Life In Chiang Mai Thailand As An Expat | Helpful *Insider* Tips 📝

Thinking about starting your life in Chiang Mai Thailand as an expat?
Here's all you need to know about living in Chiang Mai - safety, social events and activities, and some housing options that are good to know before you come here.
#simplelifestyle #minimalistlifestyle #thailand
I created a 34-page guide (PDF) on living in Chiang Mai, including visa, places to live, cost of living, things to do, and more
/ aslowsimplelife
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Chiang Mai Conscious Community - / cmconsciouscommunity yoga, meditation, bodywork, consciousness
Nature In Chiang Mai / 484115255079140 - An honest community based group for anyone who enjoys the local nature
Chiang Mai Animal Lovers / 951441561565015 A place to connect with other animal owners and lovers in Chiang Mai
Language Exchange Chiang Mai / 456476087805075 Where people go who are learning another language and help others learn their own language.
Hiking Chiang Mai / 1595598960703876 Ongoing hikes in and around our great city of Chiang Mai!
Chiang Mai Family Guide / chiangmaifamilyguide Find activities to do in Chiang Mai with kids!
What, Where, When Chiang Mai / 171517609647322 A page for people, event organizers, promoters, bar owners, club owners to let everyone know what's happening in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Expat Moms / 111253199037601 A group where you can post questions and information pertaining to moms living in Chiang Mai, list second-hand kids or maternity items, and even get to know some other moms living here
Cycling Chiang Mai Group Rides Here you will find information in English about group rides and road cycling events. / chiangmairoadcycling
Eat In chiang Mai / 1827880487437372 This page is a guide for restaurants, bars and food shops in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Health And Fitness / 722862927732889 A group for health and fitness questions and recommendations in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Hangouts / coolpeepzchiangmai To set and share things happening in Chiang Mai:
Chiang Mai Expats Home / cmehagency
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:50 Chiang Mai Quick Facts
01:53 Safety
04:02 Social Events
06:00 Where To Live
08:28 Chiang Mai Countryside
10:06 Rent & Other Costs
11:12 Do I Like It Here
12:02 Other Places I Like in Thailand
Safety, interest-based groups & communities, housing options in the city and the countryside, just some of the many things people consider before moving to a new location long term.
So today, I'll cover these points by sharing from experience after living in Chiang Mai Thailand since 2018. I'll also throw in some practical tips that should come in handy once you're here.
Chiang Mai City Facts
Chiang Mai city is the largest city in Northern Thailand and the fifth largest in the country in terms of population. But unlike many big cities, there are no tall skyscrapers here or massive buildings. Instead, it's more like a large, traditional village that's almost sprawling.
Safety:
Generally, I feel safe here in Chiang mai. The locals are friendly but as with any place you go, be sure to keep your wits and street smarts with you to avoid any issues during your stay. Keep an eye on your valuables, don't leave your keys in your scooter or motorcycles, you get the point.
Interest-Based Groups and Communities
In Chiang Mai, there are many groups and communities for just about anything - meditation, yoga, hiking, cycling, moms, food lovers, night lifers, and so on. I would recommend joining some FB groups relevant to your interests to learn more about events and activities you may like.
Living in Chiang Mai
If you like to be in the countryside with a more rural feel, there's Doi saket, Mae Rim, saraphi, and San kamphaeng. Traffic is lighter, you'll see more ricefields, it is quieter, and there are quaint cafes and restaurants with scenic views
although after the rice harvest season it can get pretty smoky in these areas when farmers burn the fields to prepare it for the next planting season.

[@JamesTozer-v8d]

Riding my dirt bike in the mountains and forest I can tell the difference between forest and rice field burning !

[@ChimpsAI]

You have the calmest voice that I have ever heard. Very refreshing. 😊

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thanks, I appreciate that. :)

[@trillionexmacro]

I live in Chiang Mai since last July (around Mae Rim) happy to catch up for a coffee.

