Pros And Cons Of Living In Chiang Mai

Are you considering buying a one-way ticket to Southeast Asia and spending your days eating unlimited pad thai?

Check out these pros and cons of living in Chiang Mai first.

Chiang Mai has long been one of the top expat and digital nomad destinations in Thailand, and its popularity is only growing.

This Northern Thailand city is surrounded by jungle and forest and is bursting with history.

Whether it’s the exciting city life or the quiet rural suburbs that entice expats to this corner of Thailand, many of them agree that Chiang Mai is one of the best cities for expats and remote workers.

In this post, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of living in Chiang Mai to give you an insight into what to expect.

Pros Of Living In Chiang Mai

As with many parts of Thailand and Southeast Asia, there are lots of pros to living in Chiang Mai. It’s impossible to name them all, but let’s take a look at the highlights.

Good Weather

What we have to mention first, is the weather in Chiang Mai, as this draws lots of people here each year. Outside of the burning season, Chiang Mai experiences a pleasant climate. Especially from October to January.

During these months the weather is sunny and dry, but not too humid, and can be a bit chilly at night time which is actually a welcome escape from the heat.

This is a great time of year to arrive in Chiang Mai, as you can explore the city and get to know the area comfortably while the weather is good.

Chiang Mai is warm all year round, however, its rainy season can mean that you are stuck indoors for a couple of months.

Affordable Cost Of Living

Chiang Mai is an extremely affordable part of Thailand and Southeast Asia and this is a big reason why so many people move here. Food and accommodation are both very reasonable, making it very appealing to those seeking some cheaper living. Learn more about long-term rentals in Chiang Mai.

There are so many street food markets all over the city, you can eat at any of these for a very reasonable price and have a huge variety. The shopping centers also have big food courts with cheap food on offer, so you won’t have to break the bank when eating out.

Very Safe

As cities go, Chiang Mai is up there as one of the safest in Southeast Asia. It is known as a safe place and for how welcoming and friendly the locals are. This adds to the overall feeling of safety while visiting the city.

A lot of solo female travelers come to Chiang Mai and report feeling safe here. Having said that, there can be some petty crimes like pickpocketing, but for the most part, personal safety is very high.

Incredible Food

While visiting Chiang Mai, you will come across some of the best food in the country.

Here you can try some tasty Northern Thailand dishes like Khao Soi. This is a curried soup dish with chicken or beef and is a favorite of expats and tourists arriving here.

One of the best places to try Khao Soi is in Lung Prakit in Chiang Mai. This is an authentic Thai restaurant that was featured in an episode of “Somebody Feed Phil” on Netflix.

The food here is incredible and highly rated and because of this, there can be a queue to get served. However the staff are very efficient, so you won’t be waiting too long.

Surrounded By Nature

In Chiang Mai, you are surrounded by impressive mountains, waterfalls, and national parks in every direction. If you are a person that likes to get outdoors and into nature, Chiang Mai really is the perfect place for you.

Doi Inthanon national park is a must-visit for any nature lovers in the area. This is the highest mountain in Thailand and is located just a 90-minute drive outside of the center of Chiang Mai.

Here there are lots of hiking and walking trails. There are campsites, homestays, and chalets in the area too.

There is also Doi Suthep-Pui National Park to visit. Where you will find more hiking and the stunning Doi Suthep temple which is a must-do while in Chiang Mai and will give you an incredible view of the entire city from above.

Expat Community

Chiang Mai has a thriving expat community that is extremely active and welcoming to newcomers.

This is a huge bonus for people relocating here, especially if you are doing so alone, It makes it much easier to settle in and make friends.

There are many different expats groups and clubs that have meet-ups for you to join also, These include social meet-ups, fitness groups, or tour groups going on different excursions.

For example, if you are interested in hiking, you will find the “Chiang Mai Walk and Talk” group which is a very active Facebook group with loads of events happening each week.

There are also many digital nomads in Chiang Mai, and you can meet them in coworking spaces.

Cons Of Living In Chiang Mai

Like anywhere in Southeast Asia, there are also some cons to consider when deciding if Chiang Mai is the place for you to live.

Pollution

The burning season in Chiang Mai is a big drawback to staying in Chiang Mai all year round. It is very unpleasant and causes a huge amount of pollution in Chiang Mai.

The burning season starts in January but really hits an uncomfortable level in February and March. This is where farmers slash and burn their fields to get the land ready for the next year.

During this time, the city will be covered in a thick layer of smog and people with respiratory conditions will find it particularly difficult.

​​It makes being outdoors during these months less enjoyable than usual. You also won’t get to enjoy much sun or the views of the city during this time.

Visas

As with anywhere in Thailand, it isn’t extremely straightforward to get a long-term visa to stay in Chiang Mai.

Depending on the country you are coming from, you can get a visa exemption meaning you don’t need a visa on arrival in Thailand. However, this only entitles you to 45 days in the country plus another 30 days if you choose to extend.

After that, you will need to leave the country. You can enter again, but there is a limit to how many times you can do that in one year.

Alternatively, you will need to apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa, an education visa, or a retirement visa, depending on your situation. These can sometimes be long and expensive processes.

Language Barrier

In Chiang Mai, not everyone you meet will speak English. It also can be very difficult to learn the Thai language.

Because of this, it can be tough to integrate with locals. It’s ok in the short term, but if you are planning to stay long term, it is important that you learn Thai so you can fully integrate into life in Chiang Mai.

Final Thoughts On Living In Chiang Mai

Now you’ve read all about the pros and cons of living in Chiang Mai, does it seem like the right place for you?

If you’re interested in nature and culture and wish to live on a lower budget than elsewhere in the world, Chiang Mai could be an excellent option for you.

If, on the other hand, good weather all year round and beaches appeal to you, you might wish to keep searching for your dream location.

If you want to compare Chiang Mai with other destinations, check out these posts:

• Pros and cons of living in Malaysia
• Pros and cons of living in Vietnam
• Pros and cons of living in Portugal