples and this just made me fall in love with the idea even more
I'm happy to know that. Wishing you a wonderful stay in Chiang Mai soon 🙏❤️
Maggie, have you moved to Chang Mai yet and are you a teacher? I am teaching in America (25 years) and will be moving to Thailand in June. Good luck.
Excellent. 👍
Thank you! Cheers!
thank you so much!!!!
Glad you liked it. 😊
Quite nice and informative video. Please include transcript so if someone wants to get on particular section again, he can do so. Thanks for nice presentation.❤
Thanks! I did include chapters/ timestamps, if that helps. 😊
Thanks for this video, it was very helpful in identifying places and prices to expect. What sites do you recommend using to locate these apartments for rent in Chiang Mai?
Thanks and glad this video was helpful for you. ☺️ For long term stays (3 months to a year), I look for properties on this Facebook page m.facebook.com/groups/218247338585479?group_view_referrer=search and I also ask for recommendations from Chiang Mai expat Facebook pages. But for short term stays, I go on Airbnb.
Welcome to Thailand, w our warm heart n hospitality, .. if any problem or reluctant ..pls ask the local for any help...We, thai..very please to help all the times.
Thai people are very kind and polite. 🙏
Hello! Thank you for this helpful video.
How would you recommend finding a place to rent like yours, outside of Chiang Mai in a place like Doi Saket or Saraphi?
Thanks. We found our new place in Doi Saket from a Facebook group page. facebook.com/groups/218247338585479/
🙏 thank you very much
🙏
really enjoyed this video, thank you!! My wife is also from the Philippines, we currently live in Canada. We were in Chiang Mai before Covid, but had to return to Canada, we are headed straight to Chiang Mai this November, we plan to move permanently. We are 60 years old, so a retirement visa is our goal, we are told that we can get 90 days plus a 1 year retirement Visa, 30 days at the airport, 60 day extension from immigration office, then a 1 year retirement Visa. We do not want to move to the Philippines for many reason, which is to bad because we have family in the Philippines, but we can certainly visit often easily from Thailand.
Thanks for watching and wishing you a wonderful stay in Chiang Mai. And yes, it's easy to visit the Philippines from Thailand. 😊
Klee, my wife is also from the Philippines. She is 54 and I am 67. The cost of living here in the US has gotten out of hand. We are thinking of moving to Thailand, with Chiang Mai being my wife's preference. I have been to the Philippines about five years ago, and honestly, I don't want to live there either. I have found the Philippines' people very welcoming. But it lacks so much infrastructure. I am coming to Thailand in early October and will be staying for six weeks. I hope to visit Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai. My wife is going to PI to visit relatives, but will be joining me in Bangkok for about a week. I am curious as to which area of Chiang Mai you would recommend.
@@sharbymj to long of an answer
@@sharbymj PM me
this was helpful. thank you. microphone was booming sometimes, but maybe because of road noise. again-- thanks
Glad you liked it and sorry about the road noise. Thanks for your feedback 🙂
I have been debating on Bali or Chiang Mai. You have convinced me to go to Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai is a better deal overall, in my opinion. No beaches there, but the gorgeous beaches of Southern Thailand are only a quick plane + boat ride away. 😊
@@ASlowSimpleLife what is the best way to look for a place to live?
If only short-term (a few weeks to a couple of months), I prefer to look for places on Airbnb. If long term (6 months to a year or so), I go on this chiang mai Expats Facebook group m.facebook.com/groups/218247338585479/
@@Chrisace89 There are so many very affordable places to stay at half the normal rates. I’ll recommend a great, clean, ideal located Hotel for you. I just stayed there last month. It’s in the Old City, the Southeast part inside the moat. II highly recommend: The Chada House. Only 400 Baht a night!!! Checkout this gem. 🙏🏼
I like this video! It provides very valuable information to me, thank you! I have a question - is Hang Dong very noisy? It is very close to the airport, so is there an airplane flying over your head every minute if you live in this area? On the map I saw Hang Dong is large, but if you live in the place pointed by the arow in your video, is it too close to the airport and airplane runway?
