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Hey, there there is a celebrity in the house!! Chai from Chai Travel, a great TH-camr! Thanks, Chai. Nice to see you here and I hope you are back home in Chiang Mai. You seem to be all over Asia now. Every video I see of yours you are in a new place.
Love the energy from you both. We are OTW Chiang Mai for 4 month stay. My Thai wife & I will be looking at options to buy a home in either Hua Hin or Chiang Mai. Will not miss the snowy weather in the USA while we are visiting the Kingdom. Trying to become international "snow birds" !
Hi Joy and Randy. Good report about seasons in Chiang Mai. One thing about the rainy season which I like very much too. Some years there is flooding, especially near the Ping river. Keep an eye out for that before you come. The Loy kratong festival is the most romantic festival and my favourite, if you're coming for a visit then,try to pick a hotel centrally to see parades entertainment and to be able to float the kratongs in the moat or the river. And that way you can walk to venues ,avoiding traffic jams . Btw, at Wat Phrasing there is a great Boutique Cafe inside the grounds which is totally surprising in an old temple . And they have some great looking temple dogs in the compound,one of which I wanted to adopt but the Abbot wouldn't part with it . Keep making your videos,they're gems.👍🙏
You know more than all the Chiang Mai TH-camrs combined! Please reply and tell me where the cafe is. I have been to that wat many times and I think inside every building, although I've never explored to the south side of the parking area where the row of trees is, so maybe it is there? Please let me know. Best wishes.
I came in October and I do much appreciated the rain because we don’t have in Southern California or just very little. I could breathe better and it was just so relaxing listen to the rain. Sadly no rain for the last 3 weeks. I agree the old city has beautiful temples just walking distance from each other.
@@RetiredGlobalLife call me crazy but I really enjoyed the rain here. I am drinking my coffee and listen to the birds right now before I do some serious gym visit. Such a relaxing peaceful place. Oh I forget to say I love the rosters weak me up. I really do! 🌞
Thanks Randy and Joy. I only arrived in Chiang Mai 2 weeks ago. I think I may have seen you in Wat Chedi Luang today. I already have numerous mosquito bites. Will check out your video.
Joy was there a couple weeks ago but not me. But we are out and about so we hope to bump into you. The mosquito video will make sure no more bites. Really.
I had a chance to visit Chiang Mai for two weeks in the rainy season of 2023. I found it absolutely wonderful! Of course it rained, sometimes very hard, but you can just duck into a coffee house (with universally great coffee) and wait it out. The temperatures were comfortable and all the ubiquitous 7/11's sell umbrellas. Another great video with the honest information about a lovely city!
Yes, plenty of people still come and I think have a good time. But I feel bad that most didn't know about the issue in advance. So it's good you know. I get frustrated when a lot of people scold me in comments in a video about... let's say Best Breakfast in Chiand Mai. And they jump on me with, "Why don't you talk about the smokey season? Why are you hiding it?" And I wonder, am I supposed to mention it in every single video? That would be pretty boring. I think we've discussed it in three videos now. Thanks for writing in and have a great time!
The most informative single subject travel video that I have seen on TH-cam. I have watched most of the videos about Chiang Mai over the last few years. Yours are some of the best. Thank you and keep up the good work.
I really admire these videos that you share about Thailand. They are very informative and very well done. Thank you so much for a great explanation of the seasons to help us plan our visit.
Good video! Thanks for the great information. Next time, try a different temple. I love Wat Jet Lin temple the most in Chiangmai. It is fun to feed the catfish.
Lived in ChiAng mai fir 2.5 years…. Only months to avoid are Feb 15-may 15 due to the high air pollution during those times. Very much like Florida but generally less humid due to its elevation and location.
The mosquito thing is funny. As in strange. Here in California if there is a single mosquito within a square mile, it's going to bite me. They love me here! I spent 3 weeks in Chiang Mai, and while people were getting bit around me, not one single bite. Didn't even use repellent! Struck me as weird, but seeing as Chiang Mai will be home in June, it makes me smile.
Hi Joy and Randy. Thanks for a good report about Chiang Mai. I will visit Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in mid May 2024. Do you think burning season is still around? Thanks.
Thanks for the nice comment. The burning season starts and ends at slightly different times each year. Depends on the farmers. But I think you are safe by mid-May completely. I think I've seen it creep into early May, but not always, and not bad. I think all will be good for you.
Thanks! And if you have not seen it, we did one about how many things you can do for under $20 in a day. And there's one on a great hike, and a free cool museum. Lot of stuff! And always, food and temples...
