[ManAbout]

(01-02-2015 12:16 PM)VincentVinturi Wrote:  

But I also hear the WiFi is absolute shit in Bali pretty much no matter where you are, which would be endless frustration for a digital nomad.

When I was traveling in India, I got a wireless dongle through one of the mobile providers. It cost the equivalent of $20/month and was slow at times, but for the most part it got the job done. And the best thing was that I didn't have to keep looking for wifi hotspots all the time. I wonder if a similar option is available in Bali.

Edit: Just found this article. The wifi situation is looking a lot better.

http://www.nomadicnotes.com/travel-blog/bali-cafes/

[alecks]

Who here is in Chaing Mai right now? I want to go next year for at least 6 months to get networking just inching my way to starting a small biz so i can come over. Long road. What are you nomads doing for work?

[davyjose]

(09-24-2015 01:30 PM)alecks Wrote:  

Who here is in Chaing Mai right now? I want to go next year for at least 6 months to get networking just inching my way to starting a small biz so i can come over. Long road. What are you nomads doing for work?

There now Alecks. Probably the best place in the world to set up an online business, cut your costs, live cheap and get your show on the road.

[Brodiaga]

^What makes Chiang Mai so good for setting up an online business?

[davyjose]

(09-24-2015 10:48 PM)Brodiaga Wrote:  

^What makes Chiang Mai so good for setting up an online business?

Cheap, plentiful accomodation that allows you to come and go as you please, decent wifi, thriving cafe culture with a ready made community of other entrepreneurs and potential mentors you can easily network with. Not to mention the food of course.

While it's hot of course, it's not as balls hot as Bangkok or the rest of South East Asia.

Perfect time of year to go is now with the rainy season coming to a close and the high season kicking into the top gear from October on.

Nicely positioned also to explore the rest of Asia with an abundance of cheap flights to the islands down South, Malaysia, Vietnam etc

[alecks]

@davyjose I Pm'd you there.

Is anyone else in chaing mai at the moment running a biz? I know theres a huge nomad/entrepreneur scene there kicking off at the moment

[Brodiaga]

(09-24-2015 11:12 PM)davyjose Wrote:  

(09-24-2015 10:48 PM)Brodiaga Wrote:  

^What makes Chiang Mai so good for setting up an online business?

Cheap, plentiful accomodation that allows you to come and go as you please, decent wifi, thriving cafe culture with a ready made community of other entrepreneurs and potential mentors you can easily network with. Not to mention the food of course.

While it's hot of course, it's not as balls hot as Bangkok or the rest of South East Asia.

Perfect time of year to go is now with the rainy season coming to a close and the high season kicking into the top gear from October on.

Nicely positioned also to explore the rest of Asia with an abundance of cheap flights to the islands down South, Malaysia, Vietnam etc

What is it like for dating? Who do these digital nomad guys date mostly - Thai or western girls? How would you compare Chiang Mai and Bangkok when it comes to women and dating?

[CleanSlate]

Interested in this thread, I have Chiang Mai on my radar.

[davyjose]

(09-24-2015 01:30 PM)alecks Wrote:  

Who here is in Chaing Mai right now? I want to go next year for at least 6 months to get networking just inching my way to starting a small biz so i can come over. Long road. What are you nomads doing for work?

Alecks, your PM's are turned off dude...can't message you..

[davyjose]

(09-25-2015 01:06 PM)Brodiaga Wrote:  

(09-24-2015 11:12 PM)davyjose Wrote:  

(09-24-2015 10:48 PM)Brodiaga Wrote:  

^What makes Chiang Mai so good for setting up an online business?

Cheap, plentiful accomodation that allows you to come and go as you please, decent wifi, thriving cafe culture with a ready made community of other entrepreneurs and potential mentors you can easily network with. Not to mention the food of course.

While it's hot of course, it's not as balls hot as Bangkok or the rest of South East Asia.

Perfect time of year to go is now with the rainy season coming to a close and the high season kicking into the top gear from October on.

