I'm making a move to Chiang Mai and the one area that I really like is Saraphi. It's got a fairly peaceful setting but a long and winding road into the city. It also looks to be prone to flooding. I'll probably rent for a month and scout out a rental house. Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I think you said it; pros are that it's a nice established village area, not something freshly concreted over like in the New Sankamphaeng Road, many parts of San Sai, etc.

As for flooding, that doesn't happen too often, only when the river breaks it's banks which has been every 5-8 years so far. Maybe that'll get less too with the ongoing work on the river.

And on getting into town that depends on the specific location, and if you can get on to other roads somewhat easily; the Outer Ring may turn into a better/wider road around those parts. (But getting on the Middle Ring from the old Lamphun road takes some effort / isn't too convenient.)

flooding and Radon gas. many cases of lung cancer from Sarapi residents. highest in the nation. google it. there was a study done a few years back.

They have built a wall along the river now, so presumably flooding is less of a problem.

Saraphi is a huge area, mostly quiet moo bans but some parts take a long drive from town. internet coverage can be either great or very poor depending on location...

@piewarmer-you've mentioned two important subjects that concerned me while I was in Saraphi-spotty Internet and transportation. As there seemed to be no public transportation on the routes I traveled, I may need to invest in my own. As for the Internet, I use it constantly and will need to find a place that allows me unrestricted access. I've allowed myself a month to get a lay of the land and find a spot that fits the bill.

Good comments and suggestions everyone-keep them coming.

We have 3bb internet on our moobaan, 12 download 1 upload international, working everything day, also have still THE TOT fiber, but far slower Then 3bb. I only use international.

The closer to Nong Hoi the better

As someone pointed out, Saraphi is a large area and you need to be more specific if you want to get any useful feedback here. My street address is Saraphi yet we're only a couple of minutes from Mahidol Road - move out to where the Saraphi post office and police station are and it'll take you 20 if there is any traffic.

Are they not talking of putting a new highway through the area?