Living in Fang on a permanent basis

[cnx37]

Any members with experience of living in Fang?

I would appreciate if you might share your experiences - good or bad.

Location, general living, climate, social activities, immigration (retirement visa), health services, interaction with locals & other farangs - whatever!

[villagefarang]

You could try sending a PM to "fabianfred" as he lives in that area if I remember correctly but does not seem to post here so probably won’t notice this post.

[brianmarinus]

Hi VF-I know you want to hear from some one who live there...but until then here is a litle bit about some of your questions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fang_(town)

[villagefarang]

We do have Thai friends living there but have only stopped by to visit them once on our way to Doi Angkhang. They seem to like coming to Chiang Rai as often as they can and we were not impressed driving through, but many places are not that interesting on the surface while they can be a pleasure to live in. Hopefully someone will come along with more firsthand experience. Until then there is plenty of information online as BM has pointed out.

[danstarr]

Fred is your man for all things Fang - he's a lovely bloke. I lived on a farm near Mae Ai for a year so spent a lot of time in Fang, mainly to use the Tesco Lotus but there's a fair-sized market there, plenty of coffee shops and a cluster of bars where you can play pool and watch football if you want. The nearby hot springs are well-worth more than just one visit and if you go at certain times a year, i.e. the King's birthday, it's free entry. I love Fang - it's only a small town but if I could now, I'd move back there in a heartbeat.

[bobbyd1]

My late wife was from Fang. I travel there a lot to visit the extended family and I have to say it is a great place to be away from the hustle and bustle of a big city. The only reason I did not move there and choose to settle in Chiang Rai was that we did not want to be too close to the family. That brings on a whole new meaning of challenges, I will say no more. We were close enough to visit often and spend time there when needed. (110 kilometers) Fang is a growing city with good people and weather. The main Hospital just finished up with an upgrade and the facility is preparing for city growth. It is not the small city it was when I first started visiting over 40 years ago. Everything is relatively close and Tesco/Lotus seems to be always busy. Great place to meet, greet and shop. There are several foreigners there as I can see. I also have a British friend that has lived there for many year. I think he found the Fountain of Youth in Fang, because he just turned 90 years old and is fully mobile both in body and mind. Fang has lots of great restaurants to dine in along with all the things needed to live a good life. Cheers

[villagefarang]

cnx37

I have heard you are making progress toward your move but it would be really great if you could keep us posted on your progress and what your impressions of Fang are as you get to know it better.

[cnx37]

villagefarang

Had a face-to- face with Fred - thanks Fred.

My wife & I are making the move to Fang - January 2015? All family parties agree - unanimous!

As yet, I have not made my footprint in the town - does not matter. Maybe a few months time.

The CNX condo is officially "up for sale". Now, just apply a little patience & a bit of good luck!

[RichCor]

I once spent two weeks in Fang. Traveled up from CM by bus on a whim to visit Fred.

Had little idea where I was going and didn't care -- just wanted to wander around and soak it all in. Fang isn't on the tourist trail so I didn't run into many people who spoke but a few words of English. Very friendly when approached but otherwise left me alone.

The one thing that stood out was the weather. Thick morning fog and single digit overnight temperatures. Even colder in the mountains.

Fred filled rooms full of fleece children's clothing destined for delivery to many of the mountain community schools.

He's a splitting image of my English Grandmother.