The Realities Of Living In Thailand
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- I like to talk about slow and simple life in my channel.
And today's video is not any different - I'll share our simple life in Thailand and some challenges we deal around here.
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:53 Diversity of Thailand
02:25 Where to live
04:57 Life in the city
06:37 Slow activities
07:47 Exploring
09:09 Workshops & Communities
10:23 Dealing with problems
A Simple Life In Thailand
Today's topic is not that much different except I'll share some tidbits on where we live, what it's like around here, and how we deal with some challenges that come our way, especially in a couple of months when things get a bit unpleasant around here in terms of the seasonal, large-scale smog.
So if you're curious about traveling here one day to maybe check out the nature I feature in many of my videos, or if you plan on pursuing a life in this part of the world, you might find this video interesting.
A simple life in the city
Thailand is geographically diverse, with beaches in the south and mountains in the north. We live in the northern region of the country, in Chiang Mai province, also known as the Rose of the North. From above, it looks so lush with ricefields, forests, and rich natural landscapes.
Choosing where to live
The rental cost here is lower than in the West but pretty much similar to its neighboring countries. Housing options vary from condo units to serviced apartments, houses in gated communities, and those in local villages.
We live closer to the countryside, which is what we like. Although the downside is not having easy access to public transport as when you're in the city center. So we invested in our own vehicle and there's also ride sharing options if need be.
Our city life before moving to our home
Before we settled here, we stayed for a month in the city while scouting for a home in the countryside.
While it's not our preference long term, it's convenient to be just a short walk or ride to cafes, restaurants and shops… which can both be a blessing and a curse.
Convenient as it may be, city living also comes with more traffic, not close to the countryside and there's city pollution even outside of the smoky season (more on that in a bit), so that's something to think about.
Slow and simple activities
On weekends, we enjoy going to some cafes and there are so many around here, you'll never run out of a cafe to visit. We're not coffee connoisseurs but we simply enjoy slowing down, savoring our drink and soaking in the beautiful ambience at some of our favorite cafes in town
Exploring
Motorcycle trips are another one of our favorite activities here as Thailand has good roads overall.
It may not be as comfortable as driving a car but our motorcycle rides led us to some of the most amazing hikes, trails and viewpoints in and around the province.
You would need an international driver's permit or get a Thai drivers license to drive here. In the city, there are a few checkpoint areas where cops pull you over to check your license. If you don't have any, you need to pay a fine.
Also, if on a motorcycle, be sure to wear your helmet. I've witnessed a few horrible road accidents here so it's best to stay proactive at all times.
Workshops
What I like about living in Chiang Mai is there's never a shortage of activities to do. If you're into arts and crafts, there's weaving classes, pottery, kintsugi, painting, silversmithing, cooking classes, natural tie dyeing and many of these are daily or weekly workshops.
If you like yoga, qi Cong, Tai chi, plant medicine, meditation, spiritual retreats and the like, there's plenty here too.
Or if you like sports, there are groups you can join for pickleball, disc golf, badminton, soccer, kayaking, or if you like to do play mini golf, that's an option too
Dealing with problems
Our life in chiang Mai is generally good - we have friends here, we love the nature, cafes, hikes, the people, and we feel safe and content here. But that doesn't mean there aren't any problems once in a while.
After living here for 5 years, we have found a way to make it more bearable by either leaving the country during peak smoky season from March to April, or we just stay indoors with an air purifier running 24/7.
Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed this video. Let me know what you think of today's topic and as I mentioned, I created a 34-page pdf with pictures, links, and information relevant to those looking to visit or live in Chiang Mai Thailand. Check it out in the link below if you're interested.
Man, hope I find one like her when I get over there.
so beautiful girl, David is so lucky guy
Hi I just found your channel! Your are doing what my hubby and I want to do. Unfortunately we have to wait for a few things to wrap up before we can do that. Meanwhile I'll just live vicariously thru your videos. Keep them coming :)
Thank you and I'm glad you feel that way about my videos. ☺️
Thanks for the video. I highly recommend Cafe Arte which is near the Maya mall area. Has a great area in the front with big beautiful trees great for either relaxing or taking picutres. There is also a pool close by so whenever I'm over there I do both to have a nice relaxing day.
