I lived in Bangkok for 30 years before I moved to Chiang Rai 15 years ago. Don't over think it and just go with how you are feeling at the time. Take advantage of the fact you are not tied down and have the freedom to do different things in new places. Do what feels right now, because you will change over time and want something different later. Don't be afraid of change.

Hey Forest, i have a feeling you are tired of being alone, living day by day, not knowing what is next. you are not going to be happy anywhere my friend for now. in life, you need a purpose to live in any age, look forward to a day, look forward to a month or for an event ..so on... i am an IT guy, tai chi master, charity organizer etc... my recommendation is to get into to an activity, if you do not like, switch to something else, i am sure, you will find something you like... the place is livable if you have something there you love.. . life is up and down...remember you job is to make it as steady as you can... cheers my friend..

It's exactly how I feel after living in Bangkok for a while! It's so true that this city wears you down easily.

Nature mate, that's why I'm living in Phuket. We've got all of this here. Mountains background, jungle, ocean and beautiful surroundings areas. Bangkok definitely not for me... Piece of mind is the most important thing in life...Namaste

Enjoy your honesty. Bangkok eventually wears everyone out, welcome to the club. Love Chiang Mai and how easy it is to get out for day trips in beautiful environments. The big issue in CM though is the seasonal burning causing really horrendous pollution. You’d have to plan to leave when that occurs, otherwise CM is great.

Two words for you, Forrest. Hua Hin. We'd love to have you. Gorgeous beaches, bohemian lifestyle, great coffee shops and restaurants, less traffic and pollution, more affordable, lots of pretty single girls, and you're two and a half hours from bkk if you want to blow it out for a weeend. Can't go wrong. As a former bay area guy myself, get on down here.

Really good perspectives, thanks for walking us through it.

Inside tip: Changing location does not last or fix.

I left Bangkok after living there for 4 years and moved to Chiang Mai for 2 yrs. Maybe I'm just a city boy, because even though I loved Chiang Mai, I found myself moving back to Bkk, because I missed the energy there. Now I live in Bkk, but every few months travel to Phuket or Chiang Mai for my nature fix...so you can do it either way.

From what I have seen in your videos, you really seem to enjoy other areas. I thought that was especially true when you were in Chiang Mai. I was just discussing some National Park areas near Chiang Mai with a friend in Bangkok and they really reinforced my desire to visit that area. Do it! Happier Forrest means better content! Maybe even a longer, healthier life.

On my first trip to Thailand around 2005 I came to the conclusion that Chiang Mai would be my go to place in Thailand as opposed to Bangkok. Fell in love with those narrow old city sois and laid back pace of life. The lower cost of living was the icing on the cake. Just hope mass tourism doesn't resume there with muliple tour buses parked outside of every Wat. I liked the way it was when I first visited there.

I did ASQ in Thonglor 2020. Worth every day of it. Stayed thru part of 2021. Back in US to settle an estate, but getting restless. I feel lost in US, but at home in Thailand. Your commentary on western women is well articulated. Something your average Farang couldn’t get away with. Much appreciated. Thanks for the legwork.

Glad for you Forrest for this vlog, You finally understand what you like. Bangkok is not for everyone or even big cities. Get some rest and recover bro.

Excellent vlog Lee 👍

Great points Forrest! I’ve been here a week and although been coming back and forth for a decade I feel what your saying. So kind of makes me question if I should stay longer here or pick an alternative.

The city of Hat Yai in the south is very good as well, like Chiang Mai in the North. Mixed cultures, mountains and close to the sea. Delicious food and a relaxed vibe.

Hey man, love the video ( love all your videos) I have been to Bangkok and I am shocked you would live there so long. Like you said if you aren't in night life then I don't see the reason. Its so hot and humid there I can't stand it. Busy as hell... its just doesn't appeal to me. I do love the roof top pools, gyms, and small apartments but there need to me more to life of course. Just keep on posting and let us know how you are feeling/ what you may do. For sure you got talent with these videos :)

Been living in Bangkok for the past 4 years and I get overwhelmed at times living in Bangkok. Being from California, I'm used to big cities but once in awhile I love getting out into nature!