Glad this video was helpful for you. 😊
We never had airplane noise from where we lived, actually. It's more common in certain parts of Nimman and also in Suthep road, at least based on my experience. But never an issue in that part of Hang Dong where we stayed.
Hello, new viewer here! Great video and information! Is there an area of Chiang Mai that is a bit quieter and less crowded? Thank you!
Thanks! We never had noise issues in some parts of Doi Saket (talat Kwan, luang nuea) and also in Hang Dong (nam phrae, ban pong, nong kwai). In the city, North of CMU is also okay, as well as Mae Hia.
@@ASlowSimpleLife Thank you so much! 🧡
That was a really informative video, thank you very much. One thing I'd like to ask you though, we are planning to visit next month with the view of staying long-term and love the look and prices of the apartments you showed in your video -- would you recommend or have the name of any of those apartment agencies? Thanks again.
Thanks for the kind comment. I found those properties on a Facebook group I am a member of, Chiang Mai Rental Properties Under 10,000 Per Month. facebook.com/groups/218247338585479. The properties posted there are for long-term rentals, though. Minimum of 6 months. But you can always contact the agent to know more about their terms. I hope you'll find a good home in Chiang Mai :)
@@ASlowSimpleLife Thank you so much for the information and your kind reply :)
You are welcome. Happy to help 😊
tapps4260…….I will be there also in Late September, contemplating retirement. Let’s compare notes. And coffee. Hope to see you all soon. Jody.
Wow. Nice video. Well done. Greetings from Chon Buri ✌️
I'm thinking of returning to Chiang Mai to live there again... In Santitam. I assume that is your home next to the water.. Is that a lake... Or? Where?
Thank you and glad you liked this video. I've heard good things about Santitham - wishing you a wonderful stay in Chiang Mai. 🙏
This little shed where I filmed this video was actually at Baristro X Ping River (a coffee shop) and it's facing the Ping River. We live outside of Chiang Mai city 😊
Thank you so much! What website would recommend for renting a place in Chiang Mai?
The properties I featured in this video came from this Facebook page that I'm a member of m.facebook.com/groups/218247338585479/. I hope you'll find a place in Chiang Mai that you like 😊
@@ASlowSimpleLife thank you so much!
You are welcome 😊
Excellent! Well done! Like # 188, View #3,983.
Thank you 😊
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Cost of living in Chieng Mai, u can spend in a local prize, ..but in bali..may be charged.. because of tourist area.
Good info! I was wondering about medical expenses?
The typical cost for a doctor's visit is 500 thai baht or about $13. The only hospital we've been to is Chiang Mai Ram Hospital, and they are responsive (email, phone, or FB page) if you would like to inquire about their fees for certain medical procedures. Their staff also speak good English, so it's helpful for people who don't speak Thai. Thanks for watching my video 🙏
Can you please elaborate on the international schools for children and also hospital/healthcare in Chiang Mai?
There are many international schools for kids in Chiang Mai. Here's a blog post with info on the schools and tuition fee www.international-schools-database.com/in/chiang-mai/top-schools-in-chiang-mai. As for healthcare, this blog post from an expat provides details on some of the best medical centers/ hospitals here www.keyvisathailand.com/top-7-hospitals-in-chiang-mai-for-expats/. My partner has undergone minor surgery in Chiang Mai Ram and I highly recommend that hospital. The follow up visits to his surgeon are free, even if it's been almost a year since his surgery. Otherwise, the cost of checkup is $14.
thank you for the video! do you know what site I can use to find fully furnished studios? Airbnb studios seem to be at least $500+
I find them here - m.facebook.com/groups/218247338585479/
@@ASlowSimpleLife thank you!