Thank you so much, what a well thought out and presented summary of the pros/cons of each season! I was looking at November-January but was dreading pulling my daughters out of school for 3 weeks if we went in Nov and outrageous prices if we went over Christmas break. Seriously considering June after watching your video.
June is rainy season and usually great unless you have the bad luck of a big long storm, rare but can happen. Nov and Dec are nice, just more tourists because it it best months. Nov and Dec and the rainy season are all clean air months in Chiang Mai, no burning.
Dear Joy, Mr. Hicks, I will be going there with my wife on 10 December to live there for about a year. Could you tell me about the Internet speed/stability and electricity blackout (if any) there in Chiang Mai, at your convenience? BTW, many many thanks for providing the viewers with so many pieces of practical information in an organized manner. Best. Jim SeungHo Woo, from Seoul
Hello. the internet speed if fast about everywhere. I don't know the numbers but I do know that it is much faster than it is in Southern California. And Chiang Mai is popular with digital nomads so you know it has to be super fast. But we do have some blackouts. They are not that unusual. But they are usually for short periods. Many places have their own generators to power on until the power comes back on. I hope you enjoy CM and perhaps you will bump into us walking around. Best wishes!
Thank you so much for your prompt, detailed answers. I will always carry a piece of paper and a pen in Chiang Mai in case I bump into you (to get your autograph) : )
Haha, that will be a first. We always enjoy bumping into people who spot us from TH-cam. Always wonderful people and from all around the world. So amazing the reach TH-cam has and how it can bring people together. Best wishes!@@seunghowoo6676
Thanks for the video. I hope to be retired in Thailand next June. And I will be visiting at the end of December for a month. I still haven't visited northern Thailand yet.
Hi Randy, I just discovered your channel and I'm so glad I did. Thank you for all the information you have provided. My wife and I are looking to retire overseas in the next couple of years once we retire from the military.. I would love to connect next time you are in San Diego..
Hi guys, great video. I am thinking of "retiring" to Chiang Mai but not to really retire. I want to actually write every day. I have many things to write, stories, a film, some songs, etc. I want to live somewhere in Chiang Mai that is close to nature but on the fringe of the city. I like to walk in nature every sunrise and every sunset to balance my life because then I write all day. If you could please tell me what parts of the fringe of the city are best for renting somewhere that I can write in private, but be very close to nature (big parks, a riverside walk or similar.) Thanks, I will watch all your other videos now. Thanks
I thought I replied to this but I still see it here in my inbox... You just need to come and visit and spend time looking at regions and neighborhoods. There is "green" all around outside the city. You might want to be next to the mountains for hiking thought. Best wishes and good luck.
I thought a punch line was coming after your question, Rob. Joy's not here at the moment or I'd ask her but I've heard it is the color representing illumination of spirit. I have no idea if that is correct. I'll ask her and if you ask me again I'll have a better answer maybe.
Thanks for the detailed information about the weather and seasons. I booked airline tickets in May for a month. I warried about rain and fine dust in CM. But I feel better after I watched ur video ^^ THKS again ^^.
Usually it is clear by May, but sometimes the first week or two still has some lingering. But the worst is always over. Different every year. 2023 was terrible, 2022 not nearly as bad. So who konws for 2024.
You should have stopped to say hi, but I'm guessing you are a serious runner... no stopping. I was like that once, then I got old... 555. But glad we exchanged a wave.
Love your videos and thank you for this one!! My husband and I are planning a trip to Thailand in March. Now hearing about the burn season my concern is how bad will it be in Chiang Mai we are only spending 2 nights one at Chai Lai Orchid and one night in town to go on a day trip to see the white temple in Chiang Rai. Then we fly down and spend the rest of our time in Phuket. We start in Bangkok 2 nights there. Seeing how brief our time in Chiang Mai will be do you that it will be ok? We have already paid and booked our flights. We do not have any sort of breathing issues. Love your thoughts!!
The smokey season is different every year, some terrible some not so much. So who knows? People stay here through it (although many of us leave) so it can be dealt with but unpleasant. I am not a white temple fan, to me it felt like an amusement park not a place of worship and lacking the ancient charm of historic temples. I liked the Blue Temple and the Black House, with its interactive QR code paintings. Enjoy your trip.
Oh what a tough question. It just depends on what you like. Less crowded would mean outside the city and there are many areas. Joy's house is in Saraphi. Close by is Hang Dong. Those are to the south of the city, but Mae Rim is popular to the north. You just need to come and drive around and see what feels good.
