I would love to hear from gays living in Chiang Rai! I have been living in Bangkok for 5 years and am thinking of "retiring" to Chiang Rai. But I don't want to feel too isolated and not having places to sometimes go and have a drink among gay people. Furthermore, are the Thais friendly there? What can I expect to pay for a one-bedroom apartment in or near the centre of town?

Also, how reliable is the internet there? One last question: Are there things to do in and around Chiang Rai.

Much appreciated!

Hello, notbkk......

I think Chiang Rai is a great place to retire and live. I live about an hour south of there and love it! One couldn't ask for better weather...although it can and does get on the warm side during the regular hot season. I can't tell you about the scene in CR, as I don't live there, in town. But hey....we (and a lot of bi guys as well) are everywhere. Let me know if you come up for a recon....I'll join you for a beer or a cup of coffee or whatever you might enjoy. th

Hello, notbkk......

I think Chiang Rai is a great place to retire and live. I live about an hour south of there and love it! One couldn't ask for better weather...although it can and does get on the warm side during the regular hot season. I can't tell you about the scene in CR, as I don't live there, in town. But hey....we (and a lot of bi guys as well) are everywhere. Let me know if you come up for a recon....I'll join you for a beer or a cup of coffee or whatever you might enjoy. th

Thank Top Hat

I will certainly let you know towards the end of the hear, when I'm planning the move.

Chiang Rai is a great place to retire to. The quality or people, both locals and expats, being one of the major attractions. There is the usual percentage of gays but they tend not to be so overt and conspicuous, but one contact leads to another. There is one gay gogo bar in town but it's nothing to write home about. The regular night club scene is pretty wild, mixed and welcoming to all. There's a very visible Tom Boy subset. There are a couple of gay owned restaurants and hotels but with mixed clientele. It's not a big deal. People are generally cool. Like the climate. A studio apartment in town center will cost between 5,000 to 12,000 a month plus utilities. One bedroom units slightly more, if you can find one. Houses are cheaper to rent. The Internet is like anywhere else in Thailand. Iffy sometimes, but generally good and reasonably priced. Fiber optic speeds. There is plenty to see and do. Film clubs, books clubs, chess clubs, nightclubs, day trips, meditation retreats, volunteer work, fishing, golf, you name it.

Chiang Rai is a great place to retire to. The quality or people, both locals and expats, being one of the major attractions. There is the usual percentage of gays but they tend not to be so overt and conspicuous, but one contact leads to another. There is one gay gogo bar in town but it's nothing to write home about. The regular night club scene is pretty wild, mixed and welcoming to all. There's a very visible Tom Boy subset. There are a couple of gay owned restaurants and hotels but with mixed clientele. It's not a big deal. People are generally cool. Like the climate. A studio apartment in town center will cost between 5,000 to 12,000 a month plus utilities. One bedroom units slightly more, if you can find one. Houses are cheaper to rent. The Internet is like anywhere else in Thailand. Iffy sometimes, but generally good and reasonably priced. Fiber optic speeds. There is plenty to see and do. Film clubs, books clubs, chess clubs, nightclubs, day trips, meditation retreats, volunteer work, fishing, golf, you name it.

Thanks for your informative feedback! I really appreciate it...

Any locals interested in doing a happy hour somewhere, sometime? Would be nice to get to know some of our neighbors. Just a social to discuss issues and relax. top hat

Any locals interested in doing a happy hour somewhere, sometime? Would be nice to get to know some of our neighbors. top hat