Thailand Expat Life: Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai?

Welcome back to the channel! Today, I head out of Chiang Rai super early and make the 193km road trip back to Chiang Mai. It’s been an awesome trip and series, i hope you enjoyed the series also. This vlog is a recap on my thoughts about Chiang Rai and the differences with Chiang Mai.
Both have a great lifestyle for Thailand Expats and today i discuss my opinions on both these amazing Northern Thailand city’s. Chiang Rai might be my absolute favorite city but Chiang Mai is my home and where i’ve been living for the longest and I can't help but love it!
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[@WalkAboutWayne]

WATCH the whole series here - kzbin.info/aero/PLdc6l1RJwq0DxV_S9PrFC3dOnqkVAhj9I Thanks for coming along with me on this series. Bobby Dazzlers!

[@tracy5454]

Chiang Rai is actually more peaceful with more locals. It is suitable for people with less busy lifestyle. Chiang Mai, on the other hand, is getting more crowded every year. Not only foreigners but also many Thai people from other provinces have moved to live here. This city is a mixture of multicultural people. It can be chaotic sometime ! Hope you still enjoy the vibe here, Wayne. 😃

[@WalkAboutWayne]

I can't argue with that Tracy, hit the nail on the head. I love Chiang Mai, always will. Thanks.

[@randyirvine5858]

Thanks for another top series Wayne👍 I think that nurse in the mall could sway you? Wasn't Benidorm your favourite?😉 Congrats on 12k too.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Cheers mate! Bovi was a little cracker. Haha me and Benidorm don't get along.

[@jackoneil3933]

Brilliant Wayne! And thank you so much for all the in-depth insights, for someone considering going back to S.E. to live, they are invaluable. Your comparisons and impressions between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai do resonate with my impressions from many years ago, and reflecting back on places I've been that were special to me, It really wasn't the many tangible things as much as the 'vibe' and feeling I got from a place that made it feel like home, or a place that might never feel like home. Chaing Mai back in the last century felt like home. Penang Malaysia, Perth Australia, Fukuoka Japan and Tokyo also were places that once I settled into, I had no desire to leave. Hong Hong, London, Mexico, Brazil and most of the U.S. and Canada I was very content to leave after a few days. That you have spent so many years in Northern Thailand, and it still feels like home, is a testament as to how unique it is.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Nice one Jack, thanks for the great comment. Northern Thailand has got something magical about it and it just feels right.

[@thegrinch8970]

Thanks for sharing buddy! Stay healthy👍🏻👍🏻❤🙏🏼✌🏻😬💪🏻

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thanks man! 👍

[@richardsthailand]

Loved that little travelling back montage 👍

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thanks Richard, hope you're well mate.

[@richardsthailand]

@WalkAboutWayne yeah I'm good thanks mate. Back in September and then for just after Xmas

[@sergeboudreault1627]

I'm in Chiang Rai right now and I think this place is for me. I lived several years in Chiang Mai back in the days and CM is now just too busy for my personal taste. As you mentioned, I guess I'm just older and more interested in a quiet place to chill. Great series, Wayne!

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Nice one Serge, that's how I felt when I first went to Chiang Rai, it was the place for me .

[@jnsa9454]

Serge, how far or close are open, scenic nature sights from where you are in CR?

[@user-bs4vb8vh6m]

Chiang Saen, Mae Sai, Chiang Khong, Phu Chi Fa, Singha Park, Doi Tung Royal Villa, Choui Fong Tea Plantation and Doi Mae Salong It is a beautiful place in Chiang Rai province. 😊

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Yep, Chiang Rai has got some great places to visit. Chiang Mai has also 👌🏻

[@jeffreystanley6870]

Great video and great comparison. You hit on all the important areas of living in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Thank you for sharing with us your journey.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thank you Jeffrey 🙏🙏

[@SussexBricklayer]

I’m loving the view from your body cam while riding the bike !, can just see the phone in the holder and google maps showing the way home. Makes me want come again

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thanks! It was a bit to dark and bumpy, but I like doing some chest mount footage. Thank god for Google Maps 🤣

[@rogerschwab3596]

Great series again Wayne....! Always such a pleasure to follow your trips. BTW congratulations to 12.000 subscribers! Take care! Roger

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thank you Roger, much appreciated 🙏

[@tanyavernon8459]

I really enjoyed the series Wayne, you always put a slightly different slant on your vids compared to other vloggers, and that's very refreshing.🍻👍

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thanks Tanya! 🙏🙏

[@mollerdk2000]

you have to buy cycling underpants for the long rides, I have a pair myself, they work really well

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Nice, I've never heard of that.