Thank you for an informative video. We have been looking for information about going to the northern part of Thailand in June/July and planning a 4-5 weeks trip this year. We would love to explore by motorcycle/scooter but uncertain if it's possible at that time a year? We are experienced drivers and have visited Thailand many times (southern parts) as well as other countries. Appreciate any feedback if you have any! Thanks again.
It does not rain nearly as much as people think in the rainy season, with the exception of when there are multi-day big storms. The key is if you are not just experienced on a MC but driving on the left side of the road.
Hi Randy ! It really helps to watch your youtube travel guide about Chiang Mai. Last time i have posted a comment and ask a few questions about the weather in Chiang Mai in Early February 2024. And you have answered me also 😊. So, me and my mom & brother have booked the Flight to Chiang Mai and we'll stay there from 3rd Feb 2024 until 7th Feb 2024. This is the 1st time we visit Chiang Mai 😁. Could you advise us, where can we rent a car with a driver if we want to visit Doi Inthanon National Park ? Or can we just book Grab Car through the apps ? Thank you for your help 😊🙏.
Grab and Bolt are both options. For that distance I suggest you hire a driver by the day. You can do it on the Grab app, about 2,000 baht and includes gas. Or better, when you get a driver you like for a short trip, as if they are available by the day. Many are. Negotiate a fee and date and get their number, then you know you will like their personality as you already met them.
Randy and Joy, very refreshing and informative video. Randy, like you, I'm of counsel, although retired. We're about the same age. I'm a widower with no history of bad relationships. I have a genuine interest in Thailand; in particular, the culture, food, climate, and learning more about Buddhism than my undergraduate philosophical studies. Like you, I have no interest in the bars and the sexual promiscuity that many of them promote. Like you, I will travel back and forth as I'll never permanently abandon my lovely home here. Is there a means to contact you for some specific questions? Thank you and best wishes!
Thanks for your video, I am planning to go in early February next year. I have a sensitive nose and is allergic to dust, should I better avoid coming around that time?
I'd avoid Chiang Mai late Jan to April. The rest of Thailand is fine although BKK has air issues too. Coastal and islands have the best year round air.
Thank you so much for the great information! It is really very helpful. I am planning to visit Chang Mai this winter with my family Actually we are planning to move Chang Mai and I really appreciate your effort, I have a question about Halal food in Chang Mai and Arabic school ! Could you give us some information about that ! one thing more what opportunities for Arabic language instructor to work or to start a business in Chang Mai ? thank you again
Wow that is a technical question outside my knowledge. Normally it is not possible for foreigners to work but one exception seems to be teaching. I don't know about that specialty though.
We my family thinks we go Chenmai for a first time but doesn’t really good ideas to which of or affordable places n which’s at November 2024 By the guys do we a jacket or…. at theirs winter season? By the we are Malaysian n tq for letting us to see how enjoyable mom with I guys..bye
The burning season makes Chiangmai and the North a no-go area, it starts in January and ends in April.....Tenth of thousands of people flocked to the Hospitals with related illnesses and health issues. During the burning season this year, Chiangmai was recorded as the most polluted City in the world! Then In June, the rainy season starts and that will take until October....Have fun !
Ah, such a pessimist! Haha. You are right about the burning season although usually little smoke in January. But the rainy season throughout Thailand is a great part of the year, less crowds, clean air, cloud cover so not too hot, and the rain can be nice and is not as often as people think. So the reality is those of us here just leave for a few months every year during the burning season and explore the islands or go back to visit our home country. Where did you settle?
I have lived there for over 10 years with my family, ( Hangdong area ) it was just a very authentic Thai slow-going area. The quality of living went downhill due to the burning and the traffic mess, that is just reality. Perhaps for people who don't know any better, it's still o.k. and I understand that too.@@RetiredGlobalLife
One reason we are looking at property in Hua Hin as alternative to Chiang Mai. We have family & friends in the North and Chiang Mai but the burning season requires a "plan b" option to avoid the most intense smoke!
Hey guys, great video as usual. Any opportunities for a mature gent to find part time work in Chiang Mai to supplement retirement income Language related perhaps? Travel help? Thoughts? Thanks!
Im planning to go from September 15-21 to Chiang Mai... mainly looking for massages, good food, and relax (I went 2 years ago and did all the temples). Im ok with cloudy days and a bit of rain but if it's likely ro rain all day every day it seems I should reschedule. Any advice??
The rainy season is always a risk as most of the time it is just cloudy and an hour or two of rain a day. So fine. But you could have the bad luck of a big storm, maybe 2 a year?
There are a ton of AirBNBs but I would book as soon as you can. And there will always be hotel rooms, but they really jack up the prices when they only have a few rooms left.
