This is seriously one of the best videos I've ever watched. You covered everything and you did it in such a humble way. Subbed immediately even though I usually never subscribe to channels. Good luck to you!
I do wish I had figured out what you have when I was your age. I consider myself a minimalist and discovered that experiences and people are more important than things. Lovely video. Thanks!
Thank you so much for your kind words! It’s wonderful to hear from someone who shares the same values. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Wishing you many more meaningful experiences ahead!
Video was valuable and helpful. I appreciated your closing statements--"So I don't have to constantly push myself and be part of the rat race..." Thanks for sharing.
What a brilliant video on Chiang Mai life. Ironically, I just left CM Friday, September 2nd, after the Kingdom opened on July 1st. I also did my 60 days. It’s been 2.5 years since I’ve left in February 2020. I was happy to return since I waited until no vaccine was required. Take care. 🙏🏼
Wow - really well done. Many questions answered and although I've never been to Chiang Mai, I have a friend living there and he's always commenting on the ease of living and laid back lifestyle. Thanks again.
Hi, just found you. Thank you for your information, very calm and factual.I'm coming to Chiang Mai in a few weeks time and am looking forward to exploring and experiencing all it has to offer.
LoL when you said that is the best mango you ever tasted, to me that says something for a girl coming from Philippines. Another great video, myself and my wife will probably go there and check this place out.
Sadly, the best mangoes in the Philippines are either super expensive or exported to other countries. It's definitely not as reasonably-priced as the mangoes in Thailand. 😩 Thanks for watching and for your comment 🙏
I really appreciate your video. It's nice to get info on places from someone that's already been there. I'm looking to go to the north of Chang Klan as it's close to a Thai language school. It's nice to know it's less touristy than Nimman area.
Namaste Suzy 🙏 This video was very informative. I especially loved the maps you included! Have a great week and we look forward to seeing what your next video is about.
really enjoyed this video, thank you!! My wife is also from the Philippines, we currently live in Canada. We were in Chiang Mai before Covid, but had to return to Canada, we are headed straight to Chiang Mai this November, we plan to move permanently. We are 60 years old, so a retirement visa is our goal, we are told that we can get 90 days plus a 1 year retirement Visa, 30 days at the airport, 60 day extension from immigration office, then a 1 year retirement Visa. We do not want to move to the Philippines for many reason, which is to bad because we have family in the Philippines, but we can certainly visit often easily from Thailand.
Klee, my wife is also from the Philippines. She is 54 and I am 67. The cost of living here in the US has gotten out of hand. We are thinking of moving to Thailand, with Chiang Mai being my wife's preference. I have been to the Philippines about five years ago, and honestly, I don't want to live there either. I have found the Philippines' people very welcoming. But it lacks so much infrastructure. I am coming to Thailand in early October and will be staying for six weeks. I hope to visit Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai. My wife is going to PI to visit relatives, but will be joining me in Bangkok for about a week. I am curious as to which area of Chiang Mai you would recommend.
Thanks for taking us with you The Wandering Elf.... also reminds me of "Malama Life" and "Gabe Bult" that lives simple, slow and happy life. Now have to add you as another favorite. Blessings.
Great video thanx! L From the States, living in Dalat VN. right now which I love....the weather! Gonna start looking for work teaching English this Monday and see how it goes for a couple of weeks. Then I'm headed to Chiang Mai. I lived and taught English in Bangkok and loved it. But the simple life of Chiang Mai is more my speed. Probably see you soon as I just feel Chiang Mai is more for me. ~See you in the jungle~ Best, Todd
Chiang Mai has its challenges, especially now during the burning season, but when the air quality improves during the rainy months, and with the overall slower pace of life outside of the city, there's so much to appreciate about this province in Northern Thailand. I hope you have a wonderful stay in Chiang Mai soon, Todd 🙏
Chiang Mai is a better deal overall, in my opinion. No beaches there, but the gorgeous beaches of Southern Thailand are only a quick plane + boat ride away. 😊
If only short-term (a few weeks to a couple of months), I prefer to look for places on Airbnb. If long term (6 months to a year or so), I go on this chiang mai Expats Facebook group m.facebook.com/groups/218247338585479/
@@Chrisace89 There are so many very affordable places to stay at half the normal rates. I’ll recommend a great, clean, ideal located Hotel for you. I just stayed there last month. It’s in the Old City, the Southeast part inside the moat. II highly recommend: The Chada House. Only 400 Baht a night!!! Checkout this gem. 🙏🏼
I plan on teaching in Thailand and Chang Mai has been one of my main choices for what city I would like to live in due to the temples and this just made me fall in love with the idea even more
Welcome to Thailand, w our warm heart n hospitality, .. if any problem or reluctant ..pls ask the local for any help...We, thai..very please to help all the times.
