r/chiangmai

Currently, I'm on the marriage visa to remain in Thailand (for the past 10+ years), but my stupid bank has a new rule that they will hold my money ransom for 4 months each time I apply for the visa. It's criminal!

So now, I need to come up with a plan B to avoid all that nonsense. Here's the problem -- I don't make a lot of money, I don't own any assets in Thailand. So, I can't do any of the "rich man" visas.

That just leaves me the education visa and the work permit visa, as far as I understand it. But I actually have a job online, so I can't just upend my whole schedule to do another full-time job or commit a bunch of hours of every week.

Anyone know of an easy option to get a long-term visa so that I can remain in Thailand but not have to dramatically change my weekly schedule?

I'm going to be moving to Chiang Mai in a couple months and am looking for somewhere to rent in that time. Does anyone have any condo suggestions where they can't hear airplanes, neighbours, motorbikes, construction, etc.? I'm a light sleeper and need a quiet space to work. I'm a single person, so a lot of space isn't really necessary.

I've been trying to figure out how to pay my car tax but I want to check if the information I've gotten is correct before wasting a trip:

The car tax is paid at the DLT and I'll need the following documents:

• Vehicle Registration Book
• Insurance papers
• My vehicle is less than 7 years old thus no inspection certificate needed
• Certificate of Residence
• Passport with valid visa
• Probably my license too

Is this correct?

Someone may tell me to just go to Expat Auto as they'll help with this, which brings me to my next point. I'm looking for a recommendation for any reputable auto servicing place which is not Expat Auto. The closer it is to Hang Dong, the better.

Hello, I am planning to visit Chiang Mai around mid-May and spend a few weeks there with a friend, and we are looking to spend a few weeks there.

The friend had an injury a few years ago and has been suffering from chronic pain of the foot/anke (peroneal tendonitis is the condition). They've tried a lot of remedies, and treatment options but nothing has proved to be a permanent solution yet.

During my last visit, I had met a few travellers who shared some issues they had faced (not specifically feet related) and had found relief or treatment through some of the traditional practitioners in Chiang Mai.

I'm basically looking for any recommendations or suggestions for institutions or practitioners who may be able to help. As well as figure out the logistics and how to plan the visit, and I'd be open to any thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone — I’m planning to spend 3–4 weeks in Chiang Mai and train Muay Thai. I found a package at Lanna Muay Thai for about $500/month that includes accommodation + 2x/day training.

For those who’ve trained there or in Chiang Mai in general: would you recommend taking that package, or is it better to find separate accommodation and just pay for training?

Appreciate any advice 🙏

Any recommendations around Lamphun, Lampang, on the way before Tak, or after Tak to Nakhon Sawan?

Preferably near the highway rather than a long detour inside the city.

Hopefully Specialty Coffee options.

Other than Tieng Na in Tak, I haven’t really found anything else.

Hi everyone, I’m currently staying in Chiang Mai and I’m interested in getting a dog or cat.

I’d prefer a place that is trustworthy and treats animals well.

Does anyone have recommendations for good breeders, pet shops, or adoption centers in Chiang Mai?

Also, any advice on what to watch out for would be really appreciated. Thank you!

Hi everyone,

I’m 28F and planning a 3-week solo trip to Thailand this August. I want to base myself mainly in Chiang Mai to train Muay Thai while I’m there. I’m not a total beginner, but also not super advanced – kind of in between – so I’m looking for a gym that’s friendly and not too intimidating. Ideally something that maybe also offers a bit of functional training/strength & conditioning in addition to classic Muay Thai.

In general I’m looking for a mix of sports, relaxing, good food and a nice vibe, maybe meeting some people here and there but nothing too crazy.

Would love some recommendations for:

- Best areas to stay in Chiang Mai (good location, safe, cafés, close to gyms, etc.)

- Muay Thai gyms that are beginner/intermediate-friendly (and also have a functional training area)

One thing I’m a bit nervous about (and honestly probably my biggest concern about the trip): street dogs. I do have quite a bit of fear/respect when it comes to dogs, especially bigger ones and stray dogs that show interest or come towards me. And I know myself – it’s not something I can just ignore or switch off easily.

So I wanted to ask what your experiences are with street dogs in Chiang Mai. Is it something you deal with a lot in everyday life? Are there areas where it’s more common, or neighborhoods that are a bit calmer in that regard?

