Is Chiang Mai Still a Top Choice for Expats?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 เม.ย. 2024
- Today, we take a stroll through the charming streets of Chiang Mai, Thailand, and discuss whether this beloved Northern Thai city is still an ideal destination for expats. Known for its rich culture, delicious food, and picturesque landscapes, Chiang Mai has faced its fair share of challenges, including the annual burning season. In this video, i talk about the changes Chiang Mai has experienced and share my honest opinions on whether it's still a top choice for expats moving to Thailand.
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Burning season is a massive negative for Chiang Mai , forces you to move elsewhere for health reasons. Most can't of course which is really unfortunate.
Yes, a lot of people can't go anywhere. It doesn't force you, but preparing is something you.would need to do
Use water sprinkler system for mist it should help and a little coupled with industrial fans to blow outward and always from the windows and front door steps
My goal long term is Chiang Rai. Big enough to have everything I need including the odd western comforts but still untouched enough to have maintained an authentic, chilled vibe. Only a quick trip to Chiang Mai for a long weekend and 1 hr flight to Bangkok. Some great little spots just outside Chiang Rai if you want something more rural. Chiang Rai is the perfect location for me.
One of my favourite places ever is Chiang Rai. I lived there before Chiang Mai. I thought it was becoming a bit more like CM but still a chilled city. I could easily live in CR again, a great place . 👍
For me, Chiang Mai is pretty much the perfect place to be stationed at. I'm a motorcycle nut, and thebriding is amazing. A coffee nut, and I don't need to tell anyone about the coffee culture, and I'm a bit of a foodie, and Northern Thai food is the best, man, as well as the international food available. And it's a big enough city so everything is available without being overwhelming like Bangkok. Perfect, really.
Nice one Brian, yes I agree mate. I'm back on the coffee again also. It so hard not to in Northern Thailand 🤣
Ok. I was pleasantly shocked you were able to identify the rappers. You are way cooler than you think.. Love your videos.
I enjoy it when the High Season is over, much more quiet and laid back everywhere.
Yes, great time of year 👍
Love Chiang Mai, currently in Hua Hin. Maybe perfect 👍life is 8-9 months in Chiang Mai and the rest in Hua Hin. 😉😁
Yes, that is the perfect solution . Enjoy Hua Hin.
Hi there
My plan was to live in Chaing Mai for 8 months then 4 in Hau Hin.
But after spending time in both this yr ,i have decided to base myself in Hau Hin and use that as a base and travel from there
Just curious, are you staying in Hua Hin due to burning season? Is the air quality much better there?
Perfection.
@@markuserikssen yes, I think so because Hua Hin is right on water; consequently, fresher air. It’s also more distant from burning area.
Thanks for the vlogg on my bday mate, 12mths & counting down. Take it easy man👍
Nice one mate! Happy Birthday . That day will soon come and you'll be touching down mate.
I stayed near the Tha Phae Gate for one month Dec 2021 and then Nimman for Jan 2022. Things were just opening up, it was awesome. I really thought I'd end up there full time but have not been back since then. I plan on visiting in the next few months once it cools down a bit (in BKK now). I like the idea of CNX/Hua Hin, as others mentioned. Anyway, thanks for the walk down memory lane, this video reminded me of when I discovered you (back when we couldn't travel) and looked forward to each new video. It's great you're still doing it.
Hey , I always remembered your comments from back then. Even though it was a tough time for everyone , that was my favourite time for vlogging. Hope you can get back to Chiang Mai soon. Thanks
@@WalkAboutWayne I remember asking you about parks with exercise equipment because they close off the park in the corner of the old city for the flower festival. And one more blast from the past, I love when you start your videos with the "original" intro music and visual (like the recent Maejo video), I automatically go to the fridge and get a beer, time to settle in for the show!
To balance out the comment section I moved to Chiang Mai last October for 2 weeks and literally sprinted back to Chiang Rai because of the terrible traffic and just overall terrible layout if you like convenience like I do. The burning season sucks all over northern Thailand, I would say that Chiang Rai has a slightly worse situation. Unless you like going out and drinking and hanging with the local ladies I would choose almost any other northern Thailand location. If you are young, a digital nomad(ish), live close in and don't drive a lot and like to party I can fully recommend Chiang Mai. Even though the food options are greater in Chiang Mai it really doesn't matter for the most part because you can get the same dishes and quality in most places.
