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.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

If you’re an expat looking to live in Asia, why not pick a country that’s known for its friendly people and near-perfect weather? Thailand is one such place, and its biggest city Chang Mai is probably the best location you could want. Chang Mai has so much to offer before and after you move there.

This article will be a good starting point for finding all the information you need. Chang Mai has a very comfortable climate, influenced by its location in northern Thailand. And the fact that it sits on a mountain means it’s warm during the day and surprisingly cool at night.

It also gets little rainfall throughout the year. In terms of living in Chang Mai, a few things might detract from the overall experience. First off, telecommunications can be a little unreliable and slow at times, especially while using smartphones.  It’s also difficult to get internet fast enough for video-based streaming platforms like YouTube or Netflix. This will come at a small price, however.

As an expat, it’s quite easy to get into the routine of things here. And that routine goes something like this: coffee in the morning, lunch, and more coffee at some point, maybe an afternoon nap after lunch, and I think you get the picture! Have you surfed the internet to get the right information about living in Chang Mai as an expat?

If that sounds like a yes, worry less as we’ve got you covered in this article. Today, we’re keen to walk you through the best areas to live in Chang Mai. Not only is that, but you’ll also know the pros and cons of living in this city. In addition, we still have many things to disclose. Read further if you’d love to know.

Interesting Things about Living in Chang Mai

There are plenty of things to love about living in Chang Mai as an expat. From the delicious food to the friendly locals, there’s always something new to experience in this vibrant city. In this section, we will walk you through the interesting facts. Without further ado, take a look at it below.

The Weather

It’s so easy to get used to the hot and humid climate. It does, however, take up to three months for some people before their body has acclimatized to it. This means that staying inside can be a better idea than going outdoors during the summer months between March and June.

The sunsets around 6 pm, and it doesn’t get truly dark until around 8.30 pm – making the heat slightly more bearable! The winter months are much milder, ranging between November and February, with December being the wettest month. During the winter months (November-February), there is often a thick fog throughout the day, making visibility poor.

The Food

One of the best things about living in Chang Mai is the food! There’s a great variety of restaurants, street food stalls, and markets to choose from, so you’re never short of options. The food is also very affordable, with most dishes costing between 30-50 baht (less than $1.50 USD). Meanwhile, Western food is also widely available and, again, affordable. But be warned – Chang Mai is a foodie’s paradise, and it’s easy to get carried away and end up with a big bill at the end of the night!

The Temples

As one of the most Buddhist cities in Thailand, Chang Mai Island is an incredibly friendly local. Chang Mai is known for its hospitable people, who will go out of their way to help a foreigner. One of the best ways to experience the culture and learn about Buddhism is by visiting one of the many temples located throughout the city.

Marketplaces

Markets are a big part of Thai culture, and there are plenty of them in Chang Mai. Not only do they offer great food options, but they’re also a great place to buy souvenirs or local handicrafts. The markets are open every day (although some may close on a Sunday), and they’re a great way to experience Thailand’s culture.

The Language

Thai is a difficult language to learn, but in the beginning, it’s not too bad if you take a leaf out of Thai school children’s books. While Thais can usually understand English well, they appreciate it when foreigners try speaking their language. It may take some time before you get used to saying “Sawasdee Kha” (“hello”) back to them, but the local people will appreciate you giving it a go.

The Culture

Chang Mai is also known as an artist’s hub, so if you’re into arts and crafts, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the culture. Look out for markets that have stalls selling paintings or handmade jewelry, and get chatting to the people who run them. It’s a great way to meet some locals and experience Thailand’s culture head-on!

The Nightlife

Chang Mai is also a bit of a party city, with lots of low-key bars around the Old Town area where you can relax with a drink. There are also a few nightclubs if you’re feeling more adventurous, and the music scene is growing rapidly. However, Chang Mai’s nightlife definitely isn’t as wild as Bangkok’s – so if you’re looking for a crazy party, this might not be the place for you.

The Prices

One of the best things about living in Chang Mai is the affordability. Apart from Western food, most things are cheap, making it easy to live on a budget. You can rent a room for about 1,000-2,000 baht a month (roughly £20-30) and live comfortably with that money. Meanwhile, eating out or going to the market is incredibly cheap – especially when compared to the UK!

The Transport

Another great thing about living in Chang Mai is its transport system. There are sky trains and buses that run throughout the city, making it easy to get around. The buses are especially great for visitors as they’re cheap (3 baht per journey); air-conditioned and English-speaking staff is available.

Taxis are also plentiful and relatively cheap, so if you don’t feel like walking or taking public transport, they’re a great option.

Variety

Finally, another great thing about living in Chang Mai is the variety of restaurants and go-to places. From full-on Western sit-down dinners to street food stalls, there’s a place for everyone. This also makes it easy to accommodate your friends and family if you’re hosting a dinner party – just be careful not to go too crazy on the bill.