Living Thai Style, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Here I'll show you around the Thai house that we live and and let you see what most Thais live like.
This might come as a bit of a shock for most; after all we in the West do like our creature comforts such as air conditioning and heating, something you won't find in a traditional Thai house.
Support my vlogs
I’ve signed up with www.patreon.com/ where you can help support the videos that we make. For more information please see www.patreon.com/gbriar
Essentially your patronage will help us to survive, make more videos, support the family, help develop the farm and so much more.
Thank you!
Patreon ... If you're a creator of videos why not open up your own account and find sponsors for your work? See - patreon.com/invite/okpwwv
Disclosure
I’ll be promoting products, goods and services within my vlogs as this vlog is designed to help us generate an additional income. Links in the descriptions such as equipment are affiliate links in which we will earn a small commission for each item sold.
Please follow this link to make a donation.
www.paypal.me/pbriar82
Equipment
GoPro Hero 5 Black - amzn.to/2geDzp7
GoPro Hero 5 Session - amzn.to/2gaEW6D - I don’t own one but if this channel takes off I might but one for capturing other shots on the bike
GoPro Accessories - amzn.to/2fjyJEs
Tascam DR-05 Audio Recorder - amzn.to/2fjyn0l
Sony ECMCS3 Mic - amzn.to/2fM8URg
Sandisk 64GB Extreme Pro - amzn.to/2gaCgpk
Need more GoPro equipment and accessories - visit Amazon - amzn.to/2gfF3it

[@mig29mikoyan11]

RIP to the owner of this channel.I have followed his channel lately.I pray that his wife Pie and daughter can live well after the lost.From Malaysia.

[@Darkwolfe.]

You may not believe this but as you showed your wonderful home, it brought a tear to my eyes as I was born and raised in Pilot Town Louisiana in the U.S. and this is very much what our house on the bayou looked like only it's missing the river and water way where your street is.,, we cooked outside and what ever daddy found making noise in the house, solved the menu for dinner that night. We had lanterns for light and fished and hunted for our food or grew it also. I am 67 years old now and lived in a 3 bed room, 2 bath home in Arkansas U.S. but we still hunt and fish (My wife and I and my sons) I would trade places with you in a heartbeat, for back then, I was the happiest. I spent 67-69 in Vietnam but that was the war, and 6 wk's in Thailand for R&R. Thank you for the memory and tour. Clyde Davis.

[@gbriar]

Thanks Clyde. I have to admit it's a basic way to live but one that I find enjoyable. Simpler is better I think :)

[@nicky19540]

Ahh Graham this video was excellent and really lovely to see your home (for now) you have all the necessities and you have Pie & Fam. You are all a great comfort and help to Pies parents, the peace and the bird song is enchanting. Your mum is going to enjoy seeing this, looking forward to the next video xxxx

[@desgoulding7154]

I loved your video mate very well presented you have a nice family country live love the chickens etc in the country area

[@shane4753]

Fascinating stuff mate, many thanks for showing us around your family home.

[@rd1965a]

Simple living is often the best. Keep your possessions and your needs basic. Thanks for sharing.

[@scotttet5223]

I truly like this video very much.

[@Noname-mx2nf]

Great video mate wonderful life n life style..... specially the cat 🐈 lol

[@JohnJohnson-hl4fv]

You got it made! I live in the USA and hate it. Within five years I will be living in rural Thailand.

[@buz263]

Nice house you have there. Me and a girlfriend rented a house almost like yours but a bit smaller when I was stationed at Korat. Really enjoyed the simplicity of Thai living. Really envy you my friend and would love to be back over there, but with age and health issues I can only dream. Oh, I remember the bug net, it was a must have item.

[@ZinsWorld]

Great video. I love Thailand, one of my fav countrys I've been to. I do food travel and music on my Vlog.

[@KimberlyMallett]

Thank you for keeping it real. I spent this winter travelling Thai S-N, and your area is where I would like to settle. I need Pai to help me with her terrific green thumb.

[@gbriar]

Thanks; it's about as real as it gets LOL. Love living up here though. Pie will certainly give you some pointers in growing things; she's got green fingers :)

[@Swuggi]

This is so cool. Reminds me of my time up in north Thailand. Good memories.

[@gbriar]

So glad you liked the video ... yes Norther Thailand in my view is the best part of Thailand.

[@craigrennie5458]

Thank you for your great videos and giving a insight into traditional living in my eyes this would be my idea off heaven living this lifestyle thank you

[@gbriar]

thank you so much ka

[@JJ-vy2rh]

Hi pie I still watch these videos love to you and fam

[@roberthornbrook8374]

Yes I pray and Hope pie and your son are blessed and happy rip Graham it’s basic living but it does the trick pie God bless you richly

[@pj999]

I like the roosters. Reminds me of home (Oklahoma, USA). I raised chickens in the Los Angeles suburbs and surprisingly the neighbors also enjoyed the roosters.

