I am an American living here 15 years and like being in a tourist city with many people from many countries. After traveling the world for 20 years I chose to settle here to stay in touch with the traveler vibe. No way do I want to live in the "real Thailand" where I am the only farang in some out of the way village. The appeal of Chiang Mai is its diversity and buzz without being as crazy-busy as Bangkok, and easy to get out in the hills for day trips. Also love the mix of Thai and western food. CM is foodie heaven.
Where do you recommend to stay. Where it's easy to get to groceries or malls, transport, banks and restaurants. I dont' drive. Would the air be bad too. appreciate your recommendations.
Thank you for your honest and sensible assessment of Chiang Mai. I visited there in mid 1990 (when I was in my early 40's) and liked it very much. I even remember saying to my travelling companion that perhaps one day I could live there, mainly because of the cooler climate compared to Bangkok, for instance, and I liked the atmosphere and general ambience. I have not returned since then, although I have been to other parts of Thailand in the meantime. I can see and understand what you mean about the almost overwhelming influx of tourism etc. which inevitably changes the local landscape for at least part of the year. I feel rather selfish in saying this, but I regret that the same can be said for many parts of our world now, in view of the relatively better economic times that we are living through. I lived and worked in London throughout my working life and have now retired to Spain. One of my reasons for leaving London was (again, selfishly) that it had changed so much over the years, and was not "my" city any more. Such a fantastic city for tourists to visit but, for the most part, not quite so good if you live there all year. I am also regretful that certain people have total disregard for community spirit and decency, and seem to delight in doing just whatever they want, wherever they want, without regard for others. I too am now guilty of living in a country which is not my own, but I endeavour to contribute in my own quiet and undisturbing way to make my environs a decent place to inhabit, both for myself and others. I think you mentioned that you live in Hua Hin now. I want to visit Thailand again next year, and I would be interested to have a look at Hua Hin for myself. I hope for your sake that I don't start an overwhelming trend!! By the way, don't worry - you ARE young!!
Any place is what you make of it. I'm 75, first came to Thailand in 1968 stationed in the air force at Ubon. Spent 2 weeks in Chiang Mai the next year and walked around town every day and I think I saw less than a dozen westerners. The difference is amazing - back then a big plate of kow pot (fried rice) was 4 baht (about 15 cents) and a coke was 5 baht. You're right about all the negative stuff - no argument from me but speaking as someone married to a Thai lady for 47 years (she passed away in December 2017) the one thing that always gets under my skin is the prejudice against falongs in so many areas. Paying 10 times more than Thais in some theme parks and increased green fees at some golf courses, being unfairly treated at immigration (not every time but when it happens once you always dread going back every 90 days), being pushed aside when being served as a customer by some Thai big shot in a hurry, I could go on and on. Of course, the reason I live in Chiang Mai (just lived in Hua Hin for 4 months srarting in April) is because my military pension and social security allow me a much better life style here than back in the U.S. Hua Hin is great if you like the beach but I don't swim and I discovered that just watching other people swim and walking up and down made me feel older than my years. But the real attraction here is the availability of women - they are abundant and hungry and they know falongs have money but the problem with this scenario is, watch how they disappear if you run out of cash - This is not an opinion - it's a fact. Don't think you can live anywhere in Thailand and find "true love" - it ain't gonna happen. I could write a book about the money Thai women have squeezed out of me but no one would believe it - they'd figure it was fiction - good video. Rarely do you see an honest appraisal of this country - it's like the cooking shows here in Thailand - no matter what they cook, everyone who tastes it says it's "aloy mach" or the opinion poll by this government that said 99% of the people approved the coup. Enough of this drivel - I'm outta here.
Thai women are just like other women around the world. The problem is farang always go for the low hanging fruit. First dont date someone if they dont have a Job. Second, take them to the grocery store, if they dont pay for their own stuff RUN. I lived in thailand for years, most of my friends had amazing Thai wives, they like most women wanted a partner who could bring something to the table, but they were always a TEAM. 50% of western women think solely about themselves, and if they are unhappy blame the man, and they have way more options. If you;re looking for a women go to the business districts during lunch and you'll find gem after gem. There are tons of problems in Thailand, especially immigration, absolute assholes. SORRY to hear about your wife, I cant imagine losing my wife she's the centre of my life and Im 36. BUt that day will come, i hope you've managed since. good luck
I lived in CM for 14 years & ran a business & still own one that I can run from afar. Have a condo there & know the place inside out. Late 80/90s was the best time to be there. Avoid it in March/April/May due to the pollution? Take your time if you wish to live there & learn all you can before you commit esp how to rent/buy/& your rights. Do things properly & you can win but be careful & only Trust yourself???
First, I appreciate your honest opinion. What you've said might be true for a lot of people, especially if you're from Canada, the US, and etc. As for me, I'm from China, the pollution you're talking about is nothing compared to most of the cities in china. I go to Thailand every year, and every time I stay in CM for at least a month. I do smell the gassy fumes when I'm there, on the road, but when I'm away from the road, it's perfectly fine. Smogs are way more harmful than just the fumes of burning gas. But I understand, if you're from the western world, especially countries like Canada, the air is pretty bad according to your standards. so, wear a mask, a good one with activatied carbon in it. As for the trafic, I 've noticed that a lot of people who complain about the traffic in thailand do not ride motorcycles. I ride motorcycles and if you do ride in thailand, you'll see that it's not that big of a problem. One reason I love CM is because I could ride freely and safely there. For people who don't ride motorcycles, it seems scary when you're out walking/cycling on the road. It may seem to be chaotic sometimes but as long as you know the rules of the road you're perfectly fine. We have some friends who live in CM(americans) said they feel safer riding their scooter in CM than in the US. And btw, why bothered by western restaurants and shops? To me, and all people who love and live/vist CM, they provide comfort and convenience. I love both the food stalls western food. I don't normally go to Mcdonals though. There are plenty of good places for western food and coffee other than Mcdonals & Starbucks. I do agree that CM is very touristy, and is becoming even more touristy, which could be a bad thing. Too much new development just to attract tourists. In the end, if you are fascinated by the city, then the things you've mentioned are not real concerns.
Sometimes I'm surprised how often people expect large tourist destination cities to be so completely unique. So many people who discuss their visit to Thailand with me say similar things. They will tell me that Pattaya is 'too touristy' or Koh Samui is too expensive, or there are too many young people getting loud and drunk at beach resorts. I like to think of it this way: If you expect Cancun Mexico to be drastically different from Phuket Thailand you are going to be disappointed. I have friends and family in the north roughly between Lampang and Chiang Mai. For me, staying in Thailand is not a very 'touristy' experience because 75% of my time is spent outside of large cities. I understand that tourists are always going to want the 'tourist experience' and that makes sense to me. I suggest to everyone to go see Thailand, but at the same time I suggest they figure out what kind of experience they are looking for. Great video, I enjoyed watching it.
There are too many travel videos using the same old format with the funky hipster music in the background everyone cracking a dry joke every minute and the fake happy goofy looking couples talking out of their ass. It's nice to see an honest channel that doesn't sugar coat everything. Good channel bro!
I remember my first time in chiang mai, after hearing it was one of the greatest cities in the world, and after a few days i wanted to go back to the south. What changed everything for me was renting a motorcycle. Now that i know CM and the country side, i love it more than any other place on earth. You need a motorcycle to really appreciate what CM has to offer.
I´ve spent a combined month and a half in Chiang Mai, and it´s one of my favorite places in the world. I´m not a beach person, so no problem on that account. It´s actually nice having other foreigners around for conversation. The northern part of the city is not so tourist infested, and there are lots of great places to eat and drink, and terrific coffee houses for hanging out--not to mention that my all-time favorite bar, the Doggy Monster, is also in Chiang Mai. Good people, too. I love the markets there, and the Temple music. A great place to be.
I'm Thai , I have been in CM for 3 years and visit there time to time from my hometown in central Thailand. In the past like 20-15 years before I can say that CM is the most attract city of Thailand. The culture there was well preserved. They have their own language which is very comfort to hear. Not many foreigners so not many bothering English or Chinese signs. No traffic jam. No material shops&restaurants. Not many departures. They were wearing their traditional clothes. Food culture was supreme. Full of big trees along the tiny road. Very stunning scenery. It is one of Thailand's gem. Now it s turning to be the Northern Pattaya... It isn't attract me anymore CM.
The chinese tourists are a problem everywhere, they don't adapt and act like they are still in China. I need to precise that i'm talking about Mainland Chinese. About CM been like Pattaya, Pattaya is at another level... it's surreal there.
I don’t understand why you would do this 1) you’re not retirement age 2) you’re Thai so you can live anywhere in Thailand 3) you’re Thai so the foreigners is not a positive thing for you like it might be for others 4) people who want beaches are going to go to the coastal places. Anyone can see that by looking at a map 5) you only get half decent public transportation in large cities. In cities like this most people get around on motorcycles
I lived in Chiang Rai, and spent nearly 10 years in the North... then I had to leave, for the reasons you mention. #1 was the pollution. Chiang Rai was not heavily touristed like Chiang Mai. But there were times during the burning season where I felt like I was living in hell. Now I live in Rayong, near the sea, which makes a HUGE difference. We do get ‘smog drift’ from BKK and have some hazy days during the dry season, but it’s still better than inland.
You are entitled to your opinion and honesty. I’m looking to learn more, one way or another. Your intro is very fair and respectful. Thank you. I do not speak Thai.
