Relocating to Chiang Mai

[aldrm]

I am currently thinking of relocating to CM and looking for some good advice on which area to live. I am 33 and would be moving up with my wife and 1 year old daughter. Ideally i am looking at somewhere not to remote with good access to International Schools, Shops, Gym's etc. We are planning on renting for a year or so to get a feel for the city before committing to buy. I have heard some great things about CM and sounds like the ideal place for my Girl to grow up. Any advice would be great. Thanks

[trainman34014]

Best thing to do is bring the family up for a few days and stay in a hotel while you find your way around and familiarise yourselves to see if you really like it. Lots of modern Moo Baan's around the outskirts of the City to choose from the best to the South IMO. You will be within 10 clicks/15 minutes of the City but in a quiet area if you choose your location well. Lots of houses for rent so cruise if you have a car and you will find them easily.

I've been here almost 6 years now and i love it but it's a personal thing is love and others may not feel the same !

[WinnieTheKhwai]

With a young kid I'd go for a gated development, most of which are just outside of town. Does mean you need a car of course.

Look at online sites to get an idea of what's available. (Like http://www.jasminehomes.co.th/listing_browse.php?&type=House+Rental ) Prices on those sites are a bit higher than what I would consider the right price, but it's still helpful to see what to expect in terms of houses available.

And I say this even though my wife can rent you a townhouse right downtown; I wouldn't do it with a young kid though who you'd like to be able to play in a garden.

What sort of budget do you have in mind? You can spend anything from 6000-60,000 per month.

[Beetlejuice]

There are a few excellent International schools in Chiang Mai. All my children attended International schools here. Plus there is ample decent rented accommodation in and around the main town close to all amenities. Have all plus more what the OP is seeking.

But these are not cheap and can be very expensive. So my question to the OP is; how does he intend to financially support himself and family in Chiang Mai to cover all their expenditure costs to meet the sorts of lifestyle standards he requires? Especially if it`s for the long term.

[bhatmasterson]

There are a few excellent International schools in Chiang Mai. All my children attended International schools here. Plus there is ample decent rented accommodation in and around the main town close to all amenities. Have all plus more what the OP is seeking.

But these are not cheap and can be very expensive. So my question to the OP is; how does he intend to financially support himself and family in Chiang Mai to cover all their expenditure costs to meet the sorts of lifestyle standards he requires? Especially if it`s for the long term.

And why do we need to know that?

[purrboat]

I agree with you. Why indeed do we need to know how this guy intends on supporting his family and himself. He only asked for advice not interrogation

[KRS1]

Go to Nimanheimin road.

IMO its the best part of town, everything is there and in walking distance. If you know the back roads and inner sois, traffic is not a problem.

Not sure if your daughter is Thai, but there is also a school there for small children.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Why not put the kid in a Thai government school, assuming she is Thai.

[elektrified]

Why not put the kid in a Thai government school, assuming she is Thai.

Maybe they want their child to have a decent education?

[Coocase Thailand]

I've just relocated to CM 2 weeks ago, and what I do is to look for school for both girls age 2 & 3.5. I just settle them in Ambassador Bilingual School (fee less then 80k / year) few days ago and now started to look for house to buy.

http://www.absbilingualschool.com/new/index.php/en/school-en/fees-en-menu

Also check out Varee school and they do have Int'l programme for kids starting from Primary level, impressive building and system but my girls are too young for English in Varee and I felt just too many students in a class (2 teachers to 30 kids, while ABS about 3 teacher to 18 kids). Price in Varee think about 60k per year, slightly cheaper compare to ABS.

As for Int'l school, did check out Lanna and CMIS to learn that is too expensive for a poor normal family like me.

DIdn't bother to check the local Thai govt school or "temple school" as I need English programme for them, and I leave those local school for those in need.

I would suggest you to rent a condo or aptmt in town area on monthly basis, move around for a week or so to search for school before you commit to 1 or 2 year rental agreement or even to buy a house. Just attach 2 aptmt that I stayed before I bought current condo, there're so many more nice and cheaper condo in CM, just need to ask khun google and also have a bike or car to move around looking for them.

http://www.airportresident.com/web55/index.php?ge=view&gen_lang=230313012721&lang_id=
http://www.viangbuamansion-chiangmai.com/room_rate.htm


There're lots of Int'l school that cost almost close to Bangkok, but private school with Billingual (Eng & Thai) is as good IMO. Guess teachers and school only do their part during that few hours they attend, most important is still the example of parents and how we bring them up to be humble and good person, education only gives them knowledge but moral teaching gives them wisdom.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Another excellent kindergarten for the young ones is Hana International. At the Royal Flora roundabout, off the Canal Road.

[aldrm]

There are a few excellent International schools in Chiang Mai. All my children attended International schools here. Plus there is ample decent rented accommodation in and around the main town close to all amenities. Have all plus more what the OP is seeking.