18 years ago in February I was in Thailand, Chiang Mai, with my current wife. We now have 2 teenage children. My son had 2 open heart surgeries 3 months ago. His dream is to discover Thailand with our family in 2025, from the end of June, for 18 days, including Chiang Mai. Which regions are best to visit during this period? He would also love to visit Khao Sok. But especially the regions that are most pleasant during this period. More information about this please 😏
The smokey season will be over so no worries about that in Chiang Mai in June. It is the rainy season, at least the start of it, so often cloudy skies, a relief from the sun and unless you have the bad luck to visit during a storm, which can happen for days, usually it only rains under an hour a day then pleasant. I love the rainy season. . There are many great islands to visit, or coastal cities. Koh Lipe is hard to get to but super nice and a bit remote but June may not be the best month due to weather and the ferry speedboats. Krabi is beautiful. I don't like Koh Samui as much as others but it is popular. Phuket is more like a city on the beach, but there are many areas outside the city giving you the best of both worlds, civilization and remote access, with many boat trips to beaches and islands from there. And unlike the places I mentioned above, easy to get to. The key is finding the part of Phuket region right for you. Even if you just stay in CM there are many regions a half-day drive a way or less to explore. Great hiking and countryside to contrast with the city.
Maggie, yoiu are kidding me!!!! That's what the video is about! As punishment you now have to go back and watch it again. January is the last month of winter so one of the cooler months. Take care.
Thanks for watching! We hope you will subscribe www.youtube.com/@RetiredGlobalLife?sub_confirmation=1 and ring the notification bell so you are notified of new videos. And please share your opinions or experiences, or ask questions. We answer all comments even months after the video was posted. Chiang Mai welcomes you!
You guys are awesome, I can't wait to join the retirement party in Chiang Mai with you in 2025!
Sound good, Peter! We won't eat all the Khao Soy before you get here.
My favourite city, Chiang Mai :D Thanks for all the info! Mate, you're doing great with the subscriber count! Congrats 🎉
Hey, there there is a celebrity in the house!! Chai from Chai Travel, a great TH-camr! Thanks, Chai. Nice to see you here and I hope you are back home in Chiang Mai. You seem to be all over Asia now. Every video I see of yours you are in a new place.
Love the energy from you both. We are OTW Chiang Mai for 4 month stay. My Thai wife & I will be looking at options to buy a home in either Hua Hin or Chiang Mai. Will not miss the snowy weather in the USA while we are visiting the Kingdom. Trying to become international "snow birds" !
Sounds great! We wish you a great adventure. And thanks for your nice comment!
Hi Joy and Randy. Good report about seasons in Chiang Mai. One thing about the rainy season which I like very much too. Some years there is flooding, especially near the Ping river. Keep an eye out for that before you come. The Loy kratong festival is the most romantic festival and my favourite, if you're coming for a visit then,try to pick a hotel centrally to see parades entertainment and to be able to float the kratongs in the moat or the river. And that way you can walk to venues ,avoiding traffic jams .
Btw, at Wat Phrasing there is a great Boutique Cafe inside the grounds which is totally surprising in an old temple .
And they have some great looking temple dogs in the compound,one of which I wanted to adopt but the Abbot wouldn't part with it . Keep making your videos,they're gems.👍🙏
You know more than all the Chiang Mai TH-camrs combined! Please reply and tell me where the cafe is. I have been to that wat many times and I think inside every building, although I've never explored to the south side of the parking area where the row of trees is, so maybe it is there? Please let me know. Best wishes.
I put the GPS coordinates in here for Araksa Cafe but it disappeared,not the Cafe but the directions . You know now how to search for it by name
I came in October and I do much appreciated the rain because we don’t have in Southern California or just very little. I could breathe better and it was just so relaxing listen to the rain. Sadly no rain for the last 3 weeks. I agree the old city has beautiful temples just walking distance from each other.
Thanks, Anna! Only a SoCaler would want more rain, haha. But it is my favorite times there.
@@RetiredGlobalLife call me crazy but I really enjoyed the rain here. I am drinking my coffee and listen to the birds right now before I do some serious gym visit. Such a relaxing peaceful place. Oh I forget to say I love the rosters weak me up. I really do! 🌞
As Joy and I said, the rainy season is our favorite season. But I can't agree about the roosters, sorry, haha.@@anna_m59
Last time I came to Chaing Mai it was cold 🥶 in the Evening I had to buy a jacket and some Socks 😊
Hi Randy & Joy. Great info as usual. I like the heat but this April was too hot for me, 43°. Seasons reinforce change🙏
Yikes! 43 decrees. Yes, many reasons to skip March and April. Thanks, Randy.