I totally understand your pov and I agree with most of it. I am from LA, live in Krung Thep, but I speak Thai everyday and have so many fun, great experiences with Thais. It changes everything about Thailand. I am not fluent, but I have a wonderful time and Thai people always do nice things for me. I joke in Thai and they love it.
Dude you learn Thai in US or when you got there? What is the best way to go about learning it? Language learning Apps don’t even have Thai language for some reason
Great video, here's a response from a 64 year old US expat. I retired a few years early and moved to CM 18 months ago and I agree with almost all of your points, but your concerns about tourists and retail westernization are far less prevalent to North of the Moat, where I tend to wander most often. Except at peak season I can go for hours in this huge area and never see tourists, and the few westerners I see are, like me, full time residents. The Burger King thing is only at the heaviest tourist places. Unfortunately you encounter a few more Starbucks but they just make smirk. I'll say this. Any American or Brit who comes to CM and goes to Star B is a complete idiot, a total fool. Sidewalk vendors make better coffee for half the price and we have an endless supply of great quirky little coffeehouses. Only concern of yours that I don't share is public transportation. I live here very happily without a car, move around the city constantly and rely on Tuk Tuks which are maybe a quarter the cost of a US cab, and Song Tows which once you figure out how to use them are so cheap they're basically free. And as you know there are millions of both! As to there being too many tourists, well I've become a massive hypocrite! Because I feel that this is the home I've always looked for, I see tourists and think "Hey, get out of my town." :) But you do meet people from all over the world which is fun. Bottom line for me is the fact that the Thai people are just the sweetest, kindest, most spiritually developed and most hospitable people on Earth. Moving here was the best decision I ever made. I'm in love with Chiang Mai! Best wishes to you, love your videos!
I agree with you about the westernization of Chiang Mai. I was mainly talking about the central of Chaing Mai, "old city". If you are 10-20+ min. drive away from the city center, it is less touristy. I should have be more direct about that. But overall, it is too touristy for my taste, I been traveling to Thailand for almost 10 years and I have family in other parts of the country. It's just my opinion, some people who spend less time in Thailand may love Chiang Mai and see that as how Thailand really is. That's fine. I was comparing the public transportation to a place like Bangkok where there are the BTS, MRT, Rail Link and more taxis. I feel like I really need a scouter to live in Chiang Mai. I'm glade to hear you love Chiang Mai, I do too but I don't think I can live there over the high seasons and burning seasons. During the low seasons it's ok for me. Thanks for your comment and I wish you all the best also.
Great points. I have thought about Chiang Mai as a short term retirement home. Besides Bangkok or Chiang Mai, what other cities in Thailand would be good to consider to live in and why? A video would appreciated too
Great unbiased review of Chiang Mai! I visited for 5 days in Oct 2014. I find the red commuter cars pollute a lot. It's a very inefficient public transport system. Too bad there are no mass transport (bus & trains). Also, thanks for the education about 3M N95, N99 masks. I enjoyed the quaint cafes in Nimman area.
I'm moving to Thailand next year and I love listening and reading about both the good AND negative things about it. Some people would have you think you'll never have a bad day again if you move there and others will try to convince you it is the devils playground and you'll probably die horribly if you move there! Somewhere in the middle is the truth. Thanks for being honest! Keep it up, man. Love your videos! :)
I got the same response when my friends found out I'm going to Thailand. I was very naive about the air quality especially in big/growing cities, I hope someone will be more prepare when they come live here long term. There are pros and cons everywhere :) Thanks for watching.
Very nice and informative video! Thank you! I wish there was more people showing the negatives of those places. You say you are old? I thought you was in your early 20's. You look so young! I wish you went to Phuket and did the pros & cons of that area. I'm trying to find a 'haze free' area in Thailand to retire too, Looks like I might be out of luck.
Lol I thought I look old, thanks. There are many articles by many people that talk about all the stuff in this video many years ago. I just made a video out of it and I'm not the first one. If you take out half of the traffic and half of the tourists. I would probably still be there now. If you dont want the haze in Chaing Mai, just leave during the burning seasons and live on the outskirt of the city to avoid the heavy traffic. There will always be pros and cons anywhere you go.
Keyframe5 I agree with you that there are other videos but like you wrote 'done many years ago'. Things change a lot from one year to another. It's nice you did this review so we know today. Keep the great work going! Enjoying all your videos!
DMLK CS - I think the south of Thailand is less smoky from field burning, but there will usually be higher humidity and more tourists with that nice sea view. And generally speaking, the south is a higher cost of living. Exhaust pollution will be greater in areas where there are more cars and trucks. More rural areas maybe have less pollution compared to living in a large city, but are probably more Thai, so less western. Best wishes.
Don't judge asians by their look.Most of them are much older then they seems.Once a franch guy told me he stop guessing Thai girls age long time ago.He said they are like bad wine.They don't age very well.
The Smoke will kill you! I lived in Chaingmai for over a year and realized I would have to leave 3 months of the year each year I stayed in CM. That means more added expense traveling around staying in hotels, food, transportation, etc.. when I already had a lease in CM. I would recommend moving closer to the beach like Rayon. Not so much smoke and less people.
Hard to disagree that those points were indeed negatives , lack of a beach is a positive . Lack of taxi's could also be seen as a blessing in disguise , at least in high season .
The lack of meter taxis is definitely not a blessing in Chiang Mai. The public transport system is run by the Red Truck- and Tuk Tuk Mafia. They have been blocking each and every attempt to install an environmentally friendly public transport system in CM. The red trucks (Song Taews) are anachronistic, old Diesels, which wouldn't be allowed in the streets in Europe anymore. They are creating an incredible amount of air pollution throughout the year especially during the main tourist season.
Great video. I agree with all your points, although personally I prefer private transportation anyway so driving is not a problem but for me that's usually by car not motorcycle. I've spent some time in Chiang Mai, but now prefer smaller northern Thai cities like Chiang Rai and Lampang which don't have the same problems with traffic congestion although air quality due to forest fires can unfortunately also be a problem in these places as well as Mae Hong Son, which is a small place like Chiang Mai used to be a couple of decades ago. It is hoped that with greater enforcement of the no burning laws (there are now signs all over the north warning of prison sentences for those that burn the forest with permission) that the air quality will improve over the years but I suspect it will take some time.
If you’re on the southeast side of the square, visit Pineapple Express. They’re a bar and dispensary and also have pool table and offer some food. Even have some events some of the nights. Some of the greatest ppl there!😎 got a silver ring made but a smelter I met who was a walk away from his home and shop. Cost $13 and also got my laundry done next door for $6.
I am coming to Thailand next year (2020) from April 15 to April 30. I will be in Bangkok for a couple of days and then I am going to Chiang Mai. Do you know how the air quality will be then?
These video is really excellent, a honest view and a good way of seeing CM from another perspective, from a thai side, and I totally agree with his comment. I love CM and my best memories date back from the 80... with no buses full of niuw "guest"..... the last time i visited these city i was shocked with the "amount" of chinese turist coming every day. The same situation happens in Laos, Cambodia etc. I guess CM was one day a little paradise, like Luang Phrabang, and never will be the same again, although some dreamers from the past do not want to see these new and sad reality in 2019....
The air quality is not just from traffic. The smoke from the burning is also dangerous. You should check the air quality and wear the mask whenever the micro particles are in the red or orange level. Just because you don't feel bad doesn't mean it is not affecting your health. The pollution does long term damage to your lungs, so wearing the mask during high pollution days is important.
I lived in cm 17 years ago from 2005- 2007, and it was great. I then moved to BKK for 2 years and then to Phuket where I've been living for 12 years. Phuket is a tourist trap,but a great place to earn money.iam thinking to move back to Chiang Mai or the outskirts.
I agree there are a lot of western chains here, but as foreigner I find there are mainly Thai restaurants, The trick is knowing which ones are good, when you don't speak the language. The air quality is a big problem. I use an air quality app on my phone. What I've found is that the air is mostly save once the burning stops. With the app, can see when it's necessary to wear a mask. The burning is mainly because they are growing corn, not rice. Come back from May to January, it's nice. Yes, transportation is a big problem. I've lived in a lot of places in Asia, but this city has the worst transportation.
Ha....I thought you were in your 20's. I love your videos. I have been in Chiang Mai for 1 month, and I would have to say I agree with all of your points in this video. Thank you very much for the tips on what kind of mask to buy. I am 58, and I do find the air quality to be horrible here, and if I am stuck in traffic in the middle of the day I do notice it. I actually got a motorbike so I could get around quicker because sitting in a Song Tao for too long kills me. I tend to chose the time of day I am out and about, and am even careful what time I ride the bike. Mornings after rush hour are good, or early morning. Anything else is horrible and I don't ride at night if I can help it.Regarding western style fast food here. I am American, and it just amazes me why anyone would want to come to Thailand and then want to eat at McDonald's. I live over near the zoo close to a local market over here tonight I had some delicious giant bowl of snakefish soup for $2.29 USD . I have a pool - so yeah - I knew because no beach is here I would die without it. ITs salt cleaned also, I don't think I could handle Chlorine as another pollutant to deal with. My first time in Thailand in over 20 years, I came here for reasons of getting extended Retirement visa would be easier here. I will probably go to Hua Hin next year, or possibly spent a little time in Ubon Ratchathoni . Take care - Again thank you for your always informative videos. I do like Chiang Mai though, but I think it's just that its a new place, there is quite a bit to see here, and people I find to be very friendly. Except, strangely, I find westerners to be a bit rude. If I say hi they always ignore me, as if I am interfering with their Asian experience. 5555. Stay cool!
