Chiang Mai, one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, has undergone significant changes in recent years. This beautiful city, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and ancient temples, has seen a transformation in terms of its infrastructure, accommodation, and overall vibe. In this article, we will explore how Chiang Mai has changed, along with the impact on travelers and the cost of living in the city in 2023.
Infrastructure and Development
One of the most noticeable changes in Chiang Mai is the development of its infrastructure. The city has experienced significant urbanization, with new roads, shopping malls, and residential areas popping up across the city. This has made it easier to navigate around the city and has also improved access to amenities and services for both residents and tourists.
Accommodation
Chiang Mai’s accommodation options have also evolved over the years. While there are still plenty of budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels, the city now boasts a wide range of luxury hotels, boutique resorts, and serviced apartments to cater to the growing number of tourists seeking more upscale lodging options. This has also led to an increase in accommodation prices, especially in popular tourist areas.
Cultural Shift
Chiang Mai has always been known for its laid-back and bohemian atmosphere, but in recent years, the city has also embraced a more cosmopolitan and modern lifestyle. This is evident in the growing number of trendy cafes, international restaurants, and co-working spaces that have sprung up in the city. While the traditional charm of Chiang Mai remains, there is a noticeable shift towards a more contemporary and diverse cultural scene.
Impact on Travelers
For travelers, these changes have both positive and negative implications. On one hand, the improved infrastructure and accommodation options make it more convenient and comfortable to visit Chiang Mai. However, the shift towards a more modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere has led to increased prices for certain goods and services, particularly in popular tourist areas. Additionally, the influx of development has also resulted in some areas losing their authentic charm and becoming more commercialized.
Cost of Living
As a result of these changes, the cost of living in Chiang Mai has also increased. While it is still relatively affordable compared to many Western cities, the prices of accommodation, dining, and entertainment have all risen in recent years. This means that travelers visiting Chiang Mai in 2023 should expect to budget a bit more compared to previous years.
In conclusion, Chiang Mai has certainly undergone a significant transformation in recent years. While the city has retained much of its cultural heritage and natural beauty, it has also seen notable changes in terms of its infrastructure, accommodation, and overall atmosphere. Travelers visiting Chiang Mai in 2023 should be prepared for a more modern and cosmopolitan experience, along with slightly higher prices for certain goods and services.
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Hey guys it's funny…today I plan to have holiday in Chiang Mai and your video was the first suggestion.
Why is it funny? 6 years ago I decided to move to Vietnam and your video was one of the first suggestion. After 6 year I still live in Hoi An, still going to the same gym that you recommended.
I will definitely trust your judgment about Chiang Mai
Great video. I like how you did it. I really felt like I was tagging along with a couple of friends. I'm subscribing. Don't let me down. lol
However I would like to recommend for foreigners , Order less sweet first because iced coffee in Thailand is usually sweet because we add ice.
WOW! COOL VLOG! BEAUTIFUL CM!
This popped up in my newsfeed- I’ve been to that area of Thailand about 3yrs ago & strongly considering RELOCATING & Retiring there!! Right NOW!! ASAP!! Gotta get out of America- it’s a nightmare here- so all the info you provided was super informative & a guide to move on & relocate!! Thanks- I’m subscribed for more!!
