Best Tourist Attractions in Chang Mai for Expat

As a tourist, you need to know the best things to see and do in Chang Ma I. From temples to beautiful day treks, there’s never a lack of things to do or places to go. There are plenty of tourist attractions, but we’ve picked seven of the most popular ones for you! Read on for more information.

1.    Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

The first stop on your list should be Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. A beautiful temple with a gorgeous view, this is one of the most popular attractions in the city. You have to hike up quite a way to get there, but it’s well worth it when you see the temple in all its glory. In fact, the views are so beautiful that you’ll want to capture them forever, but be sure to check out some of the rules first.

2.    Elephant Nature Park

You may not think of elephants as top-notch tourist attractions, but Elephant Nature Park is certainly one worth adding to your list! This isn’t just a pretty place to visit – it’s a rescue and rehabilitation center for elephants that have been abused or orphaned. You can learn about the elephants’ history and get up close and personal with these gentle giants. It’s an amazing experience and one you’ll never forget.

3.    The Grand Canyon of Thailand

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, consider The Grand Canyon of Thailand. This is a great place for trekking, and the views are absolutely stunning. You’ll get to see waterfalls, caves, and plenty of wildlife along the way, making it an unforgettable experience. Just be sure to dress appropriately and take plenty of water with you!

4.    Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park is another great place for trekking, and it’s also home to Thailand’s highest mountain. If you’re looking for an adventure, this is the place to be! You’ll get to see all sorts of different landscapes and wildlife, and it’s a great opportunity to learn about the local culture and history.

5.    Wat Ket Karam

One of the most unique temples in the country, Wat Ket Karam, is a gorgeous place to visit. It’s located on an island near the middle of a lake, and beautiful plants and wildlife surround it. The temple itself is stunning as well, making this a top-notch attraction to add to your list. It’s a unique place that you won’t want to miss!

6.    The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

This attraction is perfect if you like the great outdoors and want to do something different with your day. The elephant jungle sanctuary allows you to ride elephants, walk with elephants and even wash them if you want. It’ll be an experience that you won’t forget in a hurry. Also, you get to learn all about the elephants’ natural habitat and their habits – another great insight into Thailand.

7.    Wat Rong Khun

Thailand has some gorgeous temples, but this one is definitely worth visiting if you like art or architecture! Putting other temples to shame with its beauty, Wat Rong Khun is a stunning place. It’s filled with beautiful sculptures, paintings, and murals that are sure to impress. Definitely, this place is worth adding to your list.

5 Pros of Living in Chang Mai as an Expat

So you’ve been offered a new job in Chang Mai! Exciting times, but does it sound like a good idea to go and live there? What’s the lifestyle going to be like? Is it a huge cultural shock from your home country? Well, here are five reasons why living in Chang Mai is absolutely brilliant.

1.    The Weather

So, it isn’t exactly the most exotic climate in the world, but having the sun on your back every day is lovely. Sunlight helps to boost vitamin D levels which can decrease the risk of cancer and other horrible illnesses! Living in Chang Mai also means you may never need to use an umbrella again (although that does depend on whether or not you’re moving to the rainy season and which seasons you choose).

2.    It’s an Awesome Place for Health Nuts

There is a huge culture surrounding healthy lifestyles in Chang Mai. When people visit, they often say, ‘oh my god, everywhere I’ve gone, there’s been a vegan restaurant!’ Well, yes, because vegan restaurants are popular amongst locals and expats for their healthy and delicious food. There are also a number of yoga studios, meditation centers, and health food stores to help you on your way to a healthy Chang Mai lifestyle.

3.    The Cost Of Living Is Really Low

Compared to other places in the world, the cost of living in Chang Mai is really low. You can survive on next to nothing – in fact, you can live in a beautiful mansion for less than the cost of renting one room in London. This is because rent prices are low.

If you’re offered a job here doesn’t worry about affording housing because that’s one thing that won’t be an issue for you. You’ll have so much money left over at the end of each month.

4.    The Food Is Amazing

There’s more to Thai food than pad Thai – try some tom yum or khao soi! There are restaurants on the restaurant on the restaurant on a restaurant – and all of them have delicious food which is super good for you! Eating in Chang Mai won’t break the bank, and you’ll never be bored of the food because there’s just so much variety.

5.    The People are So friendly

The locals in Chang Mai are some of the friendliest people on earth! They’re always happy to help out, and they go above and beyond to make sure that expats feel welcome in their city. If you’re ever feeling lost or need help with something, just ask a local, and they’ll be more than happy to help you out.

