I recently moved to Mai Mansion – a huge space with modern bathroom , T.V. microwave, and fridge down the street from the Y.M.C.A. in Chiang Mai. Previously to this for the past two decades I had been staying -for the most part- near the inner walled city where back packers arrived and stayed for a couple of days to a week. Most of them were considerate of others but within the 20 odd rooms there were always a few returning to their rooms in the early hours of the morning rather loud and boisterous disturbing what might have otherwise been a good night’s sleep.
In Chiang Mai, one has to choose a living space that is both relatively quiet both outside and inside. Presently , I feel I have died and gone to heaven as my room is extremely quiet as are the tenants in the rooms adjacent to me. All is not perfect and the tenant on top of me seems to be dropping a heavy bowling ball-that is what it sounds like – a number of times each evening. I’m so curious as to what is exactly the nature of this sound/noise.
Because I’m expecting it now, I tend to be more relaxed when the sound appears. Most of the time I watch a movie using headphones when I return to my room at night so I barely hear it. The land lady, the dragon lady type, has anti-noise signs posted in the building. I have reported this noise to her and her solution was to offer to move me to the front of the building near a main street where it is rather noisy. I declined her offer and will live with the bowling ball noise as I call it.
In my less upscale rooms , a maid would come in clean , change the sheets and place two new towels. In this new apartment it appears that someone has come into the room folded my blanket on the bed and walked out. I will have to discuss exactly what I can expect for my monthly rent when I renew my monthly rent in a couple of days.
When a traveler arrives in a new country after being away from home 35 hours or more jet lag and exhausted negotiating with a person whose command of English is wanting is a challenge. This was my case after arriving from the East coast of Canada.
Patience is the travelers best ally. On the other hand , this does not imply masochism.
Most times with a bit of diplomatic negotiating issues can be solved to both parties satisfaction.
As for long term apartments in Chiang Mai, they do exist . There is a fast growing influx of foreigners retiring in Chiang Mai. There is a strong contingent of Japanese people who have moved here because retiring in Japan is so expensive.
Yesterday, I explored the Nimmanhaemin area for long term apartment stays. Every building I checked was filled for the winter. This is a new area that has expanded rapidly especially during the past five years.
Rents were priced between 3600 Baht for a small room to 25000 Baht for a one bedroom Condo . This means from $125.00 to $800.0 Canadian dollars .
The local real estate office had many listings of houses to rent or buy.
