First, we would like to thank you for being part of our story and for wanting to learn a little about us and why we decided to move halfway around the world!
And the story goes…
What began as a lighthearted joke about “retiring young” quickly grew into something serious. We realized that with hard work, meticulous planning, and some sacrifice, the opportunity to live life on our own terms was well within our reach.
In an attempt to enrich our lives, we broke free of the behavior that American pop culture tells us is normal and acceptable. In the beginning of 2013, we resigned from our jobs, sold almost everything we owned, and boarded a one way flight for a new life abroad. We soon landed in Chiang Mai, Thailand and have been there ever since.
What is Tieland to Thailand?
We started Tieland to Thailand as a way to casually share with our friends and family what life was like as expats living on the other side of the world (quite literally), but it has evolved into so much more.
Tieland to Thailand has become a blog that inspires, informs, and empowers travelers who are curious about what it’s like to leave office life behind and to travel around and live in Thailand. For five and a half years, we have shared the ins and outs about life abroad in a level of detail that our readers hunger for and have come to know and love.
We’ve tackled visa hurdles, new food culture, off-the-beaten path travel spots, teaching English, and budgeting abroad. We’ve written about our experiences with exactness and honesty and have essentially paved the way for the next traveler who wants to follow in our footsteps and make Thailand their home.
We encourage you to explore our site. Get lost in the details and eventually you’ll find yourself thinking, “Wow, I should go to Thailand!”
Connect With Us on Social Media
If you love the information found on our blog, we also share experiences and other exciting events about our travels in Thailand (what doesn’t make it on the site) through our social media channels. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. We now have videos on YouTube and Periscope, too. Oh, and be sure to join our free private Facebook group where past, present, and future Thailand expats connect!
About Chris
Chris grew up in three different countries and has moved over a dozen times in his life. Although he first looked forward to residing in one place and settling down permanently after meeting Angela, the travel bug got the best of him, and back in the summer of 2011 he found himself wanting to move again, this time to Thailand!
After serving four years in the U.S. Army’s Presidential Honor Guard, he accepted a corporate leadership position in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. He is passionate about health and fitness and has certifications in personal training and nutrition.
Chris is enjoying his new-found freedom to be able pursue the things that inspire him and has found living minimally to be more conducive to traveling. He loves spicy Thai food and the fact that he won’t have to drive in the snow and ice for at least several years. He has spent much of this time experimenting with different workouts, expanding on his web development and social media management skills, and cultivating a positive online community for Thailand expats.
About Angela
Angela grew up close to Washington, D.C. and has lived within a 50 mile radius all of her life. It wasn’t until she was 26 that she finally got her passport and traveled outside the US for the first time. It was the beginning of what was to open her eyes to the wonderful world of traveling.
Angela earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and worked for a research facility for five and a half years before she decided that a major change was needed.
Angela is always looking for activities to keep her busy. Because of her love for all things food-related, she can be often found spending her free time searching for and experimenting with new recipes, trying out new Thai food from local markets, and finding new restaurants and cafés.
Now in her early 30’s and at the five and a half year mark in Thailand, she is still pursuing her goal of learning to speak and read Thai. She also hopes to continue her uptake of fitness and embracing the slower-paced life in Thailand.
Hi!
We (3ppl) are now planning to visit Chaing Mai, Chiang Rai & Pai coming mid-Dec. for 6 days.
Initially was planning to drive around but now that there will be 5 more are joining us.
We have booked all our lodging but what will be the best way to move about within these 3 places?
What do you think a van & a driver? Do they have such service and whom shall we get in touch with?
Thank you very much…..sebastian
Wow, that’s great to hear you have so many friends able to explore Thailand! For that many people, we recommend hiring a private driver. Check out Chiang Mai Lady Driver on Facebook. She has a large commuter van that will accommodate your party. Have a great trip!
Hi guys!
i just read your post about going to Penang for making the extension of your Thai visa and it was very useful, you mentioned that it was the easiest way to do it, where else have you been to renew your visa? I will have to do it next month but Penang is not my favorite destination… maybe some suggestion?
