TImyT 019 - Upsides & Downsides of Chiang Mai - JC’s Northern Tour pt 10 Final 🌹
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- This is part 10 and the final episode of a multipart series which took us around Northern Thailand. In this episode we return to Chiang Mai after a stop for some delicious, cheap Thai food. I talk about why I don’t live in Chiang Mai. But I also give you a glimpse into the spectacular Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2017. Come join us!
RetireCheap.Asia membership site - all the REAL life details you need to live in Thailand plus connect with other like-minded people at: goo.gl/M0nMT5
Every year when winter rolls around I remember the time I lived in Northern Thailand. I always enjoyed the cool air that winters brought in the northern region of Thailand. It's a great time to get out and enjoy the national parks and mountains. If you're in to camping this is a great time of year to do it. We can sleep in the RIPper Mobile but we also enjoy being able to spread out and relax in a tent.
So we’re off on a winter adventure seeking out cooler weather before the hot dry burning season kicks in about mid-February. Our tentative itinerary includes Loei, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai and a few stops in between at Phu Thap Berk, Phu Ruea National Park, Khun Chae National Park and some other cool places.
Come along with us and see what northern Thailand is like in the winter time and check out some of the national parks will be stopping at as well.
So grab a coat, a tent and maybe some hiking boots and come along with us!
Please like or subscribe to this channel and you if can, link back to my website, I’d appreciate it. For more videos, books on retiring abroad and a Retirement Budget Calculator go check out retirecheap.asia
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This video features the song “Ticker” by Silent Partner from the TH-cam music library and the song “Rubix Cube” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Artist: audionautix.com/
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Check out my latest road trip series: "TImyT 020 A Retirement Life at Laem Mae Phim Beach pt 1 ⛵"
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I was stationed in Thailand fifty years ago. Pattaya was a little village with two tin shack bars. Bangkok had bad traffic back then, but it was still old Thailand. I wish to return sometime soon ,but I realize that the country that I knew probably doesn't exist anymore. Back then the Thai people always told me that I should go see Chang Mia because it was beautiful there. I just hope that I haven't waited too long.
You can delete "probably" from your comment and be very accurate!!
I hear ya Brother! I took my Special Forces Qualifying Ocean swim off of Pattaya Beach and we used the only hotel for a beacon as we swam to shore. I remember I was amazed to see round eyed German tourists on the beach at that time. It was just the beginning of what was to come!
I have visited CM almost every year for the last 17. Yes it has changed alot and not for the better. But then you can say that for anywhere else in Thailand. I hate to see tourists but then I am one of them.
I totally agree i stopped going there as far back as 2005 and i thought it was bad. I call it now Little Europe. I avoid the tourist slums like my life depended on it.
You are so right. I first came to Chiang Mai 45 years ago, when almost all of the roads were dirt. So much has changed here since then. I loved it more back then.
Wow! Dirt roads huh? Must have been an amazing experience to see with all the temples and local people.
I bet you liked washing clothes by hand and shitting in the garden toilet shared by the whole street? What a joke.
As I’m local people, I feel that too... miss my Chiang mai 30 years ago.
Simply doesn't make sense. It is not just Chiang Mai, but all over the world including Antarctica. High rise and asphalt is taking over everywhere. Sad but time changes. I used to live in the middle of rice field 60 years ago now it is center of concrete covering in 100 miles of radius.
Many restaurants we at at didn't have a TV one, but one in Bangkok had a crazy loud violent one - but the food was good and plenty. Then we (me/Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Dad, and 4 little ones) took a bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and they played loud violent movies the whole way. I had a difficult time not being distracted by it, but I really wanted to enjoy the scenery and also nap. On the way back to Bangkok, we took the train, and it was lovely. Quiet, peaceful, and the scenery was absolutely spectacular.
We enjoyed Chiang Mai and visited many Wats and gardens. Definitely had a touristy feel (or course we are tourists - LOL :) ). We looked for Thai family restaurants when we ate and had wonderful food and found friendliness. I'm not sure where we will be settling, but this August we will be visiting a few hours North of Bangkok. Right now our Daughter and family are living 1 hour North of Bangkok, close to Thammasat University, in a brick/concrete oven - cooking at about 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. We will hopefully find some places to retreat near by. Sometimes we go to ponds with frogs and monitor lizards and sit with new Thai friends. If I brought a bottle of Hong Thong I would make plenty of new friends. :)
I want to thank you JC for these wonderful videos. Debbie and I really are enjoying them, and each time we watch them we start to feel homesick. Let's see how we feel when we go for our 3 week trip this August. Of course, having family waiting for us makes all the difference on where "Home" is.