[@madeinaotearoanz]

Agree, love Chiang Rai & I always visit the Blue & White temples. Chiang Mai is where my heart is though.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Yes, both are great cities and both have plus points. Thanks 👍

[@Duncandisorderly9111]

Just visiting Chiang Mai for four days surprised how many tourist here Really enjoyed myself 🎉🎉

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Nice one Duncan, hope you have a good time mate. Lot's of people about at the moment

[@theaverageidiot8546]

I lived in Chiang Rai for awhile. As you probably know, Chiang Rai is known for Thais to retire there. I really enjoyed the chill vibe and being away from the rat race of BKK or even Chiang Mai. Now, I lived there back in 2005, I wonder if more people migrated there and it's no longer as chill these days? I'd like to explore other areas like Pai, Udonthani, and Khon Ken to see how these places compare.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Chiang Rai was my favourite city. Going back this time, after so many years, it felt a little different. I still love Chiang Rai, but not sure if it's my favourite anymore. It seemed a bit more like Chiang Mai this time around, just more people flying about .

[@theaverageidiot8546]

@@WalkAboutWayne I'm not surprised. The word gets out and everyone wants to flock there! I think the same thing happened to Koh Chang? Koh Chang was my favorite island because there were some chill areas unlike Samui and the Southern Tourist traps.

[@malcolmcrick4071]

I love Chiangmai as you say all you need is there, glad you had a good and safe trip back from the north Wayne, looking forward to more from your channel,

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Yes, Chiang Mai has everything set up for a good life. It has some downsides to, but everywhere does. Thanks buddy

[@jnsa9454]

Good point...CM is very touristy even with its good points

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Yes 👍. Thanks.

[@charlesthompson8250]

ALWAYS INTERESTING WAYNE. YES, CHIANG RAI LOOKS A LOT MORE DEVELOPED THAN OUR VISIT THERE SEVERAL YEARS AGO. CM IS MY FAVORITE!

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thanks Charles! You can't go wrong with Chiang Mai mate. Both great cities.

[@kashifakbar8751]

Well Wayne.... This was an excellent series. Nice concluding vlog also. I really liked it and it was great fun to watch. I hope you are keeping safe and well... So take it easy man, take it easy 😆😃👍🏼🎉❤

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thanks Kashif, I'm all good buddy, back in Chiang Mai and relaxing for a bit.

[@kashifakbar8751]

@@WalkAboutWayne Nice one Wayne 😃👍🏼

[@seanmurphy8674]

Cheers wane great series looking forward to the next vlogs.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thanks Sean, much appreciated mate 👍

[@musoal1]

Good to see you back in Chiang Mai Wayne. Chiang Rai looks really good but, purely from a selfish point of view, it's good to see you in Chang Mai again. Were back again in October and can't wait. Alan and Lillian in OZ

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thanks guys! I can't keep away from Chiang Mai for long 🤣

[@ChilloutLars]

We all go through different phases in this life. There was a time when only a party Island would do. Chiangmai is my nirvana now, even though it's not the same as before the pandemic. Here's a free tip for your next long ride Wayne. Rent a 300cc for a couple of day's. You be laughing all the way, especially on the steep hills.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Nice one Lars mate 👌

[@Androgen321]

Welcome home!!

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Cheers dude!!

[@jamesmorrin2729]

Lived in Chiang Rai in the early 90s. Not far from the clock tower before they pimped it up. It was awesome back then. Still one of my favourite places to live. Was good for great countryside and motorbike rides around. Good trekking spots and boats up the Kok river to places like Fang etc. Love the vlogs.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Nice one James, I love Chiang Rai, it's my favourite city. It could be where I end up again, later in life. Thanks buddy.

[@stevens8785]

Great series Wayne and, as always, thoroughly enjoyed your travels. Would Chiang Rai, if you relocated, be any cheaper to live than Chiang Mai overall? I'm guessing rental costs would be similar. Cheers mate 🤩

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thanks mate! Prices is one thing I didn't mention and I should have. I think day to day cost are about the same. I would say yes, rental is probably around the same also. The more you go out in the sticks in Chiang Rai, you would find some bargains. With my experience, both cities are similar for cost.

