First, I would like to thank you for being part of my story and for wanting to learn a little about me and why I 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. I realized that with hard work, meticulous planning, and some sacrifice, the opportunity to live life experiencing another culture and growing myself was well within our reach.  Â
In an attempt to enrich my lives, I decided to trade in my job, sell everything I own, and board a one-way flight to Thailand in March 2013. I landed in Chiang Mai, a city in Northern Thailand, and have been there ever since.
What is Tieland to Thailand?
I started Tieland to Thailand as a way to casually share with my 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 society’s “normal life” behind and travel around and live in Thailand. For five and a half years, I have shared the ins and outs about life abroad in a level of detail that my readers hunger for and have come to know and love.
I’ve tackled visa hurdles, new food culture, off-the-beaten path travel spots, teaching English, and budgeting abroad. I’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.
I 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, I also share experiences and other exciting events about my travels in Thailand (what doesn’t make it on the site) through my social media channels. You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Be sure to join my 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 getting out of the military, 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. He spends much of this time investing, experimenting with different workouts, expanding on his web development and social media management skills, and cultivating a positive online community for Thailand expats.
Angela grew up close to Washington, D.C. and has lived within that area 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 she wanted to travel full-time.Â
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’s always thinking of new topics to write about to help travelers and expats overcome hurdles so often experienced when traveling around and living in Thailand.Â
Hi Chris. I used Re-entry Permit. Should I go to Immigration Bureau when I come back to Thailand?
Hi Chris, read about you today as i searched about the Death Railway & Kanchanaburi. I will be driving up to Kanchanaburi just as excited as you have mentioned about that place in your article. I am Asian so i come to Thailand often and loved the culture (food for sure). I will be reading more about your blog and hope one day will be able to meet up in CM.
Hi Chris and Angela. Are you two still in CM? I see your blog refers to Chris only these days and his use of “me” and “I” instead of “we” and “us”. Is Angela no longer part of the blog? Just taking a break maybe?
I hope all is well there.
While in the military, I lived in Thailand for two years and have returned twice on vacation. I am an author and “wantabe” botanist having (with my wife) created Ola Brisa Gardens in Manzanillo, Mexico (Please Google it) where we moved in 2006 after working and living in Iraq during the war. She and I collaberated on a three volume – best selling on AmazonBooks – series entitled “Planting Roots in Mexico.” Tragically, she passed 3 1/2 years ago from a massive heart attack. Presently I am actively enmeshed in researching and writing the first volume of “The Medicinal Jungle.”… Read more »
Hi Angela and Chris. Are you still in CM or have you moved on?
Hi, Is it possible to buy a house in Thailand and to start a small business (bar, restaurant,…) as a foreigner? We would love to move to Thailand but won’t lose money by renting an accommodation.
i would like to retire to Thailand. what sort of visa should I get. from the uk
I am planning to fly out to bangkok on 8/26-wed. to visit my son who has been teaching English there since 2016. Needless to say I have not seen my son since 11/2016. I would like to know with this covid situation are there any special things I need to prepare prior to visiting. I read online that there is a 14-15 day quarantine at a specified facility before being allowed out to visit. Any info. that you can provide would be beneficial. Thank you.
Hi! Is English Teacher the only jobs for foreigners in Thailand? I’ve done research and it seems Thailand has very strict anti-foreigner laws in employment. I totally understand, but it seems to be a bit of a bummer. Surely there must be some other jobs or loopholes.
I have been contemplating moving to Chang Mai in a few years. I have a job here is California in which I work from home. I was wondering how practical it would be to do what I do from there. I basically am on email/text and cell calls but I am not sure how those services are there and if texting/emails and phone calls are a fairly easy process. Any feedback would be great.
Wow. I took my daughter to thailand(when she was 4years old in 2017) for 20 days. And loved it! Ever since i have been wanting to return there… But im unsure of how a single mom would make it work.
Hi. Are you two living in Thailand these days? Where do you reside now ? What happened to your posts on IG ?
