At 25, after bouncing between California and New York, I left the US with no regrets and no plans to return. I traveled world wide, dwelling in cities throughout Spain, Italy, India, Vietnam, Uruguay, and Mexico — and visited 90 nations. Finally I noticed that Chiang Mai, Thailand, was the one place I needed to stay.
My first journey to Thailand, in December 2015, got here a number of months after leaving America. It was additionally my first time in Asia. I had began following the teachings of Buddha and was keen to go to a rustic the place they had been practiced. On my first go to, I spoke with monks, meditated in temples, and visited numerous golden statues.
I grew to become obsessive about Thai massages and was fortunately launched to what grew to become my favourite dish, Khao Soi — egg noodles in a coconut curry soup. When my monthlong trip got here to an finish, I sobbed. I used to be decided to return.
As a freelance journalist, my job continued to guide me world wide over the following few years, together with one other three-month stint in Chiang Mai. However when my household wanted assist at house, I returned to Latin America to be near my dad and mom.
Lacking Chiang Mai through the years
Over the following 5 years — spent between Uruguay and Mexico — I felt an ache in my coronary heart for Chiang Mai. I might inform everybody who would hear about my experiences in northern Thailand. On the time, my father was sick, and dwelling that distant was not an choice. The day he died, an in depth buddy instructed me to comply with my coronary heart and transfer to Thailand.
A yr and a half later, once I was invited on a press journey to Bangkok, it felt just like the universe was allowing me to maneuver again to Chiang Mai and I took the chance. Because the aircraft descended into Thailand, and I noticed the primary pagoda, I knew I had made the precise selection.
Lola Méndez
Chiang Mai is inexpensive for me as a foreigner
Thai laws additionally motivated my transfer again to Chiang Mai. I take advantage of hashish medicinally, and marijuana was legalized in 2022. Thailand can be to turn into the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, Taiwan being the primary in Asia.
I am solely snug dwelling in locations the place I do not face authorized repercussions for being queer.
In Chiang Mai I pay $355 monthly for lease, $300 lower than what I used to be paying in Puerto Vallarta and 4 instances cheaper than my New York Metropolis lease.
I make an effort to lease from locals to make sure my vacationer {dollars} keep in native palms. Motorcycle taxis value lower than $2 inside a 15-minute radius. I’ve constructed a neighborhood by attending occasions that align with my pursuits together with yoga courses, pottery workshops, coworking meetups, and dance classes.
I should buy over six kilos of mangoes, dragon fruit, and mangosteen for lower than $5. Thai massages value between $3 and $30 an hour, and I’ve discovered an English-speaking therapist who fees $35 for in-person periods.
Most significantly, I really feel welcomed by the Thai individuals. I plan to maintain touring, however need Chiang Mai to be my base. Hopefully, I will be one of many first to obtain the brand new five-year digital nomad visa.
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