Everything you need to know about living in Chiang Mai, visa, property, costs, fun...

Living in Chiang Mai

Live among natural beauty in tropical Chiang Mai

There are more and more foreigners living here in Chiang Mai, and for good reasons. Chiang Mai has been rated among the top 10 most liveable cities in Asia. It has a laid back atmosphere, enjoys a mild climate most the year and, above all, is very affordable. The Thai are very agreeable people and don't mind sharing their wonderful city with you, particularly if it helps the local economy. Whether you already live here or are planning to, this site provides some useful and interesting insights into life in here.

Chiang Mai sits in a lush tropical valley, surrounded by mountains which historically have protected the city from any major outside influence. Although foreigners have been living here for more than 150 years, it is only during the last 10 years that their presence here has become significant. Some retire here, others come and go at their own leisure, while an increasing number enjoy making it their home for a few years

Living in Chiang Mai is helped by a well established network of services aimed specifically at foreigners, and the burgeoning ex-pat community here creates a comfortable 'safety cushion' to help newcomers to Asia adjust to life as an occidental in the Orient. Many choose Chiang Mai because it is far more liveable than Bangkok yet not inundated by tourists, like Samui for example.

As with all unfamiliar environments, there are many frustrating and incomprehensible challenges you may encounter when living in Chiang Mai and we've tried to make the task easier for you in this section by offering tips, contacts, resources and general information on "getting sorted". We've thoroughly researched important topics such as visas and property. There are 'how to' articles on correct Thai customs, meeting people, getting involved with social activities, and setting up your apartment. We've even published several anecdotal 'My Chiang Mai' articles from ex-pats, so you have an idea of what to expect. Don't miss our fabulous picture gallery either. In short, this site has been created as a one-stop resource with everything you need to know about living in Chiang Mai.

Visas

Securing the right to stay here is your first priority, and there are several options available, depending on your situation. Here's the lowdown on getting that all important stamp in your passport...more

Property

Buying or renting property in Chiang Mai is another important issue with foreigners. There are limitations to what you can buy, but you can own or rent a very nice apartment for a steal...more

Basic living costs

Chiang Mai is dirt cheap, perhaps one of the most affordable cities in Thailand, and your dollars, pounds and euros can go a long way. Here's a basic guideline...more

Teaching English

This is a popular pre-occupation for those who want to live here but need to work. There are several schools who regularly hire and we've rated them all. We've even taught English ourselves...more

How to: do a visa run, pass for a local, get around, bargain like a Thai, find a wife, wai beautifully, change money, get connected to the internet, dress properly and all the rest...more

Seymour Cumming: Chiang Mai's stereotypical whinging, lifestyling, womanising, expat with a wry sense of humour and savage pen takes a humourous look at life here...more

My Chiang Mai: a collection of anecdotal contributions from various expats, on their life and experiences in Chiang Mai, from dating locals, to finding professional services...more

Traveller tale: Owning a pub in Chiang Mai

Saying farewell to your family and best friends and trying to set up a business in a culturally different nation on the other side of the world is a huge and risky step that most people only talk about...more