Thanks dear, I’m planning to move in 2 years 🥹
Best of luck to your move 😊
God bless you dear, i’ll keep following you to know more about the life there. I appreciate your kindness 🌹
I knew your a Filipina, I live in the Philippines with my wife. Where visiting Chiang Mai in a few weeks
Wishing you a lovely visit to Chiang Mai 😊
Great info! at 8:58 you mention that the 1 year ED visa cost $1258.00, am I correct in assuming it's the course that cost that much to sponsor your visa? I ask, because im looking at a course at CM University that costs 33,000 THB with ED sponsorship. Thanks! (Subscribed!)
Yes, you are correct - it is the course that costs 45,000 thb (approximately $1,258) for us. We did not take Thai language but martial arts. Thanks for watching my video and for the comment 🙏
@@ASlowSimpleLife Thanks for the confirmation and help!
You're welcome 😊
The video is well presented with mature prespective. For the apartment price that you mentioned is based on an 1-yr lease and furished? Is it necessary to own a motorbike to live a normal daily life? Thx.
Yes, the prices I mentioned are based on a 1-year rental contract for houses/ condo units in Chiang Mai that I saw. Owning a motorbike is optional, but we just decided to buy our own since we're staying long term and renting would be more expensive. Thanks for your comment 🙏
@@ASlowSimpleLife Sorry, I didn't make myself clear. I mean do I really need to ride a motorbike in order to live there? Is public transportation safe and easy? Thx.
There is public transportation in the city center (city bus, song thaew or red truck, Bolt/ Grab car, and tuk tuk) and in the outskirts of the city such as in Hang Dong (song thaew or yellow truck, Bolt/ Grab car). However, if you are staying farther from the city centre such as in Mae Rim, only Grab car is available, but it's limited.
@@ASlowSimpleLife Thank you for your information.
You're welcome 😊
Your blogs are so interesting!
I’m just curious and I can’t tell for certainty what your nationality is . . .but your English accent seems to resemble the way people here in the Philippines speak.
Interesting observation 😊 Thank you for watching 🙏🤍
I live in jomtien for under 800. Love it for the beach.
It's so good to be able to live in most parts of Thailand for a reasonable price. To live on the beach for under $800 is definitely great 😊
@@ASlowSimpleLife well one block from the beach... but still yeah compared to the usa it is like spending pennies instead of dollars.
That is fantastic! Wishing you a great weekend ahead 🙏
I also live in Jomtien Beach Steven.. Jomtien is cheap... But I do miss the nature of Chiang Mai area
Hey thanks for the informative video... but i think you missed some monthly costs like the visa which would end up beeing like 100$ more per month. Also you need a scooter at least on some days and food for 180$ per month is hardly possible for most people. I think a more realistic monthly budget is like 800-1000$. But like you said it depends on your lifestyle 🤷♂
That is correct. I suppose if someone wants to get a 1 year ED visa and then rent a scooter, you are right, the monthly cost of living goes up. For a 3-month stay, however, a TR visa + extension is a little cheaper. Thanks for your comment 😊
So what do people do during the burning season ?
Do they leave for Southern Thailand for 3 months every year or is it ok to cope by staying indoors ?
Some people leave for southern Thailand but some stay in Chiang Mai. In our case, we have an air filter in the house and it works for us. But we do visit Ko Lanta for a few weeks during Songkran.
@@ASlowSimpleLife
Thanks for the reply, you mean I can just stay indoors by using an air filter if I have slight sinus n am too lazy to leave the city ...
What is the best/option visa for someone that would rent and stay six months a year during American retirement? In the US the other six months.
A retirement visa would be my first choice if I were in your situation.
Where do you book/find your condo/accommodation ?
For short term stays (less than a month), I find properties to rent at Airbnb. But for long term, I find good properties from a Facebook group I'm a member of, a Chiang Mai Expats group specific to rentals. 😊
I agree with most of thing you say but I don’t agree that in Bali are less activities than Chang Mai
You may be right. 😊
hey what's the best way to find cheap and good accommodation in NImman?