I guess it’s an Asian thing, we all look kinda young. For the rush hours, that’s another thing too. I also have to look at the time every time I want to go somewhere. You’ll have to pay me or pick me up in a car to go somewhere during the rush hours. Snakefish soup, you mean snakehead? They look so nasty but they taste so good :)
Keyframe5 Yes Snakehead fish :) and it was a pho sized bowl. I compare all soup bowl sizes to pho......but I have not found good pho here, but maybe I do not know what real Vietnamese pho is supposed to taste like. I have only had it in USA and here. It's probably like pizza. NY pizza tastes nothing like Italian pizza. On the other hand NY pizza is awesome.
Yea, me too. I been craving for a bowl of pho all this time. I'm surprise how little Vietnamese restaurants are in Thailand considering the distance and I'm a bit surprise that the pho back in Canada so far tasted better than the pho I ate here.
TravelerPat Vietnamese Pho is actually spelled Fer, Fer is Lao word for noodles soup also called Mee, Sen Mee they also invented Khao Soy, Khao Piak, Khao Piak Sen, Khao Poon, Mee Ka Tee, Khua Mee, Nam Khao, Khao Jee, Khao Nom Nab, Som Moo, Som Moo Tawn, Som Pa, Som Pa Noy, Som Puck Galum, Yum Som Pa, Yum Goong, Tum Som, or Tum Mark Hoong, Ghoi Pa, Larb Pa, Larb Goong, Larb Gai, Larb Pa, Larb Moo, Gang Pa, Gang Gai, Gang Puck, Gang nor Mai, Or Lam, Jeow bong, Mok Pa, Mok Gai, Mok Nor Mai, Sien Hang, Sien Hang Savanh, Soup Gai, Soup puck, Soup Puck salad... If you really want to eat authentic Thai cuisines go to Laos the birthplace of Thai northern, northeast Thai, Central Thai, Southern Thai cuisines.
Very well balanced and presented. I disliked Chaing Mai when I visited there in 2012 for exactly the same reasons you mention here. The burning season in Siem Reap, Cambodia was horrible too.
The good thing is: you can pick and choose in and around Chiangmai, what ever you prefer it's there. Meaning: you don't have to visit Mac Donalds, there are tons of vegetarian restaurants around, you don't have to be with a lot of tourists, there are many serene places around, fantastic bike routes also etc.etc., The air quality is bad for a number of months only, but compare to bigger cities such as Bangkok, Peking or Mexico City it's moderate and not during the entire year that bad. If you like clean air and a quiet place Chumpon and suroundings in the South might be a better alternative.
very honest video. i am planning to come over to live in chiang mai and came 3 times in the past 4 years. i hate bangkok but i love chiang mai. coming from a tropical country mauritius also very touristic it doesnt bother me to have lots of tourists etc... i like it when there is a mixed population... i dot bother about beaches am born 15 mins car from white beaches but the only ting is the burning seasons... i heard that it is bad, very bad. would like to hear from people living CM how they overcome this or cope with it?
Many of us in Taiwan know about Chiangmai from the death of our superstar Theresa Teng. She died from asthma attack while vacationing in Chiangmai. Is it in a high altitude valley that trap humid, dirty air?
I live in Chiang Mai for 15 years now. Last year, 2020, when pandemic first hit it was burning season. Everybody already wearing mask. I think this helped stop the initial spread of the virus.
Thank you for your very well presented and honest opinions.I am heading out to Chiangmai later this year.My first trip to Thailand.I have been researching cm for 3 years and your concerns seem validated by many others.Hey man, I’m an American and I also have cholesterol problems but sometimes I just gotta have Mickey D fries! Hahahahaha,good luck and thanks again.
Thanks for your Video. It is nice to see one from a Thai. I am lucky to live in Krung Thep, and I try to be polite, friendly and have good manners. Good manners go a long way in Siam, much more so than any other country I have visited.
Yeah, field burning is kind rough at times. Need to visit CM, haven't made it that far NW. Bat caves of Phu Pah Man is about as far west as I've been. Crazy amount of bats.
Sawadee Jao- I lived and worked in CM for 4 years and don't really agree with most of this video (except that yes, the air pollution during burning season is awful- but pretty much any one who is able to uses this time as their vacation to go to the beaches in the South of Thailand. Also it is not an issue exclusive to Chiang Mai, at that time of year most of the Northern Areas of Thailand such as Chiang Rai, Pai, Mae Hong Son- they all have the same problem with burning season). Look, if you only go to the most touristic areas in the center of the city, like the Night Market area and Tha Phae Gate, obviously it is going to be touristy. I lived in a village only 20 minutes drive outside of the old city center, and it has a completely different vibe. Small coffee shops and restaurants (no big chain restaurants), independent artist spaces, local food vendors, small markets, and lots of nature walks and waterfalls near by. There are loads of these small villages around Chiang Mai and anyone who makes the effort to go the short distance outside of the city center will benefit and have a better experience. The beauty of Chiang Mai is that you can be at the mall/ cinema/ bar and just 20 minutes later be at a waterfall surrounded by trees and birdsong. Grab is now used commonly throughout the city, and getting around is very easy (as is ordering food directly to you). The city is also a paradise for people who prefer to eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, apart from the great Thai food there is a lot of international cuisine so there is something for everyone. There are always cool courses and activities going on (such as permaculture, gardening, yoga, meditation, Thai massage, Thai herbal medicine etc). Beautiful temples all around. Easy to get high quality dental and medical care, as well as Thai medicine. Compared to the South of Thailand (where I have also lived) I find Northern Thai people to be very kind and easy to make friends with. I'm a shy person and not very good with languages, but I was able to learn and practice the Thai language, largely thanks to the overwhelming amount of positive encouragement and help I received from Thai people in CM. Anytime I ever had a difficulty when I was out and about in Chiang Mai some kind Thai person just swooped in and helped me without hesitation. In most other cities in the world if you leave your keys in your bike or your wallet in a restaurant it will be stolen real quick. In CM they will chase you two blocks to return you your things and wish you a good day. I have travelled a lot but CM is the place I feel safest and happiest- also as a woman I would say it is one of the safer places to travel and live by your self. If only the issue of the burning could be resolved, I'd say Chiang Mai is one of the best places to live in the world. If you visit, just stay a little outside of the Old City and Nimmen- try near the university area/ Mae Rim/near the parts of the Samoeng Loop which are closer to Chiang Mai. If you ride a scooter/ motorcycle it is a great place to explore, the views when driving are beautiful and you can also easily drive to places like Chiang Dao and Doi Saket which are beautiful, peaceful and not really very touristy. Stopping in CM can be great on the way to these less touristy destinations because CM is a very user friendly place, easy to rent a bike/ buy any kind of food or medicine or medical product you might need/ get a sim card etc etc. Just don't go in burning season and don't only stay in the touristy areas and you'll have a great time!
I loved my stay in Thailand and I loved Chiang Mai! The air quality was so much better than in Bangkok! It’s cleaner and it was the only town I went during my stay where people spoke English. It is beautiful, people are very friendly food is great I had no complaints from my side. Out of all the places I visited in Thailand I felt like Bangkok was the worst: the air was polluted, streets are dirty, the sewage systems is poor and people were less friendly but I am very open minded and I still enjoyed it. I would 100% come back to Thailand.
I prefer C M than Bangkok.I dont eat at McDonalds or any fast food eateries.I rent a bicycle to go here and there.Of course I dont stay long less than a week.And I avoid high seasons.Easy for me to find halal food.Will be going again.
Great video again, I totally agree with all your points too. One question if I may....can you recommend any places in Hua Hin that match your budget...? Thanks so much, Paul
Godfather! Want to go to CMai for new drug deals? U r too old for that. Sicily has great countryside, air + 🍝 spaghetti. It's an offer you can't refuse!
I prefer Chiang Mai over Bangkok. However, my wife (who is Thai) bought land and had a home built for her parents that moved up from Bangkok, and the local government is corrupt. They blackmail constantly so much so that my wife and I had to fly back to Thailand on 3 occasions to pay off the officials to get them to turn the power and water back on. They claim the meter wasn't the correct size when one official signed off on the final plans months prior. Then they turn around 3 months later and claim we are illegally using city water mains in an area that isn't permitted for it. Really???? Those mains were underground long before we built there how is it not permitted? When I ask, am told that I am farang and not allowed to question their laws.
That's sad to hear. Why not ask your wife to get someone she knows to talk to these government officials? Like a close relative or a good friend who is a senior citizen in the local community.
I hear all the times that how nice such and such country and beautiful people and culture so and so. I agree superficially and laugh inside. Ya, right. And I hear all the time how America is corrupt and so and so, all the politicians get rich so and so. I agree with them superficially but laugh and tell them try living in Mexico, Ecuador, Thailand, and the list goes a mile long. I just had conversation for same stuff with my neighbor and I said I ain't live anywhere except America. But I am staying in Chiang Mai for couple of months this summer for retiree's vacation. I have lived two opposite continent for decades on each, I know both.
Thank you very much, that kind of info is very important. Bribery is so common outside of the West (and inside too, though perhaps not to those degrees).
I lived in CM from 2005 to 2015.. It also went downhill quite a bit during that period. Worse traffic, higher prices. Sick of road blocks. It's great for having a girlfriend and cheap food/massage and inferior for just about everything else.