[@JackLondon12]

I was hoping you'd make a comparison video. I was interested in the differences between both cities and which one you prefer.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Cheers mate! Both great cities and both have pros and cons. Love them both

[@LeilaHellier]

Wayne, I lived in USA and Turkey and Australia. I love all 3 countries, but my heart will always belong to Thailand, I miss it everyday and planning on retiring there with my daughter in a few years time. Chiang Mai is for us.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

I hope to see you in Chiang Mai in a few years Leila, I'm sure I'll still be around somewhere.

[@Basman59]

End of the day in choosing either there is one massive deterrent - the burning season Jan-Apr that is horrendous and a massive turn off. Chaing Mai for starters and sod off for those 3 months to the beach or another country otherwise our health will get seriously impacted. Agreed, on Chaing Rai long-term slow the pace down who needs the agro as we age of nightlife not me for one quiet place for coffee, read, gym, a shady spot under a tree by a river..laid back. Only so many tourists one can handle before going nuts.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Yep, you would need to accept the burning season to live in either or head off somewhere. Both great cities. I agree, the tourist can get a bit hectic. Thanks.

[@hfc6535]

Have you ever been to Hua Hin Wayne? . I went in April and really liked it. So much so I'm thinking of retiring there . Loved your travels video's Chaing Rai looks good

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Not been to Hua Him, but it's one of the places I'm thinking about, I've heard good things about it. Thanks for watching.

[@Oggiwara1]

Thanks for sharing this tour from Phayao and Chiang Rai, Wayne! It's been a joy to watch. I like them both a lot, and the country side also. But as a soon to be a retiree with som health issues, I will unfortunately have to choose to live closer to a major city with good private hospitals. Which make Chiang Mai a place to consider. And areas around Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Udon Thani are also on that list.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thank you so much for watching. I'm sure you'll choose the right city for you. Chiang Mai would be a great option but the other places mentioned are also nice. Thanks

[@Jefe_Perro]

Gday Wayne, Good to see you back in Chiang Mai. I hope your arsh has recovered. I suspect your next big adventure is down south to see if you can find a Thai Blackpool equivalent 😉 Take it easy.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

🤣 Cheers mate. I'm sure I will come across something like that down south, or Benidorm . Take it easy man.

[@villagefarang]

While I agree that age is a significant factor, whether one is single or married can also plan a major role in where you feel comfortable living. When I was younger and single I preferred the convenience of living in Bangkok. As I got older and finally settled down I was drawn to a different kind of life. Living in Chiang Rai with my wife is great but I am not certain how I would feel if I were single and living here.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

That's a good point , living in Chiang Rai with a partner would be alot better. Maybe Chiang Mai better for single. Thanks 👍

[@boxcartwilly]

Different things appeal to us at different stages of our life. You don't need to wait until you get a a certain age to move just rent somewhere for 6 months then if you want to stay stay if not move on or move back. The videos from Chang Rai were great, but like the channel name walk-about Wayne it's not the name of someone stuck in one place. Look foreward to seeing where you go next.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Cheers Box 🙏🙏

[@RoadrunnerBG]

I'd be interested on your thoughts on Phayao in comparison .?

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Phayao is totally different from both. It's hard to describe Phayao. It's a magical town that's been forgotten. Although this trip was to go back to rekindle my love for Chiang Rai, Phayao put a spanner in the works. You would need to think long and hard about moving to Phayao, you would need to be able to deal with that feeling of being a bit cut off. Phayao is the best vibe I felt, anywhere I've been.

[@RoadrunnerBG]

@@WalkAboutWayne Thanks Wayne... A great series... Looking forward to your trip South 👍

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thank you buddy! 🙏

[@drifteratheart5996]

Great breakdown, Wayne. I think I’m pretty much your age and not much of a party animal. I’d take a nice breakfast spot over a rockin bar any day. Definitely close call on either but language is a pretty big factor for me in CM’s favour. I’m a little thick and doubt I’d be able to learn Thai without a lot of work at it. Either way or either city, I can’t wait to live there someday! If a trip South is in the future, beware of excess Farangs!