What I do is find places on Airbnb because I get to see people's actual reviews and ratings on each property. But that's just my personal preference 😊
Do you have your dog living with you? Could you explain more pls, I'm thinking of traveling to Thailand with my dog and my cat. Thanks!
No, I don't have a dog living with me. But I have heard of expats bringing their pets with them without any problem. This topic has been discussed quite a few times in a chiang mai expat Facebook page I'm a member of. One person flew her dog from SFO to Chiang Mai via Korean Airlines and she also recommends Turkish Airlines because of her good experience using those Airlines in terms of taking care of her dog. A longer flight is better than frequent layovers since some airports may not allow you to be with your dog during a layover. Also, be sure to have all your dog's paperwork ready since they check it at the pet import area once you get to Thailand. Good luck!
Where in Chang Mai should I stay for my first time solo travel? I really want to make friends with other solo travelers
Nimman is a popular starting point for many first time solo travelers in Chiang Mai - many restaurants and cafes that are within walking distance from rental condo units. And I see a lot of foreigners in this part of Chiang Mai. Other good ones are Old City and Thapae Gate. I also recommend joining chiang mai expat groups to learn more about some events that provide opportunities to meet up with fellow travelers. There are also meetup groups for different activities and different interests - hikers, disc golfers, crypto enthusiasts, digital nomads, cycling, etc.
@@ASlowSimpleLife thanks for the reply :)
@@ASlowSimpleLife the only problem I have now is finding an affordable flight, they're all so expensive from the UK haha.
hi. i live in USA and planning to retire there in Chang Mai next month. Anyway I can get in touch with you? thank you so much for the video
Wishing you a wonderful retirement in Chiang Mai! And glad the video was helpful to you. I have some details on the "about" section of my channel. Have a good day 🙏
@@ASlowSimpleLife
Thank you so much dear
Hi, So I'm retired and want to move out of the US and relocate to Chiang Mai. How do I get an apartment for around $300 there? I want to live near nature and hiking. I heard that the Chiang Mai University area would be best.
Hi, it's possible to find a one-bedroom apartment for that price in Chiang Mai. I would post on this Facebook page to ask - the members are helpful and responsive, and this was also where we found the house we are renting now. facebook.com/groups/218247338585479/ Suthep area is good for walks, especially around Chiang Mai University or taking some nature trails in Montha Than, Doi Pui, Etc. But if you want to be a a bit further from the city, I would recommend Hang Dong district, especially in Namphrae or Ban Pong area. Less busy, more laid back atmosphere, and much closer to nature than in Chiang Mai city center. Plenty of nature walks - Ob Khan National Park and many trails in Namphrae subdistrict.
Which is the best way to rent an apartment for 6 months in Chiang Mai?
We have found the house we are renting from a Facebook group that we are a member of. m.facebook.com/groups/775699165858279/ But I highly recommend finding a good agent who can assist you when you have questions or concerns regarding the property.
Sounds like a noisy place you are recording from , I can hear the traffic noise , also those flats are lockdown prices , right?
You are right, it was a little busy in that location where I filmed, unfortunately. As for the prices of the properties I featured in the video, those were the prices 2 months ago.
How many languages do you speak?
I speak English and Filipino and very little Spanish 😊
Sawadee krab
🙏
Agree 100% Bali is overrated
Bali is beautiful but just a little expensive for us to live long term. And we really like Chiang Mai's geography and climate more. But to each his own. 😊
you have edu visa?
Yes, I did and it was valid up to early spring of this year. Then I left the country to visit my family in the Philippines for a few months. I'm not on an ED visa as of the moment.
@@ASlowSimpleLife will back Chiang Mai with edu visa again?
Hopefully 🙏
I am reading that the air quality is terrible.
Worse than in February, yes. 😷
@@ASlowSimpleLife yeah I also live in Chiang Mai it is bad
Can you share the website to find those homes for rent pls.
I found it on a Facebook page - Chiang Mai rental properties under 10,000 is the name :)