Chiang Mai Expat Club worth to go?

[newbee2022]

Years ago I went there occasionally for a sumptuous brunch. But also to meet nice people for a chat.

My experience: 

The food was quite ok, but the people there were a bit too loud, a bit too narrow minded, a bit too self centered, a bit too much bragging, a bit too just"strange" and exhausting.

Too many Americans.

Is there any change now?

Did someone made friends there?

Comments appreciated.👍

[novacova]

4 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Is there any change now?

Why not just go and report back and let us know.

5 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Did someone made friends there?

Don’t need to attend a social club to make friends.

6 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Too many Americans.

Unless of course one has an antisocial disposition towards certain nationals, then of course one can start their own special club.

[newbee2022]

16 minutes ago, novacova said:

Why not just go and report back and let us know.

Don’t need to attend a social club to make friends.

Unless of course one has an antisocial disposition towards certain nationals, then of course one can start their own special club.

So, where are you socialized? What is the name of your club??? Just I wouldn't like to step into the wrong one🥳

[novacova]

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

So, where are you socialized? What is the name of your club??? Just I wouldn't like to step into the wrong one🥳

Don’t need a club to meet people, meet them on the fly while out and about like a normal person.

[BritManToo]

10 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

So, where are you socialized? What is the name of your club??? Just I wouldn't like to step into the wrong one🥳

I'm in the the walking round Lakeview park club (next to MaeJo golf course).

Just me, no membership fees, just turn up any morning before 8am.

[zz4096]

3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I'm in the the walking round Lakeview park club (next to MaeJo golf course).

Just me, no membership fees, just turn up any morning before 8am.

 

That does look nice. Swimmable?

[newbee2022]

17 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I'm in the the walking round Lakeview park club (next to MaeJo golf course).

Just me, no membership fees, just turn up any morning before 8am.

Before 8, huh?😂. I live in San Kamphaeng, not just round the corner, and then the traffic. But I'm sure to make it though. Possible to walk my dog? Or come with a bike?

[newbee2022]

16 minutes ago, zz4096 said:

 

That does look nice. Swimmable?

Probably meeting Crocs?😂

[newbee2022]

43 minutes ago, novacova said:

Why not just go and report back and let us know.

Don’t need to attend a social club to make friends.

Unless of course one has an antisocial disposition towards certain nationals, then of course one can start their own special club.

The ordinary comment. Thanks a lot🥳

[BritManToo]

8 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Before 8, huh?😂. I live in San Kamphaeng, not just round the corner, and then the traffic. But I'm sure to make it though. Possible to walk my dog? Or come with a bike?

No dogs, no swimming, bicycles allowed, the usual Thai exercise frames, table tennis tables and badminton court, food stalls, coffee shop.

[novacova]

13 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

I live in San Kamphaeng

I used to live in rongkong khao and walk two or three times a week to kad paphai in sk, plenty of friendly people to meet there and along the way. You otta get out more and get to know your surroundings if you haven’t already.

[wwest5829]

I have been a member for 14 years and have noted the club evolution over time. Currently new direction to try and revitalize the Chiang Mai Expats Club. First Saturday of the month buffet at Duke’s, Raumchok location continues and is well attended. I serve with Dr. Ava Walker at the “Newcomers’ table to try and help those new or just visiting Chiang Mai. As all reading might note: banking, immigration, healthcare, driving, insurance, housing, different areas of CM, etc. can be a bit of a challenge when first arriving or wanting to learn more about considering settling here. Hope we are able to help some. As to meeting folks, well that relies, in large measure, in the hands of the individual. There are also related sub groups for various interest focus. COVID hit hard, CM is still recovering.

[newbee2022]

7 minutes ago, wwest5829 said:

I have been a member for 14 years and have noted the club evolution over time. Currently new direction to try and revitalize the Chiang Mai Expats Club. First Saturday of the month buffet at Duke’s, Raumchok location continues and is well attended. I serve with Dr. Ava Walker at the “Newcomers’ table to try and help those new or just visiting Chiang Mai. As all reading might note: banking, immigration, healthcare, driving, insurance, housing, different areas of CM, etc. can be a bit of a challenge when first arriving or wanting to learn more about considering settling here. Hope we are able to help some. As to meeting folks, well that relies, in large measure, in the hands of the individual. There are also related sub groups for various interest focus. COVID hit hard, CM is still recovering.

Thank you

[1FinickyOne]

On 6/24/2025 at 11:36 AM, BritManToo said:

Just me, no membership fees,

oh, if I were you I would charge for it - a rare opportunity to have some pleasant alone time.  I am sure you are worth it. Don't sell yourself short. 

[1FinickyOne]

I used to go and volunteer there as well... I am thinking of going back for a breakfast buffet just for the food, if I make a friend or bump into an old friend, that will be a bonus...

[Magictoad]

I can't imagine anything in Chiang Mai worth going to. I went three times over 30 years and each time the last  vist was worse than the last one. For some reason I couldn't fathom; it seemed to have become a gay town. Farang gays but not a Ladyboy in sight.

[novacova]

Makro is a great place to meet other farangs, just open your mouth and say hello, the friendly ones smile and say hello back.

[Burma Bill]

On 6/24/2025 at 11:05 AM, newbee2022 said:

Years ago I went there occasionally for a sumptuous brunch. But also to meet nice people for a chat.

