Why Thailand and Why Chiang Mai?

Thailand is a stable country, ruled by a democratically elected Government and enjoys the world's longest serving Monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej who this year celebrates 60 years as Head of State and is the nations most revered figure.

Thailand is also the only South East Asian country never to have been colonized. The economic growth rate in 2004 was 8%, in 2005 it was 10% and continues to rise.

Chiang Mai is Thailand's northernmost city, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Thailand and has been the cross roads of trade for over 800 years. It is 1/40th the size of Bangkok and nestles on a vast plateau surrounded by jungle covered mountains.

 
 
Chiang Mai and its provinces have a total population of approximately 1.5 Million and the city boasts an International Airport with connections to most of South East Asia as well as Bangkok for travel further afield. Chiang Mai is also well served by a good network of roads, most of which, compared to Western standards are very lightly trafficked making travel very easy.

Northern Thailand has a very temperate climate and is influenced by the Asian monsoon. The year can roughly be divided into 3 seasons – hot/dry (March - May), warm/wet (May – October) and cool/dry (October – March). Even in the “rainy” season, typically it will rain for no more than an hour or two at a time, interspersed with bright sunshine.

Thailand has retained its traditional values whilst also embracing some aspects of Western culture. This means that for tourists and long term residents alike, the city and its surrounds offer a safe and comfortable environment and a wealth of activities comfortably mixing aspects of both lifestyles.

Examples include golf, horse riding and racing, tennis, ten pin bowling, fitness centres and fishing, together with jungle trekking, bamboo and whitewater rafting, elephant riding and simply relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery which surrounds the city. Chiang Mai also has a rich cultural calendar with annual events such as "Loy Kratong" and "Songkran" being celebrated alongside Christmas and New Year.

If you are considering investing in our property as a retirement home, it is worth mentioning that the cost of living in Thailand is significantly lower than in western countries. This means that for the same amount of income, your quality of living is that much higher here in Thailand. If your primary objective is for investment or as a holiday home, Thailand, like most other growing economies, enjoys a steady annual increase in property values, however, Chiang Mai has yet to experience the international property boom which has already pushed up prices in Phuket and Pattaya, making luxury living still a very affordable proposition for those wishing to have a home here in Northern Thailand.

Chiang Mai is well served  by international retailers, familiar names include Tesco, Carrefour, Makro, Marks & Spencer, MacDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut & Burger King.  In addition, there are a number of Thai-owned supermarkets catering for locals and foreigners alike, most of which carry a large selection of imported goods as well as local produce.

The variety of food available is simply stunning – from roadside food vendors providing cheap and tasty traditional dishes, numerous high quality independent restaurants, to international hotels offering cuisine from around the world.

From private airports to golf courses, mountain villages to secluded temples, Chiang Mai offers the short time visitor or long term resident, a quality of life and peace of mind rarely found in today’s world.

Thailand is indeed the land of smiles. Thai people are warm, friendly and very hospitable towards guests.

Thailand is a new life just waiting to be experienced.

For more information on Chiang Mai, please visit http://www.1stopchiangmai.com/

More than a Home Away From Home.
Thailand is a new life just waiting to be experienced.