But these are not cheap and can be very expensive. So my question to the OP is; how does he intend to financially support himself and family in Chiang Mai to cover all their expenditure costs to meet the sorts of lifestyle standards he requires? Especially if it`s for the long term.

Personally. How i intend to support myself or my family is non of your business. I asked for any advice on area's to live not a financial advisor!

[aldrm]

Go to Nimanheimin road.

IMO its the best part of town, everything is there and in walking distance. If you know the back roads and inner sois, traffic is not a problem.

Not sure if your daughter is Thai, but there is also a school there for small children.

Thanks for the info, I'll look into that.

Yes she is half Thai and will be attending an international school but not for a couple of years yet. So i still have plenty time to see whats around.

[aldrm]

I've just relocated to CM 2 weeks ago, and what I do is to look for school for both girls age 2 & 3.5. I just settle them in Ambassador Bilingual School (fee less then 80k / year) few days ago and now started to look for house to buy.

http://www.absbilingualschool.com/new/index.php/en/school-en/fees-en-menu

Also check out Varee school and they do have Int'l programme for kids starting from Primary level, impressive building and system but my girls are too young for English in Varee and I felt just too many students in a class (2 teachers to 30 kids, while ABS about 3 teacher to 18 kids). Price in Varee think about 60k per year, slightly cheaper compare to ABS.

As for Int'l school, did check out Lanna and CMIS to learn that is too expensive for a poor normal family like me.

DIdn't bother to check the local Thai govt school or "temple school" as I need English programme for them, and I leave those local school for those in need.

I would suggest you to rent a condo or aptmt in town area on monthly basis, move around for a week or so to search for school before you commit to 1 or 2 year rental agreement or even to buy a house. Just attach 2 aptmt that I stayed before I bought current condo, there're so many more nice and cheaper condo in CM, just need to ask khun google and also have a bike or car to move around looking for them.

http://www.airportresident.com/web55/index.php?ge=view&gen_lang=230313012721&lang_id=

http://www.viangbuamansion-chiangmai.com/room_rate.htm

There're lots of Int'l school that cost almost close to Bangkok, but private school with Billingual (Eng & Thai) is as good IMO. Guess teachers and school only do their part during that few hours they attend, most important is still the example of parents and how we bring them up to be humble and good person, education only gives them knowledge but moral teaching gives them wisdom.

Brilliant, Thanks for the Info, I have done a bit of research into the schooling in CM and it seems that there is no shortage of options. I think it's just finding the right area to locate to. I am looking forward to coming up and spending time in CM. I have not heard many bad things said about the place.

[aldrm]

I've just relocated to CM 2 weeks ago, and what I do is to look for school for both girls age 2 & 3.5. I just settle them in Ambassador Bilingual School (fee less then 80k / year) few days ago and now started to look for house to buy.

http://www.absbilingualschool.com/new/index.php/en/school-en/fees-en-menu

Also check out Varee school and they do have Int'l programme for kids starting from Primary level, impressive building and system but my girls are too young for English in Varee and I felt just too many students in a class (2 teachers to 30 kids, while ABS about 3 teacher to 18 kids). Price in Varee think about 60k per year, slightly cheaper compare to ABS.

As for Int'l school, did check out Lanna and CMIS to learn that is too expensive for a poor normal family like me.

DIdn't bother to check the local Thai govt school or "temple school" as I need English programme for them, and I leave those local school for those in need.

I would suggest you to rent a condo or aptmt in town area on monthly basis, move around for a week or so to search for school before you commit to 1 or 2 year rental agreement or even to buy a house. Just attach 2 aptmt that I stayed before I bought current condo, there're so many more nice and cheaper condo in CM, just need to ask khun google and also have a bike or car to move around looking for them.

http://www.airportresident.com/web55/index.php?ge=view&gen_lang=230313012721&lang_id=

http://www.viangbuamansion-chiangmai.com/room_rate.htm

There're lots of Int'l school that cost almost close to Bangkok, but private school with Billingual (Eng & Thai) is as good IMO. Guess teachers and school only do their part during that few hours they attend, most important is still the example of parents and how we bring them up to be humble and good person, education only gives them knowledge but moral teaching gives them wisdom.

Brilliant, Thanks for the Info, I have done a bit of research into the schooling in CM and it seems that there is no shortage of options. I think it's just finding the right area to locate to. I am looking forward to coming up and spending time in CM. I have not heard many bad things said about the place.

[zippydedodah]

Go to Nimanheimin road.

IMO its the best part of town, everything is there and in walking distance. If you know the back roads and inner sois, traffic is not a problem.

Not sure if your daughter is Thai, but there is also a school there for small children.

Thanks for the info, I'll look into that.