Nice one David, Chiang Rai was my favorite place for many years, I loved my time there. I wouldn't say Chiang Rai layout was amazing though, but Chiang Mai is a nightmare layout, I agree. I'm not sure CM is a big party place either. But a big step up from CR, yes mate. Yes, food same all over the north I think and the burning was a little worse in CR when I was there. I miss Chiang Rai. Hope all is well mate.
Always good value the Chiang Mai walkabouts. Surprised the flying rat bizzo is back considering the stench of bird poop and unsightly appearance on the ground. Interesting to know why the powers that be changed their mind. Thanks Wayne. Another top vid. 🤩
Cheers mate. I was shocked to see the flying rats back. That was the last thing I thought I'd see.
Hey wayne, I'm also currently in Chiang Mai. I know how unbelievably hot it is, the good news is that there is a new noodle shop that has air conditioning and good prices across from the makro. Cheap lunch at 24 Celsius, nicest owners. I'd give you the name but it's in Thai 🤣
Nice one Kev! Yes mate, very hot at the minute. Sounds like you found a diamond of a noodle shop. Happy Days mate.
Welcome back to CM. Very nice day today. 👍🏼😃
Cheers Kashif, hope all is well buddy 👍
@@WalkAboutWayneall is well. Thank you 👍🏼
Thanks for the tour sir very nice. Always enjoy ChiangMai. Looks like a lot has changed. Is the "Bier Stube" still open on the Klong near the gate? That was my fav spot to grab a bite in the old days.
Thank you! I do believe Bier Stube is still open. I go past most days but I never go in there.
Still looks Smokey mate. Would love to retire up there but not healthy. Thanks for sharing and stay safe! Cheers
Good for you buddy! Take it easy 👌👌
big shout out to CIDC dental Having my Teeth done there highly recommend them @3:46
Cool 😎. So many great dentists in CM
You are the best Wayne!! U really stepped up the production. Keep your spirit high n love life 🎊 🎉
Thank you 🙏🙏 I appreciate the kind words.
Great vlog Wayne 👏
Cheers mate 👍
"HELLOOOOOOOOO", Wayne's back!
Wayney's back Back again!
Nice to get an update on Chiang Mai, heading there again in July. 🎉🎉
Thanks!!
Glad to see you back in Chiang Mai. Nice to see they are doing a nice job of getting everything cleaned up!
Thanks! Yes, they was cleaning up fast 👍
Good on ya mate.
Cheers John, mate 👍
Chiang Mai looking chilled and happy - Bobby is back in town - Thanks Wayne 👌👍😎🙏
Bobby D is back in town for now mate. Good to be back for a while. Cheers Ant.
You are walking my streets Mate! Love it seeing so many places I know and the place I bought my CB500, the South Gate and Nimann. You walked right past my favorite restaurant. I'll be back soon! Cheers Wayne and be well.
Nice one John, hope to see you around soon buddy.
You said it right there "it's a nightmare getting in". Exactly, the city is so congested you dread to go in to it. It's so bad now living near the city is just a liability and it's getting worse every year.
Yes mate, traffic is a problem and will be a bigger problem moving forward I think.
We do love the guls in the background
Nice scenery 👍
Baking down here in Rayong atm. Baking all over I reckon.
Yes, baking up here too. I miss sitting on the beach in Rayong.
I love Chiang Mai Wayne, will be back soon!
Nice! See you around CM soon 👍
Still like it here, but this year the air did get to me and lack of parking is a big problem.
Yes, the air is a big problem and traffic, I agree.
Thanks Wayne that was a nice walk about. Yeah we loved Chiang Mai when living there 2012 thru 2017 but not anymore except for a shopping visit. It is just one big traffic jam now. Just too many people & sorry but too many Falangs too. It is like what happened to many places. Your idea for Lampang is good! We went a bit further but not telling hahaha....Take it Easy!
Nice one Mike, It can get busy but Chiang Mai still loads behind the south for farangs. It can get busy here though, I agree. Cheers mate.
I spend a month in Chiang Mai in November/December 2022. Outside the smoke season my favorite place in Thailand, hands down.
Nice one Walter, it's a great place to be.
Great update! It looks like an amazing place to be, except for burning season. I've never been to Thailand, but Chiang Mai is definitely high on my list.
It's a great city. The burning is a big drawback, but the city is magical. Thanks.
