Moving to Chiang Mai - which areas to check out?

[thelongshoot]

Hello CM peeps. The girlfriend and I are flying up to CM this week for a few days to get a feel for the place in terms of living there. We are renting a car and driving around for a couple of days to check it out.

I have been to CM maybe a dozen times, we usually go there for a few days over New Year, most years, either drive up or fly and rent a car. This trip we are purely just driving around, with no fixed plan, checking out areas that might be nice to live in if possible and just getting a feel for the roads in and out, kinda thing.

Can anyone offer any pointers as to the areas we should be checking out? For example we live in Hua Hin right now and I know that if you check out Bor Fai, it is only 15 mins from the center but has a country feel to it. Samorpong is closer to the center and is full of Moo Baans with houses for rent. I need this kind of insight into CM if anyone could spare the time to give me a few pointers.

We are looking to rent, preferably something on the larger side as we have a car, truck, a few motorbikes, 2 huge dogs..... A country feel is preferable as we love the mountains and rice fields and like local life with a community feel. We also want to be fairly close to the center though, so obviously there is a compromise here. I guess being 15 minutes away from the center would be a good stick to gauge it by?

It looks like San Sai may be a good starting point?

Other areas outside of Chiang Mai would be considered providing it is not too remote.

Many thanks for the help!

TLS

[WinnieTheKhwai]

I would first decide if you want to be in a commercial development or not. If yes then that's easier, because they're located along most of the major roads out of town: in counter-clockwise direction the Canal Road south of town (#121), the Hang Dong Road (#108), New Sankamphaeng Road (#1317), Old Sankamphaeng Road (#1006), Doi Saket Road (#118), Mae Jo Road (#1001), Mae Rim Road (#107) and the Canal Road North of town (#121 again), as well as along the Middle (#3029) and Outer Ring (#121) roads.

There are relatively fewer along the old Lamphun Road (towards Saraphi) and the Highway #11 Superhighway.

Ironically though, the Old Lamphun Road does give you more of that small village / local / community feel that you're looking for. Especially compared to for example the New Sankamphaeng Road which has LOADS of new commercial developments, likely with tons of available homes, but mostly without any community feel to speak of.

So perhaps it makes sense to pick the older roads through villages and communities; fewer commercial developments, but more in line with what you're looking for. So again going in a counter-clockwise direction, that would be for example the roads along the river (Either side) South of town (Pa Daed and beyond) and North of town on either side (Pa Tan and Sanphisua)

Also, the sois going South from Soi Wat Umong onwards, hugging the mountains going South, just West of the Canal Road. All the way to the Night Safari area, and then again South of the Night Safari towards the Samong Road, and again South of the Samoeng Road and still East of the Canal Road going all the way to the Ban Nam Phrae area. Very local community village feel, and it also seems a bit cooler in temperature compared to being out in the open in San Sai et al.

What you could do is look at Google Maps and see if the road pattern looks "village-like". For example, a pattern like this looks interesting:

But a pattern like this below maybe not so much..

Although in the above you do see that there are two commercial developments (one on the right looking a lot older) on either side of a more traditional village. So you could say that even if you stay in the commercial development where it's LOTS easier to find a nice comfy modern house for rent, that you would still re-enter "Thailand" as soon as you pass the gate.. because that village will have some local shops, a temple, small market, little eateries, etc.

So that's then unlike many developments on the New Sankhamphaeng Road, where you have Suburban-Hell in the Middle of Nowhere: Worst of both worlds.

Edited May 4, 2015 by WinnieTheKhwai

[loppylugs1]

For sure rent,the air quality will kill you sooner than later.

[scottiejohn]

For sure rent,the air quality will kill you sooner than later.

I cannot help the OP directly as such but I am sure he appreciated! the less than helpful 'air quality' advice given above, more than the excellent first response!

Why can we not help people with serious questions with helpful responses (like the first one) rather than make unhelpful snide remarks.

OP I hope your search goes well and you get some more proper, helpful advice.

Good luck and I hope welcome to CM as a future permanent resident.