Thanks Randy and Joy. I only arrived in Chiang Mai 2 weeks ago. I think I may have seen you in Wat Chedi Luang today. I already have numerous mosquito bites. Will check out your video.
Joy was there a couple weeks ago but not me. But we are out and about so we hope to bump into you. The mosquito video will make sure no more bites. Really.
I had a chance to visit Chiang Mai for two weeks in the rainy season of 2023. I found it absolutely wonderful! Of course it rained, sometimes very hard, but you can just duck into a coffee house (with universally great coffee) and wait it out. The temperatures were comfortable and all the ubiquitous 7/11's sell umbrellas.
Another great video with the honest information about a lovely city!
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed the rainy season. And I bet you looked like a young Gene Kelly with your umbrella as you sang in the rain.
Fantastic local knowledge, you should have your own channel...
We really appreciate such nice comment, Randy. Thanks!
Thanks for your warning but i will be visiting your city in mid April iam sure i will survive 😊 enjoying your vlogs very informative
Yes, plenty of people still come and I think have a good time. But I feel bad that most didn't know about the issue in advance. So it's good you know. I get frustrated when a lot of people scold me in comments in a video about... let's say Best Breakfast in Chiand Mai. And they jump on me with, "Why don't you talk about the smokey season? Why are you hiding it?" And I wonder, am I supposed to mention it in every single video? That would be pretty boring. I think we've discussed it in three videos now. Thanks for writing in and have a great time!
The most informative single subject travel video that I have seen on TH-cam. I have watched most of the videos about Chiang Mai over the last few years. Yours are some of the best. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Lawrence, thanks for such a wonderful comment!
I really admire these videos that you share about Thailand. They are very informative and very well done. Thank you so much for a great explanation of the seasons to help us plan our visit.
That is super nice of you, Ian. Thanks and best wishes. We are glad it was helpful.
Good video! Thanks for the great information. Next time, try a different temple. I love Wat Jet Lin temple the most in Chiangmai. It is fun to feed the catfish.
Haha, okay. I've fed my share of catfish in Chiang Mai.
Lived in ChiAng mai fir 2.5 years…. Only months to avoid are Feb 15-may 15 due to the high air pollution during those times. Very much like Florida but generally less humid due to its elevation and location.
Good cocmparison re Florida. I'd say the smoke is worse, but it is what it is.
Will put this city on my list to visit 😊, thanks for the video
Thanks, Jon. Hope to run into you.
Thank you ❤
Winter seems the best choice for us. Thanks for the great content.
Winter is the best choice for everyone! That is the high season here. I'd rate the rainy season second and summer last.
Love yr infor...prep me going next week
Great, thanks! Hope we don't get an early burning season...
you are a lovely couple. Thank you for sharing your insights.
What a nice thing to say! Thank you.
The mosquito thing is funny. As in strange. Here in California if there is a single mosquito within a square mile, it's going to bite me. They love me here! I spent 3 weeks in Chiang Mai, and while people were getting bit around me, not one single bite. Didn't even use repellent! Struck me as weird, but seeing as Chiang Mai will be home in June, it makes me smile.
Don't tell anyone this. A government agency will take you away and run tests on your body We will never see you again.
Hi Joy and Randy. Thanks for a good report about Chiang Mai. I will visit Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in mid May 2024. Do you think burning season is still around?
Thanks.
Thanks for the nice comment. The burning season starts and ends at slightly different times each year. Depends on the farmers. But I think you are safe by mid-May completely. I think I've seen it creep into early May, but not always, and not bad. I think all will be good for you.
So informative! Thanks guys!! We can’t wait to go check it out!!
Good to hear! Thanks.
This is great. I was actually going through videos, right now to see the fun things to do while I'm in Chang mai the month of January 😊
Thanks! And if you have not seen it, we did one about how many things you can do for under $20 in a day. And there's one on a great hike, and a free cool museum. Lot of stuff! And always, food and temples...
You are such a great couple and likely the greatest asset of Chiang Mai. I love watching your videos .
What a super nice comment. Joy is next to me here and says thanks as well. (:
good vid
Thank you.
Really interesting to learn about another nation and culture!
Do you guys give tours if anybody wants to travel there?
For you, Ted... just say the word...
@RetiredGlobalLife I'm keen to say hello 👋 to you on the 16th December until the 19th December 😊😊
I look to see you Randy and Joy Later this month 😊
Keep your eyes open, we are often around the old city filming one thing or another. Take care.