[@gjqhryndgkyokploirby]

I lived there for 8 years and it's a great place to live. The one major problem and it is a severe problem is the smog that at certain times of year burns your eyes and nasal cavities. The smog is caused by farmers burning off old crops and vegetation and can last for weeks. The smog is not only in Chiang Mai but other parts of Northern Thailand. also

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

That's true - it's definitely not easy dealing with the bad air quality during those times of the year. 😔

[@SCHO03]

Which months fo they burn the crops? Is there a particular time I should avoid being there?

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

The air quality has been steadily not so good here since burning has been happening and has no rain since November. By late May or June, once the rain comes, the air should be better.

[@petejames1326]

@@ASlowSimpleLife im australian im 42 i wanna move to thailand to retire but the VISA system is very difficult, should i just wait till i 50 and move to thailand to retire on that VISA? if i wanna move over there now, whats the best VISA to apply for? i just wanna buy a nice little apartment invest in some stocks and live off the dividends

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

@petejames1326 , you are correct - getting a long term visa before 50 is not too easy. Previously, foreigners under 50 who are willing to pay a higher amount to stay here 5, 10, or 20 years get an Elite Visa. But the prices have gone up, so it's a bit cost-prohibitive for some.

[@stevenhull5025]

Listening to your gentle voice was akin to having a relaxing mental massage.

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thank you 🙏

[@mr-ky4hd]

Great video production quality, content is excellent and editing is also artfully done.

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thank you.

[@marsfuture]

Stunning imagery, especially from the countryside and cafes. I am considering moving to Chiang Mai over the winter months from Vietnam, and your video has finally convinced me that this will be the best decision and a beautiful time (until start of the burning season...)

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thanks! Chiang Mai is definitely lovely most parts of the year. It is the rainy season now, the air quality is good, and it doesn't rain the whole day. It does get quite humid but there are ways to stay cool despite the warm temps. 😊

[@kevinlearnsspanish-dz2ci]

excellent share, i really appreciate your efforts!

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@yabanjin5296]

Love your video! Shows slightly different side of Chiang Mai, which is beautiful!

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thank you so much 😊

[@seanmintoff158]

I visited for holiday just for 3 days and I have to say the place is beautiful, locals are cool and easy going plus very welcoming

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit in Chiang Mai 😊I agree with you - there's so much to appreciate about the people and the place, and it's one of the reasons why we've been here for 6 years now 😊

[@myrinw1598]

I really like your calmness, your video did a great job of creating an image of chiang mai:)

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thank you 😊

[@winnerwinnerchickendinner8809]

@@ASlowSimpleLife Stay out politics

[@GerardoTrilobites]

Very interesting Chanel, I discover it today, and looks I will keep following. Thanks.

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thanks and welcome!

[@ELCEV]

Nice video, I enjoyed it at look forward to your next one. If I can make a constructive comment, try to adjust your audio levels so they are consistent throughout your video. Keep up the good work.

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

I appreciate your feedback and I'll keep that in mind for my next videos. Thank you 🙏

[@ashishgulati7723]

Wow, very good information you included in this video. Much much better than others. Hope you will keep doing that. Big Salute from Sydney.

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thanks 🌟

[@ToxicFreeTV]

Thank you for such a beautiful and informative video! Its the first time I have seen the sights of Chiang Mai and it looks breathtakingly beautiful!

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thanks! It is beautiful 😊

[@edmitiu7383]

Wonderful, Thank you🙏

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Welcome!

[@trekbiker5110]

Nice vids! Thanks for sharing!

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Glad you liked it 😊

[@forrestwheeler916]

Thank you for a very informative video. I will be returning to Thailand as a retiree and need all the best advice to plan my future travel plans. Thanks again

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

I hope this video was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@TSUNAMICali]

I hear your beautiful Phillipines accent. Are you Eurasia? Great video with tons of great ideas for meeting people with similar interests. Salamat Kabayan. ( sorry Spell check grumpy 😂).

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thank you 🙏❤

[@mariopaul6576]

Thank you Susie ❤️!! I am coming to Chiang Mai.

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Glad this was helpful for you. I hope you enjoy your stay in Chiang Mai 😊

[@chrisliew9952]

Thanks for your video...🙏

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Most welcome 😊

[@lovebeautynaturemya930]

Thank you for sharing your tips. I've visited Thailand a couple of times. I like the climate in Chiang Mai and the natural beauty and the Thai people are very friendly. I love Canada except the long winters.