Ilsa
We have also gone twice to Vientiane, Laos to apply for a new Thai visa (not to extend it). We find the city completely drab and the Thai Embassy overwhelming and disorganized. Most of the time, however, we have applied for a new Thai visa during our trip back home to the US.
Hello Angela and Chris,
My husband and I are making plans on retiring in Thailand. We both are American citizens, and we were wondering how can we live in Thailand permanently? Interesting to know you, Angela, is from DC. So am I :-)
How do you do it?
Looking forward to hearing from you
Sharon
The biggest hurdle is the visa. If one of you qualifies for a retirement visa (55 years old or older and must have 24,200 USD in a US bank account to later be transferred into 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account), then the other can get a dependent visa and you’re set. Be sure to maintain those visas each year to stay long-term. If you’d like personalized visa advice as well as help finding housing, communities, things to do, etc, we offer Thailand Coaching Sessions. Hope to hear from you soon!
Thank you for your reply! That’s great information. I’ve shared your site with my husband…
Hi Guys,
when you are travelling do you use a cattery?
thanks\
Aidan
Do you mean a cat boarding facility? Yes, we do. in fact, we just picked up our cat this morning after getting back from a month-long trip to the USA.
Wow! This is cool. I felt inspired by your story. I am 31 and living in a Southeast Asian Country. Thailand is actually the first foreign country I have visited, twice actually, in 2016 and in 2017, both in Bangkok. I really didn’t feel different, it’s like I’m in my home country but Thailand is much safer (I can say). I enjoyed the hospitality and politeness of Thai people. They are respectful to their traditions. Most of all, I love Thai food! :) Hoping to pay my next visit soon.
Thanks for putting this online – it’s inspiring. We are visiting Chiang Mai in early October and can’t wait to experience the culture… I hope to get some great photos too …
Awesome, incredible, and inspiring. I am a 51 yr young ex US Army combat veteran (11B2PV Chris) living in Chiang Mai a few years. I was thinking of how fantastic it would be to watch the ‘Persid Meteor Shower’ from the top of Doi Inthanon on the evening of Aug 12th. Because of the New Moon, the visibility would be breathtaking and something very special to write about/record. I have never been there but it seems like a great place. I would be very interested to share the experience and cost with positive, healthy people such as yourselves. What do… Read more »
We think that’s a great idea – going to Doi Inthanon to watch the stars – because there are camping areas on Thailand’s highest peak. Are you a part of our Thailand Expat Hub Facebook page? If not, please join and suggest this idea to the members. We have a large following who live in Chiang Mai and we think others would be interested.
Unforautnely, we won’t be in Chiang Mai the evening of Aug 12th to watch the meteors with you. Thank you for thinking of us, though!
Thank you very much for starting this page, the information is incredibly useful. My husband and I are small business owners (I am an elephant portrait artist) we have corporate travel/tourism/art and teaching backgrounds and have been debating moving between two destinations for the better part of a year. We are actually leading a group of 12 ladies to Chiang Mai in January for an artistic retreat. After the retreat we will be investigating some of the nuts and bolts of moving- I plan to mine this website from top to bottom and just requested to join your FB group.… Read more »
We think the best thing you can do is to come to Chiang Mai and see for yourself just how amazing it is! We did just that – visited CM on our honeymoon and then we moved here five months later :) Have a wonderful time at your retreat and yes, please join our FB group. We also offer Thailand Coaching Sessions if you want all your questions answered in one fell swoop. We’re very excited for you!
Hello guys! I dont know if I should post here in this area but I am a little desperate because I can’t find information about it. I saw a post from a mexican girl Vanesa Villaseñor in the visa/re entry permit post, and she had the same situation I have now, I don’t know if it is possible I can contact her to check if she could manage to get the re-entry permit through Krabi’s airport or in the immigration office and how hard/easy it is?…. this is her post: Hello I am leaving to Hanoi from Krabi airport and… Read more »
You can get a re-entry permit through any international airport in Thailand. HOWEVER, you must be flying out on an international flight. For example, if you are flying from Krabi to Bangkok (on a domestic flight) and then checking in with a different airline and flying from Bangkok to another country (on an international flight), then you must apply for your re-entry permit in the Bangkok airport. If you are on an international flight from Krabi to another country, then you can apply for a re-entry at the Krabi Aiport. Think of it this way: Whichever airport you are checking… Read more »
Hi. A couple of weeks ago I read something somewhere on your website about a day motorbike trip (a loop). I can’t find it anywhere! We are in Chiang Mai now and we’re hoping to do this loop but I can’t remember where it goes (was it to a dam?) and directions. Help please if possible – only here for a couple of days.
