I like Udon and Nong Khai. Udon for the nightlife and Nong Khai for the countryside along the river.
I speak enough Thai for basic conversation so English is not a requirement for me.
I have lived in Khon Kaen city for a period of a few months and have made numerous annual visits.
I have visited Chiang Mai briefly 3 times.
I feel a great fondness for Khon Kaen but I appreciate that Chiang Mai has much to offer.
I would like to hear from others who have lived in both cities what they consider the pros and cons of each to be.
This is from a retirement point of view.
Here in the UK I have seen reviews that have slated a business but I have also seen some brilliant rebuttals by businesses who were apparently unfairly reviewed.
No one is muzzled as long as there is no hate against race, religion or sexuality.
That seems the sensible way forward to me.