Chiang Mai is a great place to visit that offers allot to foreigners who want to live there. I find Chiang Mai over crowed changing the attitudes of Thai's who deal with foreigners on a daily basis. Allot of foreigners find it a wonderful place to live, however I choose a more relaxing atmosphere where I can experience true Thailand in my opinion. Remember any where you decide to live in this world has it's positives and negatives, just make sure where you live makes you happy. JC says never burn all your bridges, to keep options open. Great advice from a good man who has help so many people like myself. Thank you JC!
HEY ADAM!!! Long time no talk. Every so often your name pops up in conversation talking about the "old days" of the RC Asia inception. Glad you are doing well and enjoying the life you deserve after all the turmoil back home. Keep in touch through email and let me know what's shakin.
Adam Kidd 0
I don't click with many expats .some are creepy
Great truthful authentically personal video. Thanks. I am currently here in Chiang Mai, leaving for Davao soon, but been here 18 months, and it is very interesting to hear that this place was only recently less touristy, less bustly, less developed. Visually it is still a feast, and I would recommend it as a place to visit. BTW, JC, I salute you for making videos that help people go expat, retire abroad, and so on. Helping people like you do is the Lord's work.
Be on your guard in Davao. Pay VERY close attention to your intuition. It can keep you safe.
Thanks JC. I was in Mexico, looking over my shoulder, so I hope I can manage okay. But yeah, each ecosystem does indeed have its own unique predators.
Men Going Abroad I may never get to visit but I enjoy seeing the places with your videos and experiences. Wonderful to see and hear.
Well Miss Cherrie....
I know you really meant to address that remark to JC....
but since it's the nicest thing a cute girl has said to me today,
I'm TAKIN it!
(sorry JC)
IMHO After 25 years here, on balance, Chiang mai has never been better. I know many who agree.
I disagree:) and I'm not sure 25 people agree.. I think people just can't face change or losing their investments.
@@martindryan agree . Never been better ???????? 55555555555
Hey JC and Nat,Chiang Mai is the second biggest city in Thailand with about 1.7 million people. The traffic is horrible but the farang hipsters are the only bad part.There are plenty of nearby villages that I was in with Thai people that are genuinely Thai,depends on what you like.
Yes it doesn't take going very far to get back to normalcy and experiencing the "Thainess" that I always have appreciated about the North.
Having visited CM back in 94 & lived there for many years, I agree with everything you said about my old home. It has lost its charm, you can build as many ring roads, underpasses & highways but at the end of the day traffic now is horrendous. It will only get worse with all the construction going on. It will always have a special place in my heart but knowing the place for so long it has changed too much.
Wow! My sentiments exactly.....
Wow! My sentiments exactly.....
Yes the traffic is indeed horrendous.
I've really enjoyed following your travels for this series - thanks JC (and Nat)!
You are welcome.
Regrettable to hear JC, What you say about Chiang Mai feeling like home with a laid-back local feel was very much what I felt in the 80s. The experience of a wild ride in the old 2-stroke TukTuks was something I look back fondly.
Those were the things I didn't appreciate then. But now I'd take them any day over what is they are now.
I never had an asthma attack until I had one and had to go to the hospital last week in Chiang Mai. I had to leave Thailand to come back to my doctor. I also saw felt the burning in Pai was intense. I can travel anywhere and can move through a lot of different environments and even lived in China. February through May in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand is becoming unbearable. Although, I LOVED it there, I may have to go back to another city.
I agree that Chiangmai has changed but so everywhere else too. We can’t stop Chiangmai from growing because it’s one of the largest city in Thailand and that means one way or the other it will get congested and crowded. I was born and raised in Chiangmai. During my teen years as I remember the city was easier to manure around in the 90’s. Now it’s harder to get around but I still enjoy my visit every years and appreciate what Chiangmai has to offer. If one is expecting or looking for a slower pace without the rat race then perhaps the country side? That’s what my parents did anyway and they come to the city only when needed.
