Posted on 03/09/2025 4:33:55 PM PDT by ExpatCanuck
I’m hoping to hear from some fellow freeper thoughts on retiring in Thailand. We’re looking at Chiang Mai as our target destination. We’ve been to Thailand before; 1989, 1992 and most recently in 2014 (so we know what it is like right now - big changes lol). I know there is a lot of info available on YouTube and other sites, but I want to check here with anyone who may have actually made the move and what their suggestions may be.
Thailand LOL how long has that been 15 20 years ago
Doing the same as you. My wife is a Thai National and is here on a green card (arrived last August). We already have property in Bangkok and Phetchaburi plus a farm. Been there a ton. PM me if you have any other questions.
I don’t think we’ll break any laws or social norms (though I do not believe I need to get out of the shower if I have to pee). We’re hooking up with local expat groups online. Everything you’ve said makes sense and we definitely appreciate the advice! 🙂
I understand the english spoken in Vietnam much easier than that of Thailand (more British vocab in Thailand)
LOL, we just spent a week in Greece. Say no more.
Guessing you’re Canadian, what’s wrong with retiring in Canada? To me it sounds like you made some money from your fellow Canadians and now you’re gonna take it with you to a cheaper foreign land. You raped your homeland.
[[The best meal in Paris that I had was at a Thai restaurant]]
LOL- went to Paris for their Thai food lol
112 degrees in the shade everyday. Yeh move there.
Thai sounds similar to German to me. It’s all hard consonants and no vowels.
I have profound hearing loss in both ears. Even with hearing aids, spoken language is not really my thing.
And thank you for your service.
Have you toured Del Boca Vista? Same climate. And they have the early bird at the local restaurants.
I seriously love SE Asia. Sure, they’ve got some not-so-nice critters, but then so do we. You get used to them (well, other than the giant flying cockroaches who carry off their dead on their shoulders like pallbearers — and, in some places, the hordes of big nasty wharf rats). The FU lizards are maddening, but funny in their own way. And yes, unlike the adorable and most welcome little house geckos (who bravely battle the giant flying cockroaches — great evening entertainment!), they bite.
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.
Da Nang is one of our target destinations during the burning season. Other places are Eastern Europe, India and Sri Lanka. All $100-$500 USD return flight.
before covid and during trumps first term, I was getting round trip tickets to Phuket out of Chicago with one stop in shanghai for $457.00!! but now that china closed its transfer hubs the transfers are now in Dubai or Istanbul for $1,500 to 1,800... I havent been back!! I dont fly anywhere around the mid east!! lol...
I think you meant this for ExpatCanuck, so longing him to it.
I never visited Chiang Mai. It sounds good if you want the expat scene, and most North Americans over a certain age do for understandable reasons. Chiang Mai doesn’t sound like my cup of tea, but I’m just different, I guess.
Thai isn’t all that hard to learn to speak (only five tones), but learning to read it is a challenge for most. Except in the real boonies, English is common, so not a big problem for tourists and expats.
I am eternally grateful to a nation that has given me the opportunity to have many good things in my life and do the many things I have done. Giving of myself is but a pittance compared to those who have gone before me.
“Don’t drink the water.....”
Same goes for the ice...
I’ve lived in the United States for 30 years (the expatcanuck id can be used as a clue for those with a keen observation of what may be merely obvious to others), but I grew up in Canada (till I was 30) and I made my money from Americans lol. Why would I retire in Canada when there are so many other beautiful places in the world to explore? Plus, Canada has turned into a total shit hole of a country, with the terrible immigration and economic policies. Tell me why I should retire in Canada? What do you think is still great about Canada? Convince me and I may change my mind.
A British expat living in Cambodia.
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