r/chiangmai

I did a fair amount of backpacking in my 20s and 30s and always liked the vibe of slightly more chilled, non-party hostels where it was easy to meet and chat to other travellers. I'm about to do my first solo backpacking trip for quite some time, starting in Chiang Mai and heading round the north, and I'm wondering if there is any place in Chiang Mai where I won't stand out a mile for being ancient, and perhaps even meet other older travellers

Where (around the moat) is a quick and easy place to go to get a drivers license medical. Years ago I went to one of the big hospitals here and it was a whole “production” to get the medical.

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Yes I know the law and yes I know it's bad for you. However, I'm about to run out and still have a couple of weeks in Thailand. Really really do not want to buy cigarettes and I'm not sure I am ready to quit. If you're a vaper you will know what I mean, it's hard!

So does anyone know of a place in chiang Mai I could get the liquid? Thank you 🙏

We're arriving at the end of September. Last year we arrived at the end of October and struggled to find something suitable, a lot of juristics offices said there was nothing available.

We're possibly stuck in the UK again this year so may end up arriving at the end of October.

My question is , for 2-3 bed condos and houses, is the supply really much less in October?

Hey friends,

I’m thinking about heading to Chiang Mai for a while to unwind. What I “need” is basically a park or a patch of forest where I can go for my 60-minute walk every day (forest bathing), haha. The only important thing is that it’s within walking distance of where I’m staying. Is there even a place like that in Chiang Mai - or would I have to drive a bit outside the city to find real walking trails (not mountain hikes)?

We are due to travel to arrive in Chiang Mai Thursday and wanting to book an elephant sanctuary experience for my 9 year old. Researching and it's a bit overwhelming what to book. Does anyone have a personal recommendation? I've been looking at Elephant Soul Sanctuary. Has anyone been here? I really don't want to contribute to animal abuse by booking anything where elephants are forced to have contact with humans, and just want my child to experience elephants in their natural environment. I understand rescue sanctuaries are best as the cost of going helps them to look after the elephants. However, they all claim to be ethical. Or are we best avoiding? Thank you in advance

It used to be before covid, then it was 8am-4pm for years, but someone just told me they do lunch break 12-1 again.

I just wanna save myself the drive if thats the case

THANK YOU TO THE CHIANG MAI COMMUNITY WE NOW HAVE ENOUGH BLOOD FOR PETER

However Rh- negative blood is always needed in Asian Countries please consider donating to help with blood shortages. Thank you again !!

My husband is currently in need of A-negative (Rh-negative) blood at Chiangmai Ram Hospital. Because Rh-negative blood is extremely rare in Thailand (approximatly 1500 doners in all of Thailand), we desperately need help from the international and expat community.

• Patient Name: Peter Parris
• Hospital Number (HN): 787517
• Hospital: Chiangmai Ram Hospital
• Required Blood Type: A-Negative (O-Negative can also be accepted in emergencies)

Where to donate:
Please go to the Blood Bank at Suan Dok Hospital (Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital), located on the 1st floor of the Sriphat Building.

Critical Instruction for Donors:
When you arrive, you MUST tell the staff explicitly:
"I am donating blood for Peter Parris, HN: 787517 at Chiangmai Ram Hospital." This ensures the blood is properly credited and transferred to him.

Donor Requirements:

• Bring your Passport or Thai ID.
• Weigh at least 45 kg and be in good health.
• Eat a low-fat meal and drink plenty of water beforehand (avoid alcohol for 24 hours).
• Note: UK, Irish, and French citizens who lived through the 80s/90s "mad cow" era are now fully eligible to donate blood in Thailand.

If you are A-negative or O-negative, please consider donating today.

Thank you so much.

This year, I made a promise to my daughter that I’d learn how to do a backflip.
I want to set a good example for her.
But as you know, laziness is the biggest enemy. It’s already August, and I still haven’t gotten around to it , I’ve almost forgotten about it, in fact.
So I finally worked up the courage to ask here: is there anywhere I can learn a backflip?

I’d really appreciate any helpful recommendations. 

I’m going to Thailand for two weeks in November. I’m staying in Chiang Mai and have booked hotels for the beginning and the end of my stay. I wanted to take two small trips to other towns within three hours and stay overnight. I’m worried I will get bored for two weeks in Chang Mai . I would need to take a train or some type of public transportation or a higher driver. I want to stay in town that’s walkable with things to do. I’m solo female and don’t want to be alone on a mountain or anything. I was considering lampang ? I also considered staying at an elephant sanctuary overnight, but it seems most people recommend a half day.
Any suggestions on overnight trips from Chiang Mai?

I'm traveling to Thailand for the first time this November and Chiang Mai is my first stop.

I'm planning to stay here 6 days before heading south ambit I'm wondering which area is best to stay in.

I'll probably only spend one or two days in Chiang Mai itself for the old city and some of the night markets, as I want to do quite a few excursions to the surrounding area. Elephant sanctuary, sri lanna national park etc.

Would it be better to book accomodations closer to the city center or is staying a little further out doable?

I will be going back home to the West in about 10 days. I just did a quick search on Lazado and saw how affordable external hard drives are here. Then I read some reviews and saw there are also many fakes being sold. I am a video editor and am always looking to save on extra storage but I honestly only was looking at something to dump some of my photos onto while out here. Obviously I'll invest more if I find a legit, larger drive at a great price

I assume I can use these drives anywhere? What are some reputable places I can order from? Any physical shops people know of in Chiang Mai?

In the not too distant future, perhaps 6 months to 1 years time, I will be moving to Asia. I'm currently selling my house and most of my possessions. I will put some sentimental things into storage in the UK.

So, I've been watching some YouTube videos on Chiang Mai. Looks quite amazing to me. I currently live in a 21K population town in the South East of the UK. Very little going on in the way of decent food choice, which is a little sad since I am a foodie!

I am single, aged 61, and have no ties. I'm retiring early because I will have some money invested and will live off of the capital appreciation.

I've got a few lingering thoughts and questions about the whole move so hope someone can chip in with a few perspectives.

Is the food really that good and that inexpensive?

I like a decent cappuccino. I'm used to Costa coffee in the UK, although there is a decent artisan coffee shop a little further away from me, that I occasionally go to. Can you get decent cappuccino in Chiang Mai, for those who consider themselves coffee snobs?

How much for a one bedroomed place where they have a gym and pool?
How much to get a meal delivered to my condo or house? Say, perhaps a pad Thai and another side dish?

How much for a 1 hour massage? In the UK, you are looking at about £55 for 1 hour, which is about $75.

What is the dating scene like for a 61 year old male in reasonable shape?

How much per month do you suggest would be good for a good quality of life?

The thought of moving to Asia is starting to get real for me now. It brings some apprehension, since it will be such a change of lifestyle for me. My life has been very modest in recent years. For example, I rarely eat out, I go out for a coffee 3 times per week, have had one 45 minute massage in 10 years, not been on holiday in, believe it or not, 30 years. I'm curious how the quality of my life will change.

I'm looking forward to hearing from those who have taken the leap before me.