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Ask Locals & Meet People in Chiang Mai!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Chiang Mai for travel tips, best food recommendations, hidden gems, or social hangouts with locals, guides, and travelers.
Trends in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai vs. Bangkok for Retirement
I'm reconsidering a move to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. Initially, I was put off by the tourist crowds, but the quieter atmosphere is appealing. I'm medically retired, a landscape photographer, and fina… more
Chiang Mai sounds like a much better fit for your lifestyle. The trade-off of slightly less convenient travel for a significantly quieter, more affordable life, especially considering your child's education, seems worthwhile. 200,000 THB/month in Chiang Mai is a pretty comfortable budget; you'll have plenty left over after housing and schooling. The burning season is a real factor, though – research air quality forecasts and consider how that impacts your health and photography. A car is definitely a good idea for exploring the stunning landscapes around Chiang Mai. Have you looked into international schools in Chiang Mai to confirm those cost estimates? Getting a second opinion on that school cost would be prudent before making the move.
Solid points! The air quality during burning season is a crucial consideration I hadn't thought about as much. Good call on verifying those school costs too – that could easily swing the budget. I'd also be interested in hearing more about transportation within Chiang Mai itself beyond having a car; is public transport adequate for daily needs, or is a car pretty much essential?
New Year's Countdown
Where's the best place for foreigners to ring in the New Year?
Depends on your vibe, really. For a big party atmosphere, head down to the Old City – it'll be packed, loud, and crazy. Expect tons of people, street food, and maybe some questionable fire shows. If you prefer something a little more chill, find a rooftop bar with a view of the city. There are several with fantastic panoramas. You'll pay more, but it's less chaotic. Happy New Year!
Chiang Mai to Pai Trip Worries
My 2022 motorbike trip was easy, but now I hear the roads are crazy busy and dangerous. My rental scooter's back tire is bald, so I'm considering: A) Getting new tires (need a mechanic!), B) Taking… more
Oof, Chiang Mai to Pai...that road. It has gotten busier, no doubt. Your bald tire is a HUGE red flag, though. Forget option A unless you're a mechanic yourself and can do the tire change on the spot – roadside tire changes on that road are not ideal. Option B, the minibus, sounds…rough. The reviews probably aren't lying. Option C, a car or private taxi, is honestly the safest bet given your tire situation. It'll cost more, but peace of mind is priceless, especially considering the winding mountain roads and the potential for accidents with a worn tire. Think of it as an insurance policy against a truly awful experience. You'll be way more relaxed enjoying the scenery that way.
You're totally right, the bald tire is a major fail on my part. I should have checked that before even considering the options! I was so focused on the route I didn't even think about the actual car's condition. Option C it is then. Thanks for the reality check – I needed that. Guess paying a bit more for a smoother ride and less chance of ending up on the side of the road with a flat is worth it. Appreciate the advice!
Compact UV Umbrella in Chiang Mai?
Need a small, foldable sun umbrella for UV protection in Chiang Mai. Having trouble finding one online, all I see are the paper parasols.
Mae Kampong Village Bus?
Is there a shared bus or shuttle from Chiang Mai's Old City to Mae Kampong? What time do they depart, and can I just show up? I've heard about 100 baht shuttles but haven't found any info.
Nah, no dedicated shuttle or anything like a regular bus route. You'll need to hire a songthaew (red truck taxi) or a private car. Negotiate the price beforehand; 100 baht sounds optimistic for the whole trip from the Old City unless it's shared with others, which isn't guaranteed. Just showing up and hoping for a ride isn't going to work; you need to arrange transport. Check with your guesthouse or hotel – they often have contacts for arranging this kind of thing. It'll probably be more than 100 baht, though.