Yes we still enjoy visiting Chiang Mai as well. I never said it wasn't a great city. Many of my members live in Chiang Mai and love it. Whether or not it's busy, congested or anything else is only in contrast to what people have come from. Or what their rules and values are concerning those issues. I just state from my own personal perspective as to what attracted me to the city in the first place and what got me to look for quieter places.
So I recommend everybody to go visit Chang Mai and appreciate all the great things it has to offer.
JC, I wonder how Google Translate can help, have you reviewed it, would be interested to hear your view.
Yes I talked a lot about this in the membership site. It's good for words or two word phrases. Anything longer than that it doesn't work very well. Note that now the Microsoft version and the Google version works with photographs. So you can photograph a word and it'll translate for you.
After spending some time in the chaos, cacophony and pollution of Bangkok I arrived in Chiang Mai and there were buddhist monks meditating in gardens and all was quiet and serene.
A bit extreme contrast depiction but that was my first impression when I got there lol much more the Thailand I wanted to see.
Yes contrast is a wonderful thing. Remember I said this was MY interpretation based on MY past there. And I said many people, like you, find it quite charming.
I spent 3 years in Bangers and have been living in Chiang Mai for the last 3 years... I think the next 3 will be in a little beach community in the south...
JC, What color is the sky in Thailand? My girlfriend is constantly amazed at the blue sky here in the USA. When she video chats with her daughters in Bangkok, one daughter actually said; Why is the sky blue?
Well not sure where you live... many major cities have a brown haze of pollution surrounding them so the sky never looks as blue as where the pollution and emissions are under control.
She has a home in Chiang Mai. Her daughters live near Bangkok. We live in the Virginia countryside. You are correct though, many cites like Los Angeles, are very poluted and hazy.
Thanks JC. I'm going to the member site to see if you have other city recommendations. I had my heart set on Chiang Mai but now I'm not so sure. I don't want to get into a noisy, city full of bad traffic. Maybe Chiang Rai.
Contact me through PM on the member site and I will spill the beans. Maybe I will even talk about it in the weekly update.
OK, thanks
So, if Chiang Mai is getting too big and farang, where do you live and the north is cooler and Chiang Rai or Lampang seem much smaller. Thanks
Yes Chiang Rai and Lampang are smaller. Get to Chiang Rai quickly though because it is growing fast!! I think living in the RIPper Mobile is my best option!
always a pleasure to see your videoes JC.
thanks once again of doing this great thing.
I dont know if it is just me but the more videoes i see you in, the younger you seem to be in your spirit.
Thanks JC been following you for years and love your work.
Thanks for your support...
Perhaps Chiang Mai is a good "transition" location.
It has enough western food and amenities that one can slowly ease into the Thai culture and food.
e.g. I like Thai food, but initially, it will be difficult to eat it 3 times a day.
Could not agree more.. Interesting recount...I was there over 26 years ago.. my how things have changed... The memories are fond.. although I wish I could relive those times.. Even back then.. Thailand in general was a very different place.. I would argue a better place. ..I was watching another Thai Vlogger and one of the ladies in his video remarked how she was 'weary of Falangs' - understandable .. When I go to Thailand these days.. I do not take a camera.... not same same.
Just an aside, I like to joke with both Thais and Farangs, that I am glad so many Chinese are coming now. "Why?". they ask, somewhat astonished. "Because Thai people do not complain about Farang anymore."
I totally agree. Anyone that has felt the blessing and curse of contrast with Chiang Mai (and other places in Thailand) should be able to understand what you mean. I appreciate the new things but...truly miss the old versions of many places in Thailand
Yes sometimes we have to have to take the good with the bad don't we?
On my next trip, I hope to get even MORE off the beaten path. I made it to the Chiang Mai outskirts and some farms 1-2 hours away and Chiang Dao last time. I just love the little hidden places !
A whole other world once you leave the cities huh?
I really appreciate your perspective! Me, my wife and 2 daughters are planning a trip this year. I’d love to meet with you and get a better perspective on the potential of living in Chiang Mai or somewhere more quieter. I’m homeschooling my kids, so Im really excited to show them Thai Culture! Thanks again for you historical perspective! I surely enjoyed it!
