Chaing Mai Accomodations

[kcore]

Hello - I will be traveling to Chaing Mai in Feb 2010 to retire. I am looking for nice accomodations and advice as to where to stay for 3 months to explore and get feet wet and then where to set up long term housing. I have searched web and found places that look good for short term (loft residence and studio 99) any other suggestions.

I am American in 50's with Thai gf and would like to be around others of the same when it comes to longer term housing. When it comes to longer term, renting or building, land costs -advice\ stuff that is not out there already and commercially stepped on would be great. Thoughts on setting up small business or something to stay engaged also helpful. Thanks to any and all who contribute.......kcore

[Just1Voice]

Hello - I will be traveling to Chaing Mai in Feb 2010 to retire. I am looking for nice accomodations and advice as to where to stay for 3 months to explore and get feet wet and then where to set up long term housing. I have searched web and found places that look good for short term (loft residence and studio 99) any other suggestions.

I am American in 50's with Thai gf and would like to be around others of the same when it comes to longer term housing. When it comes to longer term, renting or building, land costs -advice\ stuff that is not out there already and commercially stepped on would be great. Thoughts on setting up small business or something to stay engaged also helpful. Thanks to any and all who contribute.......kcore

There are a number of good places here in Chiang Mai, but the one I would personally select is Huay Kaew Residence. (http://www.huaykaewresidence.com). They have a variety of room, the prices are reasonable, and it is centrally located in the city itself right next to the Mall. From there you can walk about 100 yards to the mall itself and find plenty of tuk-tuks and songtows, or the employees in the office can arrange transportation for you in the form of taxis if you wish.

For long term (permanent) housing, there are any number of new housing projects being developed east of the city where I live with my wife, with prices starting at about 1.5m baht and up. I live in one of the newer ones, bought one of the first houses in here, and have watched it grow over the past 2 years, with new homes still being built. One of the good things about the developers here is that they are willing to work with you in regards to having a home built to your own specifications and modifications. They will also allow a "rent-to-buy" option as well for those who may have some difficulty in obtaining financing through a bank. Feel free to contact me for any additional questions you might have.

[kcore]

Hello - I will be traveling to Chaing Mai in Feb 2010 to retire. I am looking for nice accomodations and advice as to where to stay for 3 months to explore and get feet wet and then where to set up long term housing. I have searched web and found places that look good for short term (loft residence and studio 99) any other suggestions.

I am American in 50's with Thai gf and would like to be around others of the same when it comes to longer term housing. When it comes to longer term, renting or building, land costs -advice\ stuff that is not out there already and commercially stepped on would be great. Thoughts on setting up small business or something to stay engaged also helpful. Thanks to any and all who contribute.......kcore

There are a number of good places here in Chiang Mai, but the one I would personally select is Huay Kaew Residence. (http://www.huaykaewresidence.com). They have a variety of room, the prices are reasonable, and it is centrally located in the city itself right next to the Mall. From there you can walk about 100 yards to the mall itself and find plenty of tuk-tuks and songtows, or the employees in the office can arrange transportation for you in the form of taxis if you wish.

For long term (permanent) housing, there are any number of new housing projects being developed east of the city where I live with my wife, with prices starting at about 1.5m baht and up. I live in one of the newer ones, bought one of the first houses in here, and have watched it grow over the past 2 years, with new homes still being built. One of the good things about the developers here is that they are willing to work with you in regards to having a home built to your own specifications and modifications. They will also allow a "rent-to-buy" option as well for those who may have some difficulty in obtaining financing through a bank. Feel free to contact me for any additional questions you might have.

[kcore]

Thanks just1voice for your reply...i looked at the hotel ......nice , a little more upscale would be to my liking. Any thoughts. What do u do over there to stay busy and is there a social area of interest to most of the faraangs to meet and drink an speak a connon language..... hae looked at some of the east side developments and they look good will explore more when i arrive 1.5 m looks like good house good price and why i want to com over there....thanks again ...kcore

[globerunner4]

Hey,

I'm going to be making a similar trip to Chiang Mai myself in December to get a break from high season in Phuket. I've narrowed my choices down to The Dome and Hillside 4. Both are condotel types in trendy neighborhoods favored by expats and CMU students. Not my taste for long term but perfect for being fresh off the plane. Good luck.

[kcore]

Hey,

I'm going to be making a similar trip to Chiang Mai myself in December to get a break from high season in Phuket. I've narrowed my choices down to The Dome and Hillside 4. Both are condotel types in trendy neighborhoods favored by expats and CMU students. Not my taste for long term but perfect for being fresh off the plane. Good luck.

Thanks - the dome looks great.

happy trails...Kcore

[jackr]

Although a bit more expensive, you may prefer somewhere like this - Kantary Hills.

Perhaps a bit flash but operates as a hotel and a longer-term place. You can get one and two-bed rooms and I think the prices go from around 30 or 40k. Probably a bit much but if you're retiring and fancy chilling out for a bit, would probably be just the ticket. It's on Nimmanhemin Road which is the most up and coming part of Chiang Mai that is not touristy, although plenty of expats around to meet with. It's between the city centre and the mountain and has loads of nice shops, coffee shops, eateries and smart bars, etc

The Dome looks nice and is in a good spot, although a pool would be nice. Another option would be to get a central hotel for a few nights and have a buzz about on a motorbike to find digs (150 baht day, Moon Muang road).

For keeping busy, starting up a business sounds too much like a headache for the sake of it... how about taking up cycling, art, music, a Thai language course at Chiang Mai University, which also comes with the opportunity of a year ED visa if you haven't got your retiree one sorted, that is? Failing that, could always make a career of getting plastered everyday like most of the old gits up here

For meeting others, have a nose around the CM forum and perhaps turn up to one of the annual piss-ups. All the best

[kcore]

Although a bit more expensive, you may prefer somewhere like this - Kantary Hills.

Perhaps a bit flash but operates as a hotel and a longer-term place. You can get one and two-bed rooms and I think the prices go from around 30 or 40k. Probably a bit much but if you're retiring and fancy chilling out for a bit, would probably be just the ticket. It's on Nimmanhemin Road which is the most up and coming part of Chiang Mai that is not touristy, although plenty of expats around to meet with. It's between the city centre and the mountain and has loads of nice shops, coffee shops, eateries and smart bars, etc

The Dome looks nice and is in a good spot, although a pool would be nice. Another option would be to get a central hotel for a few nights and have a buzz about on a motorbike to find digs (150 baht day, Moon Muang road).

For keeping busy, starting up a business sounds too much like a headache for the sake of it... how about taking up cycling, art, music, a Thai language course at Chiang Mai University, which also comes with the opportunity of a year ED visa if you haven't got your retiree one sorted, that is? Failing that, could always make a career of getting plastered everyday like most of the old gits up here

For meeting others, have a nose around the CM forum and perhaps turn up to one of the annual piss-ups. All the best

Thanks jackr - sounds like a wonderful career choice. One I have a lot of experience in. Best of luck.

kcore