Nicely positioned also to explore the rest of Asia with an abundance of cheap flights to the islands down South, Malaysia, Vietnam etc

What is it like for dating? Who do these digital nomad guys date mostly - Thai or western girls? How would you compare Chiang Mai and Bangkok when it comes to women and dating?

For me, it's a BIG problem. I don't like Asians, and I came out here thinking I could possibly "change", but that hasn't happened (it's a hit worth taking to get my business to where it needs to tbh..)

When it comes to Thais I know jack shit unfortunately, they just ain't my thing. Plenty of other guys who'd be better disposed to provide more info there..

So really, I rely on the Western chicks that are here (backpackers, other nomads, English teachers etc..)

Unfortunately, the quality is pretty miserable as you might guess. In Chiang Mai, the Westerners that are here longer term are usually of the hippy/yoga teacher/feminist variety. I got a sermon on "rape culture" from some American cunt a few weeks ago in Spiceys because I stopped to look in horror at her hairy armpits.

The backpackers passing through are better, slightly, but not by much. If you're going after Westerners DO NOT stay in Nimman. Stay in the old town, run daygame, Tinder, you'll do okay if you put in the effort.

But just okay, unfortunately. It'll be a hard slog.

[worldtraveler3]

Sounds similiar to bali.

[davyjose]

(09-25-2015 01:06 PM)Brodiaga Wrote:  

(09-24-2015 11:12 PM)davyjose Wrote:  

(09-24-2015 10:48 PM)Brodiaga Wrote:  

^What makes Chiang Mai so good for setting up an online business?

Cheap, plentiful accomodation that allows you to come and go as you please, decent wifi, thriving cafe culture with a ready made community of other entrepreneurs and potential mentors you can easily network with. Not to mention the food of course.

While it's hot of course, it's not as balls hot as Bangkok or the rest of South East Asia.

Perfect time of year to go is now with the rainy season coming to a close and the high season kicking into the top gear from October on.

Nicely positioned also to explore the rest of Asia with an abundance of cheap flights to the islands down South, Malaysia, Vietnam etc

What is it like for dating? Who do these digital nomad guys date mostly - Thai or western girls? How would you compare Chiang Mai and Bangkok when it comes to women and dating?

As for who the DN guys date, well a lot of them don't to be honest. The DN scene is 80/90% fellas, and there's many programmers and socially awkward guys within it's ranks.

Many of them do well of course with the locals or other travelers; but for a lot of them at least here in Chiang Mai, they don't seem to be doing much dating at all..

One thing I've noticed is that the pickiness and overall cuntiness of Western chicks seems to be through the roof here.

Which doesn't make sense as I've heard from many of them that they are "invisible" to a lot of Western men on account of many of them having yellow fever (of course, none of them would stoop so low as to consider a Thai fella, but that's perfectly okay..)

[alecks]

(09-26-2015 01:08 AM)davyjose Wrote:  

(09-24-2015 01:30 PM)alecks Wrote:  

Who here is in Chaing Mai right now? I want to go next year for at least 6 months to get networking just inching my way to starting a small biz so i can come over. Long road. What are you nomads doing for work?

Alecks, your PM's are turned off dude...can't message you..

should be gravy now man

[jimmypa]

(09-26-2015 01:34 AM)davyjose Wrote:  

(09-25-2015 01:06 PM)Brodiaga Wrote:  

(09-24-2015 11:12 PM)davyjose Wrote:  

(09-24-2015 10:48 PM)Brodiaga Wrote:  

^What makes Chiang Mai so good for setting up an online business?

Cheap, plentiful accomodation that allows you to come and go as you please, decent wifi, thriving cafe culture with a ready made community of other entrepreneurs and potential mentors you can easily network with. Not to mention the food of course.

While it's hot of course, it's not as balls hot as Bangkok or the rest of South East Asia.

Perfect time of year to go is now with the rainy season coming to a close and the high season kicking into the top gear from October on.