Yes she is half Thai and will be attending an international school but not for a couple of years yet. So i still have plenty time to see whats around.

if you intend to put your daughter into international school in a couple of years, is that because of her age or other reasons.

the reason i ask is that the english standard and local competition for kindergarten (at say, CMIS) is rather high. Many families are very disappointed when their kid cannot get into KG because of poor english skills or because of how they "test". Yes, they will test them... i spoke with a family last night and they were very grateful they had put their kid into pre-school at CMIS because their son got accepted... a few of their friends children, who come from thai/falang families and english is spoken at home, did not get accepted...

we were lucky that our daughter completed KG in USA and was easily accepted into first grade upon arrival...she was still tested though.

[aldrm]

Go to Nimanheimin road.

IMO its the best part of town, everything is there and in walking distance. If you know the back roads and inner sois, traffic is not a problem.

Not sure if your daughter is Thai, but there is also a school there for small children.

Thanks for the info, I'll look into that.

Yes she is half Thai and will be attending an international school but not for a couple of years yet. So i still have plenty time to see whats around.

if you intend to put your daughter into international school in a couple of years, is that because of her age or other reasons.

the reason i ask is that the english standard and local competition for kindergarten (at say, CMIS) is rather high. Many families are very disappointed when their kid cannot get into KG because of poor english skills or because of how they "test". Yes, they will test them... i spoke with a family last night and they were very grateful they had put their kid into pre-school at CMIS because their son got accepted... a few of their friends children, who come from thai/falang families and english is spoken at home, did not get accepted...

we were lucky that our daughter completed KG in USA and was easily accepted into first grade upon arrival...she was still tested though.

Yes sure, because of her age. Like i mentioned in the original thread, she has only just turned 1 year so our aim at the moment is to find a place that we want to live. CM is definitely one of the options we have in mind.

Don't get me wrong, the advice I am receiving on the school's is much appreciated.

[KRS1]

Go to Nimanheimin road.

IMO its the best part of town, everything is there and in walking distance. If you know the back roads and inner sois, traffic is not a problem.

Not sure if your daughter is Thai, but there is also a school there for small children.

Thanks for the info, I'll look into that.

Yes she is half Thai and will be attending an international school but not for a couple of years yet. So i still have plenty time to see whats around.

Just a bit of advice, make sure her Thai is equally as strong as English.

I know countless Thai kids that went to International schools, that can barely read or write Thai. CMIS serves western food for lunch, getting your kid hooked on western food in Thailand will be an expensive proposition and will also be a tremendous pain in the ass when she refuses to eat anything but western food.

Just sayin'

[aldrm]

Go to Nimanheimin road.

IMO its the best part of town, everything is there and in walking distance. If you know the back roads and inner sois, traffic is not a problem.

Not sure if your daughter is Thai, but there is also a school there for small children.

Thanks for the info, I'll look into that.

Yes she is half Thai and will be attending an international school but not for a couple of years yet. So i still have plenty time to see whats around.

Just a bit of advice, make sure her Thai is equally as strong as English.

I know countless Thai kids that went to International schools, that can barely read or write Thai. CMIS serves western food for lunch, getting your kid hooked on western food in Thailand will be an expensive proposition and will also be a tremendous pain in the ass when she refuses to eat anything but western food.

Just sayin'

Why would it be a tremendous pain in the ass if she refuses to eat anything but western food?

[Gonzo the Face]

Go to Nimanheimin road.

IMO its the best part of town, everything is there and in walking distance. If you know the back roads and inner sois, traffic is not a problem.

Not sure if your daughter is Thai, but there is also a school there for small children.

Thanks for the info, I'll look into that.

Yes she is half Thai and will be attending an international school but not for a couple of years yet. So i still have plenty time to see whats around.

Just a bit of advice, make sure her Thai is equally as strong as English.

I know countless Thai kids that went to International schools, that can barely read or write Thai. CMIS serves western food for lunch, getting your kid hooked on western food in Thailand will be an expensive proposition and will also be a tremendous pain in the ass when she refuses to eat anything but western food.

Just sayin'

Why would it be a tremendous pain in the ass if she refuses to eat anything but western food?

Maybe, but just guessing what he meant by pain in the ass was the expense of western food vs Thai food here..... again guessing that pain in the ass, was the closest region he could think of as most carry their money in the rear hip pocket.

Maybe

[zippydedodah]

sorry...missed the part about your child being one year old! you have plenty of time to sort out the school thing.

As for location of residence.... thais tell me that north to northeast is the desired location - maybe something to do with

Feng Shui?

Our first year we lived out towards SanKampheng as being retired, i figured the drive to CMIS every day would not bother me.

Well, i was wrong...

Sansai is a very convenient location, but more expensive (perhaps) than Hang Dong area....

What you like to do with your time and what type of transportation you have, should definitely factor into your decision.

[Berkshire]

Why not put the kid in a Thai government school, assuming she is Thai.

