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…
We were what many would consider to be a successful American couple. We worked hard at good paying jobs, spent our money on stuff, and lived for the weekends. We eventually realized that our job titles, our belongings, and our cars were not what we wanted to be known by. And we wanted more than just two weeks of vacation a year!
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 clock out for the last time was well within our reach.
In an attempt to enrich our lives, we broke free of the behavior that popular American culture tells us is normal and acceptable. In the beginning of 2013, we resigned from our jobs, sold almost everything we owned, and jumped ship in exchange for a new life abroad. We bought two one-way tickets and ended up on the other side of the globe 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 after leaving the office life and 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 three 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!”
It amazes me how inexpensive it is to have fun in Thailand. Your information is very detail-oriented. This is what your blog stands out from others. Not to mention, all the beautiful pictures. Couldn’t love it more.
- YoungConnect 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 don’t miss out on 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!
Chris served in the United States Army before accepting an Operations Management position in the corporate environment. He is passionate about health and fitness and is a certified personal trainer and a certified nutritional consultant.
Chris is enjoying his new-found freedom to be able pursue the things that inspire him, without the distractions of the rat race. He has found living minimally is far better and much more conducive to traveling. He loves spicy Thai food and that he won’t have to drive in the snow and ice for a very long time to come.
While in Thailand, he hopes to be able to spend time experimenting with different workouts, developing his photography skills, and continuing to pursue his degree in International Business Management using the GI Bill.
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. She had enough of cubicle life and wanted more free time.
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 at 30 years old and at the two 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 weightlifting and embracing the slower-paced life in Thailand.
Add to the Discussion
168 Comments on "Our Story"
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.
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!
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.
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
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 :)
“… 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?
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 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 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!
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!
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 :)
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!
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!
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!
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 :)
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!
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!
Any suggestions on where to get truly spicy food? My gf has not been impressed thus far and has a very high tolerance for heat! Only here for another day then to Pai for a day….5 days here 5 southern islands somewhere thena day in Bangkok….not enough!
HI! I am seriously considering teaching English in Thailand as an alternative to going into the Peace Corps. I really like to serve communities and volunteer which is why I applied for the PC. What I am wondering though is if Thailand has volunteer opportunities related to community development/environment. Have you come across any?
We heard there are volunteer communities in Thailand, but it’s hard to recommend companies that are genuinely trying to help a community or group of people without exploiting them, taking jobs away from locals, or making it impossible for the development of long term relationships with the families and children. Would you be interested in volunteering at an animal sanctuary? The Elephant Nature Park and their neighboring Dog Rescue Foundation is always in desperate need of volunteers.
I saw a story about medical tourism in Thailand. The hospital was beautiful and cheap. This looks wonderful living in Thailand!!!
Medical care is excellent here. So many people come to Thailand just for that!
You should also think about living in the Philippine around Cebu City. My wife and I have a home about one hour south of Cebu City and we both love it. We live on about $600.00 a month. We give money to our children and help some others but for around $1,000.00 a month we live like kings. Very easy to save money there. Just my $0.02 worth. Have a wonderful life my friends.
That’s sound like a great option for anyone looking for super affordable places to live. We’ll check it out!
Secound question what would be the best place to live for piece quite few shops few bars,I’m looking at Chang mai ? Any views on that ?
Hoping to come out to thiland for good I’m 55 male would £150.000 last me for the rest of my life ?
That’s impossible to answer :) Take whatever you think you will spend and multiply it by 1.5!
Wow, Pattaya. We’ve never been, but it’s good you’ve visited before. That’ll help you ease into your new life abroad with a bit less culture shock. We certainly have some tips on living in Thailand… even if they are a bit mundane, they certainly help when you are first starting out!
Love reading your blog. I plan to move to South East Asia sometime within the next few years so am currently enjoying reading others experiences from afar. Do you come across many single mum’s in Chang Mai? My main concern is having someone look after my toddler whilst I work on my digital products during the day. Apart from that I think Chang Mai looks ideal.
Glad to hear you follow our blog! While we haven’t come across any single moms in Chang Mai, we have known parents with toddlers who are also looking for a nanny of sorts. Once you make a Thai friend or two, just ask if they know of anyone they recommend to baby sit. Thai women of all ages, from high schoolers to grandmas, seem particularly interested in Western children. We think if you were to ask one of your Thai neighbors, they would jump at the opportunity :)
Seeing how it has been over a year now, how are things with Angela’s learning of the Thai language? And how is Chris doing with his Business degree and work there? :=D
We’ve both been studying Thai pretty extensively, and hope to pick up a private teacher soon. There’s no rush on the business degree :)
Love your story! After living in SE Asia for 6 1/2 years, I’m now going back to Canada with my 2 cats. I just became aware that I need to have an export permit. Any idea how to get that? It will be a sad day to leave Thailand:-(.
Yes, We love their site and stories. Catherine. When you are feeling sad to leave ?, Why do you want to leave SE Asia? We are going back to Chiang Mai this year Dec . We are waiting to sell one of our house in Edmonton AB Canada.
We recommend talking with your vet (since you will need the proper health documents anyways) and contact Chiang Mai International Airport to see what they require. Make sure you aren’t flying through any country (like Taiwan) that has a mandatory a quarantine, whether or not you are actually visiting the country. We’ll have to cross that bridge when we get to it!
Where are you Guys? Missing you!
We’re back now! :)
Did you guys have any issues with the airlines or Thai immigration with one way tickets only?
Nope, not at all.
When I contacted Chris and Angela for tips on how to deal with the chronic critter problem here, they responded with empathy and some very practical, constructive advice. They are the first people here in Thailand who got my point of view, and I am so grateful to them for that. Wish you both the very best and more… and hope to see you guys when we visit Chiang Mai sometime.
You’re welcome, Nita :)
After seven years in Thailand – arriving here in pretty similar circumstances it’s really refreshing to read your blog. I wish there had been something like this when I first came here. The first couple of years were really tough with very little genuine online help or advice.
Thanks, Gemma! We’re glad to be part of the resources available for travelers and expats in Thailand. There are still some things we have a hard time finding out about online, which inspires us to write a post to make it easier for everyone else! You’re a trooper for sticking it out when so few resources were available.
I’ve just recently come across your blog and I absolutely love it! I’m heading to SEA at the end of June with my partner who is a teacher. We don’t know what the future might hold but with an open mind I’m hoping we can find something that would enable us to live a similar lifestyle :) Maybe see you in Chiang Mai!
Thanks, Lisa! You have a great attitude, and we wish you the best on your trip here next month!
Do you guys know anything about Unitefl in Chiang Mai? Also it seems our visa applications require a Thai address? Do you know of a good neighborhood to book a rental in Chiang Mai?