Nicely positioned also to explore the rest of Asia with an abundance of cheap flights to the islands down South, Malaysia, Vietnam etc

What is it like for dating? Who do these digital nomad guys date mostly - Thai or western girls? How would you compare Chiang Mai and Bangkok when it comes to women and dating?

As for who the DN guys date, well a lot of them don't to be honest. The DN scene is 80/90% fellas, and there's many programmers and socially awkward guys within it's ranks.

Many of them do well of course with the locals or other travelers; but for a lot of them at least here in Chiang Mai, they don't seem to be doing much dating at all..

One thing I've noticed is that the pickiness and overall cuntiness of Western chicks seems to be through the roof here.

Which doesn't make sense as I've heard from many of them that they are "invisible" to a lot of Western men on account of many of them having yellow fever (of course, none of them would stoop so low as to consider a Thai fella, but that's perfectly okay..)

I'm planning on being in Chiang Mai early January for about 15-20 days with plans to possibly stay longer. I've been doing research since I'm trying to get my first online business up and running and CM seems like one of the best places to be, especially if you're just starting out as a digital nomad.

The only thing that I'm somewhat worried about is the nightlife. I've heard and read different sources saying it's kind of lacking. I personally really dig Thai girls and Asian girls in general. I've done well with Thai girls on my previous trip to SEA(2010). Are many digital nomads/farang that *do* like Thai girls doing well in CM? How is the English level? Do you see a lot of normal Thai girls out when you frequent bars that don't seem to be pros? Thanks for all the info, very helpful!

[worldtraveler3]

if you are for night life, you better go to BKK.

[Adrenaline]

Yep, apparently the new rule is all bars/clubs must close by midnight in Chiang Mai so your worries are justified.

I struggle to understand how people can live in an environment where all there is to do is eat, work, sleep, repeat with a few whores thrown in between. No night life, no beaches, not many interesting activities...fuck that, no matter how cheap it is.

[worldtraveler3]

well. most people here (digital nomads/ online business / freelancers) are focused on their businesses.

[Bain]

I have been in CM for about a week now and really not impressed. The place is filled with tourists, westerners and digital nomads. It has become a money city -- everyone goes after your wallet with a subtle ferociousness. The women are hardly attractive, the police harass tourists especially if you ride a scooter. The city shuts down at 12am. The food is not that cheap as many have said as it comes in small portions. It the portions were increased the price of food would be about the same as any big city. Rent is also increasing. The bars again not so friendly -- if you don't spend you will quickly find out how friendly they really are. The back backer girls are feminists and avoid you. Traffic is so much that trying to cross a street is a risky endeavor.

Some of the positives to keep a balance though is nice thai massages for low costs. If you watch your money carefully you can keep your costs down. Most club have good live music.

All in all though I can't wait to leave this place,

[Digital007]

^ I've spent several years in Chiang Mai. Most of what you've said is becoming more and more true. What I would say is, the girls can be attractive if you know where to look. Also the traffic is getting worse but isn't as bad as Bangkok or other capital cities in Asia. Otherwise I agree with everything you said.

I stay in CM because I'm focused on building up my business, have a girlfriend from here and prefer to keep living expenses low for now. But when my business gets to a point where I don't need to put so much time into it anymore, will I remain here? Hell no. It's a good place to focus on work and keep costs fairly low, but as a place to come to hang out and have fun? No, at least not anymore.

[LatinoHeat]

I've personally kicked it with the owner of nomadlist.io in Bangkok, Pieter, he is a super cool legit guy. We go to speak at the same conference once.

One thing you need to understand is the data is made 100% by user inputted data, so its going to be extremely biased and distorted. Consider it like the early days of SEO, where results were very skewed.

However, its the only site of its kind for the time being.

[Duke Main]

(11-10-2017 01:48 PM)Digital007 Wrote:  

^ I've spent several years in Chiang Mai. Most of what you've said is becoming more and more true. What I would say is, the girls can be attractive if you know where to look. Also the traffic is getting worse but isn't as bad as Bangkok or other capital cities in Asia. Otherwise I agree with everything you said.