Caroline
Hm, we have a DIY Chiang Mai Day Trip post that mentions the Samoeng Loop (a scenic motorbike ride), but there’s no map. We also mention a trip to the Huay Tung Tao Lake and Mae Ngat Dam in that same post (which then links to their individual full-info posts). We’re sure it’s in there somewhere!
Hello!! I have been looking everywhere and it seems like Chang Mai checks all the boxes for me except the weather unfortunately but you can’t have everything !! I know that you have said repeatedly that April May and June is unbearable due to the burning -does it make a difference if you live just outside the city proper where it is perhaps, less congested? If not and you must leave the city what do you do? Where you go and how do you make this financially feasible ? I also I’m trying to sell many of my belongings and… Read more »
Hi, India and thanks for commenting :) It’s wonderful to hear you want to move to Chiang Mai. It’s such an amazing city for expats in that it has so many things to do, great restaurants, and shops supplying expat needs (but you probably knew that already :) ). Sadly, the city is plagued by smog in March and April (and in some years, May, too) and you can’t escape it because it blankets the entire northern half of the country. The only way to get away is to travel 1000+ kilometers down south. But that’s just a good reason… Read more »
We are like you but lot older decided to sell everything and move to our place in Lo Khanun been here since July 2017 have battle all the same hurtles.
Love living in Thailand!
Thank you so much for your blog – really enjoyed reading it and all the info. Hope we can meet one day! thank you and have a beautiful sparkly day!
Thank you. ……you have inspired me…i hope to say hi in Chiang Mai in November! !!
Hi Everyone, I would like to thank Angela and Chris for their very professional web site and advice. Can’t wait until you have your members’ platform ready. I teach Photography and are a practicing Photographer in Australia looking to relocate to Thailand. I hear Chang Mai has a vibrant creative Art scene. Would love to hear more about that or have some contacts. I’m looking to relocate initially into Bangkok as a larger city would have more opportunities to do some work in the creative digital industry. I’m currently researching and doing experimental work using Virtual Reality in Photography and… Read more »
Thanks for commenting, Phil :) Sorry for not responding sooner! Thailand is such a photographic country and you’ll love the opportunities in the city (like the graffiti and canals) and the countryside (temples and hill tribes). Chiang Mai has a growing art scene and there are many weekly events where local and international artists mingle. We’ll sure you’ll fit right in!
I was a lawyer. Did not sell up everything to ‘YOLO’ which seems current young person thing to do, but worked hard, saved and invested to retired early at 50. Now enjoy living and working in China as a teacher. Retirement and travelling was too boring for me! I come to Thailand twice a year as Chinese jobs have lots of holidays. I am very impressed by the high quality of your blog and joined your Facebook. I am in Chiang Mai now so would like to meet other intelligent people like yourselves. I am interested to help. I can… Read more »
Awesome blog! Was looking around for opinions on Hua Hin. Am thinking of taking a road trip from Malaysia to Hua Hin and is wondering if your opinion on the place still stands?
Kind regards,
Cheryl
Thanks, Cheryl! Glad you’re finding our blog useful. Our opinion of Hua Hin hasn’t changed, but we haven’t been back in over a year. Can’t imagine the area has changed much though. Enjoy your trip!
Hi Chris and Angela,
Many thanks for sharing your experience and travels on this blog. It has been insightful and informative.
Best,
jwny
Hi Chris and Angela
Many thanks for the info provided, really helpful and consistent to make a decision.
I have a job offer in Sisaket from an agency. What would you advise for the below as in location, salary?
28,000-32,000 baht (Salary raise is based on qualifications and experience) + Housing allowance of 3,000 baht per month
– Semester to semester contract
– Free Work Permit
– Necessary documents for Non B visa (2,000 Baht Visa fee compensation per semester)
– 40 ours per week, 18 to 24 periods/week
Thank you in advance for any feedback& keep up the good work!
