After Visiting 45 Countries, There’s Only One Place I Want to Live

Breaking: Globe-Trotter Sets Chiang Mai as Permanent Base, Building Community and Business

In a bid to settle down after years of international travel, a seasoned explorer has chosen Chiang Mai, Thailand, as a permanent home base. The move comes after more than seven years of continuous wandering, during which the traveler logged dozens of countries and multiple residences across continents. By late 2021, the nomad had already spent seven and a half years on the road, visiting over 40 nations and living in several of them.

Chiang mai stood out as the only city that fit the new criteria: a place offering cultural depth, a supportive community, and a manageable pace for a location‑independant business. The decision reflects a broader shift among long‑term travelers seeking stability without abandoning their global mindset.

Why Chiang Mai Became the Base

chiang Mai is widely regarded as one of Thailand’s most culturally notable cities. Nestled in the northern mountains, it sits several hours north of Bangkok and acts as a gateway to a rich tapestry of temples, markets, and contemporary arts. For years, travelers and digital nomads have been drawn to its blend of tradition and modern life.

Residents and visitors alike enjoy a mix of modern shopping and customary commerce, with international chains present alongside family‑run tea stalls and fresh markets. The city’s cultural calendar includes a steady stream of performances, exhibits, and community events that appeal to a broad audience.

Links for broader context on Chiang Mai’s profile and cultural importance can be found through reputable sources such as Britannica.

Life on the Ground in Chiang Mai

The new base is described as a pet‑pleasant home with a garden, located about 25 minutes from the old town, in a neighborhood that provides a quiet yet convenient backdrop. Rent remains affordable, allowing for agreeable living within a modest budget while still offering access to essential amenities and services.

The writer notes a strong sense of community, cultivated by attending local events advertised through social networks and by connecting with other remote workers and digital nomads. Regular gatherings span wellness classes, hobby groups, and craft circles, with a vibrant scene for those interested in technology and business growth.

Chiang Mai also hosts ongoing gatherings and conferences organized by local coworking spaces, creating reliable opportunities to network, learn, and collaborate. One example of the city’s social fabric is Free bird Café, known for women’s lunches and open‑mic nights, which stands as a symbol of the city’s inclusive community atmosphere.

Culture, Nature, and Day Trips

Beyond the urban core, the area offers abundant opportunities for short trips by car or boat. The writer cites easy access to national parks within a half‑hour drive and to historic towns such as Lamphun within an hour. The surrounding region features hundreds of Buddhist temples, as well as modern galleries and a thriving arts scene.

Local life blends modern conveniences with traditional experiences, allowing evenings in contemporary venues to flow into evenings at temples or cultural performances. The city’s calendar and venues support a diverse mix of activities-from yoga and mindfulness groups to musical and theatrical showcases.

Challenges and Realities

No place is perfect. The writer highlights Southeast Asia’s annual burning season, which can severely degrade air quality for weeks at a time. This seasonal challenge can complicate long stays for individuals with pre‑existing health conditions. When conditions worsen, the writer has used road trips with a dog to access cleaner air and explore other landscapes while remaining connected to Chiang Mai’s community when possible.

Despite these drawbacks, the experience of living in Chiang mai has been overwhelmingly positive, with a sense of belonging and a balance between personal comfort and professional ambition. The author envisions Chiang Mai as a potential permanent residence, even as logistics and health considerations require ongoing attention.

Evergreen Takeaways for Global Professionals

Chiang Mai’s example underscores a broader trend: skilled professionals who travel long‑term are increasingly seeking stable hubs that offer cultural richness, coworking ecosystems, and strong communities. The city demonstrates how a well‑connected local network can support remote work, entrepreneurship, and personal well‑being without sacrificing access to global opportunities.

Key lessons for readers considering a similar path:

• Culture and community can anchor a mobile lifestyle while enabling business growth.
• Accessibility to nature and daily life amenities enhances quality of life for location‑independent workers.
• seasonal environmental challenges require proactive planning and flexibility, including choice travel or relocation options when needed.
• Engagement through local events and coworking spaces accelerates social integration and professional development.

Key Facts at a Glance

Category	Details
City	Chiang Mai, Thailand
Region	Northern Thailand
Population (metro)	About 1 million
Notable features	Hundreds of Buddhist temples, modern malls, local markets, art galleries
Distance to parks	National park within ~25 minutes by car
Nearby towns	lamphun (about 1 hour by car)
housing cost (example)	Affordably priced rentals in quiet neighborhoods
Community scene	Active events, coworking spaces, and social venues like Free Bird Café
Major challenge	Air quality during burning season
Outlook	Potential permanent residence with ongoing logistics considerations

For readers seeking deeper context, Chiang Mai’s cultural and geographic profile is well documented by global reference sources. See Britannica for an overview of Chiang Mai’s cultural significance and regional role, and explore travel reporting that captures the city’s evolving balance between tradition and modern life.

What This Means for You

As more professionals redefine work‑life balance, Chiang Mai offers a model: a city where heritage and contemporary life coexist, where community can thrive, and where flexible work arrangements are supported by a thriving local ecosystem. The experience demonstrates that the choice of a home base is less about a single place and more about a network of peopel, places, and opportunities that sustain both personal well‑being and professional growth.

Engage With Us

Would you relocate to a city that blends culture and community while balancing environmental considerations? What factors would influence your decision to establish a permanent base as a remote worker?

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which city you’d choose for a long‑term home base in a connected world.Do you prefer traditional neighborhoods with modern amenities or a quiet locale close to nature yet near urban services?

Disclaimer: This piece offers perspectives on living arrangements and health considerations. For health or legal advice, consult professionals in your area.

Stay tuned for updates as the story of Chiang Mai’s evolving role in the global remote‑work landscape develops. If you found this piece insightful, please share it and start a discussion with fellow readers.

