First of all, thank you for loving Thailand. And I am a Thai person who loves this country very much. because we have Thai language have delicious food There is a good and beautiful culture. You have to come and experience it for yourself to know that Thailand is amazing.

Chiang Mai is so “doable.” Less culture shock in CM. Been “In-N-Out” of living in Chiang Mai nine times over the past ten years. Waiting for hurdles to ease.. it’s been twenty-five months. 🙏🏼

Great points...and definitely agree with a majority of them on the why and why nots. One of the best Chiang Mai descriptions I ever heard was, "Chiang Mai is a beach town without a beach."

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Hey, Brett! I agree 100 percent with your reasons for living in Chiang Mai. When I first started coming to Thailand, CM was the first place I visited and still to this day is my favorite place in Thailand. Sure, I love the beaches in the south, but the hiking there is amazing and it's so easy to get around in the city. I'm retiring in January (I'm still pretty young thankfully) and will be in Thailand for a while. CM will be my first stop. If you have a second, any thoughts regarding a convenient and reasonably priced accommodation for a week? I can always google map it. Thanks for the quality and interesting channel. Peace!

Just got back to uk today from chiang mai its got so many night markets temples on every corner well worth going to also check out lampang

How true about the mobility. a 2 hour trip in Bangkok can get you to a different section of the city, most of it standing in lines, underground or standing in the middle of a DRT train seeing nothing but the back of a person's head ... a 2 hour trip from Chiang Mai can get you a spectacular drive through beautiful mountain scenery on fun twisty roads passing through interesting little villages and very friendly people. During the Covid shutdown I lived in both Sankapaeng and Hong Dong (about 15 minutes outside of the old city) and while there were some places closed, for the most part the life went on a normal with a few restrictions (temperature scans, phone app to scan a QR code, social distancing, etc) Restaurants were open, local markets were opened ... I had to go back to Canada and due to flight cancellations had to stay there for 3 months (Oakville, just outside of Toronto) and I couldn't go anywhere except to the grocery store and stand in a line to get in) Since all my friends were in the age risk category we were unable to get together, and there were no bars open to gather at anyway. Chiang Mai was a much better place to wait out Covid.

Great vid Brett, balanced, informative and very unbiased delivery. You're a wise young man. Cheers.

I am moving abroad in 4 1/2 years, and I am debating between Thailand and the Philippines as a 1st run starting point for retirement. While I am sure my plans will remain fluid as I experience long-term life in the region. This video is exactly what I need for the kind of information I am looking for. Thank you!

Hi Brett ," one man's meat is another man's poison". I wouldn't trade Bangkok for any other part of Thailand and I wouldn't trade Huai Khwang for another part of Banhkok. Another great video by the way. Looking forward to having a pint with you when you get down here to Huai Khwang.

Great video Brett, glad to see Chiang Mai is still reliable, getting ready to return soon 🎉

I enjoy your presenting style. Great video. You're a Brit who speaks real English that is understandable. Subscribed. Thanks brother.

I love Chiang Mai for the people too. I totally get you. Thank you. Good job.

It's a great place,has everything for me. Can't wait to come back soon. Best wishes Brett.

Loved this, I'm considering moving to Chiang Mai. I've been on a holiday for a week but I think it's somewhere I could definitely live. Although I love the beach but really agree with you about taking it for granted. You might of made my mind up for me!

There is a good reason why Chiang Mai has been called "The Rose Of The North" for decades by both Thai people and Westerners. I noticed this when I started to watch more historical Thai drama series. Whenever Chiang Mai was mentioned, it was spoken about as a 'special place' where you might take your partner for a romantic weekend away.

You should really visit Hat Yai one day. It's a city of similar size to Chiang Mai, but culturally very different, with a large Chinese and Muslim influence on its culture, food etc. There are very few farangs and the beach is quite close to city, only a 45 minute motorbike drive at the most.

Thank you so much Brett. I am Thai I believe all Thai people love you. I still love and be proud of you . thank you very much

Great insight as into why you live in Chiang Mai Brett, cheers for the video. I'm going to Chiang Mai in May so I might see you around. I cant believe you have never been to Phuket but i can understand why, its not the quietest place. Stay safe mate

Hey Brett. You’re absolutely right. I’ve been to Thailand couple times and I love Chiang Mai. I like to stay on the beaches when on holidays but if I had to pick a place to live it would be the northern part.

