About Chiang Mai
Mae Rim, and the city thirty minutes down the road
Nobody moves to a care resort because of the city it sits near. But if you are moving a parent across the world, or thinking of coming yourself, it is reasonable to want to know what is around it.
The place
Once the capital of a kingdom, still a city with a village temperament
Chiang Mai sits in the north of Thailand and was once the capital of the Lanna kingdom. It keeps a strong conservative and family culture, and a low crime rate that matches it. It is a university city with six universities, and Chiang Mai University has a renowned medical faculty.
As many as 40,000 foreigners call Chiang Mai home. The main draws are the low cost of living and of medical care, a more temperate climate than most of the country, modern infrastructure, and a good supply of Western amenities.
Thailand has had its share of political unrest in recent years. Chiang Mai has been largely unaffected.
Healthcare
World-class hospitals, at a fraction of the cost
Chiang Mai has a good choice of world-class medical facilities, and Thailand is well known for the quality and affordability of its medical care. Hospital treatment commonly runs at roughly a fifth of United States prices for comparable care, and often less.
The hospitals are set up for international patients and provide a range of language skills. Most are within a thirty minute drive of the resort.
Thailand does not run a general practitioner system. Care goes directly to specialists, and hospital visits for our residents are normally accompanied by our staff.
The resort's own district, Mae Rim, has Nakornping Hospital, a major regional centre with full emergency facilities, less than fifteen minutes away. In the city there are JCI-accredited private hospitals including Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai Ram Hospital. A large share of senior physicians in Chiang Mai trained in North America or Western Europe and speak fluent English.
Climate
A cool season, which the rest of Thailand does not get
Chiang Mai has a far more pleasant climate than the rest of the country. Much of the year is hot and sunny, but there is a genuine cool season with pleasant temperatures from November through January. For anyone who suffers badly in cold winters, that combination is often the whole reason for the move.
There is a long rainy season, though the pattern tends towards short heavy showers, mostly in the evenings, rather than persistent rain.
Every villa at the resort is air-conditioned.
Everyday life
Shopping, food, sport and the expatriate community
Shopping
Chiang Mai has several world-class shopping centres and three supermarket chains, one of which specialises in Western goods. The Night Bazaar is known internationally for souvenirs and gifts, and the city is known throughout Thailand for its markets and its bargains.
Community
The expatriate community in Chiang Mai is strong and drawn from a wide range of nations, with meetings, clubs and activities across most interests.
Entertainment and restaurants
Cinemas show English and Thai films. The restaurant range covers more or less every type of food you could want.
Sport
A Thai First Division football team, horse racing, and a number of excellent golf courses. The 700 Year Sports Centre hosts pan-Asian sporting competitions.
For visitors
Worth building a holiday around
Chiang Mai is a major tourist destination with a wealth of attractions: elephant parks, temples, and floral gardens are particularly well represented, but the range goes well beyond them.
There is an international airport, and a high-speed rail link to Bangkok is planned.
For families visiting a relative at the resort, this matters practically. We can provide accommodation on site for visitors, so you can spend real time with your relative and still see something of the country.
Reputation
Voted the best retirement city in the world
Chiang Mai has been voted the best retirement city in the world, and appeared in a "Top 20 destinations" list for 2012.
Common questions
What people ask about Chiang Mai
If the one you need is not here, ask us. We would rather answer it properly than have you guess.
How far is the resort from the city?
Thirty minutes, and deliberately outside it. The resort is away from the traffic and the pollution while staying close enough to be useful.
Is it safe?
Chiang Mai is a low crime city, consistent with the conservative culture of the north.
Will my relative be able to see a good doctor?
Yes. Chiang Mai has several world-class hospitals set up for international patients with a range of language skills, most within thirty minutes of the resort.
Is there an English-speaking community?
Yes, a strong one, drawn from many nations, with clubs, meetings and activities.
How hot does it get?
Hot in peak summer, with a cool season from November through January that most of Thailand does not get. Every villa is air-conditioned.
How do we get there?
Chiang Mai has an international airport. A high-speed rail link to Bangkok is planned.
Come and see both
See the resort, and see the city while you are here
The resort is a short drive from Chiang Mai's attractions. We can arrange accommodation on site for your family, so your visit combines time with your relative and a chance to see something of Thailand.