Thank you so much, what a well thought out and presented summary of the pros/cons of each season! I was looking at November-January but was dreading pulling my daughters out of school for 3 weeks if we went in Nov and outrageous prices if we went over Christmas break. Seriously considering June after watching your video.
June is rainy season and usually great unless you have the bad luck of a big long storm, rare but can happen. Nov and Dec are nice, just more tourists because it it best months. Nov and Dec and the rainy season are all clean air months in Chiang Mai, no burning.
Dear Joy, Mr. Hicks, I will be going there with my wife on 10 December to live there for about a year. Could you tell me about the Internet speed/stability and electricity blackout (if any) there in Chiang Mai, at your convenience? BTW, many many thanks for providing the viewers with so many pieces of practical information in an organized manner. Best. Jim SeungHo Woo, from Seoul
Hello. the internet speed if fast about everywhere. I don't know the numbers but I do know that it is much faster than it is in Southern California. And Chiang Mai is popular with digital nomads so you know it has to be super fast. But we do have some blackouts. They are not that unusual. But they are usually for short periods. Many places have their own generators to power on until the power comes back on. I hope you enjoy CM and perhaps you will bump into us walking around. Best wishes!
Thank you so much for your prompt, detailed answers. I will always carry a piece of paper and a pen in Chiang Mai in case I bump into you (to get your autograph) : )
Haha, that will be a first. We always enjoy bumping into people who spot us from TH-cam. Always wonderful people and from all around the world. So amazing the reach TH-cam has and how it can bring people together. Best wishes!@@seunghowoo6676
What is the weather forecast in December I'm going to Chaing Mai for Christmas 🎄😊🇹🇭
Usually no to little rain, about 80-85 during the day and high to mid 60s at night. But check weather.com when you get closer.
Thanks for the video. I hope to be retired in Thailand next June. And I will be visiting at the end of December for a month. I still haven't visited northern Thailand yet.
Hi Dave, glad to hear it and best wishes for a great time.
Hi Randy, I just discovered your channel and I'm so glad I did. Thank you for all the information you have provided. My wife and I are looking to retire overseas in the next couple of years once we retire from the military.. I would love to connect next time you are in San Diego..
Always a pleasure to meet people. Joy and I will be together in San Diego starting in early April.
Hi guys, great video. I am thinking of "retiring" to Chiang Mai but not to really retire. I want to actually write every day. I have many things to write, stories, a film, some songs, etc. I want to live somewhere in Chiang Mai that is close to nature but on the fringe of the city. I like to walk in nature every sunrise and every sunset to balance my life because then I write all day. If you could please tell me what parts of the fringe of the city are best for renting somewhere that I can write in private, but be very close to nature (big parks, a riverside walk or similar.) Thanks, I will watch all your other videos now. Thanks
I thought I replied to this but I still see it here in my inbox... You just need to come and visit and spend time looking at regions and neighborhoods. There is "green" all around outside the city. You might want to be next to the mountains for hiking thought. Best wishes and good luck.
Cool video. Thanks. Here's a question why do the monks wear orange?
I thought a punch line was coming after your question, Rob. Joy's not here at the moment or I'd ask her but I've heard it is the color representing illumination of spirit. I have no idea if that is correct. I'll ask her and if you ask me again I'll have a better answer maybe.
Thanks for the detailed information about the weather and seasons. I booked airline tickets in May for a month. I warried about rain and fine dust in CM. But I feel better after I watched ur video ^^ THKS again ^^.
Usually it is clear by May, but sometimes the first week or two still has some lingering. But the worst is always over. Different every year. 2023 was terrible, 2022 not nearly as bad. So who konws for 2024.
Another great vid, saw you guys when i was running with my dog, thanx for waving
You should have stopped to say hi, but I'm guessing you are a serious runner... no stopping. I was like that once, then I got old... 555. But glad we exchanged a wave.
@@RetiredGlobalLife I was in the zone then like the matrix everything got slomo...hea...hi
Love your videos and thank you for this one!! My husband and I are planning a trip to Thailand in March. Now hearing about the burn season my concern is how bad will it be in Chiang Mai we are only spending 2 nights one at Chai Lai Orchid and one night in town to go on a day trip to see the white temple in Chiang Rai. Then we fly down and spend the rest of our time in Phuket. We start in Bangkok 2 nights there. Seeing how brief our time in Chiang Mai will be do you that it will be ok? We have already paid and booked our flights. We do not have any sort of breathing issues. Love your thoughts!!