Looks good for the location! The only thing we’d recommend is to accept a workload of no more than 18 hours per week.
Wife and I have been thinking about moving to Thailand for a few years, Chang Mai not first on the list, would love to live at the beach, Hui Han or Phuket maybe, but I am flexible, might use CM as home base and just ‘vacation’ at the beach a lot. Have a few questions for you now that you have been there for around 4 yrs: Still love it and knowing what you know now, would you do it again and would CM be your home? Is the burning season as bad as I have seen some claim? The… Read more »
1) Yes. Chiang Mai makes is so easy to be an expat. It’s relaxed, super safe, has countless foreign-friendly things to do, and you can be in the countryside in less than 20 minutes. An all around win. It won’t swallow you whole like Phuket, Bangkok, or Pattaya. CM is a great stepping stone for other parts of the country. 2) Burning season is horrible. Other expats or travelers try to brush it off and tell people to ‘man up to the smoke’ but science proves just how detrimental the PM2.5 particles are to your lungs, even if you are… Read more »
Thanks so much for the info. I am thinking about visiting Thailand next year to make sure I pick the right local for my wife and I, around Thanksgiving time. I was thinking if I should rent a car, I have good rates and will try to visit CM, Phuket & Hui Hin. Two questions, good ‘season’ to visit and good or bad idea on car rental. I will get an international permit if I do the rental. Thanks once again for any feedback.
For maximum comfort, yes, rent a car! And we just wrote a good post about when is the when is best time to visit Thailand. (The short answer: November is amazing).
Personally I love April – Songkran, the heat, little rain. To each their own.
Stumbled across your blog looking for a good somtam recipe for my chef friend stateside. Dig it and dig your style. Keep up the good work!
Sawatdee from BKK
Hi Chris and Angela. Thanks so much for your blog and the inspiration. It is fast becoming my go-to resource for all my CM questions. I’m approaching 60, however have maintained the same attitude to life I had when I was 28. My wife’s puts it at about 12! I’ve been working since I was 15 and, like you, am ex-military – 21 years Royal Navy. I’m not wealthy, by any means, but frankly I want to continue life’s adventure, whilst I’m still young enough to do so. For example, I want to do a motorcycle tour of Thailand, Laos,… Read more »
Glad you’ve found our site to be so helpful. We love your enthusiasm! It sounds like you’re financially prepared for the move and have a great plan to settle in CM but explore much of the surrounding countries. What a nice Christmas present to you both if you seal the deal and arrive in town before the end of the year. That’s a good time to come and enjoy the celebrations with many expats and expat-related activities in town. P.S. Thanks or purchasing our Expat Itinerary.
Hi guys, I sent you a private message, then it dawned on me that your answer could be helpful to others. So, I’ll repost my questions here : ). We are a family of 5, one wife, one husband, three small children (ages 4-8), and we’re potentially interested in moving to Asia (possibly Thailand) for a period of 1-3 years. Having small children is a caveat that often separates us from others who dream of leaving the States to reside abroad. Basically, if we’re going to uproot the lives of our children too, we’re hoping for “some” assurances that if… Read more »
Didn’t get your private message, so it’s good you messaged us here. If you want to live in Thailand for 1-3 years, the multiple entry tourist visa won’t be good enough for your family (you’re right – extensions every three months, leaving the country every (different) three months, and it only lasts up to 9 months before you have to get another visa.) Instead, you should consider one of the long-term ‘Non Immigrant’ visa type. They last one year and only require one extension (done IN Thailand) after initially applying for the visa (done OUTSIDE of Thailand). The Non Immigrant… Read more »
Guys,
We couldn’t thank you more for taking the time to write this response to our questions : ).
We’re in the beginning phases of planning, weighing options like “settling” for the year in one place (like Chiang Mai) or moving on a month-to-month basis (more stuff to see/less VISA worry on the long term front), but this information will be helpful as we consider one route over another.
I thank you again and will certainly retain your info for future Q’s or needed coaching.
Jason
You’re welcome. When you’re ready, let us know how we can help!
Hey, what does Tieland mean? :)
Tieland meaning the “land of ties” = office life where people wear ties. It’s pronounced the exact same way as Thailand :)
Oh. Duh. Now I get it. I like it.