Thanks for the information. I never gave serious thought to Chiang Mai as a place to live, but you have changed my mind. Look forward to visiting.

I was first in Thailand (Bangkok and Chaing Mai) at the end of 2007. I flew in with no pants or long-sleeved shirts packed. When I got to Chiang Mai, it was great in the day, but I FROZE at night. Yeah, I had to break down and buy some pants and a jacket. It's a great city. Motorbikes are a bit intimidating for me, but perhaps I can learn.

You are right about that beach thing. I lived 7 minutes walk away from one and now when I have over 30miles to drive I am there more often

Practicalities go out the window for me when choosing somewhere to live. It's all about how I feel about a place and how that place makes me feel. That being said, Chiang Mai is special because it is one of the few places I know that has it all.

I love it here also. Loved hearing your perspective of Chiang Mai

Thank You, I have been to chaing Mia 4 times .. This helps me decide where to retire in Thailand.

I was there about 9 years ago and shared your same feelings. A Very chill vibe and friendly people. I was there about a week ago and it felt like 50/50 foreigners and Thai people. It just Didn’t really feel like Thailand to me.

Nice one, Brett. Enjoyed listening to you while tidying the house here :p Looking forward to coming back to CM later this year !

เชียงใหม่เมืองแห่งคนใจดีมีน้ำใจ😊

I totally agree w the way you think. It’s nice to be around nature and no beach but when your ready to go to the beach you look forward to it. You can only spend so Much time at the beach before it gets old. Love hearing the birds in the background in your video. It’s very soothing!! I also like when u said it has nightlife BUT another over abundance where it’s crazy!! I Like moderation and not overcrowded

Very well put. I have been in Chiang Mai since April 2021 and am currently down in Koh Phangan which was to escape burning season but heading back to Chiang Mai despite the burning season in a couple of days time. Miss it too much. I think Thailand is a bit like the UK in some ways, the further North you go, the friendlier it gets.

Another great vid Brett. To those who say it doesn't have a beach, it's surrounded by has several mountains. It's wonderful to get out into nature with the mountains.

Interesting commentary - thanks Brett. I've been in Chiang Mai for the past 5 weeks and was in Phuket for 10 weeks before that. Looking ahead to potential retirement location I'm torn between the two but also plan to look at Hua Hin - my next stop. Chiang Mai (I'm in NE old city - Moonmuang Rd Soi 6) has a warm, friendly feeling and great sense of community and good karma with healthy food/activity options. It also has all the outdoor options you mention - great hiking/cycling opportunities. I do think about the beach and that is the one thing missing but then I'd do most of my swimming in pools anyway so ... Phuket gets a bad rap and you should visit. Yes it's definitely more expensive but offers everything anyone can want - best beaches (Bangtao is my favorite long beach and Freedom for more intimate feeling), restaurants/bars (rowdy Bangla Rd or quieter family-friendly in say, Choeng Thale), cycling/sports opportunities, malls, Phuket town, expat/local scenes etc. Hua Hin - hope to take second look in next days but I see it as a mix of CM, Phuket and Bangkok - covering all bases (and close to Bangkok) but not excelling in any. I'd love to have caught up for a coffee (yes, so many great coffee shops here) during my stay and now I'm about to book my departure (overnight train or fly) .. next time if you are ever available (I know you probably have lots going on). Additional complication: I'm also looking at Philippines - plan to make first visit there in late March.

You're right, Chiang Mai is just more relaxed. It's why I stay here. Side note, your videos are part of what drew me here 3 years ago.

Very nice video, thank you! I am surprised though that you did not mention the "burning season" as one of the main disadvantages of living in Chiang Mai!

I just got back from an amazing trip to Thailand for 16 days. Went to Ko Samui, Bangkok and Chiang Mai. I fell in love with Chiang Mai. I stayed in the Nimman area, which I really like. Did not spend much time in the old city. I’m a modern kind of guy come and I like modern amenities. Loved all the coffee shops and cafés. Beast burger was a favorite of mine.