What does your membership in Chiang Mai think about the city, are they thinking of leaving or do they like the place?
Lots love it. The challenges are all relative. I only voice my perspective. I'd go see it for yourself. Maybe you'd love it.
JC, what did you do before you retired? I think I know, but i don't want to say. The way you store the toothpicks on the door frame may have given it away. I have seen that in only one occupation. Just curious.
Aloha planning a trip to Thailand and who knows if I like it maybe one day I could call it home. the only thing I'm afraid of is I will not want to come back. I live in Hawaii on the big island and yes its slow and laid back. we even catch Rain water for the house, actually just got internet down the road last year and we are the last house with electricity. so i can live country life or enjoy the city night life. I enjoy Thai food, learning the language maybe a challenge for me. I enjoy watching your channel and hope to make the trip next year.
Can you suggest another city that is less crowded, but still convenient? I chose Chiang Mai because it is near an airport and it is a big enough city to be able to live without shopping trips to another place. Also, I want to avoid buying a car. So, remote villages are not practical.
There are great cities within an hour or hour and a half of Chiang Mai and living in any of them would give you the best of both worlds.
Good video JC and Nat. For better or worse many places in the world are changing rapidly in this global society. The internet allows people to "see" new places and many decide the grass is greener there and move.
Yep news travels fast these days
I've always felt like Pattaya is home for me when I was in Thailand.
Eyy CCC!
You must like living in a cesspit.
Cheap Charlie Chronicles, because you are cheap charlie! 😃😃😃
hahaha
Thanks for posting cause when i retire in just a couple of years from now ,Im going to travel Asia...mostly provinces and villages not to much for city life or fast pace......Time to enjoy life n living why rush.... Again thank you Mike in Arizona
You are welcome Mike.
I share your sentiments regarding Chiang Mai JC but it's still a great place to visit for a break. I'll definitely be there in February for the Flower Festival!
I finally moved to Thailand a month ago and have leased a small apartment in Mae Chan just north of Chiang Rai. I found your series of Videos shot around Chiang Rai really useful and informative. Really hope I will bump into you one day so I dan thank you personally for all the advice and guidence you've passed on!
You are welcome Chris.
retirecheapjc
I second that.
I learned so much from you.
A breath of fresh air from those negative, or bar girl/party sites.
Iv been a married fulltime and living part time in Mahasarakham and Roi-ET for four years now.
Couldnt be happier,,, although Learning Thai will be a lifetime process,, 5555!
Coffee is fresh when it is roasted, not when it is ground. The process of roasting is what begins the escape of coffee's flavour.
Semantics, semantics Tim. In Thailand we use the word "fresh" meaning not instant. I am fully aware of what fresh means. I roast and grind my own coffee at home.
I have been coming to Thailand since 1968 and have lived here permanently for 18 years. i was also instrumental in the founding of Doi Chang coffee, suggest you look up the meaning of the word "semantics" even Merriam Webster gets that right, BTW roasting is roasting, grinding is grinding (nothing to do with "fresh")
Whatever floats your boat Tim. I guess you have never seen the term "fresh coffee" as a menu item. No worries. Cheers mate!
truth and commonsense does it for me
@@timcollins1131 --- really don't get how JC so graciously puts up with all of the Absolutist Know-it-alls! If you see this JC ... Good on ya .. for taking all of the 'Tims' in your stride. My apologies to you, for their blurred minds ..
Is it safe to have ice in your drink especially for a new comer?
Yes in Thailand it is fine. And I have never had problems in Vietnam in the cities either.
hi in goin to thailand for the first time in 2 weeks is it as frendly as the philippines? ? chang mai i will stop
Personally I feel it is MORE friendly but others feel the opposite. Depends on what your rules and definitions are for "friendly".
hi JC,
i'm one of your subscribers, and i do understand exactly what you mean! i visited thailand (bkk and pattaya) for the first in the eighties. nowadays, you need not to say a single thai word in order to communicate with the locals....i don't judge, though
JC - First time responding....I love your vids...I love how you are including Nat in all your vids .... keep going sir...I plan on visiting Thailand in the next year or so....maybe we can meet. The best to you, Nat, and the children....
Thanks for your comments and support.
When I’m there I live 20 minutes S of the airport it’s like the old CM you talk about..if we need big city services not too far 🙏🏻
I'm grateful to live in this amazing city :D i love it here...
