Thailand, especially Chiang Mai, has become a major hub for remote workers, retirees and people testing life abroad for the first time. International Living estimates a comfortable Chiang Mai lifestyle at about $2,000 per month for one person, and the city is known for lower costs than many U.S. cities.
Chiang Mai also has an active expat scene, including Black travelers and long-term residents who share advice through posts, meetups and online groups. That community can be helpful when you need to navigate visas, healthcare, housing and cultural norms.
Thailand works best for people who are patient with language differences and comfortable being visibly foreign in many settings. In Asia, Black women may encounter curiosity, comments or staring, even in places where people are friendly.