I checked it out for a couple days, it was awful. Can't understand how someone could live there. To be fair I'm a sea lover, mountains don't do it for me.
Chiang Mai has changed beyond recognition in the last 22+ years and it has not all been for the better.....it was a small town rather than a small city with only a 3 or 4 month tourist season and wasn't overrun like it seems to be today....I haven't been for 5 years now....but I lived there 20 years ago.
I have been living in Chiang Mai now for 11 years. I like your honestly. I dislike how touristy it has become over the years (even in this mere 11 year period), so moved out of the main city to a more Thai area. I avoid the main area a lot and mainly visit/ride to more rural areas in Northern Thailand. Regarding air quality, it seemed you came at the wrong time period. I try to get out of Chiang Mai (and the whole of the northern territory) during this time. In future I may have to consider moving away from Chiang Mai because of how popular and busy it has become.
So accurate. I first lived in Chiang Mai 2004-2009. I left reluctantly and returned for visits until about 2013. The Tech Nomads and RUclips began changing the ambiance. I can fly direct to Chiang Mai and then travel up to Chiang Rai. I prefer there now because I don't want the tourist feel. The Expat scene now is full of people that can't survive financially in their own country but like KFC and Burger King more than local foods. Don't get me wrong Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket are very international and the restaurants reflect that. NYC and San Francisco too. I just like certain Thai characteristics that are being smothered in Chiang Mai in the 2020's! I have friends that don't believe me because they watch jaded RUclips clips or think I am trying to deter more tourism. They soon figure it out. 2 weeks tourist trips = good. Same as Phuket or 5 days in Bangkok. If you want some great Thai experiences check out Issan area or central provinces. I have been using my masks there well before Covid 19. I was there during SARS too! Tourism has not even returned to pre pandemic norms so beware in 2023 if Covid restrictions and inflation settle down. If Airfare prices lower...watch out for the crowds. This year Chinese Tourists are not allowed to travel due to Zero Covid restrictions! Wait until their economy changes. The Russian men are fleeing the Draft but don't have money or working credit cards. Wait until Europe and China return to regular levels of travel.....New Now for Chiang Mai
It's massively overrated. For sure it used to beautiful, but like everything that is, word quickly spread and now it is infested with tourists. If you go out at night, you'll be pestered by prostitutes, same as Bangkok or Pattaya. The gig is well and truly up. Go and live in a smaller city, it's a lot cheaper and so much more relaxed.
How do you compare Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai as far as pollution, tourist, cost of living, medical...CR seems like CM was 10-15 yrs ago. Thanks so much for your personal vlog and information,
Sweet, thanks! I want to try the digital nomad lifestyle as an animator. I know every place in the world has its own challenges, and I don't think there's any perfect place. I appreciate how honest your videos are. I feel Thailand could be a good place to work, so I want to do a little test run this Summer to get a feel for long term options.
Chiang Mai is a great spot for digital nomad. Lots of them up there and there are lots of western amenities. If this is your first time there, you will get culture shock, but in Chiang Mai it might not be as bad. Just live there for 2 - 3 months then you'll know if chiang mai is for you. Not everyone can live in Thailand long term. But you'll never know if you don't try. You should look up the type of visa you need, if you're just planning to stay for 3 months you can get a 1 entry visa and stay for 2 months, then extend for another 30 days.
when i stated in Chiang Mai i also stayed at Chiang Mai lodge... Im not a Fan of Chiang Mai... im glad i went their and spent a month but i font want to ever live their. Chiang Mai os over crowded and the traffic sucks... now i live in Sakon Nakhon and my Visa run only takes 1 hour to Savannakhet.. So much better to not live in a ovee crowded tourist city
Yes, I feel the same. If they take away half of the traffic and half of the tourist. I can live in Chiang Mai anytime of the year. But right now Chiang mai is too popular.
Keyframe5 If your so against western people and western things then why are you taking in a western language ? I think your a hypocrite speak in your native tongue and see how many views you get
My last trip to Chiang Mai was year Dec 2019. Massive main land China tourists and there were pockets of massive land space for street food stalls specially catered for tourists...
It is a real shame about the air quality. We just came back from 6 days in CM and when you do a lot of walking like we did, you can really tell and it's not nice. What can you do though?
Yea, especially right now, it's the burning season. I wait until end of April or early May and then go. I think anytime between April/May to October is a good time to visit.
Watch why I love Chiang Mai: ruclips.net/video/svGiVhZhkXw/видео.html *SAVE* *UP* *TO* *56%* *ON* *HOTELS* ... _check out the links below_ Old City (936 properties): bit.ly/2mDNDfa Nimman Road (413 properties): bit.ly/2B1IKkj
To really know if one can LIVE or RETIRE in Chiangmai it must take more than 4 months! You are qualified to talk about a Short Stay. Just like those who spent 3 days in Chiangmai and tell us what to do. I can just get a pamphlet from the Tourist Office.
The air quality is a problem around late February until sometime late April, but it affects the whole north of Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, etc. Not just Chiang Mai city. Traffic does cause a lot of pollution but farmers burning hills and fields is what produces most of the haze during the peak period. I agree about the lack an ocean beachfront here, but of course then it could be just another Pattaya or Patong devoid of the Lanna spirit.
On the masks, that N95 denotes the percentage of particulates, not pollution like you said. Carbon monoxide is in no way filtered or other gasses for that matter.
The masks, if removed from the package they are only good for 8 hours usually. I paint cars and that is the general rule. Put them in a zip lock bag and then 8 hours exposed
Back in the UK going to go back to South America next year. When I first got to Chiang Mai in 1997 JJ Bakery was one of the only coffee shops ha ha it was not the best coffee as you can imagine but it was not the worst either. Chiang Mai has exploded with its own success but to me its demise. If I would have opened a consultancy business I would have made millions on telling people not to come and throw their money away drink themselves to death or smoke themselves to death. I know so many people who died through killing themselves. As for a foreigner they find it hard to do nothing. have a look at the Thaivisa and see how many young and old people have died in Chiang Mai.
I am an American living here 15 years and like being in a tourist city with many people from many countries. After traveling the world for 20 years I chose to settle here to stay in touch with the traveler vibe. No way do I want to live in the "real Thailand" where I am the only farang in some out of the way village. The appeal of Chiang Mai is its diversity and buzz without being as crazy-busy as Bangkok, and easy to get out in the hills for day trips. Also love the mix of Thai and western food. CM is foodie heaven.
Mix.that's exactly👍🏻
There are better places to live in Thailand besides Bangkok and CM. Places like CM was 30 years ago. They do exist.
@@rrrogster Can you recommend some locations?
Where do you recommend to stay. Where it's easy to get to groceries or malls, transport, banks and restaurants. I dont' drive. Would the air be bad too. appreciate your recommendations.
You've lived there for 15 years. Can you speak the local language?
Thank you for your honest and sensible assessment of Chiang Mai. I visited there in mid 1990 (when I was in my early 40's) and liked it very much. I even remember saying to my travelling companion that perhaps one day I could live there, mainly because of the cooler climate compared to Bangkok, for instance, and I liked the atmosphere and general ambience. I have not returned since then, although I have been to other parts of Thailand in the meantime. I can see and understand what you mean about the almost overwhelming influx of tourism etc. which inevitably changes the local landscape for at least part of the year. I feel rather selfish in saying this, but I regret that the same can be said for many parts of our world now, in view of the relatively better economic times that we are living through. I lived and worked in London throughout my working life and have now retired to Spain. One of my reasons for leaving London was (again, selfishly) that it had changed so much over the years, and was not "my" city any more. Such a fantastic city for tourists to visit but, for the most part, not quite so good if you live there all year. I am also regretful that certain people have total disregard for community spirit and decency, and seem to delight in doing just whatever they want, wherever they want, without regard for others. I too am now guilty of living in a country which is not my own, but I endeavour to contribute in my own quiet and undisturbing way to make my environs a decent place to inhabit, both for myself and others. I think you mentioned that you live in Hua Hin now. I want to visit Thailand again next year, and I would be interested to have a look at Hua Hin for myself. I hope for your sake that I don't start an overwhelming trend!! By the way, don't worry - you ARE young!!
Any place is what you make of it. I'm 75, first came to Thailand in 1968 stationed in the air force at Ubon. Spent 2 weeks in Chiang Mai the next year and walked around town every day and I think I saw less than a dozen westerners. The difference is amazing - back then a big plate of kow pot (fried rice) was 4 baht (about 15 cents) and a coke was 5 baht. You're right about all the negative stuff - no argument from me but speaking as someone married to a Thai lady for 47 years (she passed away in December 2017) the one thing that always gets under my skin is the prejudice against falongs in so many areas. Paying 10 times more than Thais in some theme parks and increased green fees at some golf courses, being unfairly treated at immigration (not every time but when it happens once you always dread going back every 90 days), being pushed aside when being served as a customer by some Thai big shot in a hurry, I could go on and on. Of course, the reason I live in Chiang Mai (just lived in Hua Hin for 4 months srarting in April) is because my military pension and social security allow me a much better life style here than back in the U.S. Hua Hin is great if you like the beach but I don't swim and I discovered that just watching other people swim and walking up and down made me feel older than my years. But the real attraction here is the availability of women - they are abundant and hungry and they know falongs have money but the problem with this scenario is, watch how they disappear if you run out of cash - This is not an opinion - it's a fact. Don't think you can live anywhere in Thailand and find "true love" - it ain't gonna happen. I could write a book about the money Thai women have squeezed out of me but no one would believe it - they'd figure it was fiction - good video. Rarely do you see an honest appraisal of this country - it's like the cooking shows here in Thailand - no matter what they cook, everyone who tastes it says it's "aloy mach" or the opinion poll by this government that said 99% of the people approved the coup. Enough of this drivel - I'm outta here.
