Chiang Mai – A Low-Cost Retirement Spot in Asia

Via: U.S. News & World Report

The Thai city of Chiang Mai has long lured expats from the West. As many as 40,000 foreigners currently call Chiang Mai home, at least part of the year. The primary draw is the cost of living and medical care. Both are a global bargain. In addition, Chiang Mai boasts a more temperate climate than much of the rest of this country, as well as modern infrastructure and an abundance of Western amenities.

Thailand has had its share of political unrest in recent years, but Chiang Mai has been largely unaffected. Politics aside, Thailand is the land of smiles. The gentle, unfailingly polite locals endear visitors and welcome foreign retirees.

Located about 435 miles north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is nestled in a fertile river valley surrounded by mountains. It’s an area rich in history with a culture distinctly different from that in central and southern Thailand. With a population of about 250,000, the city dates back more than 700 years and was originally walled.

The Old City was an integral market and manufacturing center on the busy trade routes between Yunnan province in southern China and the port cities of Burma, where goods traveled to and from the trade centers of India and beyond. Many crafts and raw materials were made and traded here and then distributed throughout the region. Beautiful sculptures, pottery, woodcarvings, silver jewelry, and fabrics continue to be manufactured here. However, tourism has since replaced commercial trade as the major source of revenue.

The heart of Chiang Mai lies within its old city walls, where dozens of ancient and modern Buddhist temples coexist alongside public and international schools and residential and commercial neighborhoods. Street markets and festivals occur almost nightly, and there’s a great array of restaurants catering to all tastes. For these reasons, many expats choose to live in the center of the city, within the ancient walls, where they also enjoy affordable rentals and close proximity to all services.

Chiang Mai has grown beyond the ancient walls, and now extends for several miles in every direction. Large shopping complexes are located along a superhighway and a multi-lane, controlled-access ring road that circles the outskirts of the city. Mega-malls and big multinational grocery and department stores line the superhighway access roads, creating many shopping options for retirees.

Upscale neighborhoods include the area north of the Mae Ping River, which is popular among affluent foreigners. Another well-regarded area among expats is the neighborhood around Thanon Nimmanhemin and Thanon Huay Kaew, where you can find housing in all price ranges. Located a short taxi ride or a 20-minute walk west of the Old City, this area has dozens of popular restaurants and nightclubs, modern shopping malls, and excellent medical facilities.

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The cost of living in Chiang Mai is reasonable, largely because the cost of housing can be a bargain. A retired couple could live here comfortably on a budget of as little as $1,000 to $1,200 per month. You could rent a furnished studio apartment in a nice area for as little as $300 per month. A bigger, better appointed place might rent for $500 per month.

Another important attraction to Thailand and especially Chiang Mai is the standard and cost of medical care. Thailand has become an important medical tourism destination. Medical tourists sometimes find it much less expensive to fly to Thailand and receive treatment than to have the same procedures performed in their home countries, even allowing for the cost of international travel. You can see an English-speaking doctor for as little as $20. More serious care also can cost a fraction of what it would in the U.S. A heart bypass, for example, that might cost more than $100,000 in the U.S., costs only $10,000 in Thailand. A total hip replacement in Thailand costs around $11,000, while the same procedure in the U.S. can cost seven times as much.

Retiree Paul Richard considered many options in Thailand, including Samui, Phuket, and Hua Hin. He chose Chiang Mai over those other places because of its climate and “the people seemed a lot friendlier and more helpful” than in other areas he visited. Richard also likes that Chiang Mai is home to such an established community of fellow foreign retirees. “Chiang Mai has every type of leisure activity you could want from golf, tennis, and bowling to plenty of good Western restaurants and the Chiang Mai Expats Club,” he says.

The Chiang Mai Expats Club, with 650 members, is one of the best ways to become acquainted with this city and to tap into the experience of retirees already living in the area. You could also meet new people at a Lions Club, a Scandinavian Club, an Alliance Française, a Writers Group, a Flying Club, a Radio Amateur Society, and a Rotary Club.

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/On-Retirement/2012/05/21/a-low-cost-retirement-spot-in-asia

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photo link:

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Thailand/North/Chiang_Mai/Chiang_Mai/photo1154732.htm

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cost comparison: US vs Thailand

At the market in Chiang Mai today, I bought a banana for 5 baht – $0.16; of course I had to filet it myself, but hey.

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U.S. – healthcare has doubled in the last decade

Via: Huffington Post

U.S. healthcare is so expensive that records are broken even when cost increases slow.