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Cheers buddy! Both great cities and both have plus points. South is touristy but many off the beaten track places down south too. 👍

[@latebloomerabroad]

Central Chiang Mai isn't very big, it's true. I was able to walk from one side to the other and from the top of the central area to the bottom, so it's relatively small. The one day I spent in Chiang Rai in 2018, I was impressed with its vibe. I'd like to check it out again.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Yes, Chiang Mai City is small. Chiang Rai is a great place, I think Chiang Rai needs you to stay for longer to get a real feel for the city.

[@antruok4950]

Very good series mate - Chiang Mai will only get busier - no rush to move - Chiang Rai not too far away to go if you need to escape - Bobby D - 👌👋🙏👍😃

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thanks Ant, yes they're not to far apart. I wouldn't like to be doing the journey to often but could be easily done now and then.

[@tomdurover]

This trip with a Click is tough, did it once and went back to CM from Golden Triangle. Took about 8 hours with stops, small roads. Last time I went with a PCX and also stayed in Mae Salong for a week. Amazing trip Northern Thailand best place in the world ❤

[@WalkAboutWayne]

I was feeling it this time, the click will go anywhere but I need to stop at least every hour. I think the PCX would be a better option. Sounds like you had a great time. Thanks.

[@tomdurover]

@@WalkAboutWayne yeah man it’s always good there. The click is one of the best yeah but long distance is something else. Still it would bring you anywhere

[@stevenobinator2229]

Brother, where is that park? I thought I knew all the parks.....FOUND IT

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Down near the ping river. Nice one

[@philipb8442]

@walkaboutwayne ,have you been to Philippines before? I'm exploring Cebu vs. Chiang Mai/Rai not finding a ton out there.... I'm actively working, not retired. thanks

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Yes mate, I have been to The Philippines twice before. I really enjoyed it but Thailand wins for me. I wouldn't rule out going back to Palawan though .

[@philipb8442]

@@WalkAboutWaynethanks! What were the reasons for you that you choose Thailand? I’m in Chiang Mai right now

[@WalkAboutWayne]

@@philipb8442 Safer, less scammy (in the north), better food, cheaper rooms, more relaxed life. The Philippines is a great country though, and the people are so friendly. I always found I was on edge there though. Enjoy Chiang Mai 👍

[@ubiquitousdiabolus]

Is it easy to make expat friends in Chiang Mai?

[@WalkAboutWayne]

100%! So many groups and meet ups in Chiang Mai.

[@madeinaotearoanz]

Definitely! So many groups you can join & plenty of activities to do.

[@dhruvd8953]

It’s a tough decision to make I guess. You can live a Chiang Rai-ish type of quiet life if you move out out of Chiang Mai city. You won’t have to sacrifice the creature comforts that Chiang Mai provides. However, Chiang Rai will save you a lot of money because there’s not much to do. My money goes to Chiang Rai. But I think you need to have at least some proficiency in Thai to live in Chiang Rai. I truly enjoyed this series of yours. It got me thinking and working towards my next move in life. Thanks Wayne, be well

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thanks buddy! Both great options for different reasons. 👍

[@jnsa9454]

Dhruvd which neighborhoods are on the outskirts of CM that you'd recommend?

[@dhruvd8953]

@@jnsa9454 I’m not a resident of Chiang mai neither I’m Chiang mai expert. Just a yearly tourist to the city. My friends live in Doi Suthep and Santitham which are off the hustle and bustle yet, not too far. And these are amazing locales if you like peace and quiet. Not expensive either.

[@DaisyLife-tj8xw]

I hope one day 🤞🤞🤞 I want to go back to Thailand 🇹🇭 my home 🏠 😭

[@WalkAboutWayne]

🙏🙏 I hope you can return soon

[@DaisyLife-tj8xw]

@@WalkAboutWayne I hope too 🤞in 5 years time I just hope 🤞very homesick 🇹🇭🏠😔

[@RudraNamulNasca2]

🥰🥰🥰

[@WalkAboutWayne]

🙏🙏♥️

[@2war2bray]

I lived in CR for 7 years and I had to go to CM occasionally. I didn't even want to stay there overnight as I never liked the vibe of the place and I first went there in the 80's. If you are a serious cook and you want access to a wide range of products and ingredients then CM is better, also far greater choice of bars and Western style restaurants. The countryside is better around CR and there are better destinations to head for in any direction from the city. I had a CRF up there and I couldn't imagine being in the North without some decent 2-wheeled transport.