[@gbriar]

Chickens and roosters everywhere. Driving can be a bit hazardous but it's interesting :)

[@user-ky6hy5bf3h]

Great Video, always a pleasure to watch.

[@gbriar]

Thanks Gary :)

[@spencerhowell7917]

Pie is a real grafter ! Got a lot of respect for a women like that .

[@ianhenderson8222]

Graham, just found this site love it.

[@garyreed2206]

Haven't lived like that in a Long Time. My grandparents' farm house in central Texas was pretty basic too. The only room with heat was the living room; where the fireplace was (unless you count the oven). At least you have indoor plumbing. The farmhouse had a hand pump and a spigot for the kitchen sink but still used an outhouse at the back fence. I kind of miss that old house now.

[@gbriar]

Now Texas is a place I never got to visit. Used to spend a bit of time in Mississippi and loved it there. The US is such a wonderful country and vast with lots to do. It certainly is very basic here and I'll be happy when Pie and I can afford a place of our own ... hopefully a little more 'western lol. I will say this ... sometimes a simple life can be a much more fulfilling life. Have a great day Gary and thanks for your comment.

[@bipolatelly9806]

love your house!

[@jakobmuire2355]

It's a wonderful house, I used to live in one in Wiang Chai, Chieng Rai.And the mornings are very very cold too.

[@gbriar]

Gordon has a great place, really nice area.

[@Mekhong3876]

New sub here! Cowboy Ray sent me. Have lived the same way for a while but in the end just had to build our own house but still have a bucket shower with cold water! 555! Good luck with your channel!

[@gbriar]

Cheers Mick ... yeah I can't do the bucket shower mate, it's way too cold. Glad you like the vlog - loads more to come. Thanks for the heads up on Cowboy Ray; I'll head on over to his channel.

[@loganwolverine2573]

Hmmmm, bbq sticky rice with scrambled egg. Dad used to do that for us growing up. Great video buddy!

[@gbriar]

I really like the BBQ sticky rice; very tasty with salt and pepper :)

[@markgandachannel9103]

I'm a filipino and one of my biggest dream is to travel thailand💕💕thailanf is my dreamland and Hopefully someday i can visit ayuttaya temple, phuket,white temple and bangkok💕💕

[@gbriar]

Thank you so much ka

[@uwugorl1076]

RINKASHIME KATOJITAMO come to my country yas

[@slideslipping]

That was an absorbing video, Graham. Nice one.

[@gbriar]

Cheers :) Load more to come. It's a basic life but I just love the farm. The house is basic and real cold now we're in the winter.

[@danieledwards7341]

is cold like 15-20 C ? OR MORE like 25-30 C FREEZING COLD IS LIKE 0 degrees C

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I love the kitchen with the open slats. Great video. I have subscribed. I am moving over to Chiang Rai in late summer this year. How far are you out of the city, please?

[@uwugorl1076]

my teacher uses your videos to teach us in social class :D

[@charlescain7962]

Corrugate tin roof, brings back memories, went to a old church that had a roof like that, always got in trouble when it rained, couldn't stay awake. Strange, a lot of what you've shown is how I've wanted to live, basics provided for. Outdoor kitchen keeps the heat out in the summer, cook inside in winter.

[@gbriar]

It certainly makes a racket when it rains but I like it :)

[@jeremymerrifield7244]

Nice video. I an English and living just outside Chiang Rai City.. It did get a little nippy for a couple of days about that time . But it was hardly freezing mate. lol . But good video enjoyed it

[@gbriar]

I feel the cold so anything below 20C is freezing lol.

[@andyfin990]

That's like the Hilton compared to my Mrs gaff in nong hong buriram, i went into toxic shock the first time i stayed there,nothing prepares you for the first time you visit the village,real Thailand, real people...

[@gbriar]

LOL, yes I've seen worse around here. The house doesn't bother me but the noise from the road and neighbours is a bit tiring at time.

[@TheEyesofOwen]

very interesting video

[@andympro1]

I like the way you show the truth about living in Thailand.

[@gbriar]

Nothing is perfect Andrew but you have to make the best of what you have and enjoy life ... life is too short to worry about the little things :) Have a brilliant day mate.

[@runnersguidetothailand]

looks wonderful up north

[@gbriar]

Thank you so much ka

[@Oggiwara1]

Great sightseing of the house. That house looks about the same as the house I stay in a month or two every year. But we have no glass windows at all. And you're totally right. Not many western people would like to live in a house like that. But I love it's simplicity. What altitude are you at?

