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Posted

Hello fellow Thaivisas,

I arrived in Thailand at the end of last month and moved to Chiangmai on April 1. I have been to Thailand several times before as a tourist but I am now here with a retirement visa and planning to stay a while. I have leased a condo for 3 months so I am committed for at least that much time in CM while looking for the right place to settle. I like Thai food, practice Vipassana meditation and Buddhist studies but am not into the bar scene. I have met a few people on the fly usually tourists but am looking for some place to hang out where I could meet people who actually live here and develop some friendships. Age-wise i am elderly but physically in good shape, although the heat here is keeping me in afternoons. I like to walk and travel a lot but this activity has been limited somewhat by the heat. My previous visits were always in October, November and December.

I'd appreciate any advice about how to adapt. I am single and feeling a bit isolated at present.

thanks, Bob

Posted
Hello fellow Thaivisas,

I arrived in Thailand at the end of last month and moved to Chiangmai on April 1. I have been to Thailand several times before as a tourist but I am now here with a retirement visa and planning to stay a while. I have leased a condo for 3 months so I am committed for at least that much time in CM while looking for the right place to settle. I like Thai food, practice Vipassana meditation and Buddhist studies but am not into the bar scene. I have met a few people on the fly usually tourists but am looking for some place to hang out where I could meet people who actually live here and develop some friendships. Age-wise i am elderly but physically in good shape, although the heat here is keeping me in afternoons. I like to walk and travel a lot but this activity has been limited somewhat by the heat. My previous visits were always in October, November and December.

I'd appreciate any advice about how to adapt. I am single and feeling a bit isolated at present.

thanks, Bob

Welcome to Chiang Mai Bob,

You can start here by joining the Chiang Mai Expats Club.

Hope you have a wonderful stay here.There is a lot of information about Chiang Mai and the various different activities Chiang Mai has to offer by browsing through the various pages we have on this forum.

TB..

Posted
Hello fellow Thaivisas,

I arrived in Thailand at the end of last month and moved to Chiangmai on April 1. I have been to Thailand several times before as a tourist but I am now here with a retirement visa and planning to stay a while. I have leased a condo for 3 months so I am committed for at least that much time in CM while looking for the right place to settle. I like Thai food, practice Vipassana meditation and Buddhist studies but am not into the bar scene. I have met a few people on the fly usually tourists but am looking for some place to hang out where I could meet people who actually live here and develop some friendships. Age-wise i am elderly but physically in good shape, although the heat here is keeping me in afternoons. I like to walk and travel a lot but this activity has been limited somewhat by the heat. My previous visits were always in October, November and December.

I'd appreciate any advice about how to adapt. I am single and feeling a bit isolated at present.

thanks, Bob

Welcome to Chiang Mai Bob,

You can start here by joining the Chiang Mai Expats Club.

Hope you have a wonderful stay here.There is a lot of information about Chiang Mai and the various different activities Chiang Mai has to offer by browsing through the various pages we have on this forum.

TB..

Thanks, I'll come to your next meeting, April 26.

Bob

Posted

Have you seen copies of Citylife magazine about ? You may find some activities listed there which will be of interest.

The hot season can be a bit trying; quite a few people leave town and others slow down considerably.

Welcome to Chiang Mai :o .

Posted (edited)

Citylife contains listings in English of events of various kinds : sport meetings, films, concerts, quiz nights, clubs and so on.

Edited by sylviex
Posted

Welcome Bob,

There are quite a few “theme” pubs/ bars/restaurants whatever you want to call them and the “theme” rarely gets past the name of the establishment. You could try frequenting some of these to meet the owners and some expat customers. My suggestions in no particular order would be Tuskers, The Pub, Mad Dogs, The Olde Bell, Dukes, Chiang Mai Saloon and the UN Irish all do food of a reasonable standard.

BTW what with Songkran starting already the only one that I think that you come and go from without swimming would be The Pub.

Good luck :o

Posted

This is a new CM member who is asking for our assistance so please post accordingly. One post deleted, let's show some manners gents & ladies.

Posted
This is a new CM member who is asking for our assistance so please post accordingly. One post deleted, let's show some manners gents & ladies.

Thanks for your help and suggestions and welcomes. I will need to motivate myself to go out in the noon day sun or earlier.