Isaan is where you need to settle Forrest.. My Thai Canadian friend is flying to Isaan with her youngest son 8 where she grew up to see her family and have her son meet them all after 20 years. The area is really the heart of Thailand undoubtable for that title. The real Thailand and culture is that place. Enjoy your move to sanity eh cheers from CEh Neh Deh

Thanks for sharing, what kind of camera do you use for your videos?

Exactly why I live in Hua Hin as my base, close enough to Bangkok if I want to shop or a 5* star restaurant. But far enough away and Prachuab Khirikhan province is incredibly beautiful, mountains and beaches.

Go forward and go for it Forrest! I can’t wait to watch your adventure unfold moving to Chang Mai. Who knows what will happen and who You will meet. There’s probably a lot of energy around the university great food New companion possibilities. The heart wants what the heart wants. PS; that was a really nice wallet you bought recently in a different vlog. How’s it holding up. Is it as good as you thought it would be?Chiang Mai will be amazing 🤩.Do it!

I think it's a great idea to move to Chiang Mai from BKK, so I say go for it, Forrest! And if for whatever reason, it doesn't work out for you, you can always move back or try another place-best of luck. By the way, thank you very much for the excellent content you've shared on this platform already! 👍🏻

I had the opposite experience though it was pre-covid so things might’ve changed. I lived in Phuket but after awhile I got bored and depressed and had to get out. I moved to BKK for a couple of years and it was like a new lease on life. Wasn’t into the party scene (left that behind many years ago) but there’s just so much more vibrancy and things to do in a metropolis like BKK compared to rural areas. You need to find a good woman my friend and travel regionally whenever things get stagnant. There’s no place on Earth that doesn’t get stale after awhile, you’ve gotta mix things up and keep engaged with living.

I had watched thouasands of videos on Thailand and actually this for me is a much more realistic video on bangkok and thailand .Thanx for keeping things real , it gives a true reflection of how expats feel and experience the land of smiles.

My favorite series of vlogs from you were when you were locked up in 14 day quarantine which inspired me to come to Thailand in June/July 2021 and suffer through the same 14 day quarantine and all the hoops that I had to jump threw to get there...

Just came back to Bangkok from Chiang Mai and I really love it up there. The city isn’t as big or busy as Bangkok but it has it’s morning/evening commute issues. The people seem to be more relaxed as well. I can live there for sure.

What visa are you using to stay so long? Thanks

Love your video and get to know you. You don’t have to tie yourself down in one city. Spend a year in each city and see what clicks!

That's how I feel about the US, lol 😆. I'm so tired of working 2 jobs just to lose my life savings in the stock market... I just turned 32, have my VA disability and thinking about moving to Thailand when I save at least 100k+ in 2 1/2 years or so.

Hey Forrest would love to see kind of like a Pros and Cons list video of Bangkok, Chang Mai, and Pattaya. Just to get your take on what kind of people should live where

I like to be nomadic, never staying too long in one place. Im returning to my 2 month BKK, 2 month Australia lifestyle later this month. It's a nice change for me. Try not to over think it too much though. Try somewhere different

I’m here in Bangkok too and I know how you feel. I’ll be going to Chiang Mai next week! I love this city and will always come back to stay here but it really needs some city planning that introduces a massive amount of trees like in Mexico City or some cities in Europe.

Allo from Singapore. Great content btw. You don’t need a therapist. You just given yourself good advice. Do what makes you happy!! And yeah Chiang Mai is pretty good for the soul.

Being born in London , and then making the move to Thailand 4 years ago .. I spent my time in bkk and With some investments in bkk and pattaya .. I then had a reason to visit chaing mai , then made the move permanently . That was 3 years ago and trust me Forrest if you make the move to CM you won’t regret it .. good lifestyle , cost of living , all the things you mentioned are spot on .. can help you connect or share any advice or even grab a beer . Hope you make it here .. you won’t regret it

I love watching you Thailand videos. They are very informative. I am seriously thinking to get Thailand long term visa and living back and forth with Chaing Mai and my country. It would be great if you could make a video about Chaing Mai luxury condo, living costs, lifestyle, etc.