My experience: 

The food was quite ok, but the people there were a bit too loud, a bit too narrow minded, a bit too self centered, a bit too much bragging, a bit too just"strange" and exhausting.

Too many Americans.

Is there any change now?

Did someone made friends there?

Comments appreciated.👍

 

When I lived in Lanna several years ago and pre-covid, I was invited on two occasions to present illustrated lectures on the UK Police Forensic Science Service, with particular reference to high profile cases I had worked on. I was never a member but knew several others that were. The meetings were always enjoyable and very well attended. A spin-off was a similar lecture to the Chiang Rai Expats Club. I do remember there being many Americans in the audience. I lost contact when I moved across to Issan and then to Cambodia. The Club is still active so please check:

 

https://chiangmaiexpatsclub.com

 

 

[newbee2022]

On 6/24/2025 at 11:14 AM, novacova said:

Why not just go and report back and let us know.

Don’t need to attend a social club to make friends.

Unless of course one has an antisocial disposition towards certain nationals, then of course one can start their own special club.

If one would specify what one might mean, then one can reply. At present one don't know what this comment is about for someone😳

[newbee2022]

3 hours ago, Magictoad said:

I can't imagine anything in Chiang Mai worth going to. I went three times over 30 years and each time the last  vist was worse than the last one. For some reason I couldn't fathom; it seemed to have become a gay town. Farang gays but not a Ladyboy in sight.

Sorry to hear that. But I'm sure you can meet gay farangs or Ladyboys. Ask a taxi driver. Normally they are very helpful.

[DezLez]

3 hours ago, Magictoad said:

Farang gays but not a Ladyboy in sight.

Is that not what you were looking for?

[novacova]

16 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

If one would specify what one might mean, then one can reply. At present one don't know what this comment is about for someone😳

 

On 6/24/2025 at 11:05 AM, newbee2022 said:

Is there any change now?

 

On 6/24/2025 at 11:14 AM, novacova said:

Why not just go and report back and let us know.

& it wouldn’t hurt if you read your own post.

[DrPhibes]

On 6/26/2025 at 2:02 PM, wwest5829 said:

I have been a member for 14 years and have noted the club evolution over time. Currently new direction to try and revitalize the Chiang Mai Expats Club. First Saturday of the month buffet at Duke’s, Raumchok location continues and is well attended. I serve with Dr. Ava Walker at the “Newcomers’ table to try and help those new or just visiting Chiang Mai. As all reading might note: banking, immigration, healthcare, driving, insurance, housing, different areas of CM, etc. can be a bit of a challenge when first arriving or wanting to learn more about considering settling here. Hope we are able to help some. As to meeting folks, well that relies, in large measure, in the hands of the individual. There are also related sub groups for various interest focus. COVID hit hard, CM is still recovering.

Is this Dukes meeting at lunch and about what time? I literally live across the street from it and have been curious about the expats club.  How do I make a reservation?  Thanks in advance!

[TheAppletons]

On 7/3/2025 at 10:37 PM, DrPhibes said:

Is this Dukes meeting at lunch and about what time? I literally live across the street from it and have been curious about the expats club.  How do I make a reservation?  Thanks in advance!

 

  IIRC, the Duke's events are breakfast events from 09:30 to 11:30 or so.

 

  Advance reservations and/or tickets are sold on the website by clicking on the event in question.

 

  https://chiangmaiexpatsclub.com/

[Wrwest]

On 6/26/2025 at 2:10 PM, newbee2022 said:

Thank you

Thought I would add a bit, having just attended yesterday's breakfasT. Overflow crowd. I acknowledge that with so much conversation, I too have to "cup" my ear to better hear. too many "Newcomers" for us to handle at the "Newcomers Table" so some did not have the opportunity to ask question. (Yesterday, an Irishman, Welshman, 2 Yanks at my end more at Ava's end). Why so many yesterday? I have no idea ... a breakfast or two ago there was plenty of room. Anyway, suggest going on the Chiang Mai Expats Club website and make the reservation ahead of the breakfasts. Also note the general meet-ups once a moth at Duangtawan Hotel.

[Wrwest]

On 7/3/2025 at 10:37 PM, DrPhibes said:

Is this Dukes meeting at lunch and about what time? I literally live across the street from it and have been curious about the expats club.  How do I make a reservation?  Thanks in advance!

Note response from "Appletons".

[VocalNeal]

On 6/26/2025 at 2:51 PM, Magictoad said:

I can't imagine anything in Chiang Mai worth going to.

 

Hash House Harriers.🤔An OK diverse bunch but all attending for a common reason. http://www.chiangmaihhh.com/

[wwest5829]

On 7/3/2025 at 10:37 PM, DrPhibes said:

Is this Dukes meeting at lunch and about what time? I literally live across the street from it and have been curious about the expats club.  How do I make a reservation?  Thanks in advance!

The 1st Saturday of the month at Duke’s Raumchok is a breakfast buffet. Serving line opens at 09:30. Crowd thins noticably by 11:15. Folks like to get together with friends, We have a “NewcomersTable” to try and answer questions from those new to Chiang Mai. Make sure to reserve on the  Hsiang Mai Expat Club website, this past Saturday was an overflow crowd.

[DrPhibes]

I'll look it up at Duke’s next session.  Been here years and have not made any effort to make friends as we kept saying maybe next year heading back to US.  Given the circumstances in the US and the world, we have decided to lay down roots about a year ago.  Time to find some buddies.

[neilrob]

A bit late now---the club just announced that it will close...