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thanks for watching. Yes, I agree, there's something to love and appreciate about both countries :)

[@charliemulligan1988]

Tremendous job you did on this video. Very informative. I am in American living in Mexico. My lease is up back to Boston next week for one month. Chiang Mai looks as good of a place as any to start my next adventure. Thank you very much for all you do. Well done.

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Glad this video was helpful and welcome to Chiang Mai soon!

[@saintluke2nd]

another great video, thanks so much

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thank you 🙏

[@norrisbethke7770]

I stay near Kad Farang when there, every amenity is available in the area..CM Expat Club is a good source for info and many activities..thx for the vid 🙏🏻🇹🇭🕊

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

We lived near kad farang, too. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@norrisbethke7770]

@@ASlowSimpleLife it’s a pleasure 🙏🏻🇹🇭

[@eternaaly]

Your voice is so soothing

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thank you 🙏

[@jnsa9454]

Love the opening description esp green spaces 🌱☀️

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thank you 😊

[@jnsa9454]

Hi Suzy, are you still in Chiang Mai these days? Going to visit there and wondering if you have recs for spots to eat veggie or vegan, cafes or other spots of note you like ☀️ ...if by chance you might be open to a respectful, casual chat at a cafe, would love to hear about your decision to live in CM. Salamat for your vids🙏🏽 and chill way of walking in this world. Ingat.

[@esmeraldadauti7512]

Love Chiang Mai the best place to live ❤

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

It's a lovely place ❤️

[@markbigelow2608]

Too hot for me.

[@stevenhuber829]

Awesome coffee in the end 😋👍

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Yes it was! 🙂

[@jazzlayla]

You recommended 2 other places to live . How do you spell those names.?thanks. Michael from Canada

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

I mentioned Ko Lanta and Chiang Dao.

[@mamun_seo_specialist_pro]

Very Nice video👌👌

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thank you and glad you liked it. 😊

[@mamun_seo_specialist_pro]

@@ASlowSimpleLife check your email.

[@jiraratboonwej2816]

More gorgeous instragram photos , the very best of Chiangmai's information vid , huge thanks for introducing my fevorite retire province to the world!! , by the way Hangdong District is the real retire destination , grad you guys can find the ultimate nest..(hope could practice retreat meditation courses there!)

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thank you and yes, we love Hang Dong. We rode our motorcycle to Namphrae, Nong Kwai, and Ban Pong last weekend, and we loved the ride there as always. Have a good weekend 🙏

[@rayneparker7421]

I’m a single mother of two small children moving here next month for about 6 months. I won’t have a car. Will hang dong be suitable and close to stores and transportation

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Wishing you a good move here! :) It depends where in Hang Dong. Our old house was close to Hang Dong public market, and there are song thaews (public transport) just a 10 minute walk from our home. But there are ride-sharing options now - try InDrive (you need to download the app on Google Play), as it is much cheaper than Grab or Bolt.

[@xxGuerrilla]

Thanks!

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

You're welcome 😊

[@Rafi-Tzur]

Thank you

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

🙏

[@adventurefreaksss]

Great job on this video. Great editing! Would love to have you as a guest on my podcast!

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your comment ☺️

[@marcintv2523]

That was a great sharing : Like 333 for you :) I wish you a wonderful day

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thank you! You too! 😊

[@quintonoliver7596]

Perfect, always informative...thanks a bunch !!!!! 🙏🌏🛵

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thanks, Quinton! 🙏

[@andrewharris8439]

Hua Bin better choice of places to live, beach, restos, golf courses😅

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Never been there. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@Tik134]

Hi i like your video about CM im living in Thailand with ny English partner we used to live in Samui and Hua Hin and last year we both decided to move to CM as we are get older so we like Chiang mai a lots and now we rent the house in Mea rim🥰

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thanks! Welcome to Chiang Mai 🩷

[@paullim5482]

Thank you for your informative video. I'm thinking of renting a house similar to yours. Which part of Chiang Mai are you staying with $550 Australian? Thanks 😊

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thanks! We're in Doi Saket.

