What Are The 5 Best Areas To Live In Chang Mai? part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.
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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.