Thanks for the update.
Hi, very interesting. I’m about to move to Buriram. I will be teaching, employed thru a school. I’m looking forward to it. I’m Canadian. I’ve been living in Caribbean for 11 years, teaching.
I’m ready to explore.
I will be provided with an apartment.
What should I bring with me?
I’m an easy outgoing person. I love coffee.
Is it that expensive to buy?
Re-entry permit! Hi, Chris and Angela. I have Non Immigrant visa since 2017 with multiple entry permit. I did not know so much about multiple entry permit and just applied every year and paid 3800 Bath despite had only one re-entry to Thailand every year. This year I stated to think why should I apply it? Then started to search between all available sources. Unfortunately did not find any clear information in official or non-official web sites until found your web. You have described this subject excellent and so professional. Thank you for your generosity to share your knowledge in… Read more »
In regards to the requirement to have a Thai bank statement to get Thai visa in Penang, how old can the statement be? Suppose my bank in Thailand gives me a statement one month before I go to Penang. Would the Thai consulate there accept it.
Are you still there? I don’t see recent posts. I hear that things are changing in TH.
Hello, my husband and I are wanting to do the HMS loop on bicycles, but as we are in our 60’s, not sure if we are physically able to ride all of it. One particularly tough climb is up to Pai, so I am wondering if we can bring our bicycles on any of the busses that drive the loop? Thanks for a great info site!
Hi, The VISA system seems very complicated. Can I enter Thailand from Australia then at day 29 take a plane trip to Singapore with my Thai lady, stay for a few days with my friends and then have an automatic 30 day visa renewal. From Bangkok to Singapore is less than 3,000 Baht return. Visa running seems to be an artform to be understood and followed. I am in a relationship with a wonderful Thai lady and hopeful we will be married in the next 12 months. But that’s a different visa story. This would be an ideal way to… Read more »
Hi, Im Robin. Dont know if this is put in the right area, BUT HOW did you get to actually move there. I keep seeing that Americans can not reside there and only visit. I am retired Navy with a retirement and disability on a monthly basis, so my income would be stable. How can I actually move there if I so desired. thanks
Hi Chris and Angela, I see you are in Chiang Mai but would you be able to offer advice about moving/living in Phuket? I’ve got a holiday home there but would like some information about how I sort bills (electricity, local taxes?) out on my home there. Thanks.
HELLO!
I am considering moving to Chiang Mai with my boyfriend by April or May 2020 from California, USA.
What visa would be the best to apply for? We are planning on saving as much as we can beforehand. How much should we have saved at the very least? We might consider working part-time out there teaching English. I am just trying to get as much information from people who were and are in a similar position that we are in.
Thank you!!!
We are excited for your move! If possible, get the METV (multiple entry Tourist Visa). Otherwise, get the single entry tourist visa (30 days) and then extend it at your local Thai Immigration Office (one in every province in Thailand ) for an additional 30 days. We would suggest saving at least $6000 ($2000 for three months), which *excludes* your airfare to Thailand. Hope this helps.
Hey guys we are here in CM and just loved it!!! We are most greatful for your post as it has helped us tremendously with our move and transition.
Learning Thai- we did a 30 day @ Pantip and it was so so. Can y’all recommend a source for a mature tutor or a school with mature teachers 😊 thank you.
Hi. We are going to chiang mai in January. It will a belated honeymoon (getting married in 4 weeks). Although our 14 year daughter will be with us lol. Although we live in Turkey delivery of post here just doesn’t happen, so was wondering if I can get your books in the UK?
Hi there, our books are digital and delivered via email :)
I’m moving to Chiang Mai this upcoming January! My partner and I are looking forward to growing ourselves and our businesses in the land of smiles. I have visited a few years ago and can’t wait to share this wonderful place with him. I’m trying to learn Thai before the move because I think that is an important part of being a part of a new culture. That is how I found your blog! I am very excited to make this leap, but don’t know really know what to expect when it comes to moving abroad.