[@MindfullyMindy]

First thoughts I had were "How does she grow her cabbage so big?" I enjoyed you sharing your home. I like it very much.

[@gbriar]

Everything flourishes here. The soil is really fertile and we get plenty of sunshine and rain Pie also adds chicken & duck manure but only a little - perfect growing conditions :)

[@MindfullyMindy]

Does she add it before planting or onto the top soil? As for your sharing this, I really appreciated it because I know of only one other vlogger who lives in a Thai style home. They gave a nice place outside of Chiang Mai for just over $100 US per month. I live in the US on $400 a month. As I am tired of the lifestyle here and the very materialistic people, I really feel I would be happy there. Only, living like a westerner I costly. It can be done, even on $400 a month, but easily. Living Thai style seems simpler, healthier, and much more relaxed. Not to mention more in the budget. What would you suggest to a westerner who wants to find a small Thai style place to live not far from Chiang Mai? I will need to be near the Kingdom Hall (Which is not far from Wat Ket) or a hospital (I have a chronic illness).

[@yepthatsme170]

Been in many houses like this standard Thai style. Congrats on reaching 500 yippee lol :)

[@gbriar]

Cheers Colin ... it's growing really nicely thanks to all our subscribers sharing and liking :) Happy days mate.

[@gtrman9706]

R.I.P. Mate.

[@anthonycarney7849]

Where have you gone I miss watching you’re vodioes I hope all is well

[@gunnargudmundsson7274]

I am a new sub. I get homesick to see this miss this life, Chiang Saen was my AC

[@gbriar]

I can't every see myself leaving here ... the country life suits me to a 'T' :)

[@gunnargudmundsson7274]

I have not come to a T since 2007 came first in 1988 and the first time to Lampang 1991

[@gbriar]

Gunnar Gudmundsson You should come back for a visit ... it's so nice up here :)

[@klaymonkey9073]

Beautiful timbers used in that house. Ever run into termite problems where you live?

[@dnnsmtchll]

very nice i was in chiang rai 2015

[@gbriar]

It really is beautiful up here and it's such a great place to live and explore.

[@rossie273]

thank you for the video . It is a lot different to how we westerners live but , really , how much do you need ? Pai is certainly good at her gardening . I always like those water tanks that you have in the back yard - just H U G E earthen ware pots . I would say that your kitchen is quite flash compared with Thai standards but , yet again , how much do we need . I quite often cook Thai food here in Australia . It is simple and wholesome and requires the minimum of cooking appliances , heat and time . Russell

[@gbriar]

Yes it's certainly different. Pie really does love to plant things; she just has the knack of being able to grow anything. The pots are huge and store water, grain, seeds and all sorts of stuff. Have a great day Russell.

[@youwatchme0808]

nice

[@troylollysaf9311]

can you take clips of rainding days in chiang rai?

[@kukeye]

great video!!!!!

[@gbriar]

Thanks Kevin. Pie and I continue to make our daily vlog and it's a huge amount of fun. Glad you like our channel, have a great day.

[@kukeye]

most westerners wouldn't be happy but what more do you need?...Life at its simplest and happiest!!!

[@gbriar]

Yes it's not exactly what you would expect back in the west but it does make for an interesting life :)

[@Jeff1255]

Actually, people are now starting to build houses with modern style in the countryside. Many people in my village and people that I know are starting to build houses of similar style 2nd house in my backyard was completed 2 years ago, it is a lifted 1 floor house but in a modern style.

[@gbriar]

Yes this is more of a traditional Thai house and I've seen a number of new homes being built to a western style. They certainly look nice :)

[@dharmagirl28]

my father and mother childhood living in the house like this. I visit oftens. I feel quite bored and freeze if i stay for long time.

[@gbriar]

I never get bored as there's always so much to do. It does get cold in the winter.

[@pj999]

I assume the houses are similar to the Philippines, where the houses started as raised homes. Later the bottom was walled in and modern plumbing was added. Is that your impression?

[@gbriar]

Hi Perry, I've never been to the Philippines but the houses here are similar in style to Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam ... maybe it's a South East Asia thing so it could be very similar. The wood at the top is a 'prestigious' element - wood is very expensive so it shows others that you're a class above sort of thing ... almost all the houses here are exactly the same.

[@drpk6514]

May I know how you can handle the mosquitoes and other insects? Thank you for sharing.

[@gbriar]

You can never really handle mosquitoes you can only grin and bear it. Over the years I've used all type of repellents and still get bitten. It's just part of living in such a climate.