Yes. As I said MANY people love it. Hmmm... maybe that is why it is overcrowded!! Just hope they don't kill the goose laying the golden egg by allowing unbridled growth.
CM is huge but at least cooler than BKK.
I do not understand the attraction of BKK to Expats at all.
All of the smaller Chiang cities and other towns in the cooler highlands are pretty nice thou.
JC?! What does 'Chiang' mean? High place?
Just another word they use for "northern city".
Be aware the north isn't always cooler! Some times of the year it's hotter 🔥!
retirecheapjc
The past four years Im in the MK during April+ and October+.
School is out during those months.
Fortunatly those, especiall October are pretty nice.
I live in Thailand and believe me it is nothing like it was the first time I set foot here in 1964.
Can you tell me any place in the world that is the same as it was in 1964? I love it when I read these kinds of comments.
@@EscapetoThailand - Antarctica, the North Pole, and the Canadian wilderness. And your point is exactly what?
Great series, great job! Thanks for sharing/informing!
is Nat being held hostage?
Why do you ask?
Gee I wanted to see more of Chang Mai .but love your channel. Getting the ole passport renewed for my vacation to Thailand
2nd question - Is there any thought being given by the government to allowing foreigners to own property? I wouldn't want to live there unless I could be settled in my own place. Talk about a boom in construction, it would explode if we could purchase a condo.
There is a glut and overbuilding going on. Surely a buyers market. You can own a condo as a foreigner but not land. You can though own a building on the land and there are ways to protect your rights. Way too dry and detailed for TH-cam but those types of details are all in the members site.
Cool. Good info. Thanks for the reply.
So where do you live now?
Have you ever been to Tahkli. I was stationed there after I left DaNang, Vietnam.
No I have never had a reason to see the base. Have you been back to DaNang or Tahkli since?
No, but I want to go see them. I am the caregiver for my disabled brother. And will have to wait until he passes on. I love the Thai people and lived off the base when I was there. Many good memories.
Hi JC, still enjoy your vids I have not seen any for a wee while. Just spent the last 6 weeks at Viangbua Mansion, everyone says hi. I decided not to retire in Chaing Mai it really is a busy city now. Im checking out Khao Lak in a couple of months. I still haven't found anywhere to retire to in Thailand so far. Just on the fun side it looks like you are back on the rice, and also to mention your really nice Thai lady she is really nice. Ok thanks for your vids keep well.
If I am correct I think Viangbua Mansion is closed now for renovation. Or have they finished already?
Yes its closed now for at least 6 months, most of the guys have gone to Hua HIn to avoid the smoke and heat. Im still looking for a place Chaing Mai is now far too busy.
Another great video, JC.
Keep up great work!
In Chiang Mia 1st of May for 2 weeks,hope we have done the right thing
You should be OK in May.... Still touristy but no burning..
Have a safe trip back , And who knows , we meet up somewhere in may ,!
I’m really enjoying JC’s blog. As for Chiang Mai, I felt at home here more than any other city I visited on my first recent trip to Thailand. Understand your take on “ how it used to be.” It’s safe to say that today that applies everywhere on the planet. I catch your drift, after 42 years in my native Los Angeles, I couldn’t withstand the changes anymore, and left.
Out of curiosity; where to live in Thailand ?
If you're from L.A. you'll still find Chiang Mai small and charming.
I did enjoy the “ hipster” feel along Ninman, while I abhor it in LA. Though to reconcile that, hence I moved to Florida. I’m catching up on your great contributions here. This past April, was my first trip to Thailand. I stayed in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. I prefer the more traditional lifestyle in the north and looking forward to reconnoiter the ne on next visit. I’m 56, so I’m looking at feasibility but with emphasis on culture. I’m an easy cat 2, so that is no problem.
JC, I'm a new Subscriber to your channel, and I need to congratulate you on your fresh perspective to co-existing in Thailand.
Thanks Rick and welcome!
Good morning TH-cam channel is always interesting thanks.
VERY GOOD VIDEO MATE, well presented as well.
I finally made it to CM!Thank you!I would like to know where you buy your nutrients?ALOHA!!
Kenny Scott
Eat the abundant fruits and vegetables :)
So where is the new Chiang Mai, JC?