According to a new report by Milliman, a global consulting and actuarial firm, the total cost of healthcare for the average family of four, if covered by a preferred provider organization, is now a now a record $19,393.

Trends over the last decade more completely illustrate the toll taken on the average American by rising healthcare costs.

“In 2002, American families had healthcare costs of $9,235, and those costs have now doubled in fewer than nine years,” said Lorraine Mayne, Milliman principal and consulting actuary, in a press release. “As costs continue to gr ow
– and even as the cost trend decelerates — the total cost of care for American families constitutes a larger and larger portion of the household budget.”

Of that $1,319 increase, employers were paid for 48.6 percent of the increase, while the additional 51.6 percent was the responsibility of employees.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/16/us-healthcare-costs-double-report_n_862677.html

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In Thailand:

- I have full coverage, and I STILL pay less than my employee contribution was in 2006.

- In the U. S., without the ‘employer contribution’, private insurance is prohibitively expensive.

- Yes, the premiums have gone up in Thailand, but when you start so low, . . .

- And when I say full, I mean FULL: hospital, physician, and meds.

- NO deductibles, NO denile of services, and NO paperwork hassle.

- It’s good for emergency care, outside of Thailand.

- Because I joined before turning 60, I am covered for life; that’s right, I know, my life.

“Every day in every way, it’s getting better, and better, and better”

Thai Visa (dot) com

I think this is the BEST ‘expat’ source of information for people who:

- LIVE in Thialand

or,

- are considering MOVING to Thailand

or,

- are simply thinking about VISITING Thailand

http://www.thaivisa.com/

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Chiang Mai hopes for a long-stay life preserver

Via: Bangkok Post

The long-stay market is a strong niche and it would improve tourism revenue in the province after political protests last year.

“Cultural tourism has been promoted for a long time, but competition in the field is intense. Many other provinces have attractive Songkran celebrations,” said chamber president Narong Kongprasert.

The chamber reported that local tourism declined following political protests by supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra last April and May, But the incidents took place in a limited area and did not tarnish the province.

“It’s time to refocus our strength,” said Mr Narong. “We are confident that Chiang Mai is still a tranquil place with nice weather and perfect to be a second home.”

Living expenses in Chiang Mai are lower than Bangkok, while its low crime rate is another advantage.