Congrats to you and your partner, Emily! Moving to Chiang Mai will be an exciting step in your life. It’s fantastic to hear you are already being proactive in learning the Thai language. We think being able to speak and read a little Thai really comes in handy, especially if you go a few miles outside of the city center where not many people speak English. Moving abroad is a big mix of emotions – thrilling, fun, confusing, and frustrating at times, but you’ll do great :) We wish you all the best!
I’m interested in moving to Thailand. I was in Chang Mai for three weeks and loved it. It’s a beautiful country, friendly people and great food. I am intrigued with eastern medicine as well and wish to retire there. This time I will apply for a 6 month continuous visa and visit the Maha Sarakham area. If all goes well, I will be enjoying all the simplicities Thailand has to offer while 6 months of winter sets in back home. Your thoughts are always welcome.
Thanks for sharing! We wish you all the best. We’ve never been to Maha Sarakham. What brings you out there?
I the same thing, sold everything and got on a plane… landed in Thailand and really only miss the USA when I am “mi con dio” (every ones phonetics is different lol) in a group of Thai friends and they are speaking ‘lao lao’ and I ‘mi kochI’ I love Thailand, the food. the customs, the people.. it is all a great experience.. I retired and have enjoyed nunge pee of no work but I am getting bored, rather badly, which is how I happened across your web page… just a shout out and think you have a great idea… Read more »
Thanks for commenting, Jim. We get bored too! Trading in the 9-5 and surrounding oneself with people whose culture and language are different than our own is isolating. But, there are so many perks of living in Thailand, that sometimes we can ignore the loneliness. We hope that in time you continue making friends and speaking Thai.
Hi!
Great blog. I’m interested in staying in Thailand for ideally 6mo-1year volunteering. I’m wondering if it’s easier to just go there with a 30 day tourist visa and get the volunteer visa while i’m there, or if it’s recommended to get it before arriving. Please let me know your thoughts!
We think it’s easier to arrive on a tourist visa (30 days + 30-day extension from the nearest Provincial Immigration Office), find a company who will sponsor your volunteer paperwork, and then do a visa run to Vientiane, Laos or Penang, Malaysia and apply for the Non Immigrant O “Volunteer” Visa. Be sure to begin contacting companies just before you get to Thailand on your tourist visa. Since it often takes 4-6 weeks to get the volunteer visa paperwork in order, you need to get the ball rolling at the start of your tourist visa. Good luck!
Hello Chris and Angela,
On you previous posts you have some very nice, custom made feature images. Examples such as “Bangkok Vegetarian Festival” or “Things to Do in Koh Chang, Thailand”. If I may ask, what did you use to create these? Was it a software or some kind of online site such as Canva, etc.?
Thank you,
Dean
We use Canva. It is not difficult to learn, so you should be able to begin making images on the first day. Good luck!
Does this mean you all are fairly fluent in Kahm Mueang, so that conversation is listening and participating socially, which not even close Thai can do if their Kahn Mueang is limited. Did you find any particular resources helpful? I have found very few and have had to resort to making my own learning materials.
Yes, we did a post about three books and five YouTube to learn Thai language.
We’ve also wrote our own 100 Easy and Useful Thai Phrases and Words for beginners.
Hi Chris and Angela,
I’m planning for one week trip to Chiang Mai on budget and its my first time in Thailand. I’m curious about the average expected daily expenses there (expect hotel and flight)? and how much does it cost to rent motor bike for one week?
Regards/Alfin Paul
There are many bloggers boasting that you can travel around Thailand for $20-$30 per day. Yes, it’s possible, but we only recommend doing that if you’re comfortable only ever eating street food, using public transportation, and not going on any tours, and buying very few souvenirs. A motorbike rental is about 1000 – 1500 THB per week (30 – 45 USD). Have a great trip!
Are you there on an ed visa?
Yes, one way we’ve stayed in Thailand for the long-term is by studying Thai on an ED Visa.