If I told you it would quickly become the same thing again wouldn't it?
The main change I've noticed in Chiang Mai is the increase in moat traffic. Hadn't noticed a hardening in attitude of the locals although they are put under pressure by tourist hordes. Not a big fan of heavily trafficked tourist areas so shop at Thanin market when I'm there which is almost exclusively populated with Thai shoppers.
Don't forget the traffic jams on Huay Kaew Rd. especially around the Maya mall area, Kaeo Narawat Rd. especially around rush-hour, and Charoen Muang Road which is usually backed up all the way from the river to the superhighway especially at rush-hour. Other than that getting around is no problem right? :-)
I cheat. I walk everywhere so Chiang Mai still works for me.
Interesting. I tend to agree with you, although my experience of Chiang Mai only goes back thirty years. I prefer Chiang Rai now.
What city do you live in?
Ps.
Can you do a video about Ayuttaya (north og Bangkok). geuss bouth you and your wife and her freinds know about the Uneco city)..
One day Jan I do plan on getting to Ayutthaya to do some videos regarding living there as a RIPper.
Hi JC, what city do you live in currently ?
Wait as minute and let me check my passport!
What the chiropractor name in Chiangmai
Chiang Mai? Try Rajavej Chiangmai hospital.
My girlfriend is from Chiang Mai. We live here in the US, but we can't visit Thailand right now because she overstayed her tourist visa and won't be able to return to the US if she leaves.
Yikes. Get that sorted out.
You European American and Europeans always like to complain about the large number of Chinese in Thailand. Do note that this is part of East Asia and not Europe.
China is basically a northern neighbour and ancestors of Tai people did come down from China. Han Chinese has also been migrating to Thailand hundreds of years before that 'popular Chinese movie shot in Thailand'.
You Europeans bring your own food diet such as bread, eating beef, bar culture and Christianity religion to Thailand which is a clash of culture and religion. At least the Chinese still eat rice everyday and they also believe in Buddhism so Thailand's culture and religion is quite similar to those back in China.
Note eating beef is not part of traditional Thai and Chinese diet. In fact, it was considered sinful in the past.
So who're the real invaders in Thailand in terms of culture and religion? Certainly not the Chinese but you Europeans or Americans of European ancestry. There will be more and more Chinese coming to Thailand in the future, that's for sure.
Why not create a cheap place of living somewhere in Europe and you Europeans/Americans can go there and live?
Wow! I was only noting a comparison to the past 17 years I have been living here...... Sorry. ANd BTW the Thais aren't happy about their neighboring rice eaters invasion either!!
Just because there are a few rude Chinese doesn't mean that all Chinese are rude. I've met some very rude and arrogant Americans in Thailand and America, does that mean that all Americans are equally so?
For your info, 14% of Thais are actually ethnic Han Chinese making them the second largest ethnic group in Thailand so if the Tais don't like them as you claim, would Thailand give them citizenship and encourage more Chinese tourists to go to Thailand?
There is a greater proportion that are Han Chinese-Tai mixed. I am surprised that you don't know these facts after 17 years in Thailand.
Your biasness towards the Chinese is very obvious.
You should go to Quora.com to find the origins and answers. Especially the ones that Tai ancestors are actually from China.
Oh my God! The politically correct police have infiltrated my TH-cam channel. I thought I actually got away from that when I left North America. I think you made more generalizations about what I said then what I did in my comments. Take a break!
I am not a 'political correct police' and I am not even born in China. But the amount of hypocrisy displayed by Americans of European descent is just appalling to say the least. They can spot a speck of dust in others but fail to spot a clump of dust inside your own backyard.
Warrior cyber I like the sexy Thai women.
Do many Thai restaurants have tofu (or even better tempeh)? All Thai places I've been to do have tofu, but all Thailand vloggers only show eating meat.
In places like Chiang Mai there are a lot of vegetarian restaurants but fewer in most other cities. In Vietnam almost all restaurants have some veggie choices on the menu. I suggest if you want tempeh to make it yourself as you'll have difficulty finding it.
I understand what you're saying but we can't expect places to not develop in order to make it more interesting for us as foreigners. Everything changes.
Yes very true.... and very sad. Do should see the development of the beaches of Da Nang all the way down to Hoi An in Vietnam..... YIKES!
