Chiang Mai, Thailand

Capital City

Chiang Mai's population of 354,000 masks a sprawling urban area of over 1 million people. This northern Thai city caters to tourists with its historic temples and picturesque setting, but persistent issues like air pollution and traffic congestion make it a challenging place to call home. Bureaucratic red tape means the official city limits lag far behind the actual urban sprawl. And while Chiang Mai's moderate climate is a draw, the region's cold winters and hot, hazy dry seasons bring health risks. Overall, this is a city better suited for short visits than permanent relocation.