Why Choose Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai may be high on the lists of many travelers itineraries, and everyone who passes through falls in love with the incredible city and province, but only by making it your home do you truly get the chance to unlock all the wonders it has to offer.
Famous for being Thailand’s second city, Chiang Mai is a very special place, home to just over one million people. First founded in the 13th century, it is packed to the brim with history, culture and amazing food. This is an obvious draw for the millions of tourists who visit each year, basing themselves predominantly in the central square, also known as the old city. But it is outside of the center where you will find the ‘real’ Chiang Mai, and where you will have the opportunity to live like a local, a far richer experience than you get as a tourist.
Chiang Mai has a slower pace of life than Bangkok, it’s cheaper too, but you can still find plenty of edgy bars and fancy restaurants to satisfy you when you’re feeling lavish on payday. It perfectly combines the beautiful chaos of Bangkok with the calm and peaceful vibes you’ll find in towns throughout Thailand. Whatever you need, you can find it in Chiang Mai.
The incredible natural beauty right on your doorstep is another reason Chiang Mai is such a fantastic place to live. A short thirty minute drive out of the city and you’re halfway up a mountain or in the middle of a rice field. The mix of city life and country living offers the perfect option for anyone who wants the best of both worlds.
Location and Climate
Nestled between forested mountains in the far northwest of Thailand, not far from the borders with Myanmar and Laos, Chiang Mai is one of the many jewels this magical country has to offer. If you were to drive to Bangkok, it would take you around ten hours. A flight will take you less than two, but if you were looking to save money then an overnight bus or train can be a fun experience. However, you really don’t need to leave Chiang Mai to find everything you need. The city is buzzing and there are endless adventures to be had in the stunning countryside that surrounds it.
The weather in Chiang Mai is not dissimilar to what you’ll find throughout the rest of Thailand. It’s coolest and most pleasant in the winter months. Prior to that is the rainy season, during summer. Skies are often overcast and it’s humid, but the heat is very manageable.
The hot season, in what we would call spring, can be rough in Chiang Mai. Temperatures regularly hit over 40° and the ‘smokey season’ pays an unwelcome visit. Farmers throughout Thailand and it’s neighboring countries burn their crops to clear land for the new harvest, an ancient tradition that governments have unsuccessfully tried to stop. Chiang Mai is in a basin between the mountains, this results in very poor air quality. But other than the south, most of the country is affected. Luckily though, this is when you have your main school holiday. You can use the time to travel or relax indoors with the aircon on full blast. Do not let this deter you from choosing this amazing city, but it’s something to consider for anyone with breathing issues. In general, it’s not unbearable but can be uncomfortable.
Is Chiang Mai Right for You?
The true beauty of Chiang Mai is that anyone can be happy here. If you want a busy life full of partying and meeting new people, you can absolutely do so. If you prefer a quieter life, exploring the countryside and practicing your Thai with locals, you’re in luck too. Chiang Mai can morph into whatever you want it to be, and as most people want a mix of everything, everyone can happily turn Chiang Mai into their new home.
And although it’s not essential that you immerse yourself in Thai culture to enjoy Chiang Mai, as it’s an international city with plenty to do, you’ll have a far more rewarding experience if you accept the Thai way of life and let it’s influence guide you.
Thailand is the Land of Smiles, and Chiang Mai is a city where smiles are currency. People are fun and happy, if you are too, then it will be a match made in heaven.
5 Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Find Peace at a Temple
Watch Sunset on a Rooftop Bar
Have a Waterfall Adventure
Explore Local Markets
Have Lunch by the Lake
School Life
Our partner school in Chiang Mai really is amazing. Nestled amidst nearly eight acres of Chiang Mai’s breathtaking scenery, they stand as a beacon of modern education in Thailand. Their pioneering spirit led them to adopt the Finnish HEI Schools Teacher Toolkit, marking them as the first in Thailand to integrate such a forward-thinking approach. Their educational philosophy transcends conventional academic learning, aiming for a holistic development of their students. And they pride themselves on three core values:
Health and Safety: it is a fundamental principle for children’s quality of life. Physical and mental safety of children will contribute to a strong foundation for the learning process of all children.
Tender, Love and Care: love and care of our staff is the foundation built to ensure that children will come to school with happiness, safety, trust and feeling of security in their heart.
Frank and Open Discussion: working together within the school and between families and the school requires trust to achieve the goal. Hence, consistent and effective communication is the key to family engagement for each child’s success.
We think that’s pretty impressive, don’t you?
Weekly teaching hours range from 20 to 25, Monday through Friday. Classroom sizes are capped at 25 students. All public and school holidays are fully paid, they offer comprehensive support with HR and visa requirements, social security is provided, as well as free school lunches.
3 Must Try Foods in Chiang Mai
Green Chili Dip
Grilled Meats
Smashed Jackfruit Salad
Cost of Living
Far cheaper than Bangkok but more expensive than other smaller cities in Thailand, Chiang Mai can either be very affordable or a drain on your bank balance. If you live like the locals do, buying food from the market and occasionally eating out at local restaurants, you’ll be surprised at how little you spend. But venturing closer to the center for a few cocktails and a candlelit dinner isn’t advisable very often. Everything is still far cheaper than the UK or US, but lower salaries means that living the highlife should be done sparingly. If you’re careful with your money then you can easily get by in Chiang Mai on £650 to £750 a month.
Salary
Our partner school in Chiang Mai is offering a fantastic salary of 45,000 THB a month, that’s just over £950. This is around three times what most people in the city earn, it means you can live comfortably without worry and treat yourself from time to time. There’s so much to see and explore in Chiang Mai for free, or at very little cost. But when you do want to go further afield, you can afford to do so. Saving some of your salary each month is very possible and means that you can have that trip you’ve always dreamed of, or keep something in the bank for whatever adventures await you next.