At the present time, Chiang Mai is home to over 20,000 expat residents, mainly from the West. Whether because of the year-round warmth, the peaceful and laid-back lifestyle and the many new friends or simply because they love the country and its people, all have decided this is the place where they will spend their retirement years.

Relocating to Chiang Mai may seem a giant step, but you don’t have to give up everything you once knew. Our beautiful city has many international restaurants, its supermarkets, (including Tesco Lotus, Carrefour and Rimping), stock many Western foods, and cable and satellite TV and hi-speed internet are easily available, mostly at a fraction of the cost you would pay in your home country! If you love to travel, Chiang Mai International Airport has direct air services to many major destinations in Asia as well as domestic services. Every capital in the world is now no more than two flights away.

It is possible to retire in Chiang Mai and still lead a very active life – in fact, most people do. You can discover the beauty of the city and surrounding areas and learn all about the fascinating history and unique culture of the ancient Lanna Kingdom here in the north of Thailand, with its many ethnic groups, festivals and ceremonies. If you wish, you can volunteer with one, or many, of the non-profit organisations in the city and its surrounding areas or get involved with the international clubs local to Chiang Mai. If you have special talents or work experience you would like to share, you can join with Chiang Mai University Language Institute’s recently introduced Cultural Exchange programme, which links your skills with local needs. Of course, Chiang Mai is the ideal place to finally take up that hobby you’ve never had time to develop, whether it’s art, music, writing or sporting activities. The cultural scene in the city has expanded a great deal over the last few years, with many concerts, art exhibitions, recitals, jazz evenings, book clubs etc, and even a local theatre group, the Gate Theatre.

• Extremely friendly people.
• Fantastic food.
• Cost of living is on average around 50% cheaper than living in the West.
• Wonderful year-round climate.
• Low crime rate.
• Great medical services and facilities.
• Convenient public transport and good road network.
• Great sports, nature facilities and huge range of interest groups available for all to join.
• Wide range of cultural pursuits and a number of annual festivals.
• Excellent markets which include the famous Sunday market, local markets, night bazaar and food markets.

If you are planning to retire in Chiang Mai, we can help guide you through every step of the journey. Our Chiang Mai Retirement Service is here to make your dream a reality.