Bob

Posted
Hello fellow Thaivisas,

I arrived in Thailand at the end of last month and moved to Chiangmai on April 1. I have been to Thailand several times before as a tourist but I am now here with a retirement visa and planning to stay a while. I have leased a condo for 3 months so I am committed for at least that much time in CM while looking for the right place to settle. I like Thai food, practice Vipassana meditation and Buddhist studies but am not into the bar scene. I have met a few people on the fly usually tourists but am looking for some place to hang out where I could meet people who actually live here and develop some friendships. Age-wise i am elderly but physically in good shape, although the heat here is keeping me in afternoons. I like to walk and travel a lot but this activity has been limited somewhat by the heat. My previous visits were always in October, November and December.

I'd appreciate any advice about how to adapt. I am single and feeling a bit isolated at present.

thanks, Bob

Hi Bob. As you said you was'nt into the bar scene, here are a couple of restuarants that a frequented by people with similar interests as yourself. Try out the wonderful Organic vegetarian restuarant "Pun Pun" at the back of Wat Suan Dok (temple) . It is located on Suthep road at the back of the temple as you arrive from Suthep rd. Just get in a Tuk Tuk or song taew and ask for Wat Suan Dok. I am not in any way a vegetarian but the food here is fantastic and you may make some new contacts. Try the crispy flower salad. Sounds strange but it must be tried.

Another great place to eat and make contacts is "The Blue Diamond Restuarant" Moom Muang Road, Soi 9 (at near Sriphum Moat). Again organic vegetarian . Frequented by western Buddhists and many Yoga teachers and students. Most importantly though is the great food. Get there b4 7.30pm to guarantee getting served. It can be really busy.

Try and pick yourself up a recent copy of "Citylife magazine". or check out there website for whats happening in the coming months in CM.

Posted

Welcome to Thailand ,

Thailand is really very BIG , don't limit yourself to just chiangmai ,

a radius of about 500km are all very interesting . places ,

in the not so old days , there is the VISA runner ,, which is now limited by the visa restriction ,

get to know your local ..MALL and where you can get your Fav Food , if you need any direction to any places,

let me know if i can help you i will try to draw your map :o

whahha had draw alot of map for many peopole ove rthe last few years whhahahah

one simple rule which i feeel work great for me is .,. a good smile, alway let you make more friends :D

here a few simple thai words which is

SUPER

SAWADEE KRAP = Greeting ( hello )

TAO RAI = HOW MUCH

MAI AW = DON"T WANT

HILL LIAO = HUNGRY

HON NAM = TOILET

good luck and once again welcome to CNX

Posted

Thanks greatly for all the specific advice. Very helpful. I am also planning to learn basic Thai. Any advice about other places to explore in the 500 km radius? I have done the usual tourist trips previously.

Dare I ask what Sayuri Complex is ?

Posted
It is a soapy massage place, or so I'm led to believe...

I thought it was a gym. My mate is always saying" Im off to Sayuri for a jump" Wondered why he never had a gym bag with him when he went?? :o

Posted
Hi Bob. As you said you was'nt into the bar scene, here are a couple of restuarants that a frequented by people with similar interests as yourself. Try out the wonderful Organic vegetarian restuarant "Pun Pun" at the back of Wat Suan Dok (temple) . It is located on Suthep road at the back of the temple as you arrive from Suthep rd. Just get in a Tuk Tuk or song taew and ask for Wat Suan Dok. I am not in any way a vegetarian but the food here is fantastic and you may make some new contacts. Try the crispy flower salad. Sounds strange but it must be tried.

Another great place to eat and make contacts is "The Blue Diamond Restuarant" Moom Muang Road, Soi 9 (at near Sriphum Moat). Again organic vegetarian . Frequented by western Buddhists and many Yoga teachers and students. Most importantly though is the great food. Get there b4 7.30pm to guarantee getting served. It can be really busy.

Try and pick yourself up a recent copy of "Citylife magazine". or check out there website for whats happening in the coming months in CM.

In keeping with the tradition of friendly and helpful posts on Thai Visa I thought I would correct the directions offered by Fantasteak so as you don't get confused.

When giving directions to the Blue Diamond restaurant I am sure he meant to say Moon Muang Road, Soi 9 as there is no Moom Muang Road in Chiang Mai. Not quite sure what he means by "at near Sriphum Moat" so I have attached the map below for your information.

post-24617-1207935185_thumb.jpg

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Just before I came to live in Thailand 5 years ago, I was quite excited thinking about the many ways how my life would change once I am a resident in Chiang Mai and all the new friendly people I was going to meet, a complete restart to my life.

Well, 99% of my dream came true, except the part of meeting new friendly people.

My Thai neighbours and other Thai people I have met on my travels are wonderful people. But my Thai language capabilities are very limited and this does put a barrier between myself and my Thai friends when meeting on social occasions.

