Follow Sadie Archbald’s Expat life in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Follow me on my journey—from leaving behind a secure and comfortable life in Sydney to diving headfirst into the deep unknown. And I do mean unknown before moving to Chiang Mai, nestled in northern Thailand, I had never stepped foot in Asia. What spurred the move? Whispers of this serene city from friends and a well-timed connection in the region helped nudge me into what would become a life-changing leap of faith. And here I am now, sitting in a local café with a plate of mango sticky rice, at the very beginning of my expat adventure.
One of the first major adjustments? Getting around. In Chiang Mai, the quickest (and cheapest) mode of transport is by motorbike. Think Uber, except instead of a car, you hop on the back of a stranger’s scooter and trust them to weave through the chaotic traffic at impressive speeds. It might sound like every mother’s worst nightmare, but after about ten of these thrilling rides, I can honestly say it now feels like just another day in Chiang Mai.
Adventure was never far away. I stumbled across a charming artist village (called Baan Kang Wat) that felt like stepping into a creative wonderland. Hidden among bursts of greenery, the village is alive with art, colour, and classes in everything from pottery to jewellery making. There’s even a quaint bookshop filled with handmade diaries. A quote on the front of the store really stuck with me:
“When you read, you are reading the writer’s words, but when you write, you are reading your soul.”
This little pocket of creativity is an absolute must-visit.
A few days later, a colleague introduced me to a serene hike known as The Monks’ Trail. Aptly named for the monks who walk it daily, the path winds through lush mountain jungle and eventually leads to a peaceful Buddhist temple beside a cascading waterfall. Birds chirped, water gurgled nearby, and time felt like it had slowed just for a moment.
Of course, no move to Thailand would be complete without indulging in the local food—and wow, what an introduction. Mango sticky rice, rich bowls of Khao Soi, and the ever-reliable Pad Thai are already my go-tos. Cheap, delicious, and deeply satisfying.
And then there’s the nightlife. Chiang Mai pulses with music, especially jazz. In my first week, I found myself at North Gate Jazz Co-op, a quirky three-storey bar that spills smooth saxophone melodies onto the streets. The atmosphere was electric—locals and travellers alike gathered with cold Leos in hand, nodding along to the beat.
The following night, the vibe changed dramatically. We were pointed to Sixcret, a vivacious drag show where queens dazzled the audience with powerful lip-sync performances, from Whitney Houston to Miley Cyrus. Every act was a show-stopper—complete with props, elaborate costumes, and the kind of bold energy that makes you fall in love with a city’s personality.
So that’s week one of my new life in Chiang Mai. I’ve started teaching English, and with each day comes a fresh dose of awe, challenge, and joy. Stay tuned for more Tales from an Expat, this is only just the beginning.
