Chiang Mai vs Siem Reap

[EdinWigan]

Chiang Mai v Siem Reap

Reading an article Chiang Mai seems to be about $650 a month compared to $1000 for Siem Reap

What are the pros and cons of each ?

[Cowshed Cowboy]

For me Ed is I think the landscape around Chiang Mai is more interesting than Siem Reap. I prefer more mountainous terrain and I think that area of Thailand is beautiful. The climate being cooler is a big plus. It's a few years since I last visited and I know the traffic and the town has got busier but then that's probably similar to SR. The food in Thailand I find better than Cambodia and Chiang Mai still offers Western choices and pubs if you get a craving. Some great affordable golf courses in Chiang Mai if you fancy the odd game. Being a University town plenty of eye candy to dribble your beer over. For an outdoor life I think I'd probably choose Chiang Mai.

[EdinWigan]

City: Chiang Mai
Cost of living (pm): $641 USD
Temperature: 38°c
Internet speed: 20mbps
Chiang Mai on Nomad List
Also on Thailand’s list: Bangkok ($1,353), Phuket ($995) and Pai ($1,007)

Thailand ranks highly due to its extremely low cost of living and beautiful weather. It is a secular country that is friendly towards foreigners, making it an attractive option for expats. Chiang Mai pictured above is the fifth largest city in Thailand with a population of 170,000. That said, it is much greener and quieter than Bangkok and is located on a plain at 316m, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside.

City: Siem Reap
Cost of living (pm): $1,040 USD
Temperature: 31°c
Internet speed: 5mbps
Siem Reap on Nomad List

Siem Reap is Cambodia’s biggest tourist stop due to its world-renowned Angkor temples. Despite the throngs, it maintains a laidback attitude and offers a good compromise between local Cambodian life and modern services and conveniences. Plus, being a stone’s throw away from Angkor can’t be a bad thing.

I really like Siem Reap but I also enjoyed Chiang Mai both are nice choices

[phuketrichard]

given the choice i would head another 120 kms north of Chaing Mai an settle in Chaing Rai. ( if i moved out of Phuket)

the area is so much nicer in Northern Thailand than SR,
better food
better climate
better shopping ( for groceries, food, anything)
only dif it will cost ya a bit more to get drunk

Buy a motorcycle an you wil never be bored with the rides within 200 kms ( which includes Laos)

[potty]

both are small stupid towns.
but SR is ways better than chiang mai.
CM is one of the ugliest cities on earth.
there is nothing to hang out, only crap cafes.
everything is crap there, really everything.
also, its full of thais.

only good thing there is the western managed rimping supermarket.

[wackyjacky]

This is a no-brainer IMO. Unless you're an Archaeologist, everything is far better in CM, except alcohol prices. Visas aren't easy anymore over there though, unless you've got the cash for a 'Retirement Visa'.

[phuketrichard]

there is no "retirement visa" its a visa extension for reason of retirement
and u don't need a lot of $$, as long as u have some kind of a pension from outside Thailand
and adobe

[wackyjacky]

Thank you Richard for correcting my grievous error of calling a Visa Extension For Reason of Retirement a "Retirement Visa" . That added so much to the dialogue.

[phuketrichard]

ahh but without the correct words
where would we be>> LOL

Anyway,
everyone that matters agrees CM, CR would be a better choice than SR

[vladimir]

Nobody mentioned the hospitals...no contest, Thailand wins.

Reliable energy, better infrastructure, nicer food.

Only negative, totally loony government.