Thai women are just like other women around the world. The problem is farang always go for the low hanging fruit. First dont date someone if they dont have a Job. Second, take them to the grocery store, if they dont pay for their own stuff RUN. I lived in thailand for years, most of my friends had amazing Thai wives, they like most women wanted a partner who could bring something to the table, but they were always a TEAM. 50% of western women think solely about themselves, and if they are unhappy blame the man, and they have way more options. If you;re looking for a women go to the business districts during lunch and you'll find gem after gem. There are tons of problems in Thailand, especially immigration, absolute assholes. SORRY to hear about your wife, I cant imagine losing my wife she's the centre of my life and Im 36. BUt that day will come, i hope you've managed since. good luck
This was a very honest outlook on Chang Mai. Your video was very refreshing.
'Chang Mai' is what a bartender might ask. LOL
what does Chang Mai mean?
@ Sweet and Sour Adventures - Chang (beer) mai (Thai word, a tag for question) = Chang beer?
oh haha now i get the joke xD i will use that tonight when ordering a beer
Jess Bess New City
I lived in CM for 14 years & ran a business & still own one that I can run from afar. Have a condo there & know the place inside out. Late 80/90s was the best time to be there. Avoid it in March/April/May due to the pollution? Take your time if you wish to live there & learn all you can before you commit esp how to rent/buy/& your rights. Do things properly & you can win but be careful & only Trust yourself???
Very nice Honest video. You "hit the nail on the head" as we say in the UK. Its changed so much from 10 years ago
First, I appreciate your honest opinion. What you've said might be true for a lot of people, especially if you're from Canada, the US, and etc. As for me, I'm from China, the pollution you're talking about is nothing compared to most of the cities in china. I go to Thailand every year, and every time I stay in CM for at least a month. I do smell the gassy fumes when I'm there, on the road, but when I'm away from the road, it's perfectly fine. Smogs are way more harmful than just the fumes of burning gas. But I understand, if you're from the western world, especially countries like Canada, the air is pretty bad according to your standards. so, wear a mask, a good one with activatied carbon in it. As for the trafic, I 've noticed that a lot of people who complain about the traffic in thailand do not ride motorcycles. I ride motorcycles and if you do ride in thailand, you'll see that it's not that big of a problem. One reason I love CM is because I could ride freely and safely there. For people who don't ride motorcycles, it seems scary when you're out walking/cycling on the road. It may seem to be chaotic sometimes but as long as you know the rules of the road you're perfectly fine. We have some friends who live in CM(americans) said they feel safer riding their scooter in CM than in the US. And btw, why bothered by western restaurants and shops? To me, and all people who love and live/vist CM, they provide comfort and convenience. I love both the food stalls western food. I don't normally go to Mcdonals though. There are plenty of good places for western food and coffee other than Mcdonals & Starbucks. I do agree that CM is very touristy, and is becoming even more touristy, which could be a bad thing. Too much new development just to attract tourists. In the end, if you are fascinated by the city, then the things you've mentioned are not real concerns.
I'm from Canada and CM air is fine 8 months a year.
Wow great vid bro. Thanks for sharing this with us. Cheers from 2 Canadians 🇨🇦 living in Mexico. 🇲🇽❤✌🏼
Sometimes I'm surprised how often people expect large tourist destination cities to be so completely unique. So many people who discuss their visit to Thailand with me say similar things. They will tell me that Pattaya is 'too touristy' or Koh Samui is too expensive, or there are too many young people getting loud and drunk at beach resorts. I like to think of it this way: If you expect Cancun Mexico to be drastically different from Phuket Thailand you are going to be disappointed. I have friends and family in the north roughly between Lampang and Chiang Mai. For me, staying in Thailand is not a very 'touristy' experience because 75% of my time is spent outside of large cities. I understand that tourists are always going to want the 'tourist experience' and that makes sense to me. I suggest to everyone to go see Thailand, but at the same time I suggest they figure out what kind of experience they are looking for. Great video, I enjoyed watching it.
Goondock Saints A
There are too many travel videos using the same old format with the funky hipster music in the background everyone cracking a dry joke every minute and the fake happy goofy looking couples talking out of their ass. It's nice to see an honest channel that doesn't sugar coat everything. Good channel bro!
ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ and snowflakes stuffing their faces.
Mannnnn. I LOVE this. So tired of seeing the ridiculously exaggerated videos about Chiang Mai being this amazing mecca. Great work.
Blows away Bangkok, but that is easy.
I have been living in Chiang Mai for two years and I loved it in every way!
jimmy Nothing is. You don’t see that keeping people from moving to NYC or SF either.
it is like anywhere else - except it's in THAILAND
Yeah man Thailand is a shithole, Chiang Mai included
I remember my first time in chiang mai, after hearing it was one of the greatest cities in the world, and after a few days i wanted to go back to the south. What changed everything for me was renting a motorcycle. Now that i know CM and the country side, i love it more than any other place on earth. You need a motorcycle to really appreciate what CM has to offer.
Shit was so damn fire cruising the mountains next to CM 😵💫 was tryna not crazy while I taking breathtaking sites 🫠 can’t wait to go back
I´ve spent a combined month and a half in Chiang Mai, and it´s one of my favorite places in the world. I´m not a beach person, so no problem on that account. It´s actually nice having other foreigners around for conversation. The northern part of the city is not so tourist infested, and there are lots of great places to eat and drink, and terrific coffee houses for hanging out--not to mention that my all-time favorite bar, the Doggy Monster, is also in Chiang Mai. Good people, too. I love the markets there, and the Temple music. A great place to be.
I'm Thai , I have been in CM for 3 years and visit there time to time from my hometown in central Thailand.
In the past like 20-15 years before I can say that CM is the most attract city of Thailand. The culture there was well preserved. They have their own language which is very comfort to hear. Not many foreigners so not many bothering English or Chinese signs. No traffic jam. No material shops&restaurants. Not many departures. They were wearing their traditional clothes. Food culture was supreme. Full of big trees along the tiny road. Very stunning scenery. It is one of Thailand's gem.
Now it s turning to be the Northern Pattaya... It isn't attract me anymore CM.
LKP Ch Agree its become over development especially ugly condos and Moo Bahns spreading everywhere.
LKP Ch it happens to many famous tourist destinations around the world
LKP Ch bad chinese tourists as well.
The chinese tourists are a problem everywhere, they don't adapt and act like they are still in China. I need to precise that i'm talking about Mainland Chinese.
About CM been like Pattaya, Pattaya is at another level... it's surreal there.
Okey.
I totally agree with you! Thanks for your insightful reviews of living in Chiang Mai!
Thanks for your thoughtful honesty. Really good job.
I don’t understand why you would do this
1) you’re not retirement age
2) you’re Thai so you can live anywhere in Thailand
3) you’re Thai so the foreigners is not a positive thing for you like it might be for others
4) people who want beaches are going to go to the coastal places. Anyone can see that by looking at a map
5) you only get half decent public transportation in large cities. In cities like this most people get around on motorcycles
I lived in Chiang Rai, and spent nearly 10 years in the North... then I had to leave, for the reasons you mention. #1 was the pollution. Chiang Rai was not heavily touristed like Chiang Mai. But there were times during the burning season where I felt like I was living in hell. Now I live in Rayong, near the sea, which makes a HUGE difference. We do get ‘smog drift’ from BKK and have some hazy days during the dry season, but it’s still better than inland.
Very informative. Thank you! 😊
You are entitled to your opinion and honesty. I’m looking to learn more, one way or another. Your intro is very fair and respectful. Thank you. I do not speak Thai.
No he's not entitled to his opinion and neither are you
Good for you man!..thanks for your honest 411!.
Thank you for all the straight up information ! Most of these videos are informative, But on the opposite side of yours, Great Job !
I totally understand your pov and I agree with most of it. I am from LA, live in Krung Thep, but I speak Thai everyday and have so many fun, great experiences with Thais. It changes everything about Thailand. I am not fluent, but I have a wonderful time and Thai people always do nice things for me. I joke in Thai and they love it.
Dude you learn Thai in US or when you got there? What is the best way to go about learning it? Language learning Apps don’t even have Thai language for some reason
Thank u for the fruitfull information which widen my knowlege🌹👍
Brilliant, informed decision is key. Thank you.
Very good video thank you for sharing the good & bad. Like you said, everyone just tells the good, so it was refreshing to hear both sides.
Look like you live in Chiang Mai? Do you agree with everything I said? Did I miss anything?
Great video, here's a response from a 64 year old US expat. I retired a few years early and moved to CM 18 months ago and I agree with almost all of your points, but your concerns about tourists and retail westernization are far less prevalent to North of the Moat, where I tend to wander most often. Except at peak season I can go for hours in this huge area and never see tourists, and the few westerners I see are, like me, full time residents. The Burger King thing is only at the heaviest tourist places. Unfortunately you encounter a few more Starbucks but they just make smirk. I'll say this. Any American or Brit who comes to CM and goes to Star B is a complete idiot, a total fool. Sidewalk vendors make better coffee for half the price and we have an endless supply of great quirky little coffeehouses.
Only concern of yours that I don't share is public transportation. I live here very happily without a car, move around the city constantly and rely on Tuk Tuks which are maybe a quarter the cost of a US cab, and Song Tows which once you figure out how to use them are so cheap they're basically free. And as you know there are millions of both!
