Chiang Mai Thailand: The Good and the Bad
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- čas přidán 7. 10. 2023
- Thinking about relocating to Chiang Mai, Thailand? In this video, I give just a few pros and cons to think about. Some of the topics i cover for pros 🟢 are the affordable living that allows you to stretch your budget while enjoying a high quality of life. Indulge your taste buds, as Chiang Mai offers a diverse range of delectable street food and traditional Thai cuisine. Experience the warmth of the locals who embrace a genuinely friendly and hospitable culture, making you feel right at home. Immerse yourself in the city's laid-back ambiance, where life moves at a slower pace, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
No city or place is perfect and that includes Chiang Mai, so i also talk about some Cons🔴
Brace yourself for the challenging burning smokey season, a downside that can affect air quality and outdoor activities during certain months. Also Job opportunities. While there are opportunities, it's essential to note the limited availability of skilled job positions for expats, potentially requiring a flexible work arrangement. Climate, while Chiang Mai's tropical climate is inviting, some may find the hot and humid conditions challenging to adjust to. The relaxed way of life may extend to business operations, potentially impacting efficiency and promptness in certain situations.
In my personal view, Chiang Mai isn't without its imperfections, but the pros certainly outweigh the cons. The unique blend of cultural experiences, budget-friendly living, and the chance to unwind in a serene environment makes this city a remarkable choice for those seeking an enriching expat experience.
#ChiangMai #LivingInThailand #ExpatLife #TravelVlog #ProsAndCons #ChiangMaiAdventures
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Chiang Mai is home for me, I wake up everyday and thank the universe for allowing me to exist here. For me there are more Pros and very few cons, but it is the friendliness of the people that makes it better than anywhere else that I have lived.
Special place Pat! Yep, not to many cons mate.
Well said
It's a pity you don't have the gift of the gab, Wayne 😅 Waffling on is not your forte ! Mate, I'm just envious of how you manage to chat with your camera for 12 minutes. Great summary, and I share the same thoughts as your previous subscriber. I thank the universe I found Chiangmai.
@@ChilloutLarsI can waffle for hours 🤣. That's one gift I have got 😂. I always wondered when it would come in handy, then vlogging came along 😂. Thanks mate
I resonate with this comment 100%
I just cannot think of a better realistic review of Thailand.
This is a Bobby Dazzler, man!!!
This video is huge motivation and adequate orientation for the people who want to visit Chiang Mai and for the newcomers!
Thanks buddy!
I agree about the food, it ties for #1 for me-fantastic food at very low prices. The songthaews made me carsick since you sit sideways in them, so I walked everywhere. Yes, the heat and smoke are hard, but the biggest problem for me was that I couldn’t find a way to connect with other expats to make friends. I wouldn’t move there without having a group of friends/contacts before I arrived, because being lonely is what made me leave last time. I had to go to the hospital for a non-urgent procedure and I was extremely happy with both the level of care and the cost.
I know you struggled with being lonely Becky 😭. I agree, it can get very lonely in Thailand. I think a good Farang condo would be perfect for you. Somewhere like Smith's Residence. Where they all sit together in the mornings and evenings. Hope life is good back home. 🙏❤️
@@WalkAboutWayne That's good advice, I'll do that if I return to CM. It's good here, my daughter is getting married in San Francisco in 5 days! 🎆
I totally agreed. Chiang Mai is the best place to start your living in Thailand. Most people you will be in contact with within and around the old city does understand some English enough to get by in restaurants, food stalls and so on. It can be busy in CM, but it's not even near the craziness in Pattaya, Bangkok or Phuket in most ways.
I was in CM at Loy Crathong in 2012 when it was no restriction or expensive tickets to pay to be able to send up the lanterns. The floats was nice, but to watch the lanterns that filled the sky was the best moments in my life beside the birth of my children. It was just so magical!
Nice! Yes, Chiang Mai is a great place to get use to a different place. Thanks buddy 😁
my FilAm (US/Filopino) son goes to Payap University in Chaing Mai. he enjoys it so far. I visited for a few days.. I will keep my place here in Jomtien, Ocean views, Island views, and a condo with amazing facilities.. Riviera Jomtien
Nice! Hope life in Jomtien is good. I'll have to visit soon.