That sounds nice! I'll be sure to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
Thank you!! Loved the information!
So glad to know that! 😊
Really enjoyed this. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it! ❤️
Thank you for sharing, I love your attitude. There are challenges wherever you live. What's important is how you face. those challenges
Thank you, and yes, challenges are part of life and they are excellent teachers. Thanks for watching ❤️
This was very interesting! I especially loved the clip of you drinking tea on the balcony overlooking the beautiful views! Heaven! There are always challenges no matter where you live, it's true. We just moved from the USA to an island off of Ireland and we have been learning to deal with things we never even considered! But you learn and grow! 😊
That's true - always something to learn for sure. I hope you're liking your new place in Ireland ☺️
It’s so beautiful where you live
❤️
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the videos that you and Dave put out…! We spent a month in the old city and will be looking to live in the mountains when we return. At least that’s what our desires would be if we can find the right house to rent.
Again, thank you very much! Lee
That is wonderful to know, Lee! And we appreciate your comment 😊
Thank you for your video, looking for your Chiang mai guide. I’m want to travel to Thailand in Feb March and travel around but I’m hoping to stay in Chiang Mai and find a place just outside the city
I'm glad this video was helpful. The Chiang Mai guide I created is on my Patreon page. Third content from the top. Thanks www.patreon.com/ASlowSimpleLife
I just love all your videos. They make me feel so calm and relaxed. Are the forest fires that you mentioned the only cause of the "smokey season". If so, is there anything that can be done to eliminate the fires from happening each year?
Thanks for your kind comment, Carole. I appreciate it. ❤️
The seasonal smog is actually due to a few other things, and another reason aside from forest fires is the burning of biowastes such as corn and burning of old crops in fields to prepare for the new planting season. Unfortunately there hasn't been any significant improvements yet in terms of eliminating this seasonal concern, which also occurs in neighboring countries.
A life reforming video! Wow!
You're very kind. Thank you ☺️
Hi Suzy thank you for your video your neighbourhood looks lovely I totally agree with you that we will always face challenges no matter where we live i prefer the countryside as I don’t like to live in a city love all your videos I always fell that they bring me calm and help me relax thank you so much 🥰
Thanks so much, Margaret. I agree with you - I love the countryside as well. Something about being close to nature that's invigorating and soothing at the same time. Wishing you well, my friend ❤️
@@ASlowSimpleLife hi Suzy absolutely love the countryside you can’t beat it I’m going to try and grow some vegetables this year 🥰
That is wonderful! I'm eager to hear about your vegetable garden soon! ❤️
I've only been to Central CM not the outer areas like the nature spots in your video.
It's worth a visit ☺️
Hi Suzy, thanks for the video! Since you asked-it would be great to learn more about living with children in such environments. Last time I spent time in Chiang Mai was in 2015 when I was young and single. Now I have two little kids and chill life in Thailand countryside is quite attractive since I everything I do is remote. I think you mentioned you have a child yourself so it would be great to know your thoughts. Thanks
Thanks for watching! When we moved here my son was 14, and he's homeschooled, so it's not as easy for him to find social activities with people around his age, as compared to expat kids/ teens enrolled in an international school here. Are you planning on enrolling your kids to school here? Also, there are many activities here catering to young kids (art, crafts, sports, yoga, etc) and I recommend the facebook group Chiang Mai expat moms for up-to-date events, activities and helpful tips from expat moms here ☺️ But overall, I find Chiang Mai to be safe and easy to love, and I hope your kids will have a wonderful time here too!
@@ASlowSimpleLife My kids are too little so school is not critical at this point. Lots of activities is great. We’ll just have to give it a go. I’ll check out the groups too, thank you
I am moving there on April 20th to June 17th. The internet said burning season is until the end of April. Will I be ok in May?
I think May should be not as bad as March and April. Wishing you a pleasant travel to Chiang Mai!