My advice: Watch out for the FU lizards. Don’t be squeamish about the big black scorpions in your bathroom (just keep a broom in there to smash them). The white ice cream might be coconut (yummy) or it might be durian (you know what it smells like), so check first which one it is.
I love SE Asia, lived and worked there for awhile. Hope you and your wife will enjoy your new home!
There is down side, though: giant flying cockroaches.
death wish?
7-11 is very big there. Chang Mai is where all the Miss Thailand’s come from.
There are half a dozen French restaurants inside the ancient city alone-cheap.
There’s an American expats community online.
The Tha Phae Gate area is pretty ok. Sunday street fairs. Burger King/McDonalds. Taxi service from the airport is simple and quick. Just tell the attendant where you’re staying and they’ll tell the taxi driver where to take you along with the fare.
Tuk tuks(3 wheels) are a good method of transportation. All speak English and rides anywhere within the old town should be around 300 baht. Negotiate the price.
Neiman neighborhood is outside the ancient city but is pretty chic. The Maya Center is very modern-3 stories-nice restaurants. My teeth cleaning was around $24. A custom made blazer was around $100.
There’s a good 4 mile walk all around the ancient city here you don’t have to worry about the traffic. Good exercise. I do it early in the morning before the temperature and the smog picks up. Afternoons are around 90 degrees-unbearable.
I’d bring a couple thousand dollars in $100 bills and lock them up. Use as needed at one of the many money changers.
Check out The Milk Club. It’s their version of Hooters. The waitresses will stand there and talk/keep you entertained.
I heard the burning season is in April. No go.