Alternative To Chiang Mai - Extended Stay

[goodgenie4u]

We love Chiang Mai and typically stay 3 weeks. Anymore would get us a bit long in the tooth! We are strict budget travelers and snowbirds . We find the cost and value base that Chiang Mai offers just right on with our $30/ day budget ; other than a couple of inexpensive massages a week at store front places. The word I suppose is frugal and non indulgent 65 year old couple. Yet we get more for a lot less.

Is there another place similar to Chiang Mai; a walk about to everything type of town, with it's many fresh fruit and local food spots that we could chill out on? We need to diversify our experience without giving up on the value proposition Chiang Mai offers. The seasoned extended "staying put" no frills traveler is who we hope to get advice from. The room we need is a king bed, a/c if needed, fridge, cable TV, wifi and with any luck tea and toast! We plan to there in between Jan and Feb

Thanks

[alvarosalls]

Thailand is a very beautiful place to travel. It has a number of attractive sandy beaches. If one has a limited budget then he can think of renting a small flat in the areas adjoining to these beaches. You may think of staying at beautiful places like Chang Mai with excellent food, cheap accommodation and entertainment in a budget of around $600 a month. A cheap flat could cost around $40 - 50 a month. To save on the cost of food, one can have awesome Thai food from street-side food stalls. The rest of the money can be used to enjoy local trips, restaurants, parties and some small shopping.

[Ulysses G.]

Chiang Rai, but a lot less going on than in Chiang Mai.

[thrilled]

I think chiang mai is on the expensive side.I've seen things there more expensive than at bangkok.

You should check out udon thani,the prices are reasonable and they have plenty of stores,shopping mall etc.

[changgarden]

I would consider Chiang Rai if I were you.

Maybe the city is not as big as Chiang Mai, but certainly cosier, not as overcrowded.

[Pash]

Assuming the $30 / day is US (so we can calculate a common ground = 900 baht / day then:

Why not incorporate a few of the answers and stay in smaller places like Chiang Rai. Udon, etc. for varying periods. Smaller towns can offer rooms as you described for 3 - 400 baht / day. Use the bus service or train and see a lot of Thailand and get all the sights & experiences plus the fresh food / fruit for the same cost when factoring in the transport??

[moe666]

Are you interested in meditation if so go over to wat tam wua. It is one hour outside Mae Hong Son (another possibility for a few weeks). At the monastary you will have 2 meals a day and some volunteer work, you are expected to take part in the meditations. When you leave a donation is expected in the amt. you can afford. I am 64 and spent a month there in Mar. so not impossible for someone older.

Mae Hong Son is a nice small town with a lot of guest houses and motorcycle rental places for getting around and seeing the local sights.