Retired in Thailand & Living in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai gets less attention than Chiang Mai, but in many respects Chiang Rai makes a better retirement location.

If you don't require a regular indulgence in big city nightlife, check out Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai has a small international expat community ... which makes it more Thai than the sister city across the mountains.

Chiang Rai has better weather and cleaner air. It is very common to see westerners wearung ling sleeved shirts or light jackets in december and January.

It is also easer to get to the "countryside". The city of Chiang Rai is not remarkable ... yet it stands in an area that has a significant appeal.

The Mekong River flows out of China, down between Burma and Laos and touches Thai soil between Maesai and Chiang Saen. Then the Mekong flows along Chiang Rai province for several hundred kilometers.

Chiang Rai shares borders with both Burma and Laos. Maesai, the northern tip of Thailand is across the Sai River from Tachailek, Burma. Much of the ruby rough mined around Mong Hsu is brought into the Maesai gem market.

Northeast of Chiang Rai is Chiang Khong, which is an immigration point for entry to Huayxai, Laos. It is also a very nice little river town. Other easy side trips are lampang, Nan, Phrae and Phayao.

Northwest of Chiang Rai stands Doi Mae Salong, a Chinese community settled in the late 40's when the Kuomintang fled China during the purges. Doi Mae Salong makes a pleasant day trip, a shopping excursion or a place for linguists to study Mandarin.

A number of Hilltribes farm the mountains nearby Chiang Rai. There are also communities of Hmong in the province.

Chiang Rai is pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle friendly. Tuk-tuks and pedaled samlors are also available.

While Chiang Rai is built on the Kok River, it does not flow through the city as the Ping River flows through Chiang Mai.

Safety

Traffic incidents, or possibly tumbling into a canal rank as the prime safety hazards in Chiang Rai.

Health

Chiang Rai has two quality private hospitals.

Financial

• ATMs are common. The business district has several Currency exchanges as well.
• Interest earned on fixed deposit accounts is taxable at 15% and collected by the bank.

Chiang Rai has an international airport and is served several times daily from Bangkok.

Some Meeting Places - Getting acquainted in Chiang Rai is relatively straightforward. It is generally easy to get acquainted with Thai and expats alike since Chiang Rai has more of a small town atmosphere.

Because Chiang Rai's living cost is quite low, it attracts its shares of questionable westerners ... but has a substantial number of quality expats.

Dining Chiang Rai has quite a variety of westernized eateries. As well, Northern Cuisine is quite tasty. Aye's restaurant on Paholyothin is one standout with Thai and western food.

Getting Started

Rental housing in Chiang rai is very reasonable, probably 1/2 the cost of Chiang Rai. Cheap guest houses are a viable option while trying to locate a more permanent arrangement. Word of mouth is the best way to find out what is available.

Shopping - Chiang Rai has numerous markets. There is a Big C, a large westernized store.

Chiang Rai has two world class golf courses.

• Santi Buri - a Pete Dye design and home to one of the major Thai tournaments. The beautiful layout is about 8 km from Chiang Rai
• Waterford Valley - a fine championship quality course in the hills 40 km east of Chiang Rai is a well groomed and challenging course that is seldom crowded on weekdays. It is an extremely peaceful golfing experience.

This laid back and easy going province deserves a visit. You may not want to leave. Thailand is a land of transition. Restaurants come and go. We try to keep our information current, but cannot guarantee the accuracy.

Retirees - what do you need to know that you don't see here? Tell us.

Organizations - would retired expats find what you offer helpful? Tell us.