A Video about the Area's that Expats should rent and what are the plus and minus would be great.

I lived in Bangkok 4-years. My second choice would have been Chiang Mai. I've seen the beaches and the hustle and bustle of the city. I do agree on what you said on the video. Plus, Chiang Mai has the best mountains and roads for motorcyckling.

Chiang Mai is THE BEST OF BOTH WORLD. The rich heritage culture together with modernization! Great wi-fi everywhere. And just a few blocks away from modern malls are the beautiful scenery of breathtaking mountains. Cost of living is do inexpensive. But…I choose Pattaya over Chiang Mai anytime. The seaside beach with all the fun living.

Great info Brett, been once, now looking at a move there. This will hopefully help me convince the better half 🤣

Great video Brett, always interesting..

I’ve lived near the beach in Los Angeles for 28 years and I rarely go to the beach🤷🏻‍♂️…thus your point about not having a beach in Chiang Mai !!

10:51 I’ve only spoken with one Taxi driver so it’s not necessarily a good idea to use one reference but he told me 70% of Chiang Mai’s economy is based on a tourism. I was also surprised to know the vast majority of his customers are in fact foreigners and not locals. I’ve just come back from Chiang Mai and compared to 2012 I would say the younger generation are no more friendlier in Chiang Mai than Bangkok. Maybe the older generation in there 40’s up were friendlier in the past, but definitely not the younger generation who are so glued to there phones they don’t interact as much. I miss the old Thailand but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great place to live or visit.

Hi Brett just watched your video on CHIANG MIA I travelled there about 10 years ago and fell in love with it And have been coming back ever since Have now been seeing a thai lady that works in a hotel And I plan to sell my house in Gt Yarmouth Norfolk (if you know it) And retire to CHIANG Mia and live with her and her two boys So just wanted to thank you for all your advice Charles Stride

Great video. Thanks for sharing your veteran experience.

So right about the beach. I live by the beach here in ca and hardly go. 😂

Thank you so much for this video Brett, it was so informative and heart felt. I've started my Affiliated Marketing business and hope to get it up to speed before visiting later this year.

Brett your videos inspired us to actually get out here! We just moved into our Nimman Apartment and are so stoked to have finally made it!

Should've shown visuals of Chiang Mai during this insightful talk of yours, Brett.

Coffee? I grew up in Lares, Puerto Rico; a still running coffee plantation!?! What a tidbit! Merci!

Excellent talk.

Spot on I noticed the friendliness in Chiang Mai was on another level. Do you recommend the old city for monthly rentals?

This was a really great overview. Now I know why I’m so interested in going to Chaig Mai over other areas.

I've been here in Chiang Mai for 4 days now, got another 2 days left. I'm watching this at my hotel room in Roseate, in Chiang Mai! As much as I love it here, can't see myself living here though, I'm from London, need to be in the big city.

I can’t wait to go back !!! Hopefully the vibe there is still good and all the martial arts places and yoga and fitness places are open . Favourite place in the world.

This vid makes me want to book a flight now to Chang Mai. Sounds like its everything I been looking for! in a Thai city :)

Thanks for this video, Brett. I kinda liked that you "rambled on"! I spent only a couple of months in Chiang Mai and it is the place I will return to for as long a stay as I can manage once I'm able to get back to Thailand. It's a lovely area.

thanks, u educate me about the history of Chiang mai,I always visit there.I hate beaches,the rest of i am agree 99.9% with u.,I fly from Seattle to Taipei and then Chiang mai,avoid Bangkok ugly heat.

First went to Chiang Mai in 2009 went back every year until covid hit. Can’t wait to get back to get ‘up the doi’ on the daily

Great advice Brett! Thanks for sharing your experiences. I haven't heard many people talk about traveling near Nong Khai or Udon Thani (near Vientiane). Is there a reason why? Or do you know any areas within Thailand that's recommended to avoid?