[@paullim5482]

@@ASlowSimpleLife Thanks!

[@user-bm2wh1lh2i]

Thank you! Since I practice Thai massage, it's like my dream, but as a family we are concerned about the smoke and pollution... How bad is it?

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

For us, it has been working okay. The smoke is not fun, of course, but while we appreciate many places in Thailand, Chiang Mai province feels more like home to us. But I understand every person's preference is different, so at the end of the day, it all depends on where you feel at home the most. 😊

[@2kkto2]

Everyone responds differently - sort of like eating spicy food.

[@5591408]

During the burning season in an around Chang Mai, and from neighbouring countries pushes Chang Mai to be the most polluted city on earth in respect of 2.5 ppm during this time, many people who can afford it move out during this time, and local news broadcast recommend not to go outside. 😮

[@DIGITALMIND63]

Very informative video! Do you know if there are any photography groups?

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thanks! Yes there are. There's the Chiang Mai Photo Club on facebook, then there's a WhatsApp photography group, and nature in chiang mai sometimes organizes trips for bird watching and nature trips that would be good opportunities for taking nature photography. 😊

[@DIGITALMIND63]

@@ASlowSimpleLife Thank you for the reply! I’m planning a long vacation to Thailand and plan to visit Chiang Mai. I love photography!

[@itsbandar]

what do you think of having a place in chiang mai, but travelling thailand/world in the smog season?

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

For us, it has been working okay - we appreciate many places in Thailand but Chiang Mai province feels more like home. But I understand every person's preference is different, so at the end of the day, it all depends on where you feel at home the most.

[@meditationormedication3206]

What about location near to everything but also close to green places or nature?

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Hang Dong, San Sai, Doi Saket and San Kamphaeng are close to nature and not very far to the city center.

[@simonasmirnova6615]

I'm so glad to spot your video, I'm planning to move to Thailand and looking for a very peaceful place for me and my pets to rent :) Would you know any good agencies?

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

It's lovely that you'll bring your pets with you! I can't recommend agencies as we never used any, but I have heard good things from some expats who used 66Property and Indigo Agency.

[@simonasmirnova6615]

@@ASlowSimpleLife it’s best to get to locals but for beginner I will need some help 😊 thank you 🙏🏼

[@paulamcfall]

👍🙏🌈

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

😊

[@richierich6098]

Nice video! Are there a lot of mosquitos there? Thanks

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

In our area, yes, because there are lots of trees here. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@stevenator22]

What visa do you reccomend? I'm in thailand for about 5 years nonstop, jumping from one dodgy visa to another and got blacklisted for the elite already :(

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

I am so sorry to hear about that.. I will be honest with you - I am not an expert in visa-related matters and can only share what I have personally experienced. But I would recommend that perhaps you may want to reach out to a visa agent who could advise you the best visa for your particular situation. I know of a few knowledgeable and highly rated ones here in chiang mai, in case you would like to reach out to them. Best of luck to you 🙏

[@RichardJohn86]

Hi I was wondering if you had some advice on an area in Chiang Mai, such as any particular spots in Chiang Mai that are comparatively more fresh/breezy than other locations that you have come across? Also any places that are suitable for nice bicycle rides in nature? Thanks very much

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

For nice bicycle rides, I would highly recommend tambon Namphrae in Hang Dong district. Little to no traffic there and the views are gorgeous. Another one is the road where Fernpresso at Lake is, then going to Doi Kham. You'll pass by Mae Hia agricultural farm, and that's gorgeous and barely any traffic there. Ban Pong is also nice, from Din Cafe to The Hillsborough English Country House. Those places I mentioned have scenic views and little traffic. 😊

[@RichardJohn86]

@@ASlowSimpleLife thank very much, my wife and I are planning to move down from Mae Hong Son so we're still researching locations right now so this is very helpful to know :) We like nature, relaxed environment and able to just go for a nice drive without immediately being hit by big/busy roads would be great. We're used to seeing rice fields/farmers out the window so hoping to find somewhere that checks all the boxes eventually :) Will research those places thanks!

[@RichardJohn86]

I was wondering, is it best to just go direct to estate agents in finding a house to rent?