Hey JC. $ years ago I visited Chiang Mai and LOVED it. But when I came back in last December, something was different. It just wasn't the same for some reason. Too busy and too crowded
Go now. No one there.
Good vid
Hi JC. New subscriber here and I'm in the very beginning stages of deciding to retire in Thailand. I'm wondering how best to get some questions answered by someone like you with experience. I realize you're busy, but any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!
Have you checked out our member site? It has ALL the answers you could think of plus and incredible base of members willing to politely help out with their comments and suggestions as well. retirecheap.tv/members/become-a-member
So where do you live?
Hi JC and miss nat i can understand your point of view about chang mai its a bit like westerners that come over and live in gated communities i think maybe people just seek there own kind instead of immersing themselves in their new home as you say you would have seen it change dramatically over the time you spent there may even turn into a place like some of your no fly zones .
Hopefully common sense will kick in and a plan for a sustainable future will be mapped out.
Lived in Chiang mai 4 years 2011 - 2015 - The last 2 years was just a big traffic jam, people buying cars on loans made the city hell to commute in.
I can relate although for newcomers coming from some places in the world I can see why it is a great for them.
Hi, JC I've been watching your vlog for many years now and was married to a beautiful Thai Lady for 18 Yrs and know how hard it was to master the language especially the written portion ,but I notice you tell people how important to learn written Thai but then you always ask you lady translate for you what's up? I'm not criticizing but hard to believe you when you don't read yourself? I Love your vlogs don't take this wrong please Krupp.
JC is just reassuring viewers ไทย menu item are not silk worms or fry'd crickets....:)
Jeff, you are correct, I am not married, but have many Thai friends, they say dont worry, we will always translate for you, and I have picked up enough language to buy food, drink, and ask for the bathroom, I know a friend here married for 25 years to a lovely lady, he knows less than me, and I have been in Chang Mai, only 3 years
He can read it. His girlfriend can pronounce things better, though seeing she's Thai.
1990 your preaching to the choir ,he a good guy and has a good vlog enough said
I thought he's giving ไทย lessons for falangs on his subscription site.
Any place north of Bangkok is off limits to me because of the burning season and extreme pollution.
It is not that bad, it is straight smoke, not like pollution in china or greece, which is car / bus fumes and is brown colour, if you have lung / breathing priblems, stay indoors on the bad days, this year has not been bad, I , never alter my movements, and never suffer, I suffered big time in my own country with hayfever, took 2 tablets daily, here never had 1 single tablet
Just keep in mind, when places become like Hawaii they will also be just as expensive!!!
Even here in Hawaii we have to deal with the Vog from the volcano. It can get pretty bad at times. I know plenty people that have a hard time with it.
April Mae
Really?!
Are you serious?
I went to Chiang mai last month for the first time and didn't like it. I have lived in Thailand for 8 years and for me it was too crowded and lacked any kind of edge.
Where does JC live now?
CM.
very nice.
I love Chi keow pun!
Great video JC. simon
she said padpriksod (ผัดพริกสด, fried fresh peppers), not padprikgaeng (ผัดพริกแกง, fried chilli paste)
both are delicious 😉
very nice thank you
I just recently found your channel and I do enjoy your videos. Question, do you speak thai fluent and does your girl speak any english is it difficult communicating?
I speak Thai fairly well and enough to get by okay. Yes Nat speaks English okay and can understand most of what's being said when English is spoken. We mostly speak the Thai language 90% of the time. Is a difficulty communicating? Actually this is the reason we're together. She actually knows what I'm thinking before I even say it! So that makes it pretty easy. 😃
Been To USA lately JC??? Now TV is everywhere here too, and loud! Hospital waiting rooms with shows playing loud childish "rap" music.....even on some gas pumps and in bathrooms, TV with ads....on isles in stores with ads....it's crazy. But Thailand still has more, I think...
jealous of the coffee !
COFFEE! BTW I am roasting and grinding my own at home these days!
Where do you recommend now, maybe Chang Rai?
OMG! There's a multitude of places to choose from. Why move to the next most popular place? It would only be a matter of time before the same thing happens there as well. Take the road less traveled!
Could you do another interview with BRUCE!!!!
Next video coming up!!! Good timing huh? Make sure to subscribe and change the notifications to be notified of new videos.