Enjoyed this video, Wayne! Thanks for posting it. Keep up the good work!!
Thank you mate 😊
Thanks for sharing your valuable time with us, mate!👍🏻👍🏻❤🙏🏼💪🏻✌🏻
No worries buddy 👍
Touching down from the AMAZING Chiang Mai! Just got here today. Got my 5 year plan to relocate here. Great video as usual!
Nice one Shain! Touching down!! Hope it all goes well mate, I'm sure you'll love it here.
In Chiang Mai, I would pass the smokey season indoors with an air cleaner, and catch up on my reading. The people of Siam are a particularly unique people, with as much humanity as all of human kind, and I would only hope to be worthy of them. I would also have to be a little school boy learning their language, so living closest to a Junior College where I can learn my lessons, and near enough to an Immigration Center where I could check in, and salute, would be a good location for me.
Sounds good David 👍
Yes agree, good advice. Thank you!
Thanks 🙏
Great vlog mate......Hopefully it will be our homebase for long term exploring of Asia sometime in the next few years!
Nice one buddy! Chiang Mai is a great base for that.
Great presentation Wayne. Valuable information for anyone considering moving there. Cheers mate 🍻🤩
Thanks man 👌👌
Would love to hear your 5 pro's and cons for Chiang rai one day
I could do that yes! I do have a CM Vs CR vlog, but it's not really pros and cons. Maybe I could do that one day.
You mentioned the heat as a con. Absolutely! I struggled with this even with the air-con on full. Apart from that it's a great place to live
Yes, the heat is all of SE Asia and Thailand I guess, but I added it because it was a big struggle for me in the beginning also. It takes some getting use to. Thanks 👍
Thanks mate. Good to know all these stuffs.
Cheers mate.
The best part of Thailand is the people. :)
Yes, can't argue with that mate 👌
Just moved to CM after a year in Pattaya and Bangkok. Totally different energy - happy to be here! Love the videos mate
Nice one buddy! Hope you're enjoying Chiang Mai. Thanks for watching mate.
Great information mate! Thanks for sharing! Cheers
Thanks buddy
Thank you Wayne ,very informative and Chiang Mai is a wonderful place
It sure is !! Thanks 😊
I’ll be there again in early November for a couple of weeks after I’ve had a look around Koh Chang . 👍
Nice, sounds good 👍. November is a great time to be in Chiang Mai.
Thank you brother, miss chiang mai was there in 2022 .thinking of returning in February.
Hope you can get back in February buddy 👌
@@WalkAboutWayne hopefully
Thanks for your advices , I love Chiang mai too, great city, I m coming in November for the third time there ☺️
Nice! Hope to see you around in November 👍
GOOD INFO AS USUAL WAYNE!
Nice one Charles 👌🏻
Great video mate 👍🏻
Cheers Wayne 👌
for me chiang mai feels like proper thailand still. i know there’s a lot of backpacker tourists about. when i eventually decide to make the move permenant i actualy like the burning season, reason being it makes you go away for a break somwhere around that time then you appreciate the place even more . bit of a strange way to look at it mind
I can see what you mean, it is the perfect time to head off for a break during burning. I think a break is good 😊. I also agree that CM still feels traditional in a way, even with the tourists. 👌
Agreed Chaing Mai is a amazing place to live, it's my plan to retire there in a couple of years time, smoky season is crappie but no where is perfect
That's right Leila, it's still a special place, even with smoke .
Great video mate
Nice one Dave.
Strong pros, weak cons (other than the smog) & that's why Chiang Mai is such a great option, especially for newcomers.
Yeah, not many cons to be honest 👍
I'm coming to Chang Mai in January. My first visit to Thailand ever. I think I'm going to stay there for 2 months because I want to see if I would like to live there. And then I'm going to Hua Hin for maybe a month. I'm so excited. If your in town I'll buy you a coffee. I like your videos.
Nice one ! That's a good way of doing it. Both are great places but very different. Hope to see you around CM 👌
Best coffee is to be found in CM. Pay Ristr8to a visit 😉
You done good. Bravo Wayne.