[@karlmurphy402]

just subscribed very interesting retiring in two months. looking at various countries. Thailand could be the place for me.would like rural life. grew up on small dairy farm. know what it is to live without conveniences and what real work is. think I could adapt quite well.how did you meet your wife.karl murphy

[@gbriar]

Cheers Karl and welcome aboard. Living the rural life can be a little tough but very enjoyable. A friend of mine in Phuket had a restaurant and hired Pie to work for her; that's how I met her. Took me a while to convince here to have dinner with me :)

[@kylemcclureazadsalahazadi6529]

Is the abandoned house still empty? Are the owners known?

[@terryn111]

what part of chiang rai is this? I'm guessing that you are near to the Golden Triangle

[@anderssundgren7199]

Great video keep it upp, will soon move to my apartment in Mae Phim in Rayong district, living a bit outside in a fishing village called Ao Khao where it is reall basic, have some videos on my page.

[@lee230868]

just subbed look forward to watching your vids

[@splash1152]

I lived like that in Korea. Rented a room in Korean house. I'm curious what an equivalent place would run Chiang Rai, but closer to town...Cheers

[@gbriar]

Not sure what something like this would cost in terms of rent.

[@naturelove4448]

excuse my ignorance...but I thought Thailand would have warm/humid weather all year round? I'm interested to know, because I'm looking for a warm place to visit. Thank you for sharing, you have a natural ability to make interesting videos! :)

[@gbriar]

Depends on where you live. In the Northern regions it has essentially three seasons, Wet, Dry and Cold. When I lived in Phuket in the South it had two seasons, hot and wet and hot. This time of year it cools off a lot and gets very cold at night.

[@naturelove4448]

Graham & Pie thank you kindly for the information and responding :)✌

[@gbriar]

You're welcome :)

[@canadiannuclearman]

I was in Udonthany Issan. nights can be chilly. a pullover hoody or wool hat is good. its cold by your standard. im writting this from Thompson Manitoba Canada its minus 37C now thats cold.

[@KumikoandMajor]

How cold can be there? :)

[@scotmarq]

Very interesting Graham, I must ask, how do you get drinking water, and is it filtered?

[@gbriar]

The water here is potable but I don't really trust it. Normal practice is to buy water in which we do.

[@scotmarq]

How do you get the internet?

[@williamholliday3633]

How cold does it get in Chiang Rai.in fahrenhigt .Does it frost or snow ?

[@gbriar]

I've know it as low as 2C or 35.6f. It doesn't snow but I've seen frost on the ground.

[@djt2691]

nice enough place.simple living but i bet its really nice not being in a city.

[@gbriar]

Thank you so much ka

[@kirayoshikage1093]

My teacher told me to present this vlog

[@tedybar2002]

Where do you live in Thailand that it gets that cold and how is the weather year round there?

[@gbriar]

We're in Chiang Rai. It gets cold from Jan/Mar and then summer from Mar/Jul and then the rainy season.

[@tedybar2002]

Thank you, I can not due the hot weather like I use to. Getting too old for that shit.

[@kenwayne2357]

RIP Graham

[@herbertvonsauerkrautunterh2513]

where is that? I like Chun... nice and clean with a small Tesco

[@gbriar]

It's in a small village called Ban Saeo. Our nearest Tesco is approximately 20km but it's only a small Tesco express. The main Tesco is about 45km from here.

[@herbertvonsauerkrautunterh2513]

Graham Briar ah yeah I got it now.... awesome, nice place

[@MrApril1977]

👍🌟❤️️🍀

[@dafringe]

Why do we always lose the good ones? :(

[@spencerhowell7917]

Yes very frustrating.

[@benniethai7829]

Graham good man 🙏

[@InsanityisSanity]

can u get good internet there?

[@gbriar]

Yes no problems. 10Mb line with excellent connectivity :)

[@InsanityisSanity]

Graham Briar amazing. im in the process of selling literally everything i own, grabbing my dog and making the move. your videos have inspired me quite a bit, looking at rentals in chiang rai now and ive fallen in love. i reckon we'll be neighbours soon :D

[@okbilly1]

do you have a facebook page?

[@gbriar]

I do Bill but I keep it strictly for family ... I'm not really a huge fan of FB and only ever post our videos here.

[@brianjohnson9105]

Graham is dead. Why are these videos still on YT? RIP Graham.

[@benniethai7829]

ไทยทั่วไป 😀

[@bipolatelly9806]

Grand solar minimum is here.... brrrrr.....

[@chosenforareason4727]

I gather you're not a rich westerner.

[@Noname-mx2nf]

Chosen for a reason some people tend to live simple life with money or not.....

[@jeandecock6049]

Sorry, but no way I would ever live like that, and believe me I have travelled a lot. And no way I would want my kids live like that.