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Mae Hong Son is lovely! I think you'll like it up there if you prefer to live somewhere with lots of rice paddies and a more rural life. 😊

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Personally, I would prefer having real estate agents to help me find a house to rent since it's more convenient and more efficient. Or you can join a Facebook group to post a question regarding houses for rent. This group m.facebook.com/groups/452861888106406/ is specific to Pai and nearby areas and I have seen many posts on houses for rent. Wishing you'll find your dream house soon 🙏😊

[@patrickglennon7058]

Any day trips recommended? Hot springs? 🍻 cheers

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

We've never been to any hot springs, so I can't recommend any. But some of our favorite day trips include hike to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat in Lampang, exploring Mae On to Lampang (skugga Estate, kio hin, chae son national park), cafes in the ricefield in doi saket and San Kamphaeng.

[@ArgirisKapoulis]

What is the name of the place you are renting?

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

It's in Doi Saket

[@ArgirisKapoulis]

@@ASlowSimpleLife thank you

[@Mark-yo5ue]

Hi there. If I heard you correctly, you said you have a child? Just curious if he/she is in school yet or still too young. We are looking at schools in CM and would appreciate some practical feedback from families that have their kids in a Chiang Mai school.

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

My son is actually 19 now, and when he was here in Chiang Mai, he was 15 doing online homeschooling. He didn't go to any schools here in Chiang Mai. I did find this helpful info on schools in Chiang mai, which may be helpful for you. chiangmaifamilyguide.com/ultimate-guide-to-schools-in-chiang-mai/

[@Mark-yo5ue]

@@ASlowSimpleLife thank you for the reply. I will check the link you sent across! When I saw 19 I thought that was going to be followed by months not years 👍🏻😀

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

You're welcome 😊

[@salth2ofish209]

Thank you. Kop Khun Krap

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Kop khun kha 🙏

[@palmtree5544]

Your audio is up and down. You should try to make it all the same level.

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Thanks for your constructive feedback. Still learning the ropes in audio editing when I created this video a year ago and there's always room for improvement.

[@marcius7308]

✨️💖🏞 🕊 👋🙂🌷

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

☺️❤️

[@marcius7308]

@@ASlowSimpleLife What I saw and heard from you on your film channel is very nice!✨️💖🏞 Unfortunately, I don't speak languages, only my mother tongue, Hungarian😔. Sorry! I would like to understand you too! 💡Help me! Please add Hungarian subtitles to your films! 🙏I'll get back to you in another comment✒️📝 ! Thank you very much! I wish you and your family a nice weekend, Greetings from Hungary Paul 👋🙂🍂🌷

[@terryhunter3873]

Filipina ka ba?

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Yes

[@kccheong1124]

Chiang Mai is a nice place to visit but not retired. There are many cons. the northern Thailand will always be polluted in the first quarter during the burning season and in Feb 2023, Chiang Mai broke the record of being the most polluted city in the world. Second, in the rural area like Chiang Mai, the folks are friendly but they don't speak English and they don't follow the traffic rules and the motorbike chaos could cause a hit and run case. Third, it is about faith. Why do Christians admire Buddhist temples and not their own faith? I know there are many Filipinos who chose to stay in Malacca for the sake of their faith where they could attend the oldest churches in Malaysia which were built by the Portuguese and Dutch. Fourth, Chiang Mai is located very far from Bangkok where the modern medical facilities are located. Imagine one day you might have a sudden stroke or heart attack, you need to go to a hospital with the state of the art facility. Fifth, despite the low cost of living, Westerners would find South East Asia hot, humid and rainy often.

[@ASlowSimpleLife]

Yes, each to their own. Thanks for sharing your opinion.

[@Scharrer23]

Without being disrespectful, your only valid point is the smoking season. All other arguments are kinda strange because they are positive arguments for many or just untrue. CM is Thailand second biggest city, they have top notch hospitals... Everywhere in Thailand the people kinda don't follow the traffic rules 😂 English? Maybe integrate in theel Thai language and culture a bit if you move there.. Being far away from BKK is a good thing in my book. The north has its special vibe.