The smokey season is different every year, some terrible some not so much. So who knows? People stay here through it (although many of us leave) so it can be dealt with but unpleasant. I am not a white temple fan, to me it felt like an amusement park not a place of worship and lacking the ancient charm of historic temples. I liked the Blue Temple and the Black House, with its interactive QR code paintings. Enjoy your trip.
Great video! Thank you so much for sharing. This is one of the first cities I am planning to spend time in once I retire. 😊
We welcome you, Debbie!
Whats the reasons or origins of the Lantern festival? Nice video Randy/Joy
I've been told it is to thank Buddha, especially for rain. Good question!
Thanks for you video! Where is the best place to live in Chiang mai? (Affordable and less crowded) 😊
Oh what a tough question. It just depends on what you like. Less crowded would mean outside the city and there are many areas. Joy's house is in Saraphi. Close by is Hang Dong. Those are to the south of the city, but Mae Rim is popular to the north. You just need to come and drive around and see what feels good.
Thank you for an informative video. We have been looking for information about going to the northern part of Thailand in June/July and planning a 4-5 weeks trip this year. We would love to explore by motorcycle/scooter but uncertain if it's possible at that time a year? We are experienced drivers and have visited Thailand many times (southern parts) as well as other countries. Appreciate any feedback if you have any! Thanks again.
It does not rain nearly as much as people think in the rainy season, with the exception of when there are multi-day big storms. The key is if you are not just experienced on a MC but driving on the left side of the road.
Hi Randy ! It really helps to watch your youtube travel guide about Chiang Mai. Last time i have posted a comment and ask a few questions about the weather in Chiang Mai in Early February 2024. And you have answered me also 😊. So, me and my mom & brother have booked the Flight to Chiang Mai and we'll stay there from 3rd Feb 2024 until 7th Feb 2024. This is the 1st time we visit Chiang Mai 😁. Could you advise us, where can we rent a car with a driver if we want to visit Doi Inthanon National Park ? Or can we just book Grab Car through the apps ? Thank you for your help 😊🙏.
Grab and Bolt are both options. For that distance I suggest you hire a driver by the day. You can do it on the Grab app, about 2,000 baht and includes gas. Or better, when you get a driver you like for a short trip, as if they are available by the day. Many are. Negotiate a fee and date and get their number, then you know you will like their personality as you already met them.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Thank you so much for your reply and advise 🤗. Have a nice day 😇
Smokey season is driving many expats to move out of ChiAng mai
Still a popular place but yeah, it is terrible. Most of us just make sure we "vacation" away for those months.
Randy and Joy, very refreshing and informative video. Randy, like you, I'm of counsel, although retired. We're about the same age. I'm a widower with no history of bad relationships. I have a genuine interest in Thailand; in particular, the culture, food, climate, and learning more about Buddhism than my undergraduate philosophical studies. Like you, I have no interest in the bars and the sexual promiscuity that many of them promote. Like you, I will travel back and forth as I'll never permanently abandon my lovely home here. Is there a means to contact you for some specific questions? Thank you and best wishes!
Hi Thomas. In other words, you are my twin... Haha. Yes you can write to me at RetiredGlobalLife@Gmail.com Take care.
Thank you, Randy. I believe that's an accurate statement.
Thanks for your video, I am planning to go in early February next year. I have a sensitive nose and is allergic to dust, should I better avoid coming around that time?
I'd avoid Chiang Mai late Jan to April. The rest of Thailand is fine although BKK has air issues too. Coastal and islands have the best year round air.
Thank you so much for the great information! It is really very helpful. I am planning to visit Chang Mai this winter with my family Actually we are planning to move Chang Mai and I really appreciate your effort, I have a question about Halal food in Chang Mai and Arabic school ! Could you give us some information about that ! one thing more what opportunities for Arabic language instructor to work or to start a business in Chang Mai ? thank you again
Wow that is a technical question outside my knowledge. Normally it is not possible for foreigners to work but one exception seems to be teaching. I don't know about that specialty though.
Thumbs up 👍
very nice, but no sea and no beach
Ah, you spotted it. Haha. Yes, we are a mountain town, at the foothills of great hiking and so on. No beaches. Sorry. (:
We my family thinks we go Chenmai for a first time but doesn’t really good ideas to which of or affordable places n which’s at November 2024
By the guys do we a jacket or…. at theirs winter season?
By the we are Malaysian n tq for letting us to see how enjoyable mom with I guys..bye
Things are affordable all year but more expensive in Nov and Dec due to the best weather months.
The burning season makes Chiangmai and the North a no-go area, it starts in January and ends in April.....Tenth of thousands of people flocked to the Hospitals with related illnesses and health issues. During the burning season this year, Chiangmai was recorded as the most polluted City in the world!