Would you consider KL ? Looks good , never been but looking to visit this winter .

I used to live there in Park 24 condo, sukhumvit soi 24..Thanks for vlogging in the rain..

I think you just counseled yourself and it helps to go on walks and just get your head straight. Your not alone, burn out sucks, I wish you well on your new adventure

like your honest personal opinion & the point you out to leaving city life like BKK

Would love to see an in depth on Chang Mai. Can understand where you are coming from. I spend 6 months(the summer) a year in Alaska. A quiet small town, but has all the amenities and dining options I need. Looking at Thailand for later next year.

Thanks Forrest

Do 2-3 months at different places. Keeps life exciting. Also you can plan depending on season which makes a huge difference I think.

I just came back from Thailand and Chiangmai is my favorite city between Bangkok/Pattaya/Chiangmai! I just came back for less than a week and I already miss it!

I just visited Hua Hin last month and loved it.

Come on down to the beach! More relaxed, better air quality and a huge Veteran population. I'm a US Vet but hang out with a bunch of Brit Vets and have a blast. If you need a place to crash for the weekend, I've got a big house in Jomtien.

How is the wifi in the upper north thailand, i like beaches but i love the jungle

Completely agree. I'm on my way out after 3 years. Something just feels like it really changed during COVID, and it doesn't seem like it's returning back to normal any time soon. It might be time for a different country. Chiang Mai has always been my first love here, but even there, a lot of businesses have shut down and turned into cafes/restaurants. That's awesome, but it also lost a bit of its charm from before. Definitely worth checking out, though.

Yeah bro, always put your health first. I keep hearing mixed things about Pattaya; interested to hear your take on it. Nobody ever really talks about internet reliability either. Digital nomad here myself, and thats def something I'm trying to find out more about.

Good idea. Changing is good and nurturing

Loveeeeee ChAng mai. I’ll be moving to Bangkok in a few and def don’t want to stay long for the same reasons.

right on Forrest..go enjoy that more relaxed life. I grew up in a big city in Texas but Bangkok reminds me of New York City...sooo many people and tall buildings. I'm getting ready to come back to Thailand in a couple months and will spend a week or two in BKK but the remainder i'll spend in the other cities you've mentioned. I like the more relaxed and laid back lifestyle but like you need the good food and coffee lol

I feel you man. That’s why we moved to NaN....no traffic except for tourist season/after work hours.

Would it be too slow in Chang Mai?

I think ,its all about how you feel your lifestyle at the time can give you the most in a place that will give you what your looking for , we all grow and some of us just evolve from how we use to live .... so its not the place , its where your head is at and how do you feel where is the best place to make the most of it .

The eastern part of Thailand is also interesting. Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, you can try it out. I think you'll like. Chiang Mai. When it's burning season, there's a lot of pollution.

Great topic Forrest, agree with you 100%. Used to love Bangkok, but after living in Rawai for over a year my interest in Bangkok has faded. I think the change has something to do with the pandemic changing the electric energy of Bangkok. And TOO much noise and traffic in that city!

2 weeks of staying in Thailand, I only stayed in Bangkok for 3 days and the rest in Chiang Mai. I don't regret it. I miss Chiang Mai more than any other cities in Thailand.

Don’t be desperate Forest! you’ll recover, just continue DCA

I understand exactly what you mean, that's why I live in Munich, but will very soon enjoy life in Hua Hin. wish you all the best in Chiang Mai

I have been watching your videos and now in Bangkok for vacation. I enjoy it every much but what bother me the most in the traffic noise. Tokyo might be equally busy but the noise is on a diff level in Bangkok.