Hi guys. Charlie from Boston, USA here. Watching videos from my apartment in Mexico. My lease is up next week and I’m going back for a doctors appointment in Boston. I will stay for one month . I do like Mexico, but I keep hearing about Chiang Mai and I’ve been considering it . Seems good a place as any to start Thailand
My wife and I spent 6 months in SE Asia in 2017 and went back for our honeymoon earlier this year. We shared your feelings of discovering old favourites, and the occasional slight melancholy of new developments clashing with our old memories. You guys would of been a fun couple to run into on one of our trips! Great energy from you two. Subscribed for more. All the best
-Chaz and Alexa in Canada
So happy to see you guys back in Thailand. I hope I can meet you both in person someday. I can still remember watching your old Thailand videos. They inspired me to travel more. <3
Went to Chiang Mai for what was meant to a one month trip and ended up staying 10 years. Great place! Going to buy a condo there this year. I remember going to Nimmen for the first time in 2003 and there were still bamboo-walled, open-style, cafes, and there was one Wa Wee Coffee (the only place with real coffee) which used to have three or four farangs and a couple of Thais at a time. The reason that coffee really took off in CM was because the Queen Mother, Princess Srinagarindra, at 88 years old made it her mission to have the farmers of Doi Tung particularly replace opium crops with coffee crops. Wasn't hard to convince them as they made a LOT more with coffee. From the early 90s to the early 00s, more and more coffee was grown, eventually completely pushing opium out. PM Thaksin's push against drugs in 2003 (approx. 2800 (supposed) drug dealers summarily executed by gunshot by police during October 2003) had an effect too as did the capture of Khun San (the Burmese drug lord). Now, outside of Melbourne, CM is consider one the best place for serious coffee drinkers on Earth. Enjoy that coffee.
Do you need to show that you have health insurance in the customs in Thailand, and do you need a "covid vaccine passport"
I first DNd it in Chiang Mai 2013. Very few people working remotely then. Nimman was not built up at all and the only reason we even went there was for Ristr8to since it was the only cool thing on that road. It’s a different world now. Hope it stays awesome for years to come.
$4 for a cuppa…sheesh!
I like seeing videos from people who lived in the place. So special that you got to go back to your old stomping grounds!
Would you mind letting us all know what the cost in NZD is to stay in a place like that?
Thankfor Review Padthai my mom Sunday market tapea in watphakiat
Everything seems so cheap but everyone keeps saying how much higher it is right now but is it really? Every single city/country has gotten more expensive
I have also been living in chiang mai since 2018. Im here right now. I spotted one of my stickers in your video at 3:52. Ha
Hello! Whats the name of chicken restaurant with the sauce? Im
In chiang mai would really appreciate it guys!! If you dont know the name maybe you could point it on the map?
Probably to late, but 6 years for me. Need to get back. Nimman and old city are nice. But much most of these vds. miss so much of real C.M. Walk around south of the moat and other Thai areas. Other vds. Like "Walk About Wayne" can show you. Thanks.
i went 2016 too! going back next year this time with my lady and show her all the fun i had! im excited to see new things i didnt last time!
I’ve just found your channel and I’ve got a feeling I’m going to like it! Love the way you present and the information you provide and little price comparisons you give at the bottom of the screen. Great video!
What is hotel name?
Thanks
Do u respect Thai people for your blog
Not nearly enough prices how much was the Pad Thai, your place you're staying?
Anthony Bourdain said chaing mai food was his favorite and voted it the best in the world
I'm so glad for you the chicken was exactly as delicious as you remembered! Always a concern returning somewhere that you remember fondly.
Also, killer haircut Dane!
Prices may have changed somewhat, but it's still incredibly dirt cheap to live in Chiang Mai haha
Chiangmai is one of our favorite places. We spent 1 month there in 2014. Always planned to return but because the world got crazy we haven’t traveled all that much lately. Seems prices have increased quite a bit but that’s everywhere it seems.
Come to Golden BC Canada for Couples on a romantic getaway see you soon
I'm also returning to Chiang Mai. interesting to hear about how things where before. My first time in thailand last year I stayed at palm springs 9 months of traveling I came to Chiang Mai because its the most peaceful place and I needed to find myself
We still hope to make it to Chiang Mai , currently in Nicaragua.
Could a couple still live comfy on say $2000/month USD ?
Thx !
Many thanks for featuring my favourite Roastniyom cafe ! Always look forward to going there when back in Chiangmai. One thing that's changed in the past few years…there are now pedestrian crossing traffic lights at the Maya Mall intersection. Like you, I am a fan of the basement food court in the Maya and the Rimping supermarket next to it. And for the manga fans there's a special bookshop with a pretty extensive stock on one side of the food court.
I really liked how you showed your favorites places, old and new. Usually you stay in apartments or AirBnBs, why are you in a hotel now?