Quite nice and informative video. Please include transcript so if someone wants to get on particular section again, he can do so. Thanks for nice presentation.❤
Hello, I just subscribed. I really enjoyed your video. Thank you !! I am studying Chiang Mai very much, and hope to live there on 500 to 750 USD a month. I look forward to watching more of your videos.
I'm happy to hear that. Chiang Mai is particularly lovely some parts of the year and can be challenging in certain months, as I mentioned in my video. But how you feel once you visit is all that matters. ❤️😊
Your blogs are so interesting! I’m just curious and I can’t tell for certainty what your nationality is . . .but your English accent seems to resemble the way people here in the Philippines speak.
Hello! Thank you for this helpful video. How would you recommend finding a place to rent like yours, outside of Chiang Mai in a place like Doi Saket or Saraphi?
There are many international schools for kids in Chiang Mai. Here's a blog post with info on the schools and tuition fee www.international-schools-database.com/in/chiang-mai/top-schools-in-chiang-mai. As for healthcare, this blog post from an expat provides details on some of the best medical centers/ hospitals here www.keyvisathailand.com/top-7-hospitals-in-chiang-mai-for-expats/. My partner has undergone minor surgery in Chiang Mai Ram and I highly recommend that hospital. The follow up visits to his surgeon are free, even if it's been almost a year since his surgery. Otherwise, the cost of checkup is $14.
Thanks! We never had noise issues in some parts of Doi Saket (talat Kwan, luang nuea) and also in Hang Dong (nam phrae, ban pong, nong kwai). In the city, North of CMU is also okay, as well as Mae Hia.
Hey thanks for the informative video... but i think you missed some monthly costs like the visa which would end up beeing like 100$ more per month. Also you need a scooter at least on some days and food for 180$ per month is hardly possible for most people. I think a more realistic monthly budget is like 800-1000$. But like you said it depends on your lifestyle 🤷♂
That is correct. I suppose if someone wants to get a 1 year ED visa and then rent a scooter, you are right, the monthly cost of living goes up. For a 3-month stay, however, a TR visa + extension is a little cheaper. Thanks for your comment 😊
Thanks for this video, it was very helpful in identifying places and prices to expect. What sites do you recommend using to locate these apartments for rent in Chiang Mai?
Thanks and glad this video was helpful for you. ☺️ For long term stays (3 months to a year), I look for properties on this Facebook page m.facebook.com/groups/218247338585479?group_view_referrer=search and I also ask for recommendations from Chiang Mai expat Facebook pages. But for short term stays, I go on Airbnb.
Wow. Nice video. Well done. Greetings from Chon Buri ✌️ I'm thinking of returning to Chiang Mai to live there again... In Santitam. I assume that is your home next to the water.. Is that a lake... Or? Where?
Thank you and glad you liked this video. I've heard good things about Santitham - wishing you a wonderful stay in Chiang Mai. 🙏 This little shed where I filmed this video was actually at Baristro X Ping River (a coffee shop) and it's facing the Ping River. We live outside of Chiang Mai city 😊
No, I don't have a dog living with me. But I have heard of expats bringing their pets with them without any problem. This topic has been discussed quite a few times in a chiang mai expat Facebook page I'm a member of. One person flew her dog from SFO to Chiang Mai via Korean Airlines and she also recommends Turkish Airlines because of her good experience using those Airlines in terms of taking care of her dog. A longer flight is better than frequent layovers since some airports may not allow you to be with your dog during a layover. Also, be sure to have all your dog's paperwork ready since they check it at the pet import area once you get to Thailand. Good luck!
That was a really informative video, thank you very much. One thing I'd like to ask you though, we are planning to visit next month with the view of staying long-term and love the look and prices of the apartments you showed in your video -- would you recommend or have the name of any of those apartment agencies? Thanks again.
Thanks for the kind comment. I found those properties on a Facebook group I am a member of, Chiang Mai Rental Properties Under 10,000 Per Month. facebook.com/groups/218247338585479. The properties posted there are for long-term rentals, though. Minimum of 6 months. But you can always contact the agent to know more about their terms. I hope you'll find a good home in Chiang Mai :)
The typical cost for a doctor's visit is 500 thai baht or about $13. The only hospital we've been to is Chiang Mai Ram Hospital, and they are responsive (email, phone, or FB page) if you would like to inquire about their fees for certain medical procedures. Their staff also speak good English, so it's helpful for people who don't speak Thai. Thanks for watching my video 🙏
I like this video! It provides very valuable information to me, thank you! I have a question - is Hang Dong very noisy? It is very close to the airport, so is there an airplane flying over your head every minute if you live in this area? On the map I saw Hang Dong is large, but if you live in the place pointed by the arow in your video, is it too close to the airport and airplane runway?
