What impresses me about Chiang Mai

[CMfoodie]

What impresses me about Chiang Mai

Incredible acts of kindness from Chiang Mai residents when you least expect it.

Very drinkable bottles of wine at realistic prices at Wine Connection.

Tops Bakery best attempts to replicate sour dough bread.

Rimping’s 87,000 baht slab of prime rib in the freezer section.

Nok Air’s flights one day for 6,000 baht, next day same flight 2,000 baht.

Motorcycle drivers who compared to Phuket or Bangkok stick to the very left side of the road.

600 square foot condos in the Nimman area (kitchen not included but formica furniture is) with asking prices for more than a 2,000 square for home in Phoenix, Arizona (US).

Getting a decent haircut and shave for $6 dollars with a neck massage thrown.

The “random” alcohol checkpoints at the last week and first week of every month.

The inability to purchase a bottle of liquor, beer or wine before 11am or after 2pm and then until 5pm – but – if you buy 10 bottles its ok.

Meeting farangs who have actually succeeded in making a living doing business here.

Soi dogs and nobody cares.

No matter how hard you try to learn Thai – you will always have to repeat yourself 2 or 3 times before the message gets across.

How lucky Chiang Mai is not to suffer the same issues as Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya. How much longer, who knows?

A slice of mango cream pie at Charin’s bakery if you are lucky – they only make one mango pie a day!

A large extra pepperoni and cheese pizza at The Dukes.

Home delivery from McDonald’s within 30 minutes to satisfy that monthly craving.

The incredible level of tolerance and patience of Thai’s – yet the ability to snap in a second.

The wonderful Chiang Mai International Airport where you can be off the plane and in your car within 6 minutes. (Surely that will change)

Home delivery of drinking water at 20 baht a crate and convenience stores selling mini-bottles at 14 baht each.

Ram Hospital’s quick learning curve on charging 200% more on prescription medicine. You can decline!

The chicken fried steak at Pun Puns.

Never seeing a Song Taew(sp) being pulled over by the police for erratic driving.

Never seeing a Mercedes Benz or the like pulled over by anyone.

The two BIB in the Nimman area who actually write out parking violations and clamp cars for illegal parking. Will they last?

The 2-3 months of perfect weather – windows open, cool breeze, no pollution.

How coffee shops stay in business?

How massage parlors stay in business?

How Chiang Mai was named a key city in money laundry?

Shopping at Tesco with 40+ cashier check out points and only 5 are open.

The number of NGO and religious missions who for years have tried to resolve problems, issues and yet they are still coming and setting up in droves.

The lack of a proper newspaper or Chiang Mai internet new outlet to keep residents informed.

Sending your underwear to the laundry to have done is impolite.

Why tuk tuks still exist?

The choice of location of the GM sausage factory. I always get lost.

The optimism of major developers like Central Festival and Promenada.

The inability to find a decent, edible steak at civilized prices.

The member card deal at the supermarkets that will get you a bamboo steamer once you’ve spent 100,000 baht.

The Thai Airforce jets roaring over the city - why?

And finally….. once again…. Incredible acts of kindness from Chiang Mai residents when you least expect it.

[muchogra]

CMfoodie, I must say you're observant and quite good in putting things in perspective.

Money laundry? Or could it be money laudering?

I hope it won't come true regarding CM Airport per your anticipation. I think CM Airport is nice now just like you've mentioned. Need to peruse more on other items, but for now, I better leave it to the others.

[CMfoodie]

Muchogra... you are correct.... should be money laundering.

[hellodolly]

Muchogra... you are correct.... should be money laundering.

It is a very important part of the building bubble.

[lachiplo]

87000 baht prime rib. wow

[Ricardo]

The Thai Airforce jets roaring over the city - why ?

In the memorable words of a military poo-yai, several years ago, they are "keeping safe the skies over Chiang Mai".

[Berkshire]

Interesting list and hard to argue with....although the 87K prime rib was a bit of a shocker. Sad to say, I really think CM will be become more like BKK in the years to come. Hope I'm wrong.

[thrilled]

What doesn't impress me about ChiangMai is the air that we breathe.And to many backpackers.

[hellodolly]

Interesting list and hard to argue with....although the 87K prime rib was a bit of a shocker. Sad to say, I really think CM will be become more like BKK in the years to come. Hope I'm wrong.

Well I definatly hope you are wrong also.

They seem to be operating on the good enough for today system. Tomorrow won't change any thing.

Look at the intersection for the Maya mall. It is a nightmare with out adding that mall to it. That one they were operating on the it was good enough 10 years ago system.

edit

Forgot to ask about the 87k prime rib. A joke or what.

I know what a dummy but I just had to ask.

Edited November 12, 2013 by hellodolly

[Torrens54]

Obviously another Back-packer who will be a lot better off "Packing Off" as quickly as possible.

So glad you've enjoyed your stay!

[DavidMavec]

Back in CM after several months away... it's almost like BKK now!

[Mickeem]

Back in CM after several months away... it's almost like BKK now!

That is because a proportion of the Bangkok monied 'urban elite' decided to relocated here and started aggressive 'development' to bring CM up to their ideal of a modern city.

[infernalman7]

Perhaps it's only me who wants Chiang Mai to become something slightly closer to BKK but not BKK entirely.

The locals need more work. Right now there isn't much else but hospitality and manufacturing.

Tech industry isn't very big here. Nor is financial and property services.

I grew up in Chiang Mai and all I've seen is parents sending their kids to Bangkok just because there's no decent jobs here for them. Thank god Bangkok is finally reaching the diminishing point of return.