As for other English speaking Farangs I have met here, I found them inhospitable bordering on the plain ole nasty. I have actually attempted to say good morning or good afternoon to other Englishmen I have passed in the street only to receive the traditional Farang greeting of the flared left nostril and tight lipped stare.

I did once join the Ex pats club here in Chiang Mai. The whole meeting was an endurance of some loud mouthed American speaker rattling on for one and a half hours, then after the rant, had to withstand for the next 30 minutes a woman speaker trying to sell condos and when finished stood around being bombarded by some other members trying to sell me stuff for the next 10 minutes before everyone drifted off to wherever they were going. I was not impressed and after giving it one more try at a following meeting, I gave it up.

Now, before the wind up merchants start posting comments about seeking a new best friend, lonely hearts and all that crap, I am very happy living in Chiang Mai with my family, have many good acquaintances here that I have known for years, Thai and Farangs, plus my bar mates and out regular socializing.

My point is that for Farangs considering living long term in Chiang Mai will not find any Farang support, advisories or communities here as these are not community minded people, plus new settlers to realize that if they are not into the bar scene, or don't have families here, could find themselves living in isolation without persons to converse with in their native language.

Posted (edited)

Luckily, I've always found it very easy to make friends and always had farang friends - and even a few Thais - since I arrived in LOS. My best freinds now were my best freinds a year or two after I got here. To me, this doesn't seem like something to get overly worried about. :o

Edited by Ulysses G.
Posted
Hi Bob. As you said you was'nt into the bar scene, here are a couple of restuarants that a frequented by people with similar interests as yourself. Try out the wonderful Organic vegetarian restuarant "Pun Pun" at the back of Wat Suan Dok (temple) . It is located on Suthep road at the back of the temple as you arrive from Suthep rd. Just get in a Tuk Tuk or song taew and ask for Wat Suan Dok. I am not in any way a vegetarian but the food here is fantastic and you may make some new contacts. Try the crispy flower salad. Sounds strange but it must be tried.

I've looked for this place before but couldn't find it. Is it actually inside the temple or on the soi behind it?

Posted
Hi Bob. As you said you was'nt into the bar scene, here are a couple of restuarants that a frequented by people with similar interests as yourself. Try out the wonderful Organic vegetarian restuarant "Pun Pun" at the back of Wat Suan Dok (temple) . It is located on Suthep road at the back of the temple as you arrive from Suthep rd. Just get in a Tuk Tuk or song taew and ask for Wat Suan Dok. I am not in any way a vegetarian but the food here is fantastic and you may make some new contacts. Try the crispy flower salad. Sounds strange but it must be tried.

I've looked for this place before but couldn't find it. Is it actually inside the temple or on the soi behind it?

YES... Go in through the main gate of the wat. Then continue about 100 meters or so until you see the MONK CHAT office. Turn right directly after the office, and then almost immediately left. You will find it, and believe me the food, ambiance, staff and guests are well worth your efforts.

Posted
Just before I came to live in Thailand 5 years ago, I was quite excited thinking about the many ways how my life would change once I am a resident in Chiang Mai and all the new friendly people I was going to meet, a complete restart to my life.

Well, 99% of my dream came true, except the part of meeting new friendly people.

My Thai neighbours and other Thai people I have met on my travels are wonderful people. But my Thai language capabilities are very limited and this does put a barrier between myself and my Thai friends when meeting on social occasions.

As for other English speaking Farangs I have met here, I found them inhospitable bordering on the plain ole nasty. I have actually attempted to say good morning or good afternoon to other Englishmen I have passed in the street only to receive the traditional Farang greeting of the flared left nostril and tight lipped stare.

I did once join the Ex pats club here in Chiang Mai. The whole meeting was an endurance of some loud mouthed American speaker rattling on for one and a half hours, then after the rant, had to withstand for the next 30 minutes a woman speaker trying to sell condos and when finished stood around being bombarded by some other members trying to sell me stuff for the next 10 minutes before everyone drifted off to wherever they were going. I was not impressed and after giving it one more try at a following meeting, I gave it up.

Now, before the wind up merchants start posting comments about seeking a new best friend, lonely hearts and all that crap, I am very happy living in Chiang Mai with my family, have many good acquaintances here that I have known for years, Thai and Farangs, plus my bar mates and out regular socializing.

My point is that for Farangs considering living long term in Chiang Mai will not find any Farang support, advisories or communities here as these are not community minded people, plus new settlers to realize that if they are not into the bar scene, or don't have families here, could find themselves living in isolation without persons to converse with in their native language.

