Are Cheap Foods and Inexpensive Housing Still Possible in Chiang Mai?

By J C Sep 25, 2014 / No Comments

Can a Category 1 or 2 RIPper still find accommodations in Chiang Mai that are fairly inexpensive? Once Thailand’s sleepy northern capital, Chiang Mai is now experiencing unprecedented explosive growth. Shopping malls, luxury resorts and even condominium developments are putting Chiang Mai on the map as more than just a tourist stop over.

Chiang Mai was once the epicenter of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. But Chiang Mai is now a primary destination for travelers and RIPpers (Retirees In Paradise) as well. The novelty of Chiang Mai is even though it is the third biggest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai doesn’t even have a skyline or an organized public transportation system. But the city is experiencing extremely rapid growth, and is experiencing a change under the pressure  of increased traffic and tourism especially from the Chinese.

So far local business owners can still pay rent for their shops. Whether that will be the case in the future we will see.

Chiang Mai now has the newly opened Central Festival Mall, Maya Lifestyle Mall and the Promenada Mall, complete with an IMAX movie theaters and ice skating rinks. Given all that, so far Chiang Mai’s appeal is still there and attractive to RIPpers. If you look you can still live the slower pace of life and enjoy Chiang Mai’s cultural heritage amidst the rising hustle of expansive growth.

So without a doubt the growing popularity of Chiang Mai will eventually lead to rising prices. But can a Category 1 or 2 RIPper still find accommodations that are fairly inexpensive? Food reasonably priced? Here are some examples of what I feel are still values in the middle of the old city of Chiang Mai.

 

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