The province is a long-stay hub for foreigners, especially Japanese. About 3,000 Japanese are long-stayers and have a close community through the Thailand-Japan Longstay Association.

~~~

“We expect to welcome more Japanese elderly in years to come. Once the number rises to 10,000, it means the province gets revenue up to 4 BILLION baht ($133 million USD), much the same it earns from selling longan for the entire year,” Mr Narong said.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/232522/chiang-mai-hopes-for-a-long-stay-life-preserver

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my view:

The Japanese population increasing from 3,000 to 10,000 sounds a little ambitious; but hey, good luck.

I’m often asked the QUESTION …

“Why did you retire early, and why in the hell did you choose somewhere like Thailand, for God Sake?”

——-
First a brief background:

I followed my Dad into the Engineering / Construction business ’cause I wanted to be like him.

http://jonsfamily.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/62-son-of-a-shoemaker-becomes-a-shoemaker/

Even with it being a very stressful job in a very stressful industry, I LOVED the work.

However, as I was approaching my 57th birthday, I recalled my Dad retired at age 60, and dying, much too young, of a heart attack at age 61.

I simply wanted/NEEDED more time for ‘me’.

So I pulled a Roberto Duran “NO MAS!!”, and flew out of Amman on my birthday; and ain’t looked back, not once.

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The Decision on Where:

I knew I couldn’t risk going without medical insurance, and I knew I couldn’t afford medical insurance in the States without working, so returning wasn’t an option.

I then looked at some alternatives: Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Argentina, the Philippines, Indonesia (Bali), and Thailand.

All seem to check out very well on quality of life, cost of living, and health care.

 

But in the end the decision was EASY: I LOVE Thailand and I truly LOVE the Thai people.

http://seattle99.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/chiang-mai-buddhism/

***

I can honestly say, “Every day in every way, my life is getting better, and better, and better”.

Chiang Mai – Viangbua Mansion – review

STRUCTURE:

The building is a modern eight-story high rise, and is approximately five-YEARS-old.

Note: The maintenance, unlike many places in S.E. Asia is outstanding, and could easily be, ‘five-MONTHS-old’.

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ATMOSPHERE:

The lobby and the rooms are beautifully designed in the Lanna (Northern Thai) style.

Reference – Photo Gallery: Rooms, Lobby, Coffee Shop, and City View.

http://www.viangbuamansion-chiangmai.com/photo_gallery_service_apartment.htm

Note: They might not always be available when you book, but if I were you, I would request to be on the mountain side; i.e. the Doi Suthep side.

Reference – “Freeing the Birds – by Ed Liembacher’ post:

http://seattle99.wordpress.com/2009/05/22/freeing-the-birds-by-ed-liembacher/

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LOCATION:

First of all, it’s NOT in the touristy Night Bazaar/Thapae Gate area, nor is it in the yuppified Ninmanheiman area; which by the way, I love both areas of town.

Q:  Where is it then?

A: It’s in a very Thai neighborhood called Chang Puek, which is located about a mile north of the moat.

***

Q: Why would I want to stay there?

A: Well, presumably you are coming to Thailand to ‘experience Thailand’; in Chang Puek you can do that, 24/7.

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Q: How?

A: Right next door to the Viangbua is the Thanin Market, which I believe is the FINEST market in Chiang Mai.

I mean it’s got everything: food stalls, fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery goods, everythinggggg!

***

Q: What if I want to buy a bag of Pepperidge Farm Milk Chocolate Macadamia Cookies ®; does the Thainin Market have those; huh, huh, huh?

A: Possibly/probably not, but a five-minute walk up the main road is a newly renovated Tops Supermarket, and they got ‘em, plus a gazillion other items to cure the ‘homesick blues’.

***

Q: I KNOW I will want to go the Night Bazaar/Taepae Gate and the Nimmanheiman areas; how do I get there?

A: If you ended up eating the WHOLE bag of Pepperidge Farm Milk Chocolate Macademia Cookies ® I would suggest you might want to spend twenty-thirty minutes walking to the above mention areas via the very colorful  back streets (sois).

>>> Reference – ‘Chiang Mai –Buddhism’ post:

http://seattle99.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/chiang-mai-buddhism/

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>>> Reference – “I believe the literal translation of …” post:

http://seattle99.wordpress.com/2009/05/09/i-believe-the-literal-translation-of/

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Q: Are there other means of transportation available?

A: Of course.

>>> Reference – “Chiang Mai – toolin’ rond town” post:

http://seattle99.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/chiang-mai-%e2%80%93-toolin%e2%80%99-round-town/

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>>> Reference – “Chiang Mai –Samlors” post:

http://seattle99.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/chiang-mai-samlors/

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CLEANLINESS:

In one word, SUPERB!

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SERVICE QUALITY:

From the guard out front, to the desk staff, to the housekeepers, to the Manager, it is ‘absolutely top of the line’.

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FACILITIES:

There’s a beauty shop, and a room with washers and dryers on the ground floor; and a fitness room on the second floor.

Viangbua Mansion has cable TV and WIFI in each room, and free internet access in the lobby.

Unlike many hotels in Thailand, the rooms come with very good American style showers, and ALWAYS a sufficient supply of hot water.

>>> Reference – Photo Gallery:  restaurant, fitness room, etc, etc.

http://www.viangbuamansion-chiangmai.com/facilities.htm

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FOOD and BEVERAGE:

The restaurant is open from 7 until 3 and serves both Thai and Falang (foreign) dishes. Room service is available, as is a coffee shop in the lobby.