Then In June, the rainy season starts and that will take until October....Have fun !
Ah, such a pessimist! Haha. You are right about the burning season although usually little smoke in January. But the rainy season throughout Thailand is a great part of the year, less crowds, clean air, cloud cover so not too hot, and the rain can be nice and is not as often as people think. So the reality is those of us here just leave for a few months every year during the burning season and explore the islands or go back to visit our home country. Where did you settle?
I have lived there for over 10 years with my family, ( Hangdong area ) it was just a very authentic Thai slow-going area. The quality of living went downhill due to the burning and the traffic mess, that is just reality. Perhaps for people who don't know any better, it's still o.k. and I understand that too.@@RetiredGlobalLife
One reason we are looking at property in Hua Hin as alternative to Chiang Mai. We have family & friends in the North and Chiang Mai but the burning season requires a "plan b" option to avoid the most intense smoke!
Any natural mosquito sprays that are very effective so you dont have to take antimalaria medication?
Watch our mosquito video. Seriously, we never get bit now. Pepper plant derivative.
@@RetiredGlobalLife how do I get to that video?
Just click on our channel name under any of our videos and it will bring you to a page showing all our videos. Thanks!@@gif24gt60
How much rent is a very nice apt during rainy season?
Depends on the size. Small studio 15,000 baht and up. One bedroom 22,000. Roughly.
Hey guys, great video as usual. Any opportunities for a mature gent to find part time work in Chiang Mai to supplement retirement income Language related perhaps? Travel help? Thoughts? Thanks!
Jobs are restricted to Thais with the one exception it seems of English teachers. Very low pay and long hours!
Im planning to go from September 15-21 to Chiang Mai... mainly looking for massages, good food, and relax (I went 2 years ago and did all the temples). Im ok with cloudy days and a bit of rain but if it's likely ro rain all day every day it seems I should reschedule. Any advice??
The rainy season is always a risk as most of the time it is just cloudy and an hour or two of rain a day. So fine. But you could have the bad luck of a big storm, maybe 2 a year?
@@RetiredGlobalLife thank you for answering!
I am coming to CM next month, is it hard to get condo for 1 month?
There are a ton of AirBNBs but I would book as soon as you can. And there will always be hotel rooms, but they really jack up the prices when they only have a few rooms left.
Where do you recommend in February please? 🤔
It is the start of the smokey season, so I'd stay away from my Chiang Mai, and even Bangkok. Any of the islands are good then, including Phuket.
18 years ago in February I was in Thailand, Chiang Mai, with my current wife. We now have 2 teenage children. My son had 2 open heart surgeries 3 months ago. His dream is to discover Thailand with our family in 2025, from the end of June, for 18 days, including Chiang Mai. Which regions are best to visit during this period? He would also love to visit Khao Sok. But especially the regions that are most pleasant during this period. More information about this please 😏
The smokey season will be over so no worries about that in Chiang Mai in June. It is the rainy season, at least the start of it, so often cloudy skies, a relief from the sun and unless you have the bad luck to visit during a storm, which can happen for days, usually it only rains under an hour a day then pleasant. I love the rainy season. . There are many great islands to visit, or coastal cities. Koh Lipe is hard to get to but super nice and a bit remote but June may not be the best month due to weather and the ferry speedboats. Krabi is beautiful. I don't like Koh Samui as much as others but it is popular. Phuket is more like a city on the beach, but there are many areas outside the city giving you the best of both worlds, civilization and remote access, with many boat trips to beaches and islands from there. And unlike the places I mentioned above, easy to get to. The key is finding the part of Phuket region right for you. Even if you just stay in CM there are many regions a half-day drive a way or less to explore. Great hiking and countryside to contrast with the city.
What's your favorite island to go to during smoky season? Or do you visit a new one each time?
Been to Lipe, Samui, Pahngan is all for us. And beach cities, like Hua Hin. You have a favorite. We loved Lips but hard to get to.
What is the average temperature in January?
Maggie, yoiu are kidding me!!!! That's what the video is about! As punishment you now have to go back and watch it again. January is the last month of winter so one of the cooler months. Take care.
lol! I could only listen to the video at first 🤷♀️ . I see you had a slide of temp for all months of Winter.
You are a good sport putting up with me and my sense of humor. You may now return to the classroom with the other students. (:@@maggieadams7000
@@RetiredGlobalLifeLol! I enjoy your videos. And I’m a retired educator so I’m used to a good banter 😅😉
No dancing 😢😢
Haha, you are too funny. Maybe in the future...