[stuurman]

Hi, we cruised around different neighbourhoods a few months back before we moved to Chiang Mai. After years in high rise apartments in Penang and Singapore we wanted a detached house not to far from the city centre. After several days of driving around the different area's we found that Mae Hia, just south west of the airport, ticked most of the boxes. Since a few weeks we live in a Moo Baan close to the Royal Park Rajapruek and very much enjoy this location. Close to nature for cycling and hiking and just a short drive to Nimman road for bars and restaurants. There are also plenty of restaurants in the neighbourhood and Mae Hia wet market and the shops around it cover our daily needs. Tesco, Macro and Big-C are all nearby as well.

For me it has a country feel but keep in mind I have lived in big cities for the last 30 years so might be easy pleased.

I also like this area for it's proximity to the mountain side.

Edited May 4, 2015 by stuurman

[bangmai]

A friend of mine has two houses in Hua Hin and paid me a visit in late March. It was about the worst week of the year for air. It wasn't his first time here, but he still stated that CM is nicer than HH. Maybe it was the 390 thb per night nice hotel, maybe it was the 5 for 210 large Leo promotion.....

[scottiejohn]

A friend of mine has two houses in Hua Hin and paid me a visit in late March. It was about the worst week of the year for air. It wasn't his first time here, but he still stated that CM is nicer than HH. Maybe it was the 390 thb per night nice hotel, maybe it was the 5 for 210 large Leo promotion.....

Maybe it was just CM in general - air quality et al

[sappersrest]

I would first decide if you want to be in a commercial development or not. If yes then that's easier, because they're located along most of the major roads out of town: in counter-clockwise direction the Canal Road south of town (#121), the Hang Dong Road (#108), New Sankamphaeng Road (#1317), Old Sankamphaeng Road (#1006), Doi Saket Road (#118), Mae Jo Road (#1001), Mae Rim Road (#107) and the Canal Road North of town (#121 again), as well as along the Middle (#3029) and Outer Ring (#121) roads.

There are relatively fewer along the old Lamphun Road (towards Saraphi) and the Highway #11 Superhighway.

Ironically though, the Old Lamphun Road does give you more of that small village / local / community feel that you're looking for. Especially compared to for example the New Sankamphaeng Road which has LOADS of new commercial developments, likely with tons of available homes, but mostly without any community feel to speak of.

So perhaps it makes sense to pick the older roads through villages and communities; fewer commercial developments, but more in line with what you're looking for. So again going in a counter-clockwise direction, that would be for example the roads along the river (Either side) South of town (Pa Daed and beyond) and North of town on either side (Pa Tan and Sanphisua)

Also, the sois going South from Soi Wat Umong onwards, hugging the mountains going South, just West of the Canal Road. All the way to the Night Safari area, and then again South of the Night Safari towards the Samong Road, and again South of the Samoeng Road and still East of the Canal Road going all the way to the Ban Nam Phrae area. Very local community village feel, and it also seems a bit cooler in temperature compared to being out in the open in San Sai et al.

What you could do is look at Google Maps and see if the road pattern looks "village-like". For example, a pattern like this looks interesting:

Capture.JPG

But a pattern like this below maybe not so much..

Capture2.JPG

Although in the above you do see that there are two commercial developments (one on the right looking a lot older) on either side of a more traditional village. So you could say that even if you stay in the commercial development where it's LOTS easier to find a nice comfy modern house for rent, that you would still re-enter "Thailand" as soon as you pass the gate.. because that village will have some local shops, a temple, small market, little eateries, etc.

So that's then unlike many developments on the New Sankhamphaeng Road, where you have Suburban-Hell in the Middle of Nowhere: Worst of both worlds.

Picture no 2 is Siriporn 9 Sannameng Sansia just off the 118 highway overlooks mountains and rice fields a lovely place to live. Great pool, rents around 15k for 3 bed house.

[uptheos]

I don't live there but buying or renting, Ban Wang Tan seems a nice place.

It'll be more convenient too when the new road is built.

[Beetlejuice]

The OP may find areas of Hang Dong to his liking.

Some parts of it are fairly secluded yet has good road systems including the 108 and public transport directly into the town. It is also very farangy orientated, with the newly revamped, Kad Farang big Rimping supermarket and fast and easy access to shops and supermarkets, including Tesco Lotus, Big C, Makro, Home Pro and so on.

Worth checking out.