Hi Brett..been living in jomtien for 4 months but not going to settle here...chang mai really appeals to me...big concern is the burning season...how bad is it really and how long does it last...really good vlog btw...be lucky

Coming to chiang mai soon, i saw that the hard rock café is permanently closed ? I'm not much into jazz and stuff, Is there anything you can name that plays equally rock music 🎶?

Great video Brett!

Hi Brett from Queensland. Thanks for your vlog. Interesting to learn why it is different from the rat race of the main touristy places. Didn't know it was different ethnically. I will be following you from now on. Cheers.

Great topic and video. Thank you.

I lived in both Chiangmai and Bangkok and I agree with you 100%. Chiangmai is my #1 choice.

When I lived in Chiang Mai and then spent 10 days in Krabi/Railay Beach, I honestly couldn't wait to get back to Chiang Mai. Poor water supply, too many hippies doing Yoga and smoking weed, full of westerners doing selfies and dirty water from all the boats polluting the shore..... naa, it wasn't what it was made out to be. Chiang Mai has so much variety, great coffee etc etc, its just a dream.

I visited Chiang Mai as part of a volunteer trip and we stayed for a week... 3 nights were in an Elephant Sanctuary, one day I had a guide take me into the mountains to get a sak yant tattoo from a Buddhist Monk and the other days in the city. I enjoyed it and it really felt magical. I"m 54 and see myself retiring there as living in the States is unaffordable. How's the retired expat demographic? Singles for us older peeps? :-)

Nice one! Thanks for sharing your insight! 👍

Hi Brett, thanks for your videos, they are insightful, especially interested in Chiang Mai!

Couldn't agree with you more Bret, I live in issan, Rio et province and its very similar to your situation. Very little foreigners around but enough to have weekly get togethers and discussion. Only downside is the heat. Well said mate.

Chiang mai is lovely place, i want to stay in chiang mai as well.

Loved Chiang Mai, did a year there in 2013. Sometimes I think about going back, but I'm enjoying being in USA/Mexico. Just easy place to live.

Pak Chang is sort of interesting. About 100 mi NE of Bangkok. Historically it has had many German expats. Now the local resorts and restaurants are trending to Italian styles. One thing for sure is that there is a resort boom going on there with real estate developments everywhere. Other than that I don't see the big appeal. Maybe fresh air. Lots of jungle covered dormant volcanoes. There is a lot of dust around though you don't notice it that much since the dust levels in most places is high and Pak Chang is just a little more so.

Smokey season a dealbreaker for me.

Chiang mai is a great jumping off point for great motorcycle trips. Mae Hon Son, Golden Triangle to Chiang Rai and Fang and one I recently discovered, Routes 1148 and 1081 near Nan. As for another city check out Nan. I could live there Unfortunately had to get out because of pollution. Am in Phuket. Yeah beaches are nice but the rest is awful..

Thailand is the paradise and the second home for all visitor !!!

Thanks for sharing buddy !

Hi Brett thinking of visiting Thailand, my first time to hopefully move over there eventually. Would Chiang Mai be the best place ? I have diabetes type 2 and use insulin. Plus do you require Thai driving license.

So true Brett I agree with you 100 💯 percent but because I live in london I am so use to the tube and love the BTS and if your in chaing Mia you can always visit Bangkok for the weekend or visit the beach your right. You end up looking forward to it more

What, no mention of rubbish burning season, when nearby farmers burn a lot of plant discards in advance of the new growing season and the smoke can be a problem? I know some years are worse than others. Udon Thani is the most farang-friendly place in Isaan...my only problem there is the summers can be hot & humid. Cool in winters, though.

TBH I think the burning season would absolutely slay me as I'm asthmatic, I'd need to disappear down south for a couple of months ( not Phuket though, really don't like the place}. Are there any live music venues/rock bars in Chiang Mai?

Great video, Brett--I absolutely LOVED hearing about your love for my Second Home! One alternative to Chiang Mai MIGHT be Mae Hong Son--that's my Second Favorite City in the kingdom and it's also NOT Khao San Rd Hell like Pai! Thanks for another outstanding video; it DOES help with my homesickness for CM! :-)

To me the walled city of Chiang Mai feels more like a big town than a city. It's pretty easy to walk everywhere in that district (although in some places the sidewalks are inconsistent). Good food everywhere. Supposedly 100 temples in the city...not sure about that but definitely a large number and quite interesting to visit whether you are Buddhist or not, just be respectful of their beliefs and customs. BTW, from US can get flights direct to Chiang Mai without stopping in BKK.