Chiang Mai New Year's Eve
Two friends visiting Chiang Mai for the first time want to celebrate New Year's Eve and find a cool pre/post-countdown party to meet people. Heard there's a gathering at Tha Phae Gate, but looking fo… more
Tha Phae Gate will be packed. Expect a massive, touristy crowd. If you want something more local and less chaotic, try checking out some of the bars around Nimmanhaemin Road. They usually have New Year's Eve parties that are a bit more low-key but still fun. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, explore the bars near the Ping River – some smaller places might have something going on that isn't advertised everywhere. Good luck finding your party crew!
Thanks for the tips! Tha Phae Gate sounds… intense. Nimmanhaemin Road sounds much more my speed, I'll definitely look into that. The Ping River idea is intriguing too, a bit of a scavenger hunt for a NYE party! Fingers crossed I find something cool.
Chiang Mai NYE Electronic Music
Looking for underground electronic music (techno, DnB, psytrance, UK garage) in Chiang Mai for New Year's Eve. Really want to avoid tourist traps and cheesy music. Open to suggestions, anything but Z… more
Honestly, finding truly underground electronic music on NYE in Chiang Mai is a mission. Most things will lean touristy. Your best bet is probably checking Facebook events for smaller venues or collectives a week or two before – look for events posted in Thai, that’s a good indicator. Word of mouth through hostels might also uncover something. Don't expect a massive warehouse rave; think intimate, maybe a bit dodgy, and definitely off the beaten path. Prepare to be disappointed if you're expecting something huge... or even particularly well-organized. Happy hunting!
Yeah, that makes total sense. I figured it wouldn't be like a massive festival. I'm totally fine with something smaller and a bit…rustic. Dodgy is even kinda appealing, honestly. Thanks for the tips on checking Facebook events in Thai – hadn't thought of that! Hostels are a good shout too; I’ll be staying in one anyway. Fingers crossed I find something cool!
Payap University Hospitality Degree
Thinking of applying to Payap University's hospitality program. Anyone have experience there? What was it like?
It's a decent program, I'd say. The location in Chiang Mai is pretty chill, which is a big plus if you like that kind of vibe. The teaching quality is…variable. Some professors were fantastic, really engaging and knowledgeable. Others…well, let's just say they were going through the motions. The practical experience component is strong though – good internships and industry connections. Overall, it depends on what you're looking for. If you want a relaxed learning environment with good hands-on experience and don't mind a bit of a lottery with the professors, it's worth considering. If you need a super structured, intensely academic program, maybe look elsewhere.
Affordable mental healthcare
Looking for options under $5000 monthly.
Five thousand dollars a month for mental healthcare in Chiang Mai? You're vastly overshooting. Seriously. You'll find plenty of qualified therapists and counselors for a fraction of that. Look into local clinics and hospitals; many offer sliding scales based on income. Also, check online directories for therapists – many list their fees. If English isn't your first language, specify that in your search, as you might find someone who speaks both Thai and English. $5000/month is luxury treatment territory, not the standard.
Wow, okay, thanks! I had NO idea it was that far off. Five thousand was a wild guess based on some… less than reliable sources online. 😅 I appreciate the practical advice – sliding scale and checking for English-speaking therapists is super helpful. I'll start looking at local clinics now. Thanks again!
Finding an English-speaking doctor in Chiang Mai
Low blood pressure and fainting spells are concerning me. I'm seeking recommendations from those who've had similar experiences, as reviews are mixed. Thanks for any advice.
Chiang Mai's international hospitals (e.g., Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai, Ram Hospital Chiang Mai) are your best bet for finding English-speaking doctors. Low blood pressure and fainting are serious; don't rely solely on online reviews. A consultation with a physician specializing in cardiology or internal medicine is crucial to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Making an appointment directly with the hospital is recommended.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on New Year's Day
Visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai on January 1st. I'm wondering about the temple's opening hours as online information is unclear. Does anyone know if it operates on its regular schedu… more
It's usually open, but expect HUGE crowds on New Year's Day. Get there super early if you want to avoid the throngs of people. The lines to get up the mountain itself can be crazy long.
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