[slipperylobster]

Checkout an area between 1001 and 118 (bordered in the north ...by 121 and south ...by middle ring road). (San Sai)

There is and "older rural 1001 in the center, as well. Lots of convenient shopping close by, but out far enough. There is a very nice, new, Home Pro with a small Rimpings store on 121....with an exercise park one kilometer behind Home Pro. That area seems nice. Also, you will be fairly close to two Markets, Meechok Plaza, Tesco Lotus, and Central Festival. No need to go to the old town at all....all the conveniences here. Two swimming pools and a gym are close by as well.

We are not frequent "pub crawlers", but it's only 15 minutes to the moat area. We just follow the river to get to middle ring road.

Edited May 4, 2015 by slipperylobster

[bangmai]

The hotel is near my home, so I paid for one night in advance; he liked it so much that he ended up staying 4 nights. I knew where the cheap beers were; we didn't have to look. We also went to LK one night. The following night we went back to beer promo land and he bought a bottle of Absolut. His rental properties go for 45K per month. Sounds like some one needs to change his diaper.

[Loptr]

It might be a good idea for the OP to check the flood charts for CM before deciding which part of town to settle... Part of the reason I live on the outer ring road (121) in San Kamphaeng...

[onthedarkside]

To prevent this topic going way off topic, a number of off topic or offensive or trolling posts have been removed.

[Ricardo]

Excellent response by Winnie !

I'd add that the OP should be aware of the airport, and flight-routes above the city as aircraft arrive/depart, as CNX can only get busier over time !

Edited May 5, 2015 by Ricardo

[Rimmer]

A further troll post from the same person and a reply has been removed.

[abrahamzvi]

I would first decide if you want to be in a commercial development or not. If yes then that's easier, because they're located along most of the major roads out of town: in counter-clockwise direction the Canal Road south of town (#121), the Hang Dong Road (#108), New Sankamphaeng Road (#1317), Old Sankamphaeng Road (#1006), Doi Saket Road (#118), Mae Jo Road (#1001), Mae Rim Road (#107) and the Canal Road North of town (#121 again), as well as along the Middle (#3029) and Outer Ring (#121) roads.

There are relatively fewer along the old Lamphun Road (towards Saraphi) and the Highway #11 Superhighway.

Ironically though, the Old Lamphun Road does give you more of that small village / local / community feel that you're looking for. Especially compared to for example the New Sankamphaeng Road which has LOADS of new commercial developments, likely with tons of available homes, but mostly without any community feel to speak of.

So perhaps it makes sense to pick the older roads through villages and communities; fewer commercial developments, but more in line with what you're looking for. So again going in a counter-clockwise direction, that would be for example the roads along the river (Either side) South of town (Pa Daed and beyond) and North of town on either side (Pa Tan and Sanphisua)

Also, the sois going South from Soi Wat Umong onwards, hugging the mountains going South, just West of the Canal Road. All the way to the Night Safari area, and then again South of the Night Safari towards the Samong Road, and again South of the Samoeng Road and still East of the Canal Road going all the way to the Ban Nam Phrae area. Very local community village feel, and it also seems a bit cooler in temperature compared to being out in the open in San Sai et al.

What you could do is look at Google Maps and see if the road pattern looks "village-like". For example, a pattern like this looks interesting:

Capture.JPG

But a pattern like this below maybe not so much..

Capture2.JPG

Although in the above you do see that there are two commercial developments (one on the right looking a lot older) on either side of a more traditional village. So you could say that even if you stay in the commercial development where it's LOTS easier to find a nice comfy modern house for rent, that you would still re-enter "Thailand" as soon as you pass the gate.. because that village will have some local shops, a temple, small market, little eateries, etc.

So that's then unlike many developments on the New Sankhamphaeng Road, where you have Suburban-Hell in the Middle of Nowhere: Worst of both worlds.

I would strongly recommend looking at Mae Rim and surroundings.

[JCCR6]

Sansai would be a good starting point, also Mae Jo and surrounding areas up to Mae Rim. You can easily travel into town, whilst also being close to Meechok plaza (with Rimping - International Supermarket) Central Festival and not a huge distance from Promenada Mall also.

