midnighttiger

I was curious if it would be possible to enroll our 3 year old in an international preschool (English instruction) for 1 month only and if there's some place that people could recommend located nearby/close to Chiang Mai University?

Thank you!

I think I found a place so thread can be closed. Thanks.

I'm looking for a nice air conditioned house with a garden near Chiang Mai University for a 1 month rental, starting immediately. I was wondering if anyone might know of something that's available now?

Thank you.

I'm currently trying to decide between Luang Prabang and Chiang Mai.

The biggest advatanges of Chiang Mai being a much easier air connection; amenities such as Muay Thai, Yoga, Massage; plentiful, affordable housing.

On the other hand, Luang Prabang just seems so beautiful and charming with that small town atmosphere.

Anyone who has spent significant time in both have any opinions, if you had to choose?

Just curious about a few things...

How much would private 1 - 1.5 hour lessons in Muay Thai and Yoga cost in Chiang Mai? I'd also be curious how much a good Thai massage would be per hour (to receive...not to learn).

Additionally, do you know of charming, quiet cafes in Chiang Mai where one could comfortably work on his laptop for 4-5 hours every day? I usually like to people watch while I work, usually near university areas, and was curious if there is such a spot that someone might know of.

Thanks...

Would September be a total wash out in terms of visiting for a month ? I was considering CM or Luang Prabang but all the reports of heavy cloud cover, massive rains, and possible flooding is worrying me.

Just curious what the general cost of full-time and part-time domestic help might be in Chiang Mai, and if reliable, good people are hard to find?

6000 baht a month sounds great. I don't see I've seen any of the agency sites that attractively priced. Would you mind taking a photo of your neighbor's house and posting it?

Thank you all for your opinions.

I guess I'll just have to find temporary housing for a week or two while I investigate each of these houses in person, one by one.

I'm finding that getting a 3 month rental initially before committing to a 1 year lease seems to not be possible through most of these agencies however.

Hi,

I ran across some attractively priced houses and was wondering if any of you are familiar with these areas? I realize they may not be the most "desirable" locations as their rental prices seem significantly lower than other properties I've seen, but any input on what these locations are like would be appreciated. We're okay with a charming area that's surrounded by nature, trees, mountains, etc.

Lampang, Lamphun Road - Hwy. 106, 11http://www.chiangmaihouse.com/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=2272

Mae Rim Road - Hwy. 107

http://www.chiangmaihouse.com/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=1171

Maejo, Phrao, Sansai Road - Hwy. 1001

http://www.chiangmaihouse.com/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=375#

I don't suppose there's a fitness gym (running machines, weights) in/near Ching Dao?

How's the broadband Internet situation over there?

Thank you all for the helpful hints. It does seem like I should focus on a few houses/areas and then rent a flat while I shop around.

Is there a good photo site that might have representative images of these various areas in and around Chiang Mai by any chance?

I'm looking at some houses in the Chiang Mai region but need to make/receive 10-20 calls a day via Skype/Vonage with the U.S. Reliability and quality are important as these are all business calls. Ideally, some type of home router would be ideal so that I can plug in my Vonage device by ethernet cable but a USB modem that provides a broadband connection to my laptop would also be an acceptable alternative.

I was wondering what the best mobile Internet provider/set-up I can sign up for to ensure coverage, reliability, and quality?

For example, one house I am looking at is in the hills of Mae Rim (Google maps 18.8967, 98.9105).

Apparently, there's no land-line Internet going to that house but some type of USB modem seems to work. I'm just wondering what set-up would allow for the best guarantee of reliability for voice over IP calls to the US.

Thank you. Would appreciate your thoughts and expertise.

Just curious. Is Sarapee mostly akin to a "US-style suburb"? In other words, houses in a planned community built next one another outside of the city?

Any thoughts on Hang Dong would also be appreciated.

imho CAT has the best connection in the Mae Rim re: speed and reliability--there is a tower at the intersection of the Mae Rim/Mae Jo road, so the signal doesn't have far to go. I never had luck with TripleT. CAT has a 2/2 package, which includes international bandwidth.

Is CAT a DSL/Cable connection? I'm being told the house I'm considering is in the hills and only wireless USB Internet is available there. Not sure if that offers 100% reliable Skype connections or not...

Thank you all for your input.

I'm still puzzling over which area in the city or moo baan to focus my housing search on.

Just to give a background -- I've lived in the medieval quarter of a UNESCO heritage city in Europe for many years now so I am quite fond of residences located in charming, atmospheric, pedestrian-friendly areas with some trees/greenery.

A nice garden with trees surrounding the residence where the kid can run around in would be ideal. Convenient access to galleries, cafes, and local universities would also be a big plus.

I'm personally not a very big fan of US suburban style developments that are just a group of big houses lined up next to one another far from the city -- and would like to avoid such areas if possible.

Would you be able to suggest any particular area(s) so that I could narrow down my search? There seem to be some nice houses advertised "near CM University" and I'm wondering if that is an attractive and sought-after area for some reason?

I'd also consider a secluded place totally nestled in nature outside the city but these places seem to have very limited Internet access.

Just curious if there's an "art scene" accessible to foreigners in Chiang Mai, or a certain district or area of the city known for having galleries and/or artistic-oriented venues?

I have lived in Mae Rim more than 2 years and really like it. It is quiet and has great scenery.In the smoke season it tends to have better air than the lower lying Chiang Mai although last year it was not too good. There is a new shopping centre being built which promises to have a supermarket but if you want shopping and night-life then you need to make the 20-30 minute trip to Chiang Mai.It is close to Prem school if you need a good but very,very expensive school. Having said all of that where you live is always a matter of personal taste

Thanks everyone for your input.

Just curious -- are you able to get a good Internet connection (good enough for reliable Skype phone calls abroad) in Mae Rim?

I recently saw listings for two houses that look quite idyllic in Sarapee and Mae Rim and was just curious what these areas are like to live in, and if they are convenient enough locations to be able to do things in Chiang Mai a few times per week?

Thank you.

Thank you VERY MUCH! Jasminehomes.co.th looks like a great site!

I was just curious if an area exists in the countryside within daily driving distance of Chiang Mai that has houses for rent long-term (1+ year)?

Specifically, I was hoping to find a house that offers some of the same beautiful nature, peaceful environment, and tranquil privacy that some of the special guest houses within 1 hour drive of Chiang Mai are nestled within:

For example, the Tharnthong Lodges or Malee Nature Bungalows:

http://www.tharnthon.../facilities.php

http://www.maleenature.com/photo.html

Any recommendations on specific areas as well as reliable real estate people who could show me around would be very much appreciated.

I'd also be very open to a house within the city that has a nice garden where my son can run around and play in.

I'd very much appreciate your input/feedback.