Chiang Mai, You Have To Experience It!
The city acts like a tourist magnet to many vacationers and expats that visit and settle in the area. The expat community continues to grow (last count over 27,000) with many people from different countries around the world choosing to settle here. Foreigners decide to relocate from North America, Europe and Australia to name but a few locations. Many choose to retire here due to the friendliness of the Thai people, the slower pace of life and the wonderful city, which is virtually crime free. Although the cost of living has increased somewhat in recent years, due to the drop in value of many foreign currencies against the strong Thai baht, it’s still very cheap to live here. The value you can get for your money still astonishes those that have lived here for years.
Chiang Mai is the second largest city in this beautiful Asian country. It’s known as the "Rose of the North" and has close ties with the Lanna culture. It is surrounded by a hilly terrain with magnificent Doi Suthep being one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the area. The city center itself is quite metropolitan although not as intimidating as Bangkok or Krung Thep. It has moved with the times but thankfully, hasn’t forgotten its historical roots. Over 60,000 University students help keep the city bustling and vibrant! There’s so much to do in and on the outskirts of this vibrant city. A long list of activities offer locals and expats the opportunity to try something a little different. One only has to walk down one of Chiang Mai’s sois (lanes) to find travel and local attraction booking agents. They are more than happy to help organize trips for such diverse adventures as elephant trekking, white water rafting, mountain biking and of course visiting the famous temples in the area. You better remember to take your camera to capture those wonderful Northern Thailand images for the folks back home.
Before visiting Chiang Mai you may be wondering what type of lodging is available. Accommodations come in many forms. You could choose a Thai style house (baan) or a short term condo, if you're thinking of staying for a few months or for a shorter visit maybe a guesthouse, which foreigners are generally more familiar with. Of course Chiang Mai has its five star hotels and resorts too. They're fabulous, generally situated in the center of the city, close to all amenities and attractions. Although expensive to the locals, many foreigners can afford to enjoy this type of luxury. Whether on vacation or arriving with the intention of retiring, you’ll no doubt wish to find the best places to eat. Dining in Chiang Mai
To delight your taste buds why not try something a little daring, fried insects are a great delicacy here. Most Thai dishes are served with jasmine rice including a variety of noodles, meats and seafood. The Thais themselves adore curries, so if you are a curry lover, you’re in for a treat! Western food and restaurant chains are widely available for those who wish to eat familiar food. One of the main attractions is shopping in Chiang Mai. The shops are quite diverse, from modern indoor malls to local market stalls and vendors. There is a large air-conditioned mall near the airport which has an astonishing array of fashionable boutiques, electronic shops and eateries. Exciting outdoor markets, the most famous, the night bazaar are generally situated around the moat area of the city, which is a shopper’s paradise. If you like bartering, then this is for you. The Thais aren't pushy, so go on, have some fun. You can buy T-Shirts, watches, handbags, clothes and antiques, including just about anything else you can think of.
As expats and locals will tell you, a visit to Chiang Mai is not complete without experiencing a tuk-tuk ride. This three-wheeled vehicle is a very exciting way to see this historical city. It's best to agree on a price before you get in, generally a hundred baht is more than sufficient to give you an exhilarating sightseeing tour. Flag down a song thaew, a red pick-up with a roof, rather like a shuttle bus. This travels at a slower pace but nonetheless is another form of transport in which you can explore the city. If you get lost, don’t worry... Just find the moat, which will lead you back to the city center. Where can you go on a day trip in Chiang Mai? Well Chiang Mai day trips are extremely well advertised and varied. There is so much to do and see that you’ll be spoiled by all the options. Why not visit Bo Sang, an umbrella making village or the King’s palace, at the top of Doi Suthep? There are numerous hot springs close by, great to relax and soak your feet in. You could explore natural caves (tham) or see exquisite orchids along with magnificent butterfly farms.
Vacationers who visit Chiang Mai are often surprised to find a large amount of expat retirees living here. They often wonder what "Real Life" is like in this great old city. It’s certainly a more carefree and laid back lifestyle than most western countries. After all, it's a Buddhist country where the vast majority of Thai people embrace this spiritual and peaceful religion. The people are extremely friendly showing no animosity to outsiders. The Thais work extremely hard, but always seem to have time to try out their English skills with the many foreigners who live here. Check out the comments on internet blogs to see why people retire to Chiang Mai. The vast majority of expat retirees usually visit the city as vacationers however enjoy it so much, they relocate and make it their home. Once getting a taste for the city life, its people, culture and countryside, more often than not they can't wait to return on a permanent basis. Foreigners (farangs) quickly make friends while on holiday with Thais as well as westerners who live here full-time. There’s plenty of help and advice about retiring, especially by us. Contact us with all your questions, we're here to help with all your needs in Chiang Mai!
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is certainly not a problem. There are fantastic restaurants and delicious food to choose from.