Cons

1.    The Cost Of Living Can Be Fairly High

Locals often lament the rising costs of living in Chiang Mai. The cost of an apartment rental or condo can go upwards of $1000 (or more!) for something decent. Your food bills will also be higher than they might be elsewhere, as fresh produce is not very abundant, and there are no big grocery chains like TESCO or Carrefour.

2.    It Can Be Difficult To Make Friends

The expat community in Chiang Mai is relatively small, and it can be tough to make friends if you don’t know many people when you arrive. There are lots of clubs and activities available, but it can still be hard to break into social circles here. Also, expats in Chiang Mai often tend to socialize only with other expats, and it can be hard to meet locals or integrate into the local community.

3.    A Lack of Diversity

Chang Mai is full of friendly, laid-back people; however, this also means that things here are fairly homogenous. If you are interested in learning about different cultures and backgrounds, you might want to live somewhere with more diversity.

5 Best Areas to Live In Chang Mai

Are you a resident of Chang Mai, or are you considering moving there? It’s a great city for people who enjoy the laidback lifestyle that Thailand is known for. If you’re looking to settle down in the area, here are five of the best places to live in Chang Mai:

1.    Baan Kang Wat Pao

The district of Baan Kang Wat is home to a large population of expats and locals alike. The area is safe and offers many conveniences that make it an attractive place to live, such as access to three major supermarkets and plenty of western-style restaurants.

However, the area’s main attraction is its incredibly peaceful vibe, which can largely be attributed to Baan Kang Wat Pao itself. This historic temple has brought people together for centuries, and it remains one of Chang Mai’s most popular attractions.

2.    Huay Kaew Road

Huay Kaew Road is filled with upmarket stores, hotels, and restaurants. If you’re looking for a luxurious area to live in, this is it. Huay Kaew Road also offers easy access to some of the best hiking trails in the city. Besides, who wouldn’t want to wake up every morning and be surrounded by mountains? Also, there are many nearby spas, which themselves are an attraction.

3.    Nimmanhaemin Road

Next up is the district of Nimmanhaemin Road, which has become incredibly popular among westerners in recent years. It’s known as the “hippest place to live” because it’s full of trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars. It also has a local night market with lots of delicious food and trendy clothes and trinkets. The locals in the area speak English, which is another attraction for foreigners.

4.    Huay Kaew

Living in Huay Kaew offers many of the same benefits as living on Huay Kaew Road but at a more affordable price. Along with great restaurants, it has convenient access to the weekend market and Wat Suan Dok, which is another one of Chang Mai’s most historic attractions. It also offers short proximity to many of Chang Mai’s famous attractions, including Doi Suthep Mountain Temple, Elephant Nature Park, and Mae Sa Waterfall.

5.    Hang Dong

Why live in the city when you could live in the forest? The district of Hang Dong is one of the most popular places for expats to settle down. It’s located near many fantastic outdoor attractions, including Elephant Nature Park, Doi Suthep Mountain Temple, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Another major advantage of living in Hang Dong is the lower cost of living compared to the city.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Chang Mai

Why did I choose to move to Chang Mai?

What made me pick Chang Mai is that I wanted somewhere smaller than Bangkok and more interesting than a beach area. I’ve stayed in the city before, and it felt like a really good fit. I’d heard from other people who had moved here how good it was, so I went for it!

How did I go about finding an apartment?

I didn’t look online because each complex has its own website, but I’d recommend it if you don’t mind the possibility of having to email every single one. What worked for me was walking around and asking questions at apartments that might be good for me, like rent price, whether there was a pool or gym, and whether they had any permanent residents.

Did I need to sign a lease?

Not always. I’d recommend finding one you like and then asking about the contract length if that interests you. It’s normally around three years but can be less or more depending on the complexity. You might also ask how many months’ notice you need to give when you want to leave; some places can be quite strict.

How does apartment management work?

There are staff at every complex that will help you with anything you need regarding the rent or any maintenance issues. They’ll usually come out to your place within a couple of days if something breaks down, and they’re really helpful about showing new residents around when they move in!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a relaxed and culturally rich city to live in, Chang Mai might be the perfect spot for you. Located in the north of Thailand, Chang Mai is known for its beautiful temples and lush green landscapes. Nonetheless, always check this platform for more updates about living in Chang Mai as an expat.