Following the Mekong from the Northwest all the way down to Cambodia would be a cool bike trip
That would be a cool trip mate 👍
It's always going to be like that in the North, that's just how it is, it's how the farmers have done it for ever an it won't change
I still love Chiangmai and always will, it's the gateway to the North
Sad to say, but you are right 😟. Lot's of fires all over Thailand aswell though. Chiang Mai will always be a special place. Thanks mate.
Hey Wayne, not sure what you got up to during Songkran... but you're full of life. It's really important to stay positive and upbeat. You're right about Chiang Mai, it has everything you could want. I will return someday.....Safe travels
Hey Denis, hope all is well mate. Yes, life is good at the minute. Thanks buddy and hope to see you again soon.
After 5 months in Chiang Mai, I am going for my first trip on Saturday down to Kanchanaburi, bit of nervous excitement. I actually think I am staying in the same hotel as you in Kanchanaburi. Most of the cheap ones were booked out for Anzac Day, which is when I will be there. Glad you are back, look forward to your next trip.
Nice one Paul, have a good time , Kanchanaburi is great 👍. Anzac will be special . The Hotel is a good spot also. 👌
I really miss that town 😊
Hope all is well buddy.
Coming to Chiang Mai from Glasgow on 30th April. Hope the smokey season 🙏 is not to bad. Flying Emirates but last 2 days Dubai flooded and all UK flights delayed with missed connections. Looking forward to Lanna food the best in Thailand for sure.
We're hoping it will be over bty the end of April. Hope you're flight will be ok .
Wow good luck
Cheers 👌👌
I moved to Chiang Mai thirteen years ago (after two years in Udon, Wayne!) Still live in the same place five minutes from the Thapae Gate. I've traveled throughout Europe, Asia and the USA occasionally , but no other home than here. Haven't noticed much change in Chiang Mai over the years, ok more coffee shops, and still much less tourists than from pre covid. Yeah, burning season is bad, but I still dig living here, no plans to move.
Chiang Mai is overrun by tourists now. Didn't used to be like that unless my memory is crap.
Nice one Mike, I liked Udon but Chiang Mai has that magic. Yes, I would say a lot less people than before. I agree Mike, it's a great city.
Over run now? You mean over Songkran or in general? I think it's loads quieter these days.
@@WalkAboutWayne I used to live in the city area about 12 years ago and just in general there were very few tourists I recall. Nimman was a normal street. Seems to have really changed since then and totally tourist dominated.
@@HairyPixels I was here about then also, staying in Nimman. For me, loads more Nomads and people everywhere back then. It's hard to think back though mate, like you said. That's just how I remember it. The city is busy though 100%.
Changmai will allways be a special place, just the burning season not good.my favourite videos of wayne are in changmai
Thank you Julie. Yes, The burning is the one down side.
Loving this channel! Can I ask what your favourite area of Chiang Mai is to stay on what area would you recommend for a first timer please buddy?
Thanks for liking the channel 🙏. My favourite part of Chiang Mai is south of the city. My recommendation for first timers is always Santitham or Nimman 👍
If you like the Honda click but want to go faster, get yourself a click 160. They are amazing. 😊
I don't want another Click. But the 160 is a nice ride 👍
Good to see what's changed in Chiang Mai.
If you just become a big kid & immerse yourself in Songkran is great fun 😀
Those who try to avoid it, which you can't, will get proper pissed off 😁
Thanks Colin. Yes that's true, you just have to take Songkran head on. I enjoyed it, but 3 days was enough.
Always take an old water bottle full of petrol with you on the bike always handy...😉👍
Somebody always got fuel in Thailand buddy 👍
@@WalkAboutWayne not out in the sticks m8
@@abitofeverything2254 Loads in the sticks buddy, everyone has bikes. No probs ever finding fuel 👍
I'll be retiring here in about 5 years, but I will leave during February - April due to smoke
Sounds like a great plan 👍
There is comfort in familiarity. To move to another city requires adjustment. Phuket has been our favourite for years but it’s changed with overcrowding and aggressive behaviour from certain overseas visitors . So another location needs to be found . Maybe Hua hin . I wish chaing mai had the sea . Used to visit ilfracombe 🇬🇧a sea view is special. Your remote walkabout was very informative to identify good places to visit . Thanks 🙏
Koh samui???
That's very true, we can get comfortable in places. I probably have that also. Ilfracombe is a place I know well . Thanks and hope you find somewhere you like.
@@patrickglennon7058 It looks nice but in season crowded and expensive, must go out of season
I guess I have to live in BK for business English. "I think I'm quite ready for another adventure."