Check out this map, it might give you a few ideas of the properties in each area (click to zoom) http://findbaan.com/rent

[Sanctum]

Hi,

We are in the perfect location for you. 11Km from the airport, yet located in a green belt along national forrest land. 2 mins to the CM night safari and Royal Flora gardens. Very peaceful area....sounds of doves cooing.

http://sanctum.kickoffpages.com

[kaptainrob]

^ And the price of entry into Sanctum is? How many home units been completed yet? A similar development on land in say, Ban wangtan would be highly desirable ... sound of doves, cicada's and the odd big bird passing over.

For the OP, loads of potential in Ban wangtan - small lots, large lots and a good range of rentals. Loads of trees, not a concrete jungle. Also quiet on the eastern side especially. 3 Km's from airport, even closer to Tesco,BigC, and Makro ... walking distance.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

^ And the price of entry into Sanctum is?

I'm guessing around 30-40 million Baht. Clearly the Thaivisa demographic anyway.

A similar development on land in say, Ban wangtan would be highly desirable ... sound of doves, cicada's and the odd big bird passing over.

It's in Ban Fhon. There's nothing less desirable about the location compared to Ban Wangtan. Probably more desirable actually.

Just that the architecture I would associate with inner city living more than the location it's planned to be in. Maybe that threw you off, but it's in a really nice area, and actually nicer than Ban Wangtan and a similar distance from town.

Edited May 6, 2015 by WinnieTheKhwai

[kaptainrob]

^ Oh I know where it is Winnie. I have explored all around those back roads. And definitely further away from town than BWT although canal road is a good access route. My implication was as you noted, architecture better suited to city living eg Ban wangtan.

Have you viewed new house developments in sections 3 and 4 recently? I know some ppl seem to think BWT begins and ends with section #5.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

^ Oh I know where it is Winnie. I have explored all around those back roads. And definitely further away from town than BWT although canal road is a good access route. My implication was as you noted, architecture better suited to city living

Yes, or a penal institution.

[uptheos]

Will the new road be a benefit or not to accessing Ban Wang Tan?

[bangmai]

I was just going to say it looks a little like Abu Grahb. The sound reflection off all that concrete might be interesting, too.

[mascarabertha]

I was just going to say it looks a little like Abu Grahb. The sound reflection off all that concrete might be interesting, too.

yes s former contributor already said penal institution that's the same thing that you said penal institution means prison

[kaptainrob]

Will the new road be a benefit or not to accessing Ban Wang Tan?

The revised Lamphun road design has it running south off the #121 (parts of which are being upgraded now), so no direct benefit except access to and from the south. It is still in discussion phase a ~ 7 years off anyway.... anything may happen yet.

[Sanctum]

Hi,

We are in the perfect location for you. 11Km from the airport, yet located in a green belt along national forrest land. 2 mins to the CM night safari and Royal Flora gardens. Very peaceful area....sounds of doves cooing.

http://sanctum.kickoffpages.com

We understand that Ultra-modern style is not for everyone, but it does attract a certain individual. We find it refreshing with its clean lines and uncluttered facade. Lanna style is nice, but its really been done a lot. We decided to be bold and try something that has not been the mainstream. Sanctum is for those that appreciate true luxury and the calmness of modern architecture. As for the comment about noise reflecting off of concrete, well, there are lush green walls every side of the villas, as well as many palm trees. There is no issue with sound, unless one does not like quiet?

For those that do appreciate our designs, we are pleased to inform you that we have been nominated for the 10^th Thailand Property Awards:

1.Best Residential Development (Chiang Mai) :

The Sanctun Chiang Mai

Edited May 6, 2015 by Sanctum

[dru2]

Sanctum is advertising at c.42 million Baht. Best I can tell, it remains an idea in cyberspace at present. No ground has been broken in the location given on their website - I checked a couple of days ago.

As to the design - I agree with Winnie and Rob. I don't think either the architectural design or the concept of 'Fortified Eco Housing' belongs in peaceful, rural Ban Fhon.

[mascarabertha]

Sanctum is advertising at c.42 million Baht. Best I can tell, it remains an idea in cyberspace at present. No ground has been broken in the location given on their website - I checked a couple of days ago.

As to the design - I agree with Winnie and Rob. I don't think either the architectural design or the concept of 'Fortified Eco Housing' belongs in peaceful, rural Ban Fhon.

you wouldn't understand because your not the target audience. when you haven't acquired wealth you have nothing to fear or to steal for that matter. project yourself into a more successful life and you might grasp the concept