Which city is better for expats with elderly family members: Chiang Mai or the suburbs of Bangkok?

Hua Hin

Hua Hin

Hua Hin.. you will regret choosing Chiang Mai.

It’s either burning season or flooding.. I lived there for two years, couldn’t take it anymore.

It’s nice for November, December and January.

Not the rest of the year.

HUA HIN 100%

I started out in BKK and traveled around Thailand for a year until I settled on Krabi.

Hua Hin

Hua Hin definitely

I am 78 years old and have lived in Chiang Mai for over ten years. I chose Chiang Mai because I have a number of serious medical conditions and because the medical (GP, specialists and hospitals) support here is excellent and, in my view, affordable. As an example I can usually obtain walk in appointmets to my heart and diabetes specialists in excellent private hospitals about 1,000 thb, which is cheaper than seeing a GP in my country. The smokey season has not been a problem for my family. Last year was a good year with not much problem and the Thai Government has promised to fix the smoke pollution problem. We do however, have an air filter machine for each of our bedrooms and another for the lounge/living area.

Hua Hin is probably best for retirees. Avoid Chiang Mai – especially if there are any respiratory issues (but also just too crowded now, anyway).