 In a survey published by Asiaweek Magazine, Thailand’s capital of the north, Chiang Mai, was ranked as the 9th most liveable city in Asia east of Kabul. Poppycock! Say those arriving for the first time, who often wonder how such a concocted conclusion was drawn up in the first place!
It’s true that central CM has as much traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise nuisance, as any other large town or city in the kingdom. This often comes as somewhat of a surprise to those eco tourists arriving here searching for a little spiritual sanctuary with their nirvana noodles!
Also, getting around can be a bit of a sod too, especially late at night! Unless you have your own form or transport, be that a bicycle, motorbike, or car, your days will be spent haggling with one of Chiang Mai’s alternative cab drivers. Rides here will either be tuk-tuk (three wheeled taxi), or song thaw (modified pick-up trucks). Most of the popular routes operated by song thaws will be set fares, but be prepared to pay more if you look and act like a lost pedestrian! With the price or oil skyrocketing in recent months, many taxi drivers are using this (justifiably so) to their bargaining advantage.
More on Chiang Mai Transportation Network
Local bus services are almost non-existent, and meter taxis (yes they do have them!), are not allowed to tout for opportunist business around the town. All air conditioned cabs have to be pre-booked over the phone where a fixed price is agreed upon prior to dispatch. Kind of defeats having a meter really! As for motorcycle taxies, well, they do exist in a few out-of-the-way sub-sois, but it’s very rare to see them out and about on the city’s main roads.
Chiang Mai – Making the Move!
So if there’s more tarmac than temples, and more hassles than harmony when it comes to getting around, why then would anyone want to move to such a place? And mores to the point, why do any of Thailand’s expats who’ve made the move up here even bother to stay?
Well, many folks who come here have already read about CM and begin to see the ancient city in rose tinted glasses before they even arrive. Their expectations on arrival are often met with some degree of disappointment for reasons obvious. They get stuck in traffic, they’re hounded by tuk-tuk touts, and they begin gagging on pollution as they navigate their way along cracked pavements, latent potholes, and packs of passive (by day), yet aggressive (by night), street dogs. Did I mention that CM is far from a pedestrian friendly city!
However, once the new arrival settles themselves down and start to learn about this wonderful city from other long term residents and friendly locals, they soon adapt and begin to view living here in a whole new light. With its nooks and crannies, out of the way eateries, and laid back lifestyle, it doesn’t take too long to adjust once you’ve cut through the initial crap!
One of the best things about living in this place is the fact that you can go from cityscape to landscape in a matter of minutes. With jungles and mountainous terrain practically in everyone’s back garden, offering some of the most spectacular scenery in South East Asia, it’s little wonder why so many come to call the province of Chiang Mai their second home.
Places to Live – Chiang Mai Real Estate
Chiang Mai is a fast developing city, with construction going on just about everywhere you turn. Inevitably, there will come a time when city living becomes more expensive and more on a par with Bangkok, but for now, it really is a renters market. There are literally 1000’s of places to rent here catering for every taste and at all budget levels.
Cheap and cheerful no-thrills studios start from as little as 2,500 THB/Mo, with newer more modern studios boasting all the usual facilities (including pools & internet connections) starting at around 5,000 THB/Mo. There are so many hidden treasures in the quiet back streets you will literally be spoilt for choice and should find your dream dwelling pretty easily.
If a little more space and luxury is more up your alley, then It’s not too hard to find a 70+ Sqm 1 bed condo with mountain views starting from around 9-10,000 THB/Mo and up. There are of course brand new developments in luxury buildings going for a lot more. Renting town houses is also quite popular with many long term residents, and starting at around 5,000 THB/Mo for 2 and 3 bed joints, you can see why.
Private landlords and agencies have uploaded just a handful of the city’s homes on the site, but here are a few Chiang Mai Rentals to give you some idea of what’s available. (Just select Chiang Mai from the dropdown)
That’s about it for this piece. I hope you enjoyed this brief introduction to Thailand’s ‘Rose Of The North? Please leave any comments or questions you may have below.
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