👍 Cheers
Chiang Mai is the greatest! BUT smoke season and no beach!😅
Beach no problem for me, but I have no excuse for burning 😢
Go to Hua Hin for the smokey season and have the best of both worlds !
@@mcb00m yeah!! 😊
I am very happy to be in CM for 6 months in 20 days
Welcome back to the good life in 20 days mate .
I would agree with one of your vlogs much earlier on when you were considering Lumphun and would agreed that this is a quieter, smaller, more every-day place compared to Chiang Mai city.
I loved Lamphun, great little town. I keep meaning to go back for a day.
Just avoid some places in near Tha Phae gate.
You can see coffee cup for hundred bath and designer biscuits for 80 bath.
The rest is great spec morning fruit and vegetables market in Chiang Mai Gate or in Chinatown near Ping river.
The hills area of province is a visual delight.
You can still find cheap coffee and food near the gate but sure, that’s where sone trendy cafes are.
@@WalkAboutWayne Yes,small local places,even for 25 bath,then thirty around Som Petch.
Thumbs up 👍 Wayne
Cheers Mango mate.
great vid Wayne, you ever try living in other big cities? like Bangkok , Phuket etc? I am an introvert and Chang Mai sounds is right up my Ally but somehow I feel like i might be missing out if I go there and settle in.
Thanks mate! No mate, I don't like big cities. I'm from the countryside back home and I've never lived in Big places. Chiang Mai is perfect for that, it doesn't have any overpowering tall buildings and the center is small imo.
Hua Hin man has the best balance of quiet town and city conveniences
thank you
🙏🙏🙏
In the past, the Burmese Kingdom ruled Chiang Mai for a long time. King Burmese sent his son to become the ruler of Chiang Mai. They really like Chiang Mai. Both husband and wife and the rulers wrote poems praising and describing beautiful place the Chiang Mai they loved. and do not want to move out of Chiang Mai.😊
Nice! Thanks for the info 👍
nice one
Nice one mate 👌
Indeed Wayne... When I set back and think about what you say about nothing worse than being someplace where you don't feel welcome brought some refection and some clarity to light. Mostly about why I no longer feel welcome or secure in America, and even less welcome or secure than in other countries where I was resented for where I was from, not who I was.
After returning to America after spending time in Asia, I immediately felt uncomfortable as soon as I returned America. And now, in the last few years, the random and overt hostility I experience on almost a daily basis even if expect it and don't resent it has the effect of sapping the joy out of life.
Years ago when I returned to America after spending most of two years in Asia, a nagging feeling compelled me to leave. I assumed that I might at home and comfortable in Mexico, Costa Rica or Puerto Rico, as I did in Thailand and Malaysia, if I respected the country and people the more it would begin to feel at home as in S.E. Asia, the Caribbean, Australia the U.K. or Japan, but sadly, the longer I stayed in those places, the less welcome I felt. And often the more friendly and respectful I tried to be, the less I was trusted, respected and taken advantage of.
With ex-pat visas and healthcare becoming more of a challenge in Thailand and Malaysia I've been looking at the south of France as a retirement escape, but I've not been there and no matter the nice weather, food and living, it I were to be made to feel unwelcome, could I be content there? Perhaps someone might have some thoughts France I'd appreciate any thoughts on the matter.
I would say that the hospitable and kind nature of Thailand is why people who don't feel welcome in their home country end up staying. Of course many people who have not been to Thailand but see it on CZcams, might assume it to be a paradise and things will be perfect. And perhaps compared to whatever miserable live and have come to resent, it might be. We know however, Thailand is not an absolute paradise, but for many of the realists among us, we don't need some perfect home or paradise, just someplace we can feel welcome, secure and at home.
Thanks again for the Walk and Talk About Wayne,
im American been retired in Thailand since 2005. Many visits back to US since, no desire to move back there. But what are the challenges of healthcare/insurance and expat visas you speak of? Just asking 'cause i haven't experienced any.