I stay in CM because I'm focused on building up my business, have a girlfriend from here and prefer to keep living expenses low for now. But when my business gets to a point where I don't need to put so much time into it anymore, will I remain here? Hell no. It's a good place to focus on work and keep costs fairly low, but as a place to come to hang out and have fun? No, at least not anymore.

Where are you thinking about going next? I went to Chiang Mai a few years ago, and liked it well enough; my mind is definitely open to other places.

[Digital007]

^ Somewhere coastal, be that inside or outside the land of smiles. The air quality sucks in SE Asian cities. Not good for you in the long term breathing that shit in.

Chiang Mai definitely isn’t what it was, but then you could say that about lots of places. Change is the only constant right, so all these cities get good and then decline in the end. I think the key is to find places that are on their way up and haven’t hit their inevitable decline yet.

CM peaked between about 2008-2013 IMO. Chiang Rai however is up and coming and increasing slowly in popularity.

[Bain]

I am going to Chiang Rai in the next couple of days. Would it be ok to ride a scooter there? Some tell me it is too far away and the roads are not so good. And of course the police check points where they take 500 bhat fromyou. Is it better to take a bus instead? Thanks.

[Digital007]

You’re looking at a 4-5 hour journey given that you won’t want to be driving too fast on roads you don’t know. It’s a mountainous ride full of bends and uphill climbs. The bends are what concern me. Some of them are pretty harsh. It’ll be hot and sweaty too, which is fine for 15-20 minutes but 4-5 hours? Hmm, I wouldn’t be doing it. Then throw in the fact that Thailand has statistically the 2nd most dangerous roads in the world, meaning other drivers and their actions become a concern too, especially on a motorbike where you have very little protection.

You would probably be fine and enjoy it but, not worth the risk in my view. Better to take the air con bus (green bus service from arcade bus station). The scenery is still great from the bus. And if you do take the bus, you’ll want to book your ticket the day before, since they tend to fill up. I haven’t been for a year but last time I went, the only way to book was to drive to the bus station, queue and book at the green bus sales area.

Mai Sai, another hour on from Chiang Rai, is also worth a look if you like markets. Cross the border there and you’ll find lots of knock off dvds (latest stuff), clothes, sunglasses etc. Cheap liquor too, although I think that’s genuine.

Hope that helps. Safe trip.

[nomadbrah]

(11-10-2017 01:58 PM)LatinoHeat Wrote:  

I've personally kicked it with the owner of nomadlist.io in Bangkok, Pieter, he is a super cool legit guy. We go to speak at the same conference once.

One thing you need to understand is the data is made 100% by user inputted data, so its going to be extremely biased and distorted. Consider it like the early days of SEO, where results were very skewed.

However, its the only site of its kind for the time being.

The thing with Nomad List, it was far better to begin with. I remember when he launched it. It had all the right cities in the right rankings. Manila, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Bali etc.

Now you have Berlin 3rd, Kualu Lumpur 6th, Miami 7th, Vienna 12th.

That's bogus.

None of those cities are good for nomads. Expensive. Politically correct. Boring.

It's become an updated list for gap year travellers. Digital Nomad is the new gap year.

It went south once nomad list began having stuff like "safety for women" and "lgbt friendly" in it.

Edit: Lol, now it has "low racism" as a factor too. Damn. It's become SJW list.

Edit: Ok, so I played around with the filters. You can choose which factors are important to you, so I choose: Low Rent, Fast Internet, Nightlife, Warm.

I then get:

1. Bangkok
2. Chiang Mai
3. Canggu Bali
4. Jakarta
5. Phuket
6. Taipei
7. Saigon
8. Kaosung
9. Shenzhen
10. Mexico City

Ok, that's a list I can work with.

If I remove "warm" I also get Budhapest, Busan, Valencia and Timisoara (Romania).

It's still works I guess if you tweak the filters. He really needs to add a "hot girls" filter based on user input, but he can't do that because of SJW backlash. Maybe someone can hack it.