As to there being too many tourists, well I've become a massive hypocrite! Because I feel that this is the home I've always looked for, I see tourists and think "Hey, get out of my town." :) But you do meet people from all over the world which is fun.
Bottom line for me is the fact that the Thai people are just the sweetest, kindest, most spiritually developed and most hospitable people on Earth. Moving here was the best decision I ever made. I'm in love with Chiang Mai!
Best wishes to you, love your videos!
I agree with you about the westernization of Chiang Mai. I was mainly talking about the central of Chaing Mai, "old city". If you are 10-20+ min. drive away from the city center, it is less touristy. I should have be more direct about that. But overall, it is too touristy for my taste, I been traveling to Thailand for almost 10 years and I have family in other parts of the country. It's just my opinion, some people who spend less time in Thailand may love Chiang Mai and see that as how Thailand really is. That's fine.
I was comparing the public transportation to a place like Bangkok where there are the BTS, MRT, Rail Link and more taxis. I feel like I really need a scouter to live in Chiang Mai.
I'm glade to hear you love Chiang Mai, I do too but I don't think I can live there over the high seasons and burning seasons. During the low seasons it's ok for me. Thanks for your comment and I wish you all the best also.
Thanks for your reply, travel safely!
Mike Chef then why be outside at all.
Hi, how do you deal with the burning season? How bad is it? Is it at the beginning of the year?
@Twin Jalanugraha most people relocate to the south for a few months and come back.
I was in Chiang Mai 25 years ago. I don't remember any western chain store restaurants back then. It was like a small town and quite peaceful.
CM has outgrown that suit. There are other places similar to what CM was 30 years ago.
Great points. I have thought about Chiang Mai as a short term retirement home. Besides Bangkok or Chiang Mai, what other cities in Thailand would be good to consider to live in and why? A video would appreciated too
Great unbiased review of Chiang Mai! I visited for 5 days in Oct 2014. I find the red commuter cars pollute a lot. It's a very inefficient public transport system. Too bad there are no mass transport (bus & trains). Also, thanks for the education about 3M N95, N99 masks.
I enjoyed the quaint cafes in Nimman area.
Thank you for this, great and honest video :)
Thanks for the well rounded information on Chiang Mai. Best wishes to you and your channel.
Thank you for this vid. All the other vids I've seen have been overly positive
Every place has its pros and cons. CM is no different. Honest appraisals like this are few and far between.
I'm moving to Thailand next year and I love listening and reading about both the good AND negative things about it. Some people would have you think you'll never have a bad day again if you move there and others will try to convince you it is the devils playground and you'll probably die horribly if you move there!
Somewhere in the middle is the truth. Thanks for being honest! Keep it up, man. Love your videos! :)
I got the same response when my friends found out I'm going to Thailand.
I was very naive about the air quality especially in big/growing cities, I hope someone will be more prepare when they come live here long term.
There are pros and cons everywhere :) Thanks for watching.
You don't do Dallas?
Glad your honest
More good info, thanks so much
You are bang on the money about the air quality. Especially during burn off season.
Thanks for the information as I’ve never been there before!
Very nice and informative video! Thank you! I wish there was more people showing the negatives of those places. You say you are old? I thought you was in your early 20's. You look so young!
I wish you went to Phuket and did the pros & cons of that area. I'm trying to find a 'haze free' area in Thailand to retire too, Looks like I might be out of luck.
Lol I thought I look old, thanks.
There are many articles by many people that talk about all the stuff in this video many years ago. I just made a video out of it and I'm not the first one.
If you take out half of the traffic and half of the tourists. I would probably still be there now. If you dont want the haze in Chaing Mai, just leave during the burning seasons and live on the outskirt of the city to avoid the heavy traffic.
There will always be pros and cons anywhere you go.
Keyframe5 I agree with you that there are other videos but like you wrote 'done many years ago'. Things change a lot from one year to another. It's nice you did this review so we know today. Keep the great work going! Enjoying all your videos!
DMLK CS - I think the south of Thailand is less smoky from field burning, but there will usually be higher humidity and more tourists with that nice sea view. And generally speaking, the south is a higher cost of living. Exhaust pollution will be greater in areas where there are more cars and trucks. More rural areas maybe have less pollution compared to living in a large city, but are probably more Thai, so less western. Best wishes.
poka513 thank you so much! Great info!
Don't judge asians by their look.Most of them are much older then they seems.Once a franch guy told me he stop guessing Thai girls age long time ago.He said they are like bad wine.They don't age very well.
I have read your e-book. It is very informative. I like your videos they are well done.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Ben. Appreciate that.
The Smoke will kill you! I lived in Chaingmai for over a year and realized I would have to leave 3 months of the year each year I stayed in CM. That means more added expense traveling around staying in hotels, food, transportation, etc.. when I already had a lease in CM. I would recommend moving closer to the beach like Rayon. Not so much smoke and less people.
Why does nobody consider Udon Thani? It's cheap and easy.
Hard to disagree that those points were indeed negatives , lack of a beach is a positive . Lack of taxi's could also be seen as a blessing in disguise , at least in high season .
The lack of meter taxis is definitely not a blessing in Chiang Mai. The public transport system is run by the Red Truck- and Tuk Tuk Mafia. They have been blocking each and every attempt to install an environmentally friendly public transport system in CM. The red trucks (Song Taews) are anachronistic, old Diesels, which wouldn't be allowed in the streets in Europe anymore. They are creating an incredible amount of air pollution throughout the year especially during the main tourist season.
Great video. I agree with all your points, although personally I prefer private transportation anyway so driving is not a problem but for me that's usually by car not motorcycle. I've spent some time in Chiang Mai, but now prefer smaller northern Thai cities like Chiang Rai and Lampang which don't have the same problems with traffic congestion although air quality due to forest fires can unfortunately also be a problem in these places as well as Mae Hong Son, which is a small place like Chiang Mai used to be a couple of decades ago.
It is hoped that with greater enforcement of the no burning laws (there are now signs all over the north warning of prison sentences for those that burn the forest with permission) that the air quality will improve over the years but I suspect it will take some time.
If you’re on the southeast side of the square, visit Pineapple Express. They’re a bar and dispensary and also have pool table and offer some food. Even have some events some of the nights. Some of the greatest ppl there!😎 got a silver ring made but a smelter I met who was a walk away from his home and shop. Cost $13 and also got my laundry done next door for $6.
I am coming to Thailand next year (2020) from April 15 to April 30. I will be in Bangkok for a couple of days and then I am going to Chiang Mai. Do you know how the air quality will be then?
These video is really excellent, a honest view and a good way of seeing CM from another perspective, from a thai side, and I totally agree with his comment. I love CM and my best memories date back from the 80... with no buses full of niuw "guest"..... the last time i visited these city i was shocked with the "amount" of chinese turist coming every day. The same situation happens in Laos, Cambodia etc. I guess CM was one day a little paradise, like Luang Phrabang, and never will be the same again, although some dreamers from the past do not want to see these new and sad reality in 2019....
The air quality is not just from traffic. The smoke from the burning is also dangerous. You should check the air quality and wear the mask whenever the micro particles are in the red or orange level. Just because you don't feel bad doesn't mean it is not affecting your health. The pollution does long term damage to your lungs, so wearing the mask during high pollution days is important.
I lived in cm 17 years ago from 2005- 2007, and it was great. I then moved to BKK for 2 years and then to Phuket where I've been living for 12 years. Phuket is a tourist trap,but a great place to earn money.iam thinking to move back to Chiang Mai or the outskirts.
I agree there are a lot of western chains here, but as foreigner I find there are mainly Thai restaurants, The trick is knowing which ones are good, when you don't speak the language.
The air quality is a big problem. I use an air quality app on my phone. What I've found is that the air is mostly save once the burning stops. With the app, can see when it's necessary to wear a mask. The burning is mainly because they are growing corn, not rice.
Come back from May to January, it's nice.
Yes, transportation is a big problem. I've lived in a lot of places in Asia, but this city has the worst transportation.
Ha....I thought you were in your 20's. I love your videos. I have been in Chiang Mai for 1 month, and I would have to say I agree with all of your points in this video. Thank you very much for the tips on what kind of mask to buy. I am 58, and I do find the air quality to be horrible here, and if I am stuck in traffic in the middle of the day I do notice it. I actually got a motorbike so I could get around quicker because sitting in a Song Tao for too long kills me. I tend to chose the time of day I am out and about, and am even careful what time I ride the bike. Mornings after rush hour are good, or early morning. Anything else is horrible and I don't ride at night if I can help it.Regarding western style fast food here. I am American, and it just amazes me why anyone would want to come to Thailand and then want to eat at McDonald's. I live over near the zoo close to a local market over here tonight I had some delicious giant bowl of snakefish soup for $2.29 USD . I have a pool - so yeah - I knew because no beach is here I would die without it. ITs salt cleaned also, I don't think I could handle Chlorine as another pollutant to deal with. My first time in Thailand in over 20 years, I came here for reasons of getting extended Retirement visa would be easier here. I will probably go to Hua Hin next year, or possibly spent a little time in Ubon Ratchathoni . Take care - Again thank you for your always informative videos. I do like Chiang Mai though, but I think it's just that its a new place, there is quite a bit to see here, and people I find to be very friendly. Except, strangely, I find westerners to be a bit rude. If I say hi they always ignore me, as if I am interfering with their Asian experience. 5555. Stay cool!
