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Working in Chiang Mai
Working and living in the beautiful city of Chiang Mai
Find out more about the former capital of ancient Lanna Kingdom
Introduction
Working at Bluechips most likely includes moving to the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. Irrespective of your profession, age, family status, or hobbies, Chiang Mai offers and abundance of experiences for everyone.
Nestled in Northern Thailand, the city offers a variety of leisure activities. Moreover, its low cost of living enables you to enjoy a higher standard of living compared to most Western countries. On top of that, Chiang Mai provides a consistent year-round temperature of no less than 14 degrees Celsius.
Location
Chiang Mai, the largest city of Northern Thailand, is situated on the banks of the Ping River in close proximity to the borders of Myanmar and Laos. With approximately 127,000 residents (2019), the former capital of the Lanna kingdom (13th to 18th century) boasts lush green jungles and mountainous terrain, though lacking in beaches. Nearby, the majestic Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s tallest peak, stands within a beautiful national park.
Climate
Chiang Mai experiences a Mediterranean climate. The rainy season, roughly from May to September/October, sees temperatures ranging between 22 and 42 degrees Celsius. Northern Thailand however ususally experiences less rain than the southern part of the country, so rainy season is manageable. From November to April, Thailand enjoys nearly rain-free weather, with Chiang Mai’s temperatures ranging from 14 to 36 degrees Celsius. This makes living and working in Chiang Mai ideal for those seeking a predominantly sunny and warm environment, punctuated by occasional rain and cooler spells.
Cost of living
Another benefit of starting your career in Chiang Mai is that the city offers a relatively lower cost of living compared to Bangkok and significantly less than the popular islands. Monthly rent for a basic apartment in a nice area suitable for 1-2 people starts at approximately 12,000 Baht, equivalent to 341 USD or 310 Euros (as of 11/08/23). For those desiring a more upscale apartment with a private pool in a condominium with modern furniture, prices are a bit higher. Local food is also affordable. Traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai cost around 60 Baht, or 1.71 USD or 1.55 euros. Western cuisine is pricier but still considerably more affordable than in Europe, Australia, or the USA. While supermarkets may have expensive imported fruits and vegetables, local markets offer them at reasonable prices.
Food & Restaurants
Chiang Mai boasts an extensive array of restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
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Options range from traditional (Northern) Thai, Indian and Mexican food to Sushi restaurants, Italian trattorias and European steakhouses.
Although prices in Western or fine dining restaurants are higher than those for local cuisine, they still remain notably lower than in western countries. Northern Thai cuisine, known as Lanna food, stands apart, influenced by Yunnanese, Shan, and Burmese flavors. Those dishes include Khao Soi, a creamy cocnut curry noodle soup, Sai Oua, a pork sausage, and Kaeng Hang Lei, a traditional pork curry.
Culture & Festivals
Chiang Mai boasts an extensive array of restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
Options range from traditional (Northern) Thai, Indian and Mexican food to Sushi restaurants, Italian trattorias and European steakhouses.
Although prices in Western or fine dining restaurants are higher than those for local cuisine, they still remain notably lower than in western countries. Northern Thai cuisine, known as Lanna food, stands apart, influenced by Yunnanese, Shan, and Burmese flavors. Those dishes include Khao Soi, a creamy cocnut curry noodle soup, Sai Oua, a pork sausage, and Kaeng Hang Lei, a traditional pork curry.
Leisure & Recreation
Working in Chiang Mai is great if a good work-life balance is important to you. Chiang Mai provides a huge variety of activities, catering to both relaxation and adventure.
Alongside the numerous temples within the city, other cities like Chiang Rai offer even more options. Attractions beyond temples include waterfalls and hot springs in Pai and Chiang Dao. Outside the rainy season, you can hike Doi Chiang Dao, Thailand’s third-highest peak. Doi Inthanon National Park, encompassing Thailand’s tallest mountain, is a fantastic weekend getaway. Those seeking a true jungle experience can embark on hikes with overnight stays, often including visits of hill tribes or elephant sanctuaries, or bamboo rafting down rivers. Ziplining in the jungle offers a thrilling aerial view of all the lavishly green trees.
For a more relaxing experience, various Yoga and Meditation retreats are available, a well as numerous spas providing massages and beauty treatments.
Other weekend ideas include shopping at malls and markets, attending a cooking class, or picnicking at Huay Tung Tao, just 20 minutes from the city. For longer breaks, Chiang Mai Airport offers direct connections to various destinations, allowing you to relax on Southern Thailand’s beaches or explore cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, or Ho Chi Minh City.
Getting Around
Chiang Mai lacks comprehensive public transportation, and apps like Grab (similar to Uber) can become costly. Renting or buying a scooter is often the most practical choice. Monthly scooter rentals average around 3,500 Baht, equivalent to 100 USD or 91 Euros. Gasoline costs are notably affordable compared to Western countries.
For commuting to Bluechips and back, the company van offers a convenient option, picking up employees from Chiang Mai’s city centre every morning.