There are many reasons why expats choose to settle in Chiang Mai long term and why many travellers spend themselves setting up a temporary home from home in the lovely city for a few months … or more! Although it is Thailand’s second city, living in Chiang Mai is a lot more relaxed than living in the frenetic and busy capital city of Bangkok. Chiang Mai enjoys a slower pace of life – it is a lot less hassled and rushed than its more southern cousin.
Another reason for choosing Chiang Mai is the climate. In the north of the country, Chiang Mai sits at the base of the Thai Himalaya mountain range. It enjoys a cooler climate than many other parts of the country, making it a more pleasant place for people who are not used to soaring high temperatures.
Transportation links are great. The city is well connected by land, air, and rail, and getting around the city is easy by both public transport and your own means of transport. It is very easy to rent scooters and bicycles, and car hire can also be arranged. As well as local buses there are minivans, tuk tuks, motorbike taxis, and trucks, known as songtaews, to help people get from A to B.
Chiang Mai has all the facilities and amenities that a person could wish for. From international schools and supermarkets to bilingual lawyers and property agents, life in Chiang Mai is not difficult at all.
There are lots of attractions and activities right on the doorstep, perfect for making the most of any free time and exploring the area. Nature enthusiasts will be pleased, with an abundance of waterfalls and mountains close to hand. Several different ethnic groups live in the surrounding area and a visit to the different villages can be a really educational and interesting experience. There are lots of adventure activities to enjoy, such as hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, and ziplining.
When it comes to culture, Chiang Mai is excellent. There are many temples around the city. Indeed, one could spend months just visiting spectacular temples if they wished to. The many temples also add to the city’s overall visual appeal.
It is very easy to take up a new hobby or interest whilst living in Chiang Mai. There are numerous cookery schools and language centres, as well as a selection of other specialist interest groups. People can get together with like-minded individuals to learn a new skill and have fun at the same time. Muay Thai is popular in Chiang Mai, and people can both watch fights and also undergo training at one of several gyms and camps.
Whilst nowhere near as energetic as Bangkok, it is possible to find a decent night scene in Chiang Mai. There are laid back bars, live music joints, karaoke bars, and an assortment of clubs.
There is a good choice of places to live, including both rented homes and property to buy. It is possible to find a wide variety of housing types too, so whether one is looking for a house, an apartment, or a condo, all can be found around the city. The number of bedrooms varies, as do fixtures, fittings, and household amenities. There is certainly plenty of housing choice!
Living in Chiang Mai offers all the comforts and distractions that help to make a place really liveable, and the atmosphere, friendly expat community, climate, and beautiful location only enhance the city’s plus points.