Thanks a lot :)

I’m sure there’s other people asking the same but I want to come to North Thailand a bit outside of Chiang Mai at the wnd of this month and I’m wondering how the situation with the burning season is now? I would come for a few days before going back to Bangkok but I don’t know if I should just cancel

I'm renting a house for 1 year contract. I was wondering if, instead of buying, there is a service that would rent a table I can put at home for several month? Thanks

Hi there I'm looking for individuals who offer cleaning services for my house. I'd want them to come once a week or every two weeks. Does anyone has experience with anyone? Like where to look, what's a normal price, etc? Thank you!

Serious responses only.

I am looking for a car with an autoloader on the back to help me move the furniture from my apartment to a storage. How would they call them here? I specifically want the autoloader so that I could keep my furniture away from the prying eyes. So far I could only find several places renting a forklift, but it won't do.

I have been to Thailand many times and had a few long stays. I decided to relocate to Chiang Mai after visiting the first time for 3 months. I really loved it here at the time. I found the people are nicer comparing to other cities in Thailand, it is less touristy and less scammy behaviors towards foreigners. However, I am starting to have doubts after spending the burning season here. The main concern I have about the burning season is actually not the air but how the locals and the government are dealing with it. As much as we complains about the air, it is only an inconvenient for us that could afford air purifiers. It must be in incredibly tough for the Thai families that cannot afford air purifiers and keeping their homes air tight. And it seems to me no one is doing much about it and I don't think that will change anytime soon. I also witnessed a hit and run during Songkran and I guessed that did something to me too. I feel like the niceness of the people disappears once there is money on the line. Maybe I was too naive to believe in it in the first place. Anyway, I think I stayed in my apartment for too long. Rant finished.

My wife and I are landing in BKK on April 26th. Our original plan was to transfer directly to Chiang Mai and stay there for a couple days.

Given what we saw in the news about burning season this year we are contemplating cancelling our flight to Chiang Mai and stay in the area of Bangkok instead. Sadly the flights are non refundable so we are unsure what to do. Do you think things will get better by then? Or are they even fine enough right now for a couple days stay?

Thanks in advance!

I'm going to be hosting a small gathering in Chiang Mai and I'm looking for a hotel with a meeting space available to use for a few days. I'd prefer a hotel in/near the city center. Ideal budget would be rooms in the $50-80 USD range per night. The meeting space doesn't need to be large, a space that can fit ~20 people would be plenty.
TIA for any recommendations!

Hey guys,

I’m a 40-year-old Swiss guy and already have my flight booked to Chiang Mai for November 2026.

I’ve been to Thailand several times, spent about half a year in Phuket, and visited Chiang Mai around 20 years ago. I loved it back then and I’m really looking forward to coming back.

My plan is not to rush into anything blindly. I’m close to burnout, so first I want to slow down, relax for a bit and spend 4–6 months getting a feel for life in and around Chiang Mai again. I might not even like it and end up in Honolulu, who knows what life says :D

If all is positive and I decide to stay in Chiang Mai, I want to scout for a small business I could rent and run long-term, ideally something like a quiet 6–8 room guesthouse on the outskirts or in the countryside. My rough budget would be around 60k–80k baht/month. I’m not looking for luxury, just something simple that could cover living costs.

I’m aware of the risks: scams, legal issues, burning season and the fact that this kind of move is not easy. That’s exactly why I want to take it slow, experience the area properly first, talk to lawyers if needed and not blow money on the first place I see.

What I’m trying to figure out is this: where do I actually start looking for these kinds of opportunities?

Are there any local websites, Facebook groups, agencies, or other channels where small guesthouses/businesses for rent are listed? I can find the obvious stuff online, but I’m hoping to dig deeper, especially for more local opportunities.

I’d also be open to old-school scouting by scooter and looking for “for rent” signs, but I’d love advice on which areas are worth checking and how locals usually find these deals.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thank you, Flash :)

https://preview.redd.it/w57k9e5i3tvg1.png?width=1550&format=png&auto=webp&s=d622ae9f11ea59e68706a5b187ce9d3a66a661e0

With me, maybe Somyong Pochana restaurant. Dish: Khao soi

However, all of them have very similar taste, maybe between 8/10 and 9/10. Enjoy my time.

https://preview.redd.it/kceovm9p3tvg1.png?width=1462&format=png&auto=webp&s=87e714e886ee5fa0ffcf012f861a1e1e8f6c1773

It is not about stealing money or something, but some not normal things, it was nothing sexual, but I don’t want to get more into the details, just want to know if anyone here met someone like this?