Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province, borders Myanmar and Laos and offers stunning mountainous regions and fertile lowlands. The mighty Mekong River to the northeast is the separator between this Thai region and the socialist republic of Laos. It is an ethnically diverse province, with minority hill tribes, Shan, Tai groups and Chinese immigrants and has a fascinating history, from centuries past and more recent years. It is an exciting province to explore with many attractions, nature areas, and villages.
The provincial capital of the same name, Chiang Rai, is where most expats live. Expats in Chiang Rai are attracted by the easy-going
and relaxed lifestyle, a delightful blend of city and country life, a low cost of living, good healthcare and hospitals, international schools, shopping, and an excellent range of recreational facilities. The Kok River dissects the city.
Chiang Rai, As A Place, To Live
The province’s population is about 1.3 million people covering 11,5
00 square kilometres. Therefore a pretty low population density the ease of getting around Chiang Rai is a testament to that. Chiang Rai entices people worldwide and from various walks of life, further adding diversity. The expat community comprises English language teachers and educators, people engaged in one of the many foundation and social projects, digital nomads relishing the fast internet connection, working professionals and some just spending extended time in a refreshing and reinvigorating part of the country. Retirement in Chiang Rai has become more popular as some seek a more affordable lifestyle and cleaner, greener living.
When choosing where to live, it comes to individual needs. According to Lazudi Consultant Lukas Baumgartner, “Due to its manageable size, expats live in every area of Chiang Rai. Two popular areas currently are Huay Pla Kang and Ban Mai. Huay Pla Kang is lovely – hilly, green, and natural, and home of Akka hill tribe people. Just north across the Kok River, Ban Mai is the new extension of Chiang Rai with many restaurants and shops.” Some expats buy property in Chiang Rai, whilst many choose to rent in Chiang Rai, giving greater flexibility.
Recreation and Special Interests
As you may expect, there is a good variety of fitness centres, cross-fit, Muay Thai boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo and standard boxing. Racket sports like tennis and badminton are available, plus skating and football (soccer). Cycle along flat country lanes, or take to the hills to get the legs pumping. Outdoor adventure activities like river rafting, quad driving, trekking and horse riding are easily accessible.
Golfers may choose from three excellent courses, including the Robert Trent Jones Jr designed Santiburi Country Club, regarded by many as among the best in Asia. Jogging paths on the northern side of the Kok River and Loi Ko Park on the southern side are popular public places. The sports stadium has soccer fields, running tracks, tennis courts, and more. Also, the old airport is now used for rollerblading, skating, and early morning or late afternoon exercise like walking groups.
Singha Park, about 12 km southwest of the city and covering an area of 14 square kilometres, is the go-to on weekends, with extensive walking/running/cycling tracks, plus water activities, rock climbing, ziplining. Others enjoy the vast tea plantations, flower fields, and diverse offerings of cafes and restaurants.
Chiang Rai was recently nominated as a creative city with UNESCO; painting, arts, and crafts are popular pastimes. Volunteering opportunities at various foundations aiding people, animals and the environment keep some people busy. For history and culture buffs, there is plenty to explore.
Getting There and Getting Around
About 8km south of the city centre, the airport has international and domestic flights. Although there currently is no rail to Chiang Rai, the latest reports indicate the government has recently approved the construction of dual-track rail. It will start from Den Chai as a new offshoot of the Bangkok-Chiang Mai line passing through Phrae to Chiang Rai and terminate at Chiang Khong on the Thailand and Laos border. Early estimates of the project completion are 2025. Longer-term, this line may connect via Laos to China as part of their ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.
The province’s highway and road network are constantly being improved and expanded. The recently extended highway from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai takes less than three hours. Two bypass roads east and west of the city have eased city traffic, and the new highway to Chiang Saen in the Golden Triangle has reduced travel time to about 45 minutes. Bus travel from Bangkok and some other provinces are available.
The public transport system is pretty limited to tuk-tuks and songthaews on specific routes, and to live in the area, having your own wheels is ideal.
Education
At least well established international schools covering ages 3 to 18 and offering the American curriculum provide choice. Yearly enrolment costs are generally lower than in other major regional Thai cities. Many government schools are available using the Thailand curriculum. The city also hosts two universities, including Mae Fah Luang University (MFU).
MFU is Thailand’s fast-growing university now with 15,000 students. Its offering includes Science, Liberal Arts, Management, Law, Agro-Industry, Information Technology, Cosmetic Science, Medicine, Health Science, Nursing and Anti-Ageing and Regenerative Medicine. All classes (except nursing and Thai law) are taught in English. Many with native English speaking teachers. All courses are available to international students. Certificate programs to Doctoral Degree levels are available. In 2019 the “City of Herbs” was introduced based on traditional medical practices. Some vocational including flight attendant training, are also available. In 2021, it was ranked second in Thailand and 14th of 187 institutions in ASEAN. The MFU University Hospital is recognised as an ASEAN leader in several fields.
Healthcare
Four private hospitals are located around the city. Bangkok Hospital opened approximately three years ago on the north side of the Kok River. Prachanukroh Hospital, the government hospital, offers comprehensive healthcare, including accident and emergency, inpatient and outpatient services, cardio, chemo, pathology, dialysis, physical therapy, organ transplant and psychiatric. Several medical clinics are located around the city. Dental, optical and physiotherapy services are easy to find, and most provide excellent service at generally low costs.
Shopping
With a Central Plaza shopping mall, two Big C supermarkets, major home suppliers like Homepro, Thai Watsadu and Global House, most western-style products are readily available. The region is rich in farmlands, and plenty of farm-fresh produce is available at local markets. The purpose-built Lan Meuang Market is the largest in the north, with wholesale and retail farm produce, seafood, meat, groceries, plants and flowers in abundance. It is a popular choice with plenty of parking, nearby cafes, and small speciality stores. It is also seen as the hub for the region’s organic produce.
Chiang Rai Real Estate
Properties in Chiang Rai often offer greater value and for the price compared to other Thai cities popular with expats. This is for both rental and purchase. Check out these example listed properties, including houses and condos.
Summary
Lazudi Consultant Lukas summed up living in Chiang Rai this way. “It is where city and country life merge. We have all the facilities and shopping malls, and in just 10 minutes drive, we can be sitting in a coffee shop in a lush tropical forest. There is little traffic and no long queues at stores. If you can live without the ocean or the big city, this is the place. Also, the locals are very friendly and welcoming. December to March has much cooler temperatures making for a nice change to the typical tropical environment.”Read more related content: Living In Phuket, what is not to love ?