Nice! Bangkok is a good place to be 👍
As a Thaifriend described Chang mai.. "Its good if you not breathing or eating most of the year" and he is born in the province up there.
I guess they mean because the food is so good 👍. Maybe part of the year for breathing also, not most 👍. Cheers
@@WalkAboutWayne food is good but it farmed in the area..and the smoke and dust and pollution gets in to the green and animals. its sad because it is a beautiful district area and have a relaxed wibe and pretty cool and nice. I still order special darkroasted coffe from chaingmai..its the best one in Thailand.
I've never heard that buddy. A couple months of bad pollution won't make all the food bad. 👍
@@WalkAboutWayne some of the pollution goes directly in the groundwater and soil u know..i did se a Thai documentary that the farmers in Northen districts now starting to se problems. and well "smokers lung" is a thing..up there without smoking cigarettes.
@@nattm6553 Always been problems during burning season. Pollution all over SE Asia though. Chiang Mai is great for most of the year. Northern food gets shipped out all over also. I would say Bangkok more lung problems. The west still has a higher cancer rate also 👍.
Wayne, Hows Richie?, he had that Bike/Tree crash and was really swollen in the face (thought he might have cracked a cheek bone etc), haven't seen him back on YT and thought you might know as you guys correspond a little bit.
I don't know buddy, I've not heard or seen anything from him. I hope he's ok, it looked like some bad injuries. I'm sure he's just recovering in Kanchanaburi. He'll have a vlog up soon no doubt.
😂 thank you for the double take on the white dress lol
Happy Days 🤣
Will be in Chiang Mai for a couple of weeks in mid May; which neighbourhoods do you like and recommend?
Thanks.
Great! I always recommend Nimman or Santitham for first timers 👍
Yes mate The Chippy has moved over the road under the Born Guesthouse literally down the small soi next to Mc Donalds literally a couple minutes walk form the old location. We moved just before Songkran so not been able to get too many signs up but that will change tomorrow now the madness is over.
See ya soon mate
Nice one mate, I will pop in soon and show the new location. I've added the new location to this video and I will add it to the other video too.
Catch you soon buddy.
Have you taken the camera up the top of the Maya (roof top) in the evening? Well worth a look:-)
Many times, up in AIS Camp. I use to always go there when I first came to CM.
Great to see you so positive. Visiting Pattaya in June, but the UK is great just now. Days 6AM to 8PM. Can't beat a UK summer. Back for high season.
Cheers mate! June will soon be here. Not sure on the "Can't beat a UK summer" though mate 🤣. As longs your happy mate.
Yeah . .all places change. But . . . .
So did we Wayne.
Stay curious, fascination keeps us young.
I enjoy your attitude when you're in CM.
RE: Pigeons. Apparently a tour guide filed a police complaint against the "pigeon mafia", the feeders and pigeon spookers. The customers were being charged 100 baht for any photos taken at the gate.
We sure do all change mate,nothing stays the same.
Yep, that's right buddy, it was always 100 Baht for the pigeons and they stopped it. They must be allowing it again or come to some sort of deal ,👍👍
I think the rapper at the end is Wiz Khalifa
Nice one 👌
Hi Wayne just wondering why Nimman is your least favourite part of the city? We are staying in Nimman next March for the first time 😊
Because it's the most western. Nimman is great Wendy, perfect for people visiting here. After a few years living here, most people tend to move away from the Nimman area and into a more Thai living area. Nimman has everything you need for visiting or first time here. 👍
It would be a perfect place to stay without the smog...and heat. 😂
Can't do much about the heat or Smoke, sadly. Nearly perfect will have to do 👌
Tunisia? Is that the next place to go?
Could be mate.
Interesting, BYD has a dealership there. Really wanted to test drive the Dolphin or Seagull on the off chance BYD creates a Mexican proxy company and sell in Canada.
I'm not sure what that is 🤣
Eazy E ??
I can't recall Eazy having hair like that . Could be
Tough to beat Chiang Mai mate has all the ingredients which is why I am in my 18th year here
CM still the best mate 👍
Hilarious, that's my secret Pad Thai place-70 baht!
Nice. Not sure where I went in this video now.
@@WalkAboutWayne Sorry,..... Nimman, first 30 seconds of the video
Looks a bit like wiz Khalifa
Could be 👍👍
songkrans finished .. so whats your new year 🎉resolution ?
To eat more carrots 🥕
@@WalkAboutWayne good ☝🏻
the price living is not cheap anymore
Still cheap here but some places have gotten more expensive