I liked Chiang Mai it wasnt crowded easy to get around. I was only there a few weeks. We stayed at a condo the whole time I was there. We only ran into 1 person on the lift. The building seemed empty but it wasn’t. Very quiet area of the city. Market was across the street and a BIG C nearby. We took grab cars everywhere. I was there several times and went to Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Rai. BKk. As someone mentioned CM is far from beach. I like the idea being near the beaches.
Sandals, sunscreen, and OFF if you are sweet the mosquitos will eat you alive. Sunbrella. It's easy to find money changers, usually get a better rate the ATM or banks.
I can show that, just didn't know if I needed to withdraw to put into a bank in Thailand. I'd hate to sell anything right now it's all in stocks. And the market sucks and will suck for a long time.