Super cool! I’m retired moving to Philippines!!! BGC to start, but I really like Chiang Mai. Don’t stop moving forward or you might stop forever.

I don't drink or go out at night and I never got tired of Bangkok. Walker's paradise. Infinite number of restaurants. Lots of events, though I bet the last 2 years were crap. You have to have some personal connection, family or friend, or you will get tired of anywhere.

I'm not an expat but man, I take this personally, although I know I shouldn't. But, how can't I take this personally, tho? I was born and raise here in BKK; my extended family is here and have been here for ages. And "here" means at the heart of BKK, Sathon-Silom district. My family is in the middle of this concrete jungle. Hearing you say being in BKK is unnatural kinda rub me off the wrong way man. I agree with some of the comments here that what you need is not the scenery, nature, food or drink, or anything, rather you need a community. Human nature is not even in the nature or the wild, it is in a community, a family, a tribe. Human are social animals. It is true that being alone in the big cityt like BKK will make you more isolated and depressed, but thats true for everywhere. At the end of the day, "the grass is always greener on the other side"; cityfolks want to get out, the countryfolk want to move in, younger people tend to love the city, olders tend to love the countryside. But still those who have or found their family, their tribe can be anywhere. I think this is not even about BKK, its a symptom of modern life, late-capitalism and individualistic lifestyle. My suggestion, like some of the comments also, is that you find some activities to do; open your worldview and immerse in the culture. There are more in BKK than just malls, markets, restuarants, bars and clubs. How about go visit temples, learn the language, learn about the local people and community, etc. I hope you found your tribe or your group, and crawl out of this individualistic mental-hellhole.

Chiang Mai is always welcoming you brother! Cost of living is a huge factor!

Chiang Mai is great. Only concern is burning season. Gosh Chang. Elephant Island. Praying. Hua hin maybe ..cleaner air? Idk small town near mountains sounds good. Chiang Rai maybe..

Definitely moved to Chiang Mai. We are coming to BKK next week then off to Chiang Mai for 2 weeks. Will check it out for you! #teamblaine

What's the best website for finding apartments in Thailand?

In Pattaya the Pratumnak hill area and Jomtien beach have a totally different vibe for those wanting to avoid the intense party scene in central Pattaya.

Do it. I’ve just moved to CM for a while. Happy as Larry

Gone through a similar experience but go to Chang Mai for a break somewhere tranquil just flip the script go and live for a few months and you feel to go to Bkk for a holiday..

Have you been to Udon Thani?

This is a tough call...Chiang Mai is a big city too...plus, you've got the burning season from January to March there...Nong Khai might work, as it's a smaller city way up North, accessible to Vientiane, Laos...Korat or Udon Thani might work too...a three to six month try-out is probably the best bet to see what you like and what works on a practical basis.

For me personally, I like living in Bangkok and having the ability to travel to the islands and different parts of Thailand every few weeks for 7 -10 days. At this point I'm happy with this lifestyle and I did a 1 year lease condo here cause I might feel the same and want to change and change is good brother. Do what you feel and will make you happier !!

I watch a few vloggers from Chiang Mai and that's probably where I'll move when I move to Thailand.

Grung Taype will wear you out especially if you don't need to be there to make Baht. Chiang Mai will get old too, but at least it's less stressful and quieter. The people also have a less thirsty disposition.

Hi Forest i think what would be best is to move along any of thailands seaboards hua hin cha am even closer Na Jomtien close enough to come back for a weekend trip to the city if so desired.. the ocean air will do wonders for your mental clarity ... L.A Rob

seems like it's pretty easy for you to move so i suggest you don't view anywhere as a long term home. just be where you are until you feel like a change. at some point you might want a busy city again for a little while. variety is the spice of life.