I think luck is very important here. In the month or so I've been here I've found many more like-minded people than I did in a whole year in Phuket, where the standard of expat is, well, bargain basement to say the least. There is more of a community here, be they expat retirees or teachers - it's a question of finding them, I think.

Posted
Just before I came to live in Thailand 5 years ago, I was quite excited thinking about the many ways how my life would change once I am a resident in Chiang Mai and all the new friendly people I was going to meet, a complete restart to my life.

Well, 99% of my dream came true, except the part of meeting new friendly people.

My Thai neighbours and other Thai people I have met on my travels are wonderful people. But my Thai language capabilities are very limited and this does put a barrier between myself and my Thai friends when meeting on social occasions.

As for other English speaking Farangs I have met here, I found them inhospitable bordering on the plain ole nasty. I have actually attempted to say good morning or good afternoon to other Englishmen I have passed in the street only to receive the traditional Farang greeting of the flared left nostril and tight lipped stare.

I did once join the Ex pats club here in Chiang Mai. The whole meeting was an endurance of some loud mouthed American speaker rattling on for one and a half hours, then after the rant, had to withstand for the next 30 minutes a woman speaker trying to sell condos and when finished stood around being bombarded by some other members trying to sell me stuff for the next 10 minutes before everyone drifted off to wherever they were going. I was not impressed and after giving it one more try at a following meeting, I gave it up.

Now, before the wind up merchants start posting comments about seeking a new best friend, lonely hearts and all that crap, I am very happy living in Chiang Mai with my family, have many good acquaintances here that I have known for years, Thai and Farangs, plus my bar mates and out regular socializing.

My point is that for Farangs considering living long term in Chiang Mai will not find any Farang support, advisories or communities here as these are not community minded people, plus new settlers to realize that if they are not into the bar scene, or don't have families here, could find themselves living in isolation without persons to converse with in their native language.

I think luck is very important here. In the month or so I've been here I've found many more like-minded people than I did in a whole year in Phuket, where the standard of expat is, well, bargain basement to say the least. There is more of a community here, be they expat retirees or teachers - it's a question of finding them, I think.

I see this topic has been brought up again which I started before the holiday. What I have done in the meantime is joined a Thai language class where there appear to be folks who are planning to stay awhile, not the tourist variety. We've only had one class but I see the opportunity for some companionship, at least complaining about how hard it is to remember the sounds and tones. Of course, wherever you go you take your self with you and some people are more friendly, less fearful and more open to meeting others. I personally can be either way depending upon mood and situation, but am hoping as I feel more secure here things will brighten up. I also have noticed that most of the farangs I pass in the street look straight ahead with little eye contact,not very welcoming. But then what do I know about what's going on with them! I have found when I break the ice with Thais they are almost always friendly and helpful.

I've only been here a month as a non-tourist and I think I'm still working on attitude shift.

Thanks to all of you for your help and sharing on this forum. I'm still exploring and frequenting a few places to kind of establish a presence here but any suggestions are welcome. I am an old guy who doesn't have a family here or a partner but I do have an adventurous spirit still.

Posted
It is a soapy massage place, or so I'm led to believe...

I thought it was a gym. My mate is always saying" Im off to Sayuri for a jump" Wondered why he never had a gym bag with him when he went?? :o

LOL

well I'm new here but I'm in Chiang Mai ... if there something you want to know and i can tell i will

... it's very hot yeah...and I have to spend most daytime in CMU's library cuz it's a/c room lol

Posted
Hi Bob. As you said you was'nt into the bar scene, here are a couple of restuarants that a frequented by people with similar interests as yourself. Try out the wonderful Organic vegetarian restuarant "Pun Pun" at the back of Wat Suan Dok (temple) . It is located on Suthep road at the back of the temple as you arrive from Suthep rd. Just get in a Tuk Tuk or song taew and ask for Wat Suan Dok. I am not in any way a vegetarian but the food here is fantastic and you may make some new contacts. Try the crispy flower salad. Sounds strange but it must be tried.

I've looked for this place before but couldn't find it. Is it actually inside the temple or on the soi behind it?

YES... Go in through the main gate of the wat. Then continue about 100 meters or so until you see the MONK CHAT office. Turn right directly after the office, and then almost immediately left. You will find it, and believe me the food, ambiance, staff and guests are well worth your efforts.

Thanks for the suggestion about the restaurnt at Wat Suan Dok. It shall be my goal today. I'll report my experiences.

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