Uploading it now. Should go live in less than an hour!! :)
JC what you feel about Chiang Mai I now feel about the whole of Thailand. I much preferred the place in the early 70's when people smiled and didnt want 10 baht to do so. My next trip in 2018 will be mine and my Thai wifes last. Ive had enough and even she says the same. Tourism has destroyed what the Thai people were. Progress I suppose? its not for me though.
+Coffin Dodger Fortunately it only takes about 10 minutes driving in any direction from the high traffic tourist areas to get back to the areas with a higher amount of the people exhibiting the "Thainess" that we've come to love.
Bottom line. Avoid tourist traps to experience the true Thailand. 👍
Being an expat in Thailand, I mean really living full time there, and not being able to read or speak thai fluently, I consider it being either a lazy farang or a dumb. indeed, thia is such an easy language to learn, especially as far as writing is concerned. These are just vowels and consonants, no big deal at all.
In Chang Mia stay away from Top North Hotel....I got ripped off for $300.00 some 1 came into my room with a Key while i slept...
There are small devices you can buy cheaply that you can use on your doors when you're traveling that keep people from being able to enter. But note they're also an issue if there's ever an emergency when people need to enter the room. It's all a trade-off. But there are ways to protect yourself.
It is your fault JC you told everyone about it..lol
sean mann Haha I was just going to say the same thing. See the monster you created, JC😲😂
I was there in 2011 for Loy krathong , the place was mobbed and I loved it. I would retire to Chiang mai for the winter months tomorrow if I could.
Mr. X..whoooaaaa. Get a life!!
It was on the retirement radar LONG before I started making videos. And my videos don't reach the millions of Chinese visiting. That came about because of a very popular Chinese movie shot there.
Did I hit a nerve there Mr.X..lol you Fool. Like JC said the Chinese with all that money , are invading the place. I saw a pic of one of them taking a shit in the moat.
Most farang move to Chiang Mai because it is cheap. There are some really great expats living in Thailand, but in my humble opinion, most of them live in Bangkok. In the smaller towns and on the islands, you cannot get away from foreigners you may not want to be around. The guys who drink all day and complain. You don't find those types in BKK. They congregate in Samui, Phuket & Pattaya.
Wow maybe there's some kind of connection there. Those happen to be some of my exact "no-fly zones"!
love your show jc. i keep watching that one about russia conspiring against you. lol !
Can you drive in Thailand
For 30 days you can use an International Drivers PERMIT (there is no International drivers LICENSE). Plus your home country license must have the same designation as they type of vehicle you drive in Thailand. Like a motorcycle designation if you plan on driving a motorcycle. Getting a Thai drivers license isn't too difficult though if you have a same designation license from back home. all the details to do this in the member site.
Thank
where do you live now? i came back to USA 1986 ..i fear i will be disappointed with so many foreigners, and big city type construction. loved Lampang although i understand Lampang may not have the best health care...
Yes but Lampang is only one hour from Chiang Mai and some of the best health care in Thailand.
I understand...Maybe the idea is to find the ....new Chiang Mai places that still have that innocent charm.. Thai women have the most beautiful hair....got sidetracked but I am a guy..lol
good stuff!!!
The menu is in thai language, so what ? It shouldn't be an issue for anyone living permanently in Thailand. Written thai is just vowels and consonants and is way easier to read than to speak, I mean speaking fluently, using the right tones, which basically is easier for french native speakers than for english ones.
Are you insinuating or actually thinking that everybody can absorb and learn languages the same as you do? Personally after almost 20 years I would go out on a limb and say you're the aberration and not the norm.
@@EscapetoThailand thanks, JC, for calling me "an aberration" 😊. As a matter of fact, I should actually be the norm : living permanently in a foreign country involves some duties and homework, in the forefront of which is learning to speak and write & read local language (with the exception of chinese 😊). How can one, otherwise claim immersing oneself in Local culture ? Personally, I used to be an expat in China and i did learn mandarin. I can also speak german, thai, laotian, some italian and a bit of english, and believe me : I've got absolutely no skill for foreign language. It is only a matter of willing to make the effort, I would say 😊.
one thing I hate about Chiang Mai is the bells.
so... what is your age difference?
I am thirty, not sure about her! 😆