“… won’t have to drive in the snow and ice for a very long time to come”.
I can really relate to that right now! It’s snowing and I just had to shovel. Again.
Gah… so over snow. Was happy to not see a single flake when we visited the US in Nov 2016.
Hi. I just read several posts of you guys and really enjoyed them. I’ve traveled a few countries, but none of them allowed long term stay; I’m talking more than one year. Even if you are some very popular Youtuber with huge amount of income every month(meaning you can be on vacation while earning), the requirement for long term stay is always 1. to work for the local company or 2. to study full-time at local institution. So my question here is, do you actually do ‘the run’ every time or have some other method to stay?
No, we’ve never done ‘the run’. We have done both #1 and #2. Crazy, huh?
Hi Chris and Angela, We are from New Zealand and my husband, 4 kids, aged 12, 11, 4, 2 are doing our research on moving to Thailand. I traveled over there about 18 years ago and have always wanted to go back. I am sure it has changed immensely. We are looking at visas and it looks like if you want to have the possibility of staying permanently eventually, you need to be in Thailand on a non-immigration visa for 3 years to be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency. I have been reading lost of your blog and trying… Read more »
Hi Mandy and family. We’re excited about your potential move to Thailand. You’re right – staying in Thailand on a tourist visa can get expensive, particularly with a family of six. A long-term option such as a Non Immigrant ED Visa (for studying) is better and will allow you to stay for one year without having to leave the country to apply for a new study visa. We’ve heard you can study one discipline (ie. Thai language, Buddhism, self-defense) for up to five years across two different schools. Additionally, you and your husband do not both have to have an… Read more »
Dear Chris and Angela, are you able to suggest hotels in Chiang Mai close to all of the attractions? Also have you any idea what is the best mode of transport from Krabi areas to Bangkok and how long is the journey? Thanking you kindly.
Hi Patrina! Yes, we’ve made several recommendations for hotels in a list at the bottom of our ‘Things to Do in Chiang Mai‘ post. Plus, each of our one-week Chiang Mai Itineraries includes four hotels of various prices. All hotels are either within the Old City or within one or two kilometers outside of the square moat for the ‘best’ (i.e., most convenient for visitors) location. Thanks for asking and hope you find one you like!
Oh, and fly from Bangkok to Krabi. It’s a one-hour flight.
Thanks for your info on the floating houses! Expat myself living in Hong Kong, from Virginia Beach, and I love Thailand. It’ll be my first time to northern Thailand and I’ll be in Chiang Mai for Chinese New Year on the 28th of January-5th February and really interested in getting on one of the floating bungalows. Any recommendations for Chiang Mai as in personal favorites for pubs and vegetarian restaurants? Looking forward to getting out of this smog in two weeks!!
We hope you have fun in Chiang Mai. Better act fast to secure a room at the floating bungalows, though. You and every other Chinese tourist and Chinese-Thai local will be there! Give Pun Pun vegetarian restaurant a try (near the airport, NOT Wat Suan Dok – it’s not the same one, although the latter gets way more publicity).
Good Day
im looking for help as im looking for a teaching psition in Thailand just completed my TEFL course ,Do you possibly have any advise for me
Indeed we do. Please take a look at our posts in our Teaching section on the blog. It has some good leads to help you out.
Thanking you kindly I am not sure how my friend will want to schedule the time so will come back to you guys if anything. Warm regards Patrina
Hi Chris and Angela, I am planning a trip to Thailand in the new year and was would like to visit a couple of places whilst there. Please can you tell me how far is Chiang Mai from Ao Nang? What is it likely to cost to get from one place to the other? Lastly is it better seeking out hotels when we get there or better to pre-book? I heard the former is better in terms of cost. Please advise. Thanks
Hi Patrina. Coming to Thailand for your upcoming vacation is great news! From Chiang Mai to Ao Nang (Krabi) is a two hour flight plus a 30 minute drive to the beach from the airport (around 1,500 km driving distance). Tickets vary, but you can expect to pay between 1,500 to 3,000 baht for a one way ticket (which depends a lot on the time of year you travel, too). Pre-booking online (we use Agoda.com for good deals) is more convenient in many cases and can save you stress, particularly during the high season (Nov-April), unless you want an adventure… Read more »
Hi Teresa, we’ll land in CM on Thursday and are looking for a kindergarten for our 5yo. Wondering how it worked out for you, which school you chose? Thanks, Milton.