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Nice! Yes, both have pros and cons I think. I love both cities for different reasons. Thanks

[@Goeker]

Drive Luicielle to Koh Chang! What an adventure it would be... 😄

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Damn! that would be a mission and a half ! It sure would be an adventure though.

[@Goeker]

@@WalkAboutWayne I promise i would watch every video twice, click every ad four times 😂😂🥰

[@SussexBricklayer]

I’d make a point of watching that 🤪 crazy idea !

[@Pfsif]

Enjoyed!

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Thanks mate 😁

[@juliehawkes1050]

Hard choice between changmai and Chang rai. I wouldn't move to either i wouldn't survive the smoke seasen. Great conte as allways wayne

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Yep, both great places. Burning season is a big problem for some. Thanks Julie.

[@mollerdk2000]

what kind of mobile phone holder do you have and where did you buy it

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Just a normal phone holder that you can find anywhere mate. I got it on Lazada.

[@yepthatsme170]

Congratulations on your observations which were spot on. I once heard the comment that old "Westerners go to CR to die" and I feel that is not far off the mark. I am actually in CR now Wayne where I have a home but I am lucky to also have a home on Koh Phaghan where we spend most of our time as we have a school going boy. He hated CR and calls Koh Phagan his heaven on earth and living on a island has a wide circle of friends enjoying outdoor activities. My thoughts are CR is beautiful warts and all obviously the smokey season is a major negative and sometimes I find it boring here and lack of English. But a major positive is the people are so nice in CR they really are the best in Thailand is my opinion

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Hi Colin, thanks for the comment, great to hear your views on Chiang Rai. It sounds like you have a good life in Thailand. Thanks again 👍

[@mollerdk2000]

true chiang rai there are often at the visa border, in my opinion I could not live full time in chiang rai, Chiang mai is a much better city, it has everything you need, even when you get old

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Both great cities, I love them both.

[@simonw75]

Whereabouts is that park mate? Cheers

[@WalkAboutWayne]

It's down near the river, not to far from the Iron Bridge.

[@michaelmallal9101]

Not many people for Asia. Clean and not polluted?

[@WalkAboutWayne]

This is Northern Thailand, not really the big metropolis of Asia. 👍👍

[@Mike-du1dc]

I "think" most folks who live in Thailand more than 5 years decide not to live in the tourist areas like Bangkok, Pataya, ChiangMai,,,after all it is in reality more & more not Thailand at all is it 😉 When we first moved back to Chiang Mai in 2012 my wife said sheesh seems like there are more falangs than Thai folks here 555

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Yes, always good to live abit outside the city I think.

[@breakingperth]

Too many foreigners in Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai is so much better!!!

[@WalkAboutWayne]

Yes, Chiang Rai is alot better for that. CR is still my favourite city.

[@DominanteMegaLit]

Me in my Clint Eastwood Wild West SINGING Voice: Sheriff's Back to TooOOooOOOOOooown, Oh, Sheriff's Back in Town! Listen, my dearest of Sirs, let's speak real and re-affirm your EXACT and CORRECT views! 1. I hail from Sofia Bulgaria, and Ex-commie European Union South-Eastern Nation. We are approx. in total population 7 mil. Our central hub is the capital of Sofia. 2.3M+. Chiang Mai to Western Standards is a small town, not a city, let's be frank and honest up in here. But to Bulgarian standards that's the Capital omgggg! CNX is the perfect spot if you are an Honest Man in his prime, want to do business, or wants to live quietly, but active at the same time. BKK at the other hand has the proper Western Mega Ratio, but boy oh boy, is it as fast-paced as the NASDAQ Stock Market!!! 2. Chiang Rai is ok, but remember, you are there, and we are here, EU is getting out of hand, dear sir, and I think that many people who can manage themselves will migrate towards MORE FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENTS. Chiang Rai soon will be Chaing Mai. This is not a Mind-Trick of yours. It is fuller I am sure! We're 8 Billion, Sir. 3. You are the best man! In the last video I saw you as an Interviewer, The Sir Pierce Morgan of Thailand 😅🤣😂🤣❤‍🔥❤‍🔥, but one of my objectives is to appeal to you for me to interview you soon!!! You are Powerful, Sir. Keep up the good work! p.s.: All your series are some Bobby Dazzlers of Adventures! Real Journeys!

[@WalkAboutWayne]

🤣🤣 Thanks buddy! Maybe I'll head to Bulgaria one day. 👌