I first visited Chiangmai in September 2002. I remember feeling right at home. It is as you describe, the people are calm and relaxed. Stayed there for months. Bangkok makes me crazy and frustraded.

Have you lived anywhere but Chang Mai? I hear it is boring after a while. Good food scene but smoggy and hot. So many nice places like Bansean, Satahip, Rayong...that run south of Pattaya. We get very little rain here and can't beat the ocean and it's cheaper to live in more Thai towns than where the expats and tourist are!

Awesome video. Thank you.

Like Chiang Mai and have been there a two or three times, but never stay too long. Be interesting to spend more than a few days there, maybe a week, month or more. As a cycle tourist I'm always on the move and have seen some nice places in Thailand. Wouldn't mind going back to the town of Mae Hong Son, didn't spend much time there because I mistakenly thought Pai was the place to be. From Bangkok I cycled to the Death Railway in the Kanchanaburi province, could certainly live in the town of Kanchanaburi. As a new subscriber, you've got great vids.

super helpful info bro...thank you

Wow, what an awesome compare and contrast to different areas, and really making CM look like the winner! I haven't been yet, but def know what its like to live by the beach and after awhile you take it for granted and don't even go much, or does the rest of the town either. Sounds like a good laid back vibe in CM. Are there English teaching jobs, or any ways to make any sort of income?

use to be nice and quiet and beautiful. Now I run away to a jungle lol 😂, nice and quiet . I went there in May and stayed at Sri Racha ( summerset habor sriracha) Chonburi and at Sunset Villa Resort in Bang Saray Chonburi , Thailand . It may not be Andaman Sea but it is closer to Bangkok if you have a short vacation . It was nice and peaceful.

Great points, can't wait to visit CM next winter

Awesome Vid Brett

I've never ventured north to Chiang Mai. I love Thai beaches too much. One day!

Hi Brett, I've been subscribed and watched your videos for a couple of years now, and I love the relaxed-looking environment, being a sort of chilled guy myself. A few years ago, I rode a bicycle solo between Cheshire and Ao Nang, with a 4000 loop in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Thailand was by far the wealthiest looking in the region, and I met a lot of would-be digital nomads trying their best to eke out a living there. I went through the Isaan region, which was incredible, but I never got around to visiting Chiang Mai in the northwest, but I did meet some guys working there but renewing their visas in Vientiane. They loved Chiang Mia and dreading the day they would have to return to the UK. I'm an author and love to write adventure books, and this year I set up my youtube channel to get others into writing books and not just creating lined journals and simple print-on-demand books. I believe that travelling and going on adventures, then writing about them, is a great way to earn a living for digital nomads. I could live in Chiang Mai quite comfortably on my "passive" income plus my work that needs a little maintenance from time to time. I have even created a video on the digital nomad subject. As I say, I could become a digital nomad quite quickly on the income I have made, but it won't be for a little while, as I have a new grandson and need to be around right now. If I end up passing through your part, I'll give you a bell. It's my feeling that if a person can hope to learn to earn money while in Chiang Mai, they may as well start while in their home country with no pressure to pay the bills, then move out to become a digital nomad once they are earning enough to rent a cheap pad and feed themselves, at least. Great channel. Steve

I have lived in Chiang Mai for 44 years, for a tourist there isn't much to do. it was originally strawberries grown as a substitute for opium by the King

Good video Brett, very descriptive indeed. My friend Danny lives there and told me a lot of the same points you’ve mentioned. Keep up the good content buddy 👌 Carcollectioncoventry

Great video!

Hi Brett going for my retirement visa on Tuesday was wondering where to live i have toured all over South Thailand but my concern is what you said it is way too hot down here in Bangkok Going to Korat tomorrow i will head to chiang Mai soon GREAT VIDEO VERY TRUE

Most originally chiangmai people now move out of city. lot of bkk people move to here build business . Totally respect that what you reports about this