Hi Chris and Angela,
I read on another blog site that you use a Sony A series mirror-less camera. I just love all your pictures! Which model do you use? What are your three go-to lenses?
Hi Chris, we are going to be living in Chiang Mai for 6 months of the year if things all work out for us. I am a bit of a health nut and love organic food etc. I love Thai food but am worried that they use pretty bad quality oils. I personally use Coconut oil for all my cooking. Is there a way to eat healthily while eating out in Chiang Mai? Also what would be your suggestion for the best places to buy organic vegetables, eggs, meat? Thanks so much for your great blog, I really appreciate your… Read more »
Hi Lynette. If you want healthy oils, you can actually ask the vendor to use your coconut oil (carry a small bottle around with you for them to cook with) and they are usually quite happy to oblige. At grocery stores and markets – look for the yellow bag/label with the King’s Royal Projects (โครงการหลวง) mark on it. Just keep in mind that ‘organic’ isn’t as regulated as it in the US (well, even there regulation is wishywashy) but just to forewarned you, pesticides still may creep up into some produce. There are lots of options for sure!
Hi Chris and Angela! Although, I’m reading this in 2016 I just want to say “Congratulations and Thank You” for this great read. I’m a Filipino licensed educator who is an adventurer by heart. I recently visited Thailand in July for the very first time and I fell in love in the country instantly. I’m considering of moving there and get a job but after reading your story, I have no more doubts. I really wanted to live there. I look forward to meet you in person and hear more of your journey in this wonderful country. More power and… Read more »
Thanks for commenting, Marnille :) There are so many reasons why people fall in love with Thailand. You’re lucky to have had the opportunity to travel here and see for yourself why. All the best for your your new life here!
Hi Chris & Angela, I am currently a student taking an international human resource class at Baker College. Our final assignment is on developing an expatriate training program. I decided do my training assignment on Thailand because my husband and I have been there twice over the past 2 years and absolutely fell in love with the country and the people that reside there. Both times, we left there with such a feeling of peace and wellness because of the experiences we had while there. As I was contemplating which country to select, I realized that Thailand was the one… Read more »
Thanks Denise. It’s wonderful to hear that you’ve not only been to Thailand before but are inspired to do a an expatriate training program. Sound like a project we are working hard on to launch soon. Crazy, huh!?
Hey guys,
Awesome website! Everything I have been looking for as I am dropping everything and moving to Thailand on October 26th. Can’t wait! Chris, I am also a personal trainer in the states part time. Are you able to utilize that at all in Thailand? My plan is to explore first, then start teaching English after I find a place to settle. However, I would like to do something with my passion for fitness while over there. Thanks!
Wow, congrats! I haven’t pursued utilizing my personal trainer background in Thailand mainly because it’s a service that Thai people can provide and I haven’t persisted in searching for a company who is willing to hire a foreigner. However that is not to say the opportunity isn’t out there, I just haven’t looked myself. Good luck and have fun exploring before settling down.
Chiang Mai is a beautiful place (except for traffic), but what really gets to me is these visa hassles. Makes you wonder if they really want you to stay :)
There are a lot of countries with stricter visa laws. Like the USA, our home country. Yes it’s stressful and inconvenient each time we get a new Thai visa or visa extension but the rest of the time it’s fairly painless. We’re not going to complain!
Hi, I love your blog. I am going to apply for a Thai tourist visa when I am traveling through India. However, I need to stay in Thailand for 90 days. My question is — When does the visa start? When I receive it? or When I land? Thank you so much.
Ami
The countdown begins when you land. But be sure to enter before the “ENTER BEFORE’ date on the visa :)
Your blog is super helpful! I too left corporate america and can’t wait for a new way of life! I am moving to Chiang Mai in a few weeks and am excited to explore the city and the country. I am getting my TEFL certification and then will be teaching, a much needed change from my last career. Will definitely continue to follow you!