@@rs5801 Thanks I've been looking at Non-Immigrant “O” Visa (retirement), but after having two businesses, passive income end during the Lock Downs, and having depleted savings I'm a bit reluctant to put so much money in a fixed deposit.
I was planning on returning to Malaysia increased the income requirements for the MM2H Visa to nearly $10k U.S. per month as well as the fixed deposit to an absurd levels. I was planning on doing the Sarawak S-MM2H visa, doing the 2-week per year stay in Kuching per year and residing back in Penang, but they increased Fixed deposit requirements to about $33k USD and could start enforcing ex-pats to live in Sarawak.
As for healthcare, After reaching 68' Medical insurance is not really affordable and possibly impossible if you have a conditions.
Some of the sample quotes I was getting for health insurance in Thailand like through Pacific Cross could get pretty expensive as you get past 65' (like $400per month and a lot higher or untenable with conditions)
I'm also seeing news that health insurance will likely become mandatory for retirees in Thailand. If the choice is being priced out of housing in the U.S. or living in Thailand or S.E Asia without medical care, I would rather take my chances and check-out if it came to that, as what we told we pay for here that's called "Healthcare" is anything but healthcare.
France only requires $1500 a month passive income to apply for long-tern stay visa and health insurance is less than a medicare supplement in the U.S., and supposedly after 3 years I could apply for permanent residency and be eligible for full healthcare coverage and other social services. It's also possible to work, something not possible in Thailand.
If you care to share any insight into health insurance and more I'd much appreciate your insights.
Great to read this comment Jack, i felt the same whenever I went back home from Holidays here in Thailand. As you might have heard me say, France is my favourite country, I loved it there! I'm not sure how the friendliness would be in France long term tough. I'm sure it would be fine if you learnt some language. It could be worth a shot mate. Thanks
Thanks for the video Wayne! In your experience around when does the burning season usually start and end?
Also, any advice on how you were able to get used to the heat? 😅
It's different every year, but I would say, February till the end of April. Again, nobody knows when it will start and finish and how bad, but these are the times for me .
Thanks for watching 🙏
Others have mentioned C. M. can be a great home base. Cheap flights to inside the country and S.E A. . Many less thsn $100. Also, the C.M. heat is bearable to me compared to B.K.K. I could still walk around, but not down there. I have been there 3 times, but Wayne and others have shown interesting places that I have missed. (Uh, Loi Kroh?).
Loi Kroh is always waiting for you mate. The girls keep asking, when your coming 👍
Was there late February 2023. Should stay 14 days, but go back after 8 days horrible pollution didn't get a mountain view....sore throat...
Yes, February was bad this year.
Mate, you missed out on a couple of beers and lunch. Maybe next time. Keep up the good work. And get that ‘Buy me a coffee’ thing rigged up.
Cheers mate, maybe next time 😃
Great Video, you mentioned the smoky season. Which months of the year does that come around?
Thanks. Anywhere from Late January to April / May
None of the cons u mentioned ever bothered me, in the 4 yrs I lived there...Except maybe the humidity at times...But for the burning season I always found ppl made way to much of a big deal about...Expats would make it seem the world was ending or something....but Never bothered me..and I have allergies 😅
Nice one! The burning never bothered me until this year, this year was different.
Where's that mate? 6:30
There's a lot of nice scenery in this video as usual.
That's Jing Jing food park mate
I suspect and hope that something will finally be done about Chiang Mai's air pollution. That's assuming they can get Burma and other neighbours to co operate. I like Thai food in general and wouldn't necessarily think of northern food as being better. I don't mind it being a bit more spicy up there but am happy with Thai nosh whereever I go. Totally agree with you about the surrounding countyside and cost of living Wayne.
Yes, we can all hope that one day they find a solution to the burning. It's a long shot, but we can all hope. Hmmmm I'm not so sure about some food, Khao Soi for one is a Northern dish and always taste better up here I think. But yes, Thai food is awesome everywhere. Hope all is well Doug.
Good on ya mate.
Cheers John mate 👍
I am confused I have only been in Chaing Mai for 12 nights and these are my observations
1.Food is great and cheap
2.Hotels are cheap
3.English is not widely spoken and could be a major barrier
4.Heat and pollution
5 Nothing much to do
I have joined local gym and started yoga classes
I have research local Facebook groups and there is not much on .