I guess it’s an Asian thing, we all look kinda young.
For the rush hours, that’s another thing too. I also have to look at the time every time I want to go somewhere. You’ll have to pay me or pick me up in a car to go somewhere during the rush hours.
Snakefish soup, you mean snakehead? They look so nasty but they taste so good :)
Keyframe5 Yes Snakehead fish :) and it was a pho sized bowl. I compare all soup bowl sizes to pho......but I have not found good pho here, but maybe I do not know what real Vietnamese pho is supposed to taste like. I have only had it in USA and here. It's probably like pizza. NY pizza tastes nothing like Italian pizza. On the other hand NY pizza is awesome.
Yea, me too. I been craving for a bowl of pho all this time. I'm surprise how little Vietnamese restaurants are in Thailand considering the distance and I'm a bit surprise that the pho back in Canada so far tasted better than the pho I ate here.
Nothing wrong with grabbing a burger every now & then.
TravelerPat Vietnamese Pho is actually spelled Fer, Fer is Lao word for noodles soup also called Mee, Sen Mee they also invented Khao Soy, Khao Piak, Khao Piak Sen, Khao Poon, Mee Ka Tee, Khua Mee, Nam Khao, Khao Jee, Khao Nom Nab, Som Moo, Som Moo Tawn, Som Pa, Som Pa Noy, Som Puck Galum, Yum Som Pa, Yum Goong, Tum Som, or Tum Mark Hoong, Ghoi Pa, Larb Pa, Larb Goong, Larb Gai, Larb Pa, Larb Moo, Gang Pa, Gang Gai, Gang Puck, Gang nor Mai, Or Lam, Jeow bong, Mok Pa, Mok Gai, Mok Nor Mai, Sien Hang, Sien Hang Savanh, Soup Gai, Soup puck, Soup Puck salad...
If you really want to eat authentic Thai cuisines go to Laos the birthplace of Thai northern, northeast Thai, Central Thai, Southern Thai cuisines.
Keyframe5... Thank you for the info on Chiang Mai. You don't look old, talk when you are 60+😁,really enjoyed your post, thank you.
Thank you, appreciate your honesty.
Very well balanced and presented. I disliked Chaing Mai when I visited there in 2012 for exactly the same reasons you mention here. The burning season in Siem Reap, Cambodia was horrible too.
It pays off to speak the Thai Language - studying the Thai language will save you a lot of money!
The good thing is: you can pick and choose in and around Chiangmai, what ever you prefer it's there. Meaning: you don't have to visit Mac Donalds, there are tons of vegetarian restaurants around, you don't have to be with a lot of tourists, there are many serene places around, fantastic bike routes also etc.etc., The air quality is bad for a number of months only, but compare to bigger cities such as Bangkok, Peking or Mexico City it's moderate and not during the entire year that bad. If you like clean air and a quiet place Chumpon and suroundings in the South might be a better alternative.
very honest video. i am planning to come over to live in chiang mai and came 3 times in the past 4 years. i hate bangkok but i love chiang mai. coming from a tropical country mauritius also very touristic it doesnt bother me to have lots of tourists etc... i like it when there is a mixed population... i dot bother about beaches am born 15 mins car from white beaches but the only ting is the burning seasons... i heard that it is bad, very bad. would like to hear from people living CM how they overcome this or cope with it?
Many of us in Taiwan know about Chiangmai from the death of our superstar Theresa Teng. She died from asthma attack while vacationing in Chiangmai. Is it in a high altitude valley that trap humid, dirty air?
I live in Chiang Mai for 15 years now.
Last year, 2020, when pandemic first hit it was burning season. Everybody already wearing mask. I think this helped stop the initial spread of the virus.
the views up at the very top of doing suthep are amazing......never forgot that
Thank you for your very well presented and honest opinions.I am heading out to Chiangmai later this year.My first trip to Thailand.I have been researching cm for 3 years and your concerns seem validated by many others.Hey man, I’m an American and I also have cholesterol problems but sometimes I just gotta have Mickey D fries! Hahahahaha,good luck and thanks again.
Really great info. Thanks.
Thanks for your Video. It is nice to see one from a Thai. I am lucky to live in Krung Thep, and I try to be polite, friendly and have good manners. Good manners go a long way in Siam, much more so than any other country I have visited.
I ve lived here 10 years and love it . Only three months of the year does the air get bad and its un comfortable ..
Yeah, field burning is kind rough at times. Need to visit CM, haven't made it that far NW. Bat caves of Phu Pah Man is about as far west as I've been. Crazy amount of bats.
Sawadee Jao- I lived and worked in CM for 4 years and don't really agree with most of this video (except that yes, the air pollution during burning season is awful- but pretty much any one who is able to uses this time as their vacation to go to the beaches in the South of Thailand. Also it is not an issue exclusive to Chiang Mai, at that time of year most of the Northern Areas of Thailand such as Chiang Rai, Pai, Mae Hong Son- they all have the same problem with burning season). Look, if you only go to the most touristic areas in the center of the city, like the Night Market area and Tha Phae Gate, obviously it is going to be touristy. I lived in a village only 20 minutes drive outside of the old city center, and it has a completely different vibe. Small coffee shops and restaurants (no big chain restaurants), independent artist spaces, local food vendors, small markets, and lots of nature walks and waterfalls near by. There are loads of these small villages around Chiang Mai and anyone who makes the effort to go the short distance outside of the city center will benefit and have a better experience. The beauty of Chiang Mai is that you can be at the mall/ cinema/ bar and just 20 minutes later be at a waterfall surrounded by trees and birdsong. Grab is now used commonly throughout the city, and getting around is very easy (as is ordering food directly to you). The city is also a paradise for people who prefer to eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, apart from the great Thai food there is a lot of international cuisine so there is something for everyone. There are always cool courses and activities going on (such as permaculture, gardening, yoga, meditation, Thai massage, Thai herbal medicine etc). Beautiful temples all around. Easy to get high quality dental and medical care, as well as Thai medicine. Compared to the South of Thailand (where I have also lived) I find Northern Thai people to be very kind and easy to make friends with. I'm a shy person and not very good with languages, but I was able to learn and practice the Thai language, largely thanks to the overwhelming amount of positive encouragement and help I received from Thai people in CM. Anytime I ever had a difficulty when I was out and about in Chiang Mai some kind Thai person just swooped in and helped me without hesitation. In most other cities in the world if you leave your keys in your bike or your wallet in a restaurant it will be stolen real quick. In CM they will chase you two blocks to return you your things and wish you a good day. I have travelled a lot but CM is the place I feel safest and happiest- also as a woman I would say it is one of the safer places to travel and live by your self. If only the issue of the burning could be resolved, I'd say Chiang Mai is one of the best places to live in the world. If you visit, just stay a little outside of the Old City and Nimmen- try near the university area/ Mae Rim/near the parts of the Samoeng Loop which are closer to Chiang Mai. If you ride a scooter/ motorcycle it is a great place to explore, the views when driving are beautiful and you can also easily drive to places like Chiang Dao and Doi Saket which are beautiful, peaceful and not really very touristy. Stopping in CM can be great on the way to these less touristy destinations because CM is a very user friendly place, easy to rent a bike/ buy any kind of food or medicine or medical product you might need/ get a sim card etc etc. Just don't go in burning season and don't only stay in the touristy areas and you'll have a great time!
Good information👍
I loved my stay in Thailand and I loved Chiang Mai! The air quality was so much better than in Bangkok! It’s cleaner and it was the only town I went during my stay where people spoke English. It is beautiful, people are very friendly food is great I had no complaints from my side. Out of all the places I visited in Thailand I felt like Bangkok was the worst: the air was polluted, streets are dirty, the sewage systems is poor and people were less friendly but I am very open minded and I still enjoyed it. I would 100% come back to Thailand.
If you think Chiang Mai is bad, avoid Phuket
Phuket is over priced and over rated, in my opinion
Phuket has good, clean, healthy air every day. I know.
I loved Phuket. Fantastic!
Rob Aitken >in your infinite knowledge of Thailand, where is it perfect?
I prefer C M than Bangkok.I dont eat at McDonalds or any fast food eateries.I rent a bicycle to go here and there.Of course I dont stay long less than a week.And I avoid high seasons.Easy for me to find halal food.Will be going again.
Great video again, I totally agree with all your points too.
One question if I may....can you recommend any places in Hua Hin that match your budget...?
Thanks so much,
Paul
Good honest video thanks for taking the time to tell us.. 🤣
Godfather! Want to go to CMai for new drug deals? U r too old for that. Sicily has great countryside, air + 🍝 spaghetti. It's an offer you can't refuse!
@@alekh888 LoL 👍 brilliant...but be careful you don't wake up one day with a horse's head beside you.👍👍
Good honest observation. Where in Thailand is your favorite city?
Anucha Prakobkij no 55555 cause he idiot talk about air pollution very bad in Thailand except around the world 555555real idiot
I prefer Chiang Mai over Bangkok. However, my wife (who is Thai) bought land and had a home built for her parents that moved up from Bangkok, and the local government is corrupt. They blackmail constantly so much so that my wife and I had to fly back to Thailand on 3 occasions to pay off the officials to get them to turn the power and water back on. They claim the meter wasn't the correct size when one official signed off on the final plans months prior. Then they turn around 3 months later and claim we are illegally using city water mains in an area that isn't permitted for it. Really???? Those mains were underground long before we built there how is it not permitted? When I ask, am told that I am farang and not allowed to question their laws.
