Living in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai has a significant expat community. Some figures put the number of "farangs", or westerners at 5,000.

Chiang Mai is much of what Bangkok is not. Instead of the flatness of the Maenam Valley one is treated to ranges of forested mountains that sweep northward to Burma.

Hilltribes in colorful costumes are common sights hawking their handicrafts around the night market. And as Bangkok has no definite city center, Chiang Mai's is clearly defined by a moat.

But similarities between Bangkok and Chiang Mai can be drawn. While Chiang Mai does not have the mind numbing traffic of Bangkok, it does have heavy traffic during the rush periods.

And while Chiang Mai's air quality is not as bad as Bangkok's, it is unpleasant at times. Chiang Mai stands in a basin and is surrounded by mountains. As a result, the smog, partly from diesel exhausts, cannot be easily swept away.

But Chiang Mai is certainly easier to negotiate than Bangkok. Walking, bicycling and motorcycling are realistic alternatives to driving. Or if you prefer, tuk-tuks are prolific.

A relatively well organized system of songtaews, pickup trucks with benches and canopies, run a sort of shared service around greater Chiang Mai. Some can be hired much as a taxi service. You negotiating skills will need to be honed.

Chiang Mai stands on the banks of the Maenam Ping (river) and quite a number of good restaurants are perched along the banks

Safety in Chiang Mai

Traffic incidents, or possibly tumbling into the moat rank as the prime safety hazards in Chiang Mai. Although crime does exist, you are more likely to be set upon by a drunken tourist than a Thai.

Chiang Mai & Health

Chiang Mai has several quality hospitals.

• Chiang Mai Ram
• Chiang Mai University
• McCormack Hospital

Consulates In Chiang Mai

• Japan
• United States
• United Kingdom

Chiang Mai Financial

• ATMs are everywhere. Currency exchanges are common
• Interest earned on fixed deposit accounts is taxable at 15% and collected by the bank.

Chiang Mai Meeting Places

Getting acquainted in Chiang Mai is relatively straightforward. Cliques do form just as anywhere else, and expats seem to be more individualized.

There also seems to be a tendency that ... the more remote a location ... the lower the living costs, the quality of the westerner diminishes. Chiang Mai has its share of con men and schemers as well as its "characters". Organizations

• Gymkhana Club - social, golf, tennis
• Rowing Club - sculling the Ping River
• AUA Language School
• Hash House Harriers
• Chiang Mai Flying Club

Bars and Restaurants

• River Deli - restaurant, certain afternoons
• The Escape - restaurant, most evenings
• Fillmore East - restaurant, mixed opportunities
• Mango Tree
• The Pub
• Prince Hotel (bar and swimming pool)

Dining in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has hundreds of eateries, from noodle stands to Kantoke dinners and all in between. Western food venues are improving. Fillmore East has excellent steaks. The Escape has one of the best breakfasts in town. El Toro has acceptable TexMex. Mango Tree has excellent Brit fare. The Pub is another expat favorite.

For a different ambiance, a handful of restaurants along the river have excellent food and popular music. Though they tend to be touristy they are attractive dining spots.

Getting Started in Chiang Mai

Hotels can be an expensive option while you are scouting for a house, condo or apartment. It takes time to decide where you want to live, and then to find a spot. Monthly rentals can be a better option. Many are furnished serviced apartments. Some Chiang Mai accommodation reviews.

• Rimping Condo - along the river, great view, 2 br units, a bit pricey (starting around Bt 20,000) and may require a longer lease
• Royal Lanna - near the night bazaar, rooms and 1 br units, a good quality building. last check was Bt 10,000 for a 1 br.
• Lanna 3 - Huay Kaew Road past Klong Cholprathan (University area), rooms and 1 br
• Hillside Condotel - Huay Kaew Road, single rooms and 2 br. Overpriced, in our opinion
• Chomdoi Condotel - Klong Cholprathan Road, a 12 year old condo, more Thais than farangs, quality varies with individual owner. Single room and 1 br, Bt 5,000 to Bt 7,000

Real estate agents can be helpful, but caution should be exercised. Ask around.

Shopping Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has numerous local and wet markets. The city also has several large westernized stores.

Lotus, Big C, Carrefour and Macro.

Kasem Store may easily become your favorite place. Never before has such a diversity of foodstuffs been offered in so confined a space. It's near Taepae Road and worth finding ... despite the miserable parking situation.