Chris will a international drivers license allow me to rent a scooter or must I have a motorbike license?
In our experience, motorbike rental companies never check whether you have a license or not to rent for them. HOWEVER, to ride legally (so not to be pulled over by a cop and get a ticket) and to be covered by insurance in case of an accident, you MUST have an international driver’s license that is checked off for the motorbike if you want to rent a scooter while in Thailand. You can get that check mark as long as you have a motorbike license (most likely from your home country).
HI Did y’all have a big savings account heading out there? Also do you have pics of “getting by” and “better” living places?
We have considered making the move and your blog has respired this is in =}
Working , what are the requirements to get a job and what is readily available? thx
Yes, we made sure to have a big savings account before going to Thailand, although Angela also taught. We should write a post comparing “getting by” and “better” living places (GREAT idea). Here’s a post about our “better” living place: Our New House in Chiang Mai. Here’s a particularly good example of a “just getting by” from another blogger: A Tour of My Thai House.
To work you need a bachelor’s degree and a Thai company who has enough $$$ in capital (so it must be a large business) and enough Thai people (4 Thai people to 1 foreigner).
Much thanks guys for the reply and info.
You’re welcome :)
Hello I found your blog exciting and very informative. I am definitely wanting to teach abroad especially there in Chiang Mai. I am only part Asian of Thai descent. I would love to teach English, and psychology as well. I currently have my bachelor’s degree in psychology, and my master’s degree in psychology, also finishing up my PhD in psychology. That being said I also have student loans, and a personal loan. I’m pretty sure I will need to eliminate the personal loan before considering teaching abroad due to the fact that I will be taking a pay cut. Any… Read more »
We’d highly recommend paying off your debt before coming to Thailand. You’re right, you will take a pay cut, and it’s very difficult to pay off loans on a Thai salary. If you want to teach psychology, your best option is to teach at a university. The pay is low (roughly the same as teaching at a private school, roughly 800-1000 USD/month) but the hours are low too. In your free time, you could tutor English on the side for extra money. Good luck!
Such a helpful site. My husband and I arrive in Chiang Mai next Monday and have booked accommodation for 2 weeks very close to the old city. We are staying until early March and would like to find serviced accommodation. Is there an area you would recommend?
Thanks for commenting! We recommend staying in the Nimman area (if you are looking for Western comforts and conveniences) and Chang Puak area (basic, Thai style). Please reference our Chiang Mai neighborhood map so you can see where those areas are in relation to the Old City. Have a great trip!
thanks
morning can you rent a scooter in thailand and return the shooter in Puket?
That is a question you’d have to ask the specific rental agency.
Hi, Where do we start to move to Thailand permanently?
We can help :) We offer individualized advice that will alleviate any stress you have about how to move to and settle into your new life in Thailand. We can talk over the phone on Skype. You can check out our Thailand Coaching Sessions for more details and our rates. Hope to hear from you!
you are so nice! I am being grateful to see you be impress in our country, Thailand. these all were very wonderful trip and I hope you’ll enjoy with your next trip, it’ll be very exciting to read your blog soon. be pleasure and have fun!
Thank you for your comment :)
I desperately want to leave my job and move to Thailand. I have no problem with selling all my stuff other than the fact that it will be a lot of work and I probably wont get a lot for most of my things. Over the years I have accumulated way too much and I just don’t want it any more. I want to live a minimalist lifestyle and have more freedom. I own a townhouse right now and I plan to sell that before making a big move like moving to Thailand. I don’t know much about the Visa… Read more »
Thanks for commenting. It’s great to hear you want to make Thailand your new home. You really have the motivation to sell your things and book a one-way ticket with your pup to live here. You can browse our section on visas, but our articles primarily focus on short-term stay options. If you would like long term options, we offer individualized advice over Skype or by phone call that will put your mind at ease and help take the stress out of your move and integration into Thailand. We can provide you with rates if you are interested. Please email… Read more »
My husband and I plus a cat will move to Thailand next month. We are so excited and nervous. I’m glad I found your blog. I’ll go through all and hope we can learn from you. If you have any tips to make smooth transition, please share. Thank you.