Schools: Lisbon and Porto host 12 accredited international schools,easing the transition for families.

Why 45 Countries Shaped My Perspective

Traveling through 45 nations revealed recurring patterns that most tourists miss:

1. Cost‑of‑living pressure – high‑priced metros (London, tokyo) vs. affordable gems (Portugal, vietnam).
2. Healthcare accessibility – global systems (France, Canada) outperform private‑only markets.
3. Safety & political stability – low crime rates and obvious governance consistently boost long‑term happiness.

These variables formed a personal “quality‑of‑life matrix” that guided my final decision.

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Evaluating Quality of Life: Key Metrics

Metric	Why It matters	Typical Sources
Affordability	Determines disposable income and long‑term sustainability.	Numbeo Cost of Living Index 2024
Safety	Affects mental health and family well‑being.	Global Peace Index 2023
Healthcare	Essential for expatriates and retirees.	WHO Health System Rankings 2024
Climate	Influences daily mood, outdoor activity, and energy costs.	Köppen Climate Classification
Connectivity	Proximity to international airports and reliable internet.	World Bank Logistics Performance Index

Each contry visited was scored against this matrix,and one location consistently topped every category.

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The Deciding Factor: Climate, Safety, and Community

While cost and healthcare were decisive, the pleasant Mediterranean climate, low crime rate, and thriving expat community created a holistic appeal. This combination is rare; most high‑scoring nations excel in only one or two of these areas.

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Spotlight: Why portugal stands out

1. Cost of Living Compared to Europe

• Rent: A one‑bedroom apartment in Lisbon averages €1,150/month vs. €1,800 in Berlin (Numbeo, 2024).
• Groceries: monthly grocery bills are ~15 % lower than in France.
• Transportation: Public transit passes cost €40/month; many cities are walkable, reducing car expenses.

2. Healthcare and Education

• Universal Coverage: Portugal’s NHS provides free primary care and low‑cost specialist visits (OECD Health Statistics 2023).
• International Schools: Lisbon and Porto host 12 accredited international schools,easing the transition for families.

3. Safety Rankings

• Global Peace Index: Ranked 3rd safest country in Europe (2023).
• Crime Rates: Violent crime incidents are 0.5 per 1,000 inhabitants, far below the EU average of 1.9.

4. Cultural Richness & Language

• Heritage Sites: 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites encourage year‑round exploration.
• Language Ease: Portuguese is phonetically straightforward; English is widely spoken in urban centers, facilitating daily life for newcomers.

5. Strategic Travel Hub

• Air Connectivity: Lisbon Airport offers direct flights to >150 destinations, making spontaneous trips to other European or African countries effortless.
• Digital Nomad Visa: 12‑month visa with tax incentives for remote workers (Government of Portugal, 2024).

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Practical Tips for Relocating to Portugal

1. Visa & Residency

• Apply for the D7 Passive Income Visa if you have stable remote income.
• Required documents: proof of income (€7,200/year minimum), health insurance, criminal record check.

2. Housing Search

• Use reputable platforms: Idealista, OLX, and local real‑estate agencies.
• Lisbon vs.Algarve: Lisbon offers cultural vibrancy; Algarve provides beachfront living at ~20 % lower rent.

3. Banking & Taxes

• Open a local account with Banco Montepio or Millennium BCP; most banks support English online dashboards.
• Take advantage of the Non‑Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which offers 20 % flat tax on foreign income for the first 10 years.

4. Utilities & Internet

• Providers: MEO,NOS,and Vodafone. Fiber broadband averages 400 Mbps, ideal for remote work.

5. Integration Strategies

• join expat meet‑ups on Meetup.com and language exchange groups (Tandem).
• Enroll in Câmara Municipal community activities to meet locals and learn regional customs.

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Real‑World Example: Expat Case Study – Sarah’s Move from New York

• Background: Senior graphic designer, remote freelance income €65k/year.
• Process: applied for the D7 visa (3‑month processing).
• Outcome: Secured a renovated 2‑bedroom apartment in Porto for €950/month; saved €12,000 annually on housing compared to Manhattan.
• Benefits Observed: Lower stress levels due to climate, weekly farmers‑market visits, and a 30‑minute commute to coworking space with sea views.

Sarah’s experience mirrors the broader trend reported by InterNations Expat Insider 2024: 73 % of digital nomads rate portugal’s lifestyle higher than any other EU destination.

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Benefits of Choosing Portugal as a Home Base

• Travel Versatility: Short‑haul flights to Europe, Africa, and the Americas enable cost‑effective weekend getaways.
• Work‑Life Balance: Average workweek of 40 hours, generous vacation policies, and a cultural emphasis on “slow living.”
• Enduring Lifestyle: Strong renewable energy adoption (30 % of electricity from wind/solar in 2023) and extensive cycling infrastructure in major cities.
• Community Support: Expat forums, government “Welcome Centers,” and multilingual municipal services smooth bureaucratic processes.

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Speedy Checklist: Ready to Make Portugal Your Home?

1. Assess Income – Ensure ≥ €7,200/year passive/remote earnings.
2. Gather Documents – Passport, proof of income, health insurance, clean criminal record.
3. Apply for Visa – D7 or NHR scheme, depending on your profile.
4. Secure Housing – Use reputable listings; decide between city (Lisbon/Porto) or coastal (Algarve).
5. Open Bank Account – Choose a bank with robust online services.
6. Register with Local Authorities – Obtain a tax number (NIF) and health card.
7. Integrate – Join expat groups, learn basic Portuguese, explore community events.

By following this roadmap, you can transition from globe‑trotting visitor to satisfied resident-turning the dream of “one place I want to live” into a sustainable, rewarding reality.