In addition to the food stalls next door at the Thainin market, directly across the street is the Spirit House Restaurant and Bar.

>>> Reference – ‘Chiang Mai – Spirit House Restaurant and Bar’” post:

http://seattle99.wordpress.com/2009/07/02/chiang-mai-%e2%80%93-spirit-house-restaurant-bar/

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SECURITY:

In addition to the guard out front, security is tight throughout the building because you need a electronic floor specific keycard to access the elevator and stairwell, and of course the guest rooms.

Every room has a safe.

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PRICE:

There are several types of rooms, ranging from studios to one bedroom; with daily, weekly, and monthly rates.

>>> Reference – Viangbua Mansion ‘Room Descriptions’ and Rates:

http://www.viangbuamansion-chiangmai.com/room_rate.htm

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SUMMARY:

First of all, Chiang Mai has an incredibly wide range of accommodations, ranging from the top end Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental, to very good Guest Houses, to unbelievably skanky Guest Houses.

However, baht for baht, dollar for dollar, I believe the Viangbua Mansion is a TERRIFIC VALUE, whether for a single night, or an extended stay.

Chiang Mai – Spirit House Restaurant & Bar

The Spirit House Restaurant & Bar is one of those quite amazing places which take you completely by surprise. The Spirit House Restaurant & Bar is located in the bustling Chang Puak area of Chiang Mai but is a haven of peace and tranquility. The Spirit House has indoor seating and a delightful garden area, full of tropical plants and water fountains, which surrounds an old Chedi. Not much is known about the original temple, but the owner, Steve, told us that the temple is thought to have sunk below the ground many years ago.

http://www.chiangmaichimes.com/gay-chiang-mai/spirit-house-bar.html

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The reviewer has it right; it truly is an amazing place!!

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I will add, the food is really, really, really good; especially the desserts!

 

Note: Steve was a pastry chef in New Orleans for I think, seven-years?

 

Anywhooo, he’s got it down!

***

One other thing, it’s a very inexpensive.

examples?

okay, how about:

- American style meat loaf, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw (150baht @ 34 baht to the dollar) = $4.41USD

or,

Cordon Bleu (chicken/ham/gruyere cheese), oven roasted potatos, and steam vegtables (160baht @ 34baht to the dollar) = $4.71USD

Chiang Mai – December 6, 2008

This photo, captured from the rooftop of the Amari Rincome Hotel, shows Chiang Mai’s Nimmanhaemindha Road transformed into a sea of saffron robes early last Saturday morning as 11,000 monks from the province turned out to collect alms and offer their blessings for His Majesty the King’s 81st birthday, which took place the day before on December 5. This was apparently the first time such a large gathering of monks had been organized to mark this occasion.

http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/303/

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11,000 monks, hmmm, don’t know about.

But to hear thousands and thousands chanting; I mean WOW, truly a sound I will never forget!

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BTW: I believe the LaGriita Restaurant at the Amari Rincome Hotel is the BEST lunch buffet in town; price and quality, especially quality.

Off-season, M-F, 375 baht @ 34.5 = $10.86

Q: expensive, yes?

A: If you go light on breakfast, and skip dinner, not so much.

Q: Do you think I would be able to skip dinner?

A: Oh, hell yeah!

http://www.amari.com/rincome/lagritta.aspx

Catching a ‘flick’ in Chiang Mai, Thailand

As far as I know, without a dish, there are four ways to watch a movie here: 1) download from the net 2) cable TV 3) movie theatres, and 4) DVD’s.

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2) CABLE TV

In Chiang Mai, you can get HBO-Asia or Starz Movies.

They both, obviously, need to tailor to the local audience, so there seems to be an abundance of low-budget, “Action-Jackson: blow ‘em up, shoot ‘em up, kick ‘em in the cajones”, genre.

If that’s not to your liking, you can watch ‘straight to cable/DVD’ teen horror or teen comedy.

But every once in awhile, they’ll show something good; however, they’ll show it five times a day; for four, eight, possibly twelve weeks.

In summary, cable movie channels in Thailand are EXACTLY the same as in the States.

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3) MOVIE THEATRES

There are two major multiplexes in Chiang Mai, one with eight screens, the other with six.

They usually show one or two American movies at a time, most often in English with Thai sub-titles.

—-
- Thai movies

The Thai people seem to like: ‘Kung-Fuey-Louie’ movies; unbelievably sappy ‘boo-hoo-hoo’ love stories; and dumb-ass comedies, often featuring one, or more, lady-boys.

The Thai movies often have English sub-titles, and on a rainy afternoon, it’s a fun way to spend a couple of hours.

- American Movies

The leading U.S. box-office grossing movies are shown here at the same time as in the States.

Note: movies open here on Thursday, which is Wednesday in the States.

Prices: higher for the first three-days and the weekends: 60-130 baht @ 35 baht = $1.72 – $3.72.

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4) DVD’s

I suppose if you LOOK really, really, REALLY HARD; you might, and I say might, be able to find DVD’s that aren’t counterfeit. But I honestly, have never seen any that are legit.

The quality of the DVD’s varies between what you would find at Blockbuster (good), or like your Aunt’s “Trip to Cozumel” video (TERRIBLE!).

The selection is very extensive, and run all the way from the BIG box office hits, to Sundance Film Festival movies.

Quite often, you’ll find videos in the States they are being advertised: ‘Limited Engagement in New York and Los Angeles: Opening Soon Nationwide’.

PRICE: 100 baht ($2.86) – fully refundable if it’s TERRIBLE quality; like say for, MY aunt’s “Trip to Cozumel” video.

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the photo: I’m just slightly out of the picture to the left. I’m wearing glasses.