Location, Location.

[jazzed 27]

I like very much the humour and vibes on this forum. For years now, I have been planning to retire to Chiang Mai but I think I could be happy in the Rai. Everytime VF waxes lyrical about starry skies, endless roads to nowhere and quaint village happenings... I am already there.

Drawback is: my partner is not Thai and is not as enamoured of village life (amd Thailand) as I. Being closer to CM, she could probably find more German-speaking friends and a better range of cheese! Maybe this dilemma is what is holding me back from committing to the big move

Whatever happens, I am grateful to forum members for their generosity in sharing.

[villagefarang 15,784]

I like very much the humour and vibes on this forum. For years now, I have been planning to retire to Chiang Mai but I think I could be happy in the Rai. Everytime VF waxes lyrical about starry skies, endless roads to nowhere and quaint village happenings... I am already there.

Drawback is: my partner is not Thai and is not as enamoured of village life (amd Thailand) as I. Being closer to CM, she could probably find more German-speaking friends and a better range of cheese! Maybe this dilemma is what is holding me back from committing to the big move

Whatever happens, I am grateful to forum members for their generosity in sharing.

Excellent post, thank you for sharing. Your concern for your partner’s needs is also admirable. Whether you choose Mai or Rai you can alway visit the other from time to time. It is a pretty drive and not that far. Hope we hear more from you.

[monty9 11]

Maybe choose somewhere between the Mai and the Rai , enjoy the amenities of both.

[monty9 11]

Another question, motor vehicle ownership and registration for farang operating on visa entry? Is it possible.

[villagefarang 15,784]

Another question, motor vehicle ownership and registration for farang operating on visa entry? Is it possible.

You might try asking this question in the Thailand Motor Forum section of ThaiVisa. Another option would be to visit the vehicle registration office in your area or in Chiang Rai town to get information direct from the horses mouth, as it were. I always put my vehicles in my wife's name so can't answer your question from personal experience.

[sceadugenga 2,966]

I have my car in my name and originally bought and registered it on a tourist visa.

I think Chiang Rai will suit most people looking for somewhere quiet to settle, There's a couple of sources of good cheese and other Western style foods, I use the Swiss Deli personally where I'm sure the owner would be able to introduce you to a few of his German customers.

Edited October 31, 2012 by sceadugenga

[villagefarang 15,784]

If one were to locate to the South of town, as Scea has done, it shortens the drive considerably. It is a three hour drive to Chiang Mai from where I live.

[sceadugenga 2,966]

I'm 170kms, usually take about 2 1/2 hours but that includes a coffee stop.

Remember that once you are in Chiang Mai driving around the city would take twice as long as it would for the same distance here.

[villagefarang 15,784]

I'm 170kms, usually take about 2 1/2 hours but that includes a coffee stop.

Remember that once you are in Chiang Mai driving around the city would take twice as long as it would for the same distance here.

I am 235kms to the outer ring roads and my time does not include coffee, only diesel and a pitstop.

[sceadugenga 2,966]

My time is to the ThaPae Gate.

[villagefarang 15,784]

My time is to the ThaPae Gate.

Now I understand your time compared to mine.

[Naam 14,106]

A fair number of people seem to like reading this topic but where are all the stories? Please share your story so others will have something to read and enjoy.

i'm reading your stories and i envy you people living up north in obviously beautiful natural surroundings and a bearable climate where a one Rai plot is considered "mini".

but what story do you expect from someone who lives a rather secluded life even though his home is located only 3km (as the crow flies) from Pattaya's Walking Street

[villagefarang 15,784]

A fair number of people seem to like reading this topic but where are all the stories? Please share your story so others will have something to read and enjoy.

i'm reading your stories and i envy you people living up north in obviously beautiful natural surroundings and a bearable climate where a one Rai plot is considered "mini".

but what story do you expect from someone who lives a rather secluded life even though his home is located only 3km (as the crow flies) from Pattaya's Walking Street

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment Naam. It is nice to see we sometime reach a broader audience.

[Big Gary 42]

A fair number of people seem to like reading this topic but where are all the stories? Please share your story so others will have something to read and enjoy.

i'm reading your stories and i envy you people living up north in obviously beautiful natural surroundings and a bearable climate where a one Rai plot is considered "mini".

but what story do you expect from someone who lives a rather secluded life even though his home is located only 3km (as the crow flies) from Pattaya's Walking Street

I built my first house in Chiangrai 29 years ago and my last one about 10 years ago. My wife and I travel constantly all over Thailand. We have also purchased a house on Koh Chang and Chiangrai will always be our No1 Location, Koh Chang is a close second. As the Thread says Location Location, we bought on the East Coast of Koh Chang which is 99% local people where as West Coast is mega tourist location which we stay away. Just bought a 5 mtr Thai Fishing boat and after a refit we will hit the water as getting sick of fishing off jetties.

Coming back to Chiangrai at the end of Nov for a week or so and back to Aussie for 10 days Xmas shopping.

[villagefarang 15,784]

A fair number of people seem to like reading this topic but where are all the stories? Please share your story so others will have something to read and enjoy.

i'm reading your stories and i envy you people living up north in obviously beautiful natural surroundings and a bearable climate where a one Rai plot is considered "mini".

but what story do you expect from someone who lives a rather secluded life even though his home is located only 3km (as the crow flies) from Pattaya's Walking Street

I built my first house in Chiangrai 29 years ago and my last one about 10 years ago. My wife and I travel constantly all over Thailand. We have also purchased a house on Koh Chang and Chiangrai will always be our No1 Location, Koh Chang is a close second. As the Thread says Location Location, we bought on the East Coast of Koh Chang which is 99% local people where as West Coast is mega tourist location which we stay away. Just bought a 5 mtr Thai Fishing boat and after a refit we will hit the water as getting sick of fishing off jetties.

Coming back to Chiangrai at the end of Nov for a week or so and back to Aussie for 10 days Xmas shopping.

Sounds like a great life. Thanks for sharing.