That's sad to hear. Why not ask your wife to get someone she knows to talk to these government officials? Like a close relative or a good friend who is a senior citizen in the local community.
I hear all the times that how nice such and such country and beautiful people and culture so and so. I agree superficially and laugh inside. Ya, right. And I hear all the time how America is corrupt and so and so, all the politicians get rich so and so. I agree with them superficially but laugh and tell them try living in Mexico, Ecuador, Thailand, and the list goes a mile long. I just had conversation for same stuff with my neighbor and I said I ain't live anywhere except America. But I am staying in Chiang Mai for couple of months this summer for retiree's vacation.
I have lived two opposite continent for decades on each, I know both.
Most countries don't deserve their reputation. All those documentary usually focus on the *extreme*.
There is more to this story, that what is being said, IMO, never heard of such things
Thank you very much, that kind of info is very important. Bribery is so common outside of the West (and inside too, though perhaps not to those degrees).
very good info!!
Informative. Where would you suggest living in Thailand?
I lived in CM from 2005 to 2015.. It also went downhill quite a bit during that period. Worse traffic, higher prices. Sick of road blocks. It's great for having a girlfriend and cheap food/massage and inferior for just about everything else.
Amen Ed. Had a girlfriend, free scooter. Otherwise not so much fun.
That pretty much sums it up, not more needs to be said.
Very good video thank you for sharing
I spent 10 yrs in CM. My worst are the dangerous road, air pollution and noise. People are great though.
I checked it out for a couple days, it was awful. Can't understand how someone could live there. To be fair I'm a sea lover, mountains don't do it for me.
Chiang Mai has changed beyond recognition in the last 22+ years and it has not all been for the better.....it was a small town rather than a small city with only a 3 or 4 month tourist season and wasn't overrun like it seems to be today....I haven't been for 5 years now....but I lived there 20 years ago.
Thank you for your kind and nice visiting to Chiang Mai .. pls come again on Loy Kra Thong Festival
ดีแล้วครับ ไปที่ชอบๆเถอะ ทุกๆที่มีที่คนชอบและไม่ชอบอยู่แล้ว ผมคนเชียงใหม่ ไปทำงานมาทั่วประเทศจากเหนือยันใต้สุด คนที่เจอมา ถ้าพอมีฐานะอยู่บ้าง เขาจะมาซื้อบ้านที่นี่กันไว้ทั้งนั้น นอกเมืองบ้างในเมืองบ้าง ก็พอจะสื่ออะไรได้บ้างตามความคิดของคนส่วนมาก อ่อ ละถ้าคุณไม่อชบอยู่เชียงใหม่ คุณอย่าได้คิดไปอยู่ภูเก็ต
I have been living in Chiang Mai now for 11 years. I like your honestly. I dislike how touristy it has become over the years (even in this mere 11 year period), so moved out of the main city to a more Thai area. I avoid the main area a lot and mainly visit/ride to more rural areas in Northern Thailand. Regarding air quality, it seemed you came at the wrong time period. I try to get out of Chiang Mai (and the whole of the northern territory) during this time. In future I may have to consider moving away from Chiang Mai because of how popular and busy it has become.
So accurate. I first lived in Chiang Mai 2004-2009. I left reluctantly and returned for visits until about 2013. The Tech Nomads and RUclips began changing the ambiance. I can fly direct to Chiang Mai and then travel up to Chiang Rai. I prefer there now because I don't want the tourist feel. The Expat scene now is full of people that can't survive financially in their own country but like KFC and Burger King more than local foods. Don't get me wrong Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket are very international and the restaurants reflect that. NYC and San Francisco too. I just like certain Thai characteristics that are being smothered in Chiang Mai in the 2020's! I have friends that don't believe me because they watch jaded RUclips clips or think I am trying to deter more tourism. They soon figure it out. 2 weeks tourist trips = good. Same as Phuket or 5 days in Bangkok. If you want some great Thai experiences check out Issan area or central provinces. I have been using my masks there well before Covid 19. I was there during SARS too! Tourism has not even returned to pre pandemic norms so beware in 2023 if Covid restrictions and inflation settle down. If Airfare prices lower...watch out for the crowds. This year Chinese Tourists are not allowed to travel due to Zero Covid restrictions! Wait until their economy changes. The Russian men are fleeing the Draft but don't have money or working credit cards. Wait until Europe and China return to regular levels of travel.....New Now for Chiang Mai
It's massively overrated. For sure it used to beautiful, but like everything that is, word quickly spread and now it is infested with tourists. If you go out at night, you'll be pestered by prostitutes, same as Bangkok or Pattaya. The gig is well and truly up. Go and live in a smaller city, it's a lot cheaper and so much more relaxed.
How do you compare Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai as far as pollution, tourist, cost of living, medical...CR seems like CM was 10-15 yrs ago. Thanks so much for your personal vlog and information,
@8:25 Awesome video, but you forgot about Nimmanhaemin. The air sucks too! :)
I'm really enjoying your vids on living in Thailand.
I'm planning a trip to Chiang Mai this year. Any good months you'd recommend?
I would go during the summer, I explained why in this video.
Thank you sir! I just downloaded your e-book.
Thanks a lot for sharing your insights and experiences.
+Micah Buzan no problem. Let me know if you have other questions.
I see you're an artist yourself. Awsome!
Sweet, thanks!
I want to try the digital nomad lifestyle as an animator. I know every place in the world has its own challenges, and I don't think there's any perfect place. I appreciate how honest your videos are. I feel Thailand could be a good place to work, so I want to do a little test run this Summer to get a feel for long term options.
Chiang Mai is a great spot for digital nomad. Lots of them up there and there are lots of western amenities. If this is your first time there, you will get culture shock, but in Chiang Mai it might not be as bad. Just live there for 2 - 3 months then you'll know if chiang mai is for you. Not everyone can live in Thailand long term. But you'll never know if you don't try. You should look up the type of visa you need, if you're just planning to stay for 3 months you can get a 1 entry visa and stay for 2 months, then extend for another 30 days.
when i stated in Chiang Mai i also stayed at Chiang Mai lodge...
Im not a Fan of Chiang Mai... im glad i went their and spent a month but i font want to ever live their.
Chiang Mai os over crowded and the traffic sucks...
now i live in Sakon Nakhon and my Visa run only takes 1 hour to Savannakhet.. So much better to not live in a ovee crowded tourist city
Yes, I feel the same. If they take away half of the traffic and half of the tourist. I can live in Chiang Mai anytime of the year. But right now Chiang mai is too popular.
Keyframe5 If your so against western people and western things then why are you taking in a western language ? I think your a hypocrite speak in your native tongue and see how many views you get
Mekong Farang I think that's Bangkok..Chiang Mai doesn't really have that much traffic or pattaya or Phuket or hua hin whatever it is
Hey, gonna be in thailand in february, how does the visa run work?
@@ralpherizonie1785 it's "you're" not "your"... You can't even write your own language properly...
My last trip to Chiang Mai was year Dec 2019. Massive main land China tourists and there were pockets of massive land space for street food stalls specially catered for tourists...
It is a real shame about the air quality. We just came back from 6 days in CM and when you do a lot of walking like we did, you can really tell and it's not nice. What can you do though?
Yea, especially right now, it's the burning season. I wait until end of April or early May and then go. I think anytime between April/May to October is a good time to visit.
Watch why I love Chiang Mai:
ruclips.net/video/svGiVhZhkXw/видео.html
*SAVE* *UP* *TO* *56%* *ON* *HOTELS* ... _check out the links below_
Old City (936 properties): bit.ly/2mDNDfa
Nimman Road (413 properties): bit.ly/2B1IKkj
Far better to live in the higher mountain parts of Panama. Boquete near Costa Rica.
good honest .talk son .well done
You're voice is very calming
First time hearing that. Thankx
Robbot tone
To really know if one can LIVE or RETIRE in Chiangmai it must take more than 4 months! You are qualified to talk about a Short Stay. Just like those who spent 3 days in Chiangmai and tell us what to do. I can just get a pamphlet from the Tourist Office.
The air quality is a problem around late February until sometime late April, but it affects the whole north of Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, etc. Not just Chiang Mai city. Traffic does cause a lot of pollution but farmers burning hills and fields is what produces most of the haze during the peak period. I agree about the lack an ocean beachfront here, but of course then it could be just another Pattaya or Patong devoid of the Lanna spirit.
On the masks, that N95 denotes the percentage of particulates, not pollution like you said. Carbon monoxide is in no way filtered or other gasses for that matter.
The masks, if removed from the package they are only good for 8 hours usually.
I paint cars and that is the general rule. Put them in a zip lock bag and then 8 hours exposed
Ah, I always wonder about their expiry date. I had that same mask for over 6 months. lol
Thanks for letting me know.
Your a 100% right about about the hole video Chiang Mai is never going to be the same as 10-15 years ago that's why I left after 17 years.
When did you left Chiang Mai and where are you now?
Back in the UK going to go back to South America next year. When I first got to Chiang Mai in 1997 JJ Bakery was one of the only coffee shops ha ha it was not the best coffee as you can imagine but it was not the worst either. Chiang Mai has exploded with its own success but to me its demise. If I would have opened a consultancy business I would have made millions on telling people not to come and throw their money away drink themselves to death or smoke themselves to death. I know so many people who died through killing themselves. As for a foreigner they find it hard to do nothing. have a look at the Thaivisa and see how many young and old people have died in Chiang Mai.
Nice video.