Please read our “Shipping a Cat to Thailand” blog post. It has a lot of useful information to help you with your move.
There are many great articles that will help you with your move published on our site. If you want personalized advice for your specifc situation, we encourage you to book a Coaching Session with us!
Hi There, Four of us our traveling to Thailand for the first time. We will have 3 weeks. We know we want to see Bankok of course, as well as Chaing Mai, see “wild elephants” in a national park, Kui Buri seems to be the best bet for that, as well as a week on a quiet non party island at the end. We are trying to figure out how to put the itinerary together, and how to travel; flight, car and driver, rental car, train, or as I just saw on your site VIP bus? So I wondered if… Read more »
We don’t have a travel agent we can recommend to you that designs travel itineraries and makes bookings on your behalf for your trip to Thailand. However, WE offer travel advice as well as solid suggestions for where to go, what to do, where to stay and what to eat over Skype or phone call that will put your mind at ease and help you outline the best itinerary based on your interests. We can provide you with rates if you are interested. Please email us at: blog [@] tielandtothailand.com for more details. Hope to hear from you!
happy new year!! what a blessing to find your site. i am planning on taking my 17 year old daughter to chiang mai from april 13 – 27. this trip is going to be a surprise for her. she is a junior in high school and is seriously looking at taking a year off in between high school and college to pursue some animal conservation/sanctuary work. her most favorite animals are elephants and that is what will be bringing us to chiang mai. she will be at the elephant nature park. in my reading, i understand that april is a… Read more »
We are so excited for you and your daughter to come to Chiang Mai on her spring break! Yes, it will be hot during that time of year, but if you don’t mind the heat you will be ok. There are plenty of ways to stay cool: lots of 7-11s around to step in AC and grab a cold bottle of water, cool massage shops to relax in during the hottest part of the day, and lots of shady cafes selling yummy iced coffee drinks. Yes, do it! You can volunteer for a week at Elephant Nature Park! The company… Read more »
Hi! I’m going to be in Chiang Mai for 4 weeks in July for a medical internship. Is it possible to get around without knowing the language? with only 3 weekends to myself, what are the ABSOLUTE must places to visit and foods to try within that time frame? Any additional tips on staying comfortable in the heat?
Hi Savannah, we are excited for you! You do not need to know Thai to get around the country. Most likely you will be traveling to all the touristy and foreign-friendly cities where people speak English.
far as absolute must-try dishes, things to do, and places to stay, please check out our guide books that answer ALL of those questions. Have a great trip!
I am so excited to have learned about your site today and hope to use it in our future travels. Would love for my little girls to take ina different culture and appreciate the little differences in everyday life. Best of luck to you guys!
We’re glad you found our site! Wishing you and your girls a lifetime of adventure!
Hello… After many bleary eyed late night blog crawls I found your site and what a difference. We were looking for unbiased information and finally, it seems, found it. Thank you, Chris and Angela. In January 2019 we will be departing LAX bound for Bangkok and then on to Chiang Mai. My brother and his wife own a fruit orchard just outside of Amphoe Fang. After their new home is completed, we will be staying with them. We followed the same steps you did just thirty years later in our lives. We sold the ranch (literally) and sold or donated… Read more »
Congratulations, Karl and Robin! We’re so glad to hear you’ve found our site on your quest to move to Thailand :) It’s great to hear you have family already in Fang, which is great to help you get settled in and acclimated to the Thai culture quicker. While you wait for your brother and his wife’s house to be built, we recommend using ddproperty.com to find a place to live. If you want to be by the Old City, we recommend looking for a place in your budget in the Ban Jed Yod, Santitam, or Haiya areas. Good luck with… Read more »
Thanks guys for the welcome and info. Maybe we can have lunch in Chiang Maii sometime.
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.