Nice place to explore temples and then move on !
Sorry to hear that John, I would disagree with a few of them, but everyone to there own. 12 days is probably your answer. The city will open up, the longer you stay.
Chiang Mai is not for everyone though.
I'm going to visit Chiang Mai for a couple of days, so can I get around anywhere in a tuk tuk taxi or taxi motor bike? Any info would help, and what places would you recommend to go visit.
Yes Steve, tuk tuks, Songthaews, grab taxi or even the new bus route that's starting. 🙏
Probably the only thing that got me worried is the pollution. It's 2-3 month but even tho over the whole year it stays quite high. For a longer period, this would affect your health.
I disagree with the rest of the year. It’s great for the rest of the year and the charts show that also. Bangkok worse year round.
Where's the new button you were talking about in an earlier vlog, Wayne? What kind of contributions were you going for - Buy Me A Coffee or something like that?
I still need to get the coffee button set up soon.
Think you missed the biggest pro in coming to CM would be the khun suay mak krub women👀🍭
Can't miss the Bobby Dazzler women 👌👌
Wayne which area of chiangmai have lowest cost of rent for long stay ?
That depends on how far out you want to go. If you want to stay in and around the city, Santitham is known for low cost. That's just one though.
Could i move to a suburb in order to escape the pollution?
No, not really. You would need to head south or East.
Rent is usually the make or break item for expats, how much do you pay a month?
5000 Baht ($135) 👍
it really depends on what expectations you have. but a decent one bedroom studio condo from my country near the city centre is easily 3000 USD a month. In Chiangmai, a 600 USD a month condominium will get you an amazing place.
@@WalkAboutWayneHotel room?
What’s the best Hua Hin or Chiang Mai?
Both great, but only one winner for me.....Chiang Mai
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️
5:17 what’s this area called?
Mae Kha Canal, in the Haiya District.
I found that the app BOLT was way cheaper than the tuk tuk’s.
Yes mate , tuk tuk is one of the most expensive.
Can I do dental assisting as a foreigner there
You would need to get proper employment and all the required paperwork.
Shame its so hard for visa to stay long term
Easy if you can tick all the boxes.
Chiang Mai prepares for winter and tourist season.😊🫰❤️
Dental check-ups and dentistry in Thailand are cheap and easily available at many dentist clinics. And don't have to wait long. Or do you have to make an appointment for several months? and international treatment standards😁😊
🙏🙏🙏
The international news is reporting on Israel these days , such as CNN BBC Sky news , Have you been to Israel or other Middle Eastern countries ?
Nope, not in the last few years 👌
Hi wayne do you know anywhere in chiang mai where i can get something stronger than weed??, asking for a friend😂
Not really my thing, but I would say most things are available at the clubs 👍
@@WalkAboutWayne would loi kruh Rd be an option, ?
Am in chiang mai for couple weeks
It would be a good starting point 👍
@@WalkAboutWayne thankyou ,I'm an insomniac, sorry for early morning message!
I am pretty sure that Nakhon Ratchasima is a little bigger than Chiang Mai.
I don't think so, I'm sure Chiang Mai is the second biggest .
@@WalkAboutWayne Chiang Mai is the second largest province in area though.
Chiangmai is 5th largest city in Thailand
touching down.....on ground hog day......or is it naming hua hin x 50 in 1 min lol
Love that film, watched it again not long ago . 👍
but the burning season seems like the high season ☣🤷♂
For me, high season is November - February.
Meant, too much time on Loi Kroh.
🤣🤣🤣
The biggest con in my unwanted opinion 😂 is that Chiang Mai is overrated second con it's always empty and deserted looking at night dark empty streets with a few stragglers here and there very depressing place then you have the suffocating Smoke during the burning season but to each his own I guess. PATTAYA ROCKS !!!!!! 😂😂🤣 Merry Christmas
Pattaya 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I don't watch videos on Thailand that don't convert to American dollars.
Good for you John. Luckily my channel does 👍
Took you home minus a kidney. :) joking.
🤣🤣