Glad this video was helpful for you. 😊 We never had airplane noise from where we lived, actually. It's more common in certain parts of Nimman and also in Suthep road, at least based on my experience. But never an issue in that part of Hang Dong where we stayed.
The video is well presented with mature prespective. For the apartment price that you mentioned is based on an 1-yr lease and furished? Is it necessary to own a motorbike to live a normal daily life? Thx.
Yes, the prices I mentioned are based on a 1-year rental contract for houses/ condo units in Chiang Mai that I saw. Owning a motorbike is optional, but we just decided to buy our own since we're staying long term and renting would be more expensive. Thanks for your comment 🙏
@@ASlowSimpleLife Sorry, I didn't make myself clear. I mean do I really need to ride a motorbike in order to live there? Is public transportation safe and easy? Thx.
There is public transportation in the city center (city bus, song thaew or red truck, Bolt/ Grab car, and tuk tuk) and in the outskirts of the city such as in Hang Dong (song thaew or yellow truck, Bolt/ Grab car). However, if you are staying farther from the city centre such as in Mae Rim, only Grab car is available, but it's limited.
Nimman is a popular starting point for many first time solo travelers in Chiang Mai - many restaurants and cafes that are within walking distance from rental condo units. And I see a lot of foreigners in this part of Chiang Mai. Other good ones are Old City and Thapae Gate. I also recommend joining chiang mai expat groups to learn more about some events that provide opportunities to meet up with fellow travelers. There are also meetup groups for different activities and different interests - hikers, disc golfers, crypto enthusiasts, digital nomads, cycling, etc.
The properties I featured in this video came from this Facebook page that I'm a member of m.facebook.com/groups/218247338585479/. I hope you'll find a place in Chiang Mai that you like 😊
Hi, So I'm retired and want to move out of the US and relocate to Chiang Mai. How do I get an apartment for around $300 there? I want to live near nature and hiking. I heard that the Chiang Mai University area would be best.
Hi, it's possible to find a one-bedroom apartment for that price in Chiang Mai. I would post on this Facebook page to ask - the members are helpful and responsive, and this was also where we found the house we are renting now. facebook.com/groups/218247338585479/ Suthep area is good for walks, especially around Chiang Mai University or taking some nature trails in Montha Than, Doi Pui, Etc. But if you want to be a a bit further from the city, I would recommend Hang Dong district, especially in Namphrae or Ban Pong area. Less busy, more laid back atmosphere, and much closer to nature than in Chiang Mai city center. Plenty of nature walks - Ob Khan National Park and many trails in Namphrae subdistrict.
For short term stays (less than a month), I find properties to rent at Airbnb. But for long term, I find good properties from a Facebook group I'm a member of, a Chiang Mai Expats group specific to rentals. 😊
We have found the house we are renting from a Facebook group that we are a member of. m.facebook.com/groups/775699165858279/ But I highly recommend finding a good agent who can assist you when you have questions or concerns regarding the property.
Great info! at 8:58 you mention that the 1 year ED visa cost $1258.00, am I correct in assuming it's the course that cost that much to sponsor your visa? I ask, because im looking at a course at CM University that costs 33,000 THB with ED sponsorship. Thanks! (Subscribed!)
Yes, you are correct - it is the course that costs 45,000 thb (approximately $1,258) for us. We did not take Thai language but martial arts. Thanks for watching my video and for the comment 🙏
Bali is beautiful but just a little expensive for us to live long term. And we really like Chiang Mai's geography and climate more. But to each his own. 😊
You are right, it was a little busy in that location where I filmed, unfortunately. As for the prices of the properties I featured in the video, those were the prices 2 months ago.
Some people leave for southern Thailand but some stay in Chiang Mai. In our case, we have an air filter in the house and it works for us. But we do visit Ko Lanta for a few weeks during Songkran.
@@ASlowSimpleLife Thanks for the reply, you mean I can just stay indoors by using an air filter if I have slight sinus n am too lazy to leave the city ...
Wishing you a wonderful retirement in Chiang Mai! And glad the video was helpful to you. I have some details on the "about" section of my channel. Have a good day 🙏
Yes, I did and it was valid up to early spring of this year. Then I left the country to visit my family in the Philippines for a few months. I'm not on an ED visa as of the moment.