I arrived in Bangkok for a quick holiday from Sydney Australia a little over 4 weeks ago and I can’t wait to get home!!! Samut Prakan area not far from Bangna. Went to Chiang Mai and even this place has changed for the worse. Try living in Australia for a while if you can afford it as Thailand is now becoming a very expensive and over priced place to live. Too much traffic and hard to find a decent coffee anywhere. paid 150 baht ++ ( $6.50 Aus) at the hotel I was staying in and it was the worst coffee I have ever had and it was so small too. Anyway Forrest, you are living the dream mate doing what you love. Enjoy

ThatPhanom, NakhonPhanom is lovely. way up north. I get it regarding to BKK, i have a condo there and need to get out sometime

It didn't take my person long to be irritated by a combination of things in Bangkok. I concur, I'm more outdoorsy an not into the concrete jungle . My wife is from the west(ThaMuang) which, was/is an welcome change in ALL aspects. I really do love it.🙂 Best regards and hope you find that happy place Mr.Lee🙏🙏🙏

It’s to each their own… I personally hate needing a car or motorbike to go somewhere… I don’t mind renting one when I go to an island or some place of that sort for a few weeks. But I get bored living in small towns. Been doing it my whole life practically and it gets old for me. There are quieter areas of Bangkok. Although I could probably do Phuket or Samui, as I do enjoy occasional night life. Chiang Mai during the burning season would be a huge no go for me… Never been there but I have heard and seen enough of what happens to the air quality during that time of year.

Don't have any advice BUT walking in the rain is GOLD don't over think it 🙏

I totally agree, I visited both cities before the covid. I couldn't stand the Bangkok traffic. The weather in Chiang mai seems nicer too.

Go to Phuket both hills and sea. Food scene isn't bad either. Chiang Mai has alot of air pollution in the dry season.

Personally, I'll go back to Bangkok this time around come autumn. But I do understand it won't be for everyone long term. Chiang Mai is a beautiful place though, would go there again but I want to be more comfortable driving either a car or a motorcycle since public transport might not be quite as convenient as MRT and BTS. Don't like buses and taxis much. :P City-hop for a bit, figure out where you feel at home. And change it up when it stops feeling like home. Easy.

Run Forrest run!!!!

Just take a break from the city bro, 6 months, 1 year.. whatever you need then you come back. Myself I come back to Bangkok in July, cant't wait.

why not come to malta for a break?

Hang in there Forrest. Just move to Chiang Mai & make more videos. Take care, God Bless & be safe.

I think Pattaya and Jomtien has the most to offer as well as Hua Hin because it is close to BKK and near the beach w less pollution and both are large cities with lots to do-

As i look at Thailand I couldn't live in bangkok but jomtien, hua hin, udon and Phuket. Most close enough to visit cities but seem more rural but close enough to get a city fix i think...

When away from home for a while I do miss my family and friends.

I’m a Chiang Mai Stan since 2010! I go to Bangkok about every two years but mostly live in Hong Kong which arguably isn’t even more of a hustlers paradise than Bangkok. Pattaya is for the old guys without the adventurous mindset - if I need a beach I can fly to Phuket or get down to Koh Chang east enough. Take care of yourself Forrest - appreciate you brother!

Yeah I love bkk for a few days but after that I'm worn out myself...

Check out Chiang Rai, bro... I call it chill rai. Also, check out Buri Ram.

Sleep on it brother. It’s natural to get itchy feet, but your videos and outlook on life only leaves me with a lot of envy (in a lovely way!)

We've been in chiangmai now for six years wouldn't live anywhere else. First of all February through May the weather is outstanding and during the rainy season I love the rain. But you are correct about the restaurants are amazing and the prices are almost half of what they are in Bangkok. You can have Pattaya and Bangkok sucky humid weather and if you want to pay those ridiculous prices in Phuket when I'm constantly shocked when I see the dinner bill go ahead. For us Chiang Mai is where we want to live

BKK is definitely not as nice as the countryside during rainy season. Its really only good for shopping and business, but now with Lazada, its not even necessary to visit the cities for shopping. if you want a slightly smaller city with a good vibe (and food), try Udon Thani. its not as cold or smoky as CM, and its in Isaan. they have an airport too.

I feel for you, if night life not your thing then going to smaller city much better option