Wow, congrats! We wish you all the best :)
Great! I have so much respect to everyone who just leaves its comfort-zone for a new adventure. I started travelling independent around 2 months ago and since then I know already that I never want to work in the same office my whole lifetime to spend 2 weeks on vacation only. That’s not what life is supposed to be, unless you reallly love your job. I even started my own travelblog when I left Austria to share my story with my family and friends … but now I wanna reach and inspire as many people as possible to start travelling… Read more »
Lukas – welcome to the club! Glad to inspire you it’s great to hear you want to inspire others to travel for an extended period of time, too. It’s definitely life changing!
Good to hear you’re happy, and SEA surely does have plenty to offer. I reckon it also depends how the worklife has been treating you before. In Europe, we’re lucky to have 5-6 weeks paid vacation pus quite a few national holidays. We are toying with the idea of leaving the corporate world, but to be fair the perks aren’t too bad. Once we’d drop out, there is no way we could keep up what we like most (exploring/eating your way around the world). That’s why we are still hesitant. Anyway, first world problems. All the best to you up… Read more »
Americans get 2-3 weeks paid vacation per year – it’s no wonder we seek a better life abroad! You can always take a year or two sabbatical and go back to ‘normal’ working life if you absolutely must, although we can understand how it’s difficult to do after getting a taste of freedom. To be honest, we aren’t out exploring and trying something new every day and we had to learn to adjust to a lower budget, but it’s still rewarding. Having a normal daily schedule with daily trips from time to time that are perfect for us and could… Read more »
Hi guys, great blog! I’m an expat working in Bangkok for two years and have had similar thoughts about moving to Thailand for good.
Here’s my issue: Just like you Chris, I enjoy traveling and seeing the world since I am young. There is so much out there that a lifetime is hardly enough. What are your thoughts on the compromise (beautiful Thailand without corporate obligations on the one hand vs. limited funds for international travel) you have made?
As far as the funds, we make money online and are able to get a good amount of travel in since Thailand (and SE Asia in general) are very affordable compared to the USA. Wouldn’t go back to the old office ways :)
Hi Chris and Angela! I just wanted to thank you for all the great info you provide. My husband and I are now in Chiang Mai and we are coming up on our first visa run. We were still trying to figure out the extension process and your recent post on Multiple Entry Visa really helped to clarify everything. We’ve been following your blog for a while now and you’ve been an amazing resource and a huge inspiration for our big leap overseas! Thanks a bunch!!
Wow, it’s great to hear the METV post help you get it straightened out. We remember our first time extending a visa and doing a border run… nerve wrecking when (back in the day) there was little information. Glad we were able to help you and take away some of the worry. Good luck!
Skype is a life-saver. We use it a lot to communicate and it is nice. We figure we can keep him away from his Nonna for a year but not longer. Also, friends are important – so we have put him in school here so he can get some kind of regular interaction with kids and build friendships. At 4.5, it’s a lot easier to make, and eventually say goodbye to, friends than it will be when he’s older so we’re taking advantage of it now. We are looking forward to exploring your adopted home town! Any thoughts on how… Read more »
We’d recommend going to the Ping River, which is just on the east side of the city. There you will see many people releasing their loy krathongs in the water as well as sending off the paper lanterns. It’s a beautiful sight to see! There are two bridges that cross the river in that area and either bridge is a good spot to watch the locals celebrate. You’ll be sure to find vendors selling lanterns and snacks, too. Have fun!
