An area guide to life in Chiang Mai

The lowdown

Situated in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai – translated to English as ‘new city’-  is the known as the country’s cultural capital. Set in luscious surroundings with a backdrop of mountains, this laid-back city still retains its original walls and moats that add to its charm. The Old City is brimming with temples, but also has eating establishments, wine bars and pubs for those wanting to quench their thirst from Wat hopping. In close vicinity to the Ping River, Chiang Mai became an important trade route. Today the river becomes a hub of activity for the Thai festival Loi Krathong, a lunar holiday celebrated every year in either October or November where people give offerings of lotus shaped boats to the river. In Chiang Mai this is accompanied with paper lanterns that are set off once the sun goes down illuminating the sky in a spectacular fashion.   

Nearby hill tribes give a great insight into Thai rural life, and the infamous Golden Triangle that links Thailand to Myanmar and Laos across the mountain range, a former opium trade route, is a popular day trip from Chiang Mai. The airport has regular flights to Bangkok taking just over an hour making Chiang Mai a well-liked weekend getaway for Bangkokians who want to soak up some culture rather than some sun on the beach. The airport also serves Phuket and Koh Samui as well as other international destinations in the region such as China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Climate

With a cooler climate than the rest of Thailand as its sits amongst the country’s highest mountains, Chiang Mai experiences very little, if not no, rain between the cooler months of December to February. The hottest months of March and April normally experience the highest temperatures with a few rainstorms.

Daily life

A popular place for those wanting to spend their time exploring the surrounding region, Chiang Mai itself is appreciated for its creative scene and café culture. There are regular events, festivals, traditional markets and even modern shopping malls. Ideal for those who want city life with the countryside on its doorstep to engage in activities such as trekking, cycling, rock climbing, muay thai and white water rafting.

Chiang Mai has become the place to live for those seeking a slower pace of life than Bangkok. Although Chiang Mai does not attract many holidaying families, probably due to its lack of beach, there are international schools and plenty of activities to keep children amused including a zoo, aquarium and various elephant sanctuaries where you can interact with rescued elephants. Chiang Mai is also a very popular destination to attend a cooking course to hone your Pad Thai making skills, in addition to having plenty of traditional massage centres in and around the temples to put you through your paces. The city also comes alive over Songkran, Thai New Year, in April as people take to the streets and moats armed with water to douse passerbyers.

Where to live

Due to its quiet lifestyle, Chiang Mai is popular with expatriates seeking a change of scene from their hometown that is likely to be hectic in comparison. Some come just for the cooler months to play a round of golf every day on one of the region’s popular courses. Thus the rental market is buoyant with demand for both houses and condominiums. As many are drawn to Chiang Mai for the city’s calm atmosphere, the city centre is the chosen place to be based for ease of access of amenities opposed to the small villages that surround the city.

Why should I live in Chiang Mai?

1. If you can’t quite bear to leave city life behind but Bangkok is too chaotic and the islands too quiet, then Chiang Mai hits the right balance.
2. There are countless sporting activities available – perfect for adrenaline junkies.
3. It is the places to experience the magic of some of Thailand’s festivals.