Maybe they want their child to have a decent education?

I would assume both your wife and the OP's went to a Thai government school. They didn't turn out that bad, did they?

[aldrm]

Why not put the kid in a Thai government school, assuming she is Thai.

Maybe they want their child to have a decent education?

I would assume both your wife and the OP's went to a Thai government school. They didn't turn out that bad, did they?

I think it's fair to say i want to give my child the best possible chance in life.

Thai government school's fall far behind the level of education she will receive at an International school.

Hence the reason she will be going to an International school.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

I think it's fair to say i want to give my child the best possible chance in life.

Thai government school's fall far behind the level of education she will receive at an International school.

Hence the reason she will be going to an International school.

Just not true.

Thai school prepares your children for life and work in Thailand.

International school prepares your child for life and work in an English speaking country.

If you choose the wrong option, the child will never fit in and be unsuitable for employment in their chosen country.

The mega rich Thais send their children abroad for education, and they don't need to worry about future employment as that will be done using family connections which you don't have.

[aldrm]

I think it's fair to say i want to give my child the best possible chance in life.

Thai government school's fall far behind the level of education she will receive at an International school.

Hence the reason she will be going to an International school.

Just not true.

Thai school prepares your children for life and work in Thailand.

International school prepares your child for life and work in an English speaking country.

If you choose the wrong option, the child will never fit in and be unsuitable for employment in their chosen country.

The mega rich Thais send their children abroad for education, and they don't need to worry about future employment as that will be done using family connections which you don't have.

So basically what your saying is that if i send my child to say for instance: LIST in Chiang Mai which is a university of Cambridge international Examinations examinations centre, she will be "unable" to gain employment in Thailand??

It is Little wonder "The mega rich Thai's" send their children abroad and not to a Thai government school.

[PoodMaiDai]

Just not true.

Thai school prepares your children for life and work in Thailand.

International school prepares your child for life and work in an English speaking country.

*shakes head*

[AnotherOneAmerican]

I think it's fair to say i want to give my child the best possible chance in life.

Thai government school's fall far behind the level of education she will receive at an International school.

Hence the reason she will be going to an International school.

Just not true.

Thai school prepares your children for life and work in Thailand.

International school prepares your child for life and work in an English speaking country.

If you choose the wrong option, the child will never fit in and be unsuitable for employment in their chosen country.

The mega rich Thais send their children abroad for education, and they don't need to worry about future employment as that will be done using family connections which you don't have.

So basically what your saying is that if i send my child to say for instance: LIST in Chiang Mai which is a university of Cambridge international Examinations examinations centre, she will be "unable" to gain employment in Thailand??

Yes because,

1. She will be unable to read and write Thai to the required level.

2. She will not be taught to obey without question, a requirement in most Thai employment.

[onthedarkside]

Best I remove the last 5 posts as they were all very unhelpful. Please be informative with all posts and not unhelpful, thank you.

[Jangot]

I think it's fair to say i want to give my child the best possible chance in life.

Thai government school's fall far behind the level of education she will receive at an International school.

Hence the reason she will be going to an International school.

Just not true.

Thai school prepares your children for life and work in Thailand.

International school prepares your child for life and work in an English speaking country.

If you choose the wrong option, the child will never fit in and be unsuitable for employment in their chosen country.

The mega rich Thais send their children abroad for education, and they don't need to worry about future employment as that will be done using family connections which you don't have.

So basically what your saying is that if i send my child to say for instance: LIST in Chiang Mai which is a university of Cambridge international Examinations examinations centre, she will be "unable" to gain employment in Thailand??

Yes because,

1. She will be unable to read and write Thai to the required level.

2. She will not be taught to obey without question, a requirement in most Thai employment.

Your 2 points are total nonsense.

Do you lay down and let life run a steamroller over you, and pass this life ambition on to your children?

Some of us want to raise our children to take life head on, and strive to give then the education and confidence to do this.

Wanting your child to be taught to obey without question just to fit in to a mediocre job ??? Really???

[KRS1]

Go to Nimanheimin road.

IMO its the best part of town, everything is there and in walking distance. If you know the back roads and inner sois, traffic is not a problem.

Not sure if your daughter is Thai, but there is also a school there for small children.

Thanks for the info, I'll look into that.

Yes she is half Thai and will be attending an international school but not for a couple of years yet. So i still have plenty time to see whats around.

Just a bit of advice, make sure her Thai is equally as strong as English.

I know countless Thai kids that went to International schools, that can barely read or write Thai. CMIS serves western food for lunch, getting your kid hooked on western food in Thailand will be an expensive proposition and will also be a tremendous pain in the ass when she refuses to eat anything but western food.

Just sayin'

Why would it be a tremendous pain in the ass if she refuses to eat anything but western food?

When time comes, you will remember what I said .