I bookmarked a page in your blog then decided to read further about who you guys are. We are currently in Chiang Mai (arrived last week) and are doing something similar. We have been in Europe for the past 3 months and now in Chiang Mai until (?) We sold our house(s), car(s) and just about everything else and decided to live a dream we’d talked about for years but could not realize because we were too busy doing what “everyone else does”, make money, buy things, expand our lifestyle to fit our income. When we decided we could do… Read more »
Hey Teresa. We can only imagine what it’s like to raise a child overseas. That is an entirely different matter because as a parent you are destined to feel guilty for being so far away from your child’s grandparents and cousins. If we had kids, you betcha both of our families would be harping at us to come home! For us, we enjoy and cherish the time we spend talking with friends and family. We both have good relationships with our parents and siblings and talk to them and keep them updated with our lives on the other side of… Read more »
I could not agree more my friend. A terminal illness keeps me in America getting treatment. I have one of the best wife’s in the whole world and two wonderful children. I pray I am doing the right thing. I’m not sure I am. I no longer know what to do. I’m saving money for my wife and family, but will that be enough? The world has changed so much and gotten so complicated. I wish you and your wife a wonderful loving life. May all your paths be bright ones. Bud
In 2012 I retired and when I moved it required a 28′ Penske moving truck, towing my pickup which was also loaded. 6 months later I sold everything I thought I was important to my materialistic life and moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand with 2 suitcases. Ridding myself of all that “stuff” was so liberating and scary, but it was by far the best decision and thing I’ve done… and I made a lot of money…hahaha. It was blogs like this and other peoples replies that helped me realize I wasn’t crazy or doing something stupid. Life in Chiang Mai… Read more »
That’s awesome! We love hearing about good news stories from people who have also moved to Thailand :)
Haha, we know what you mean about living in our laptops…
Thanks for your info on Cats in Thailand. I am trying to arrange short stay in the CM area for November, and my wife and I are bringing our small 7 year old cat..
Glad we could help :)
My wife and I have a very close friend in the Philippines that was an all A student all the way through high school and college. We have offered to send him and his girl friend to Thailand for a vacation. We would like them to see the ancient runs on top of the mountains. Will you please give us some idea on the costs for two people after they get to Thailand? I think it would be difficult to sent more money after they are in Thailand so figure on the high side. Thank you so much for your… Read more »
We vacationed in Thailand for 12 days (back in 2012) and spent around $1500 USD for the two of us. This included domestic flights between Bangkok, Krabi, and Chiang Mai, our three-star hotel stays, food, entertainment, and just a tiny bit of souvenir shopping. It excluded our international flight. Hope this helps!
Just stumbled upon your blog and I’m loving it! I always think about doing this one day with my husband. What always stops me is retirement. I know you said you joked about this being an early retirement, but how do you find yourselves saving up for when you become old and unable to work? Do you have a plan? I’d love to hear it!
We’ve already planned ahead and have a hefty chunk of change in our 401k, as well as some personal investments. We’ll let these grow over time, but will still contribute to a retirement plan throughout the years whenever we have savings to spare. We agree that planning for retirement is a big step and may be a deal breaker, but luckily we’ve already taken care of that. Good question!
That’s awesome! Thank you for the reply.
Great bog! So great to hear expat stories — livin’ the dream and doing what you love. Wish you the best and look forward to following you. :D
Thank you so much!
Great blog and so much inspiration in it! Fantastic idea – I am myself someone who left country I was born in to live in another one and I think that was the best decision in my life, although the why was quite different than yours. Moving to another country is not only about living the dream, it is about experiencing and getting to know yourself better! Your blog is excellent – so much to learn about Thailand for me before I go to have my own adventure there! Great to meet you guys!
Thanks so much for those nice words :) We agree – you do get to know yourself better and grow when you travel. We hope your love for Thailand blossoms the more you learn about it!
Evening Guys. Great blog and a confirmation that we are indeed doing the right thing by following our hearts. My wife has been offered a permanent teaching position at an international school in Chiang Rai and we leave sunny South Africa in June to start our own adventure. One far away from the maddening rat-race we currently find ourselves in. My wife is going over on a non-immigrant “B” visa and it has been advised that I go on a non-immigrant “O” spouse visa. Our 15 year old son is on an ED-Visa. I have not secured any job at… Read more »
You can’t apply for a Thai B visa unless you already have a job in line because your employer (most likely a school) is responsible for providing you with the required paperwork to get the B visa. In most cases, an applicant should apply for a single entry B visa. You don’t seem to be someone that needs a multiple entry. But you will be able to convert your O-A dependent visa to a B visa if/when you do find a job. We think 60,000 per month for a family of three is fine. You’ll be able to have Western… Read more »
Thank you, quick reply! Have not seen that episode, love the one in Burma though. Jealous of being able to live here, well done guys! Pai tomorrow, we’re gym and food freaks as well heading out this afternoon evening for drinks would be great to meet up!