Chiang Mai vs. Penang - a Short Term Stay

[Gold60]

Hi All,

Just seeking ideas from the many wise folk on the relative merits of a short stay in either of the above towns.

Requirements:

• Looking to stay either a couple of weeks or maybe a month or two
• Not looking at the usual touristy things, although if the occasion inspired me I might do the odd visit/tour or two
• Looking for a quiet place to do some writing and relaxing, to see what it is like to live short term in another country
• Close to a woolies like supermarket
• Public transport reasonably close

Anything else to consider?

Are there, what are, the similarities, points in common, of the two towns?

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

Hi All,

Just seeking ideas from the many wise folk on the relative merits of a short stay in either of the above towns.

Requirements:

• Looking to stay either a couple of weeks or maybe a month or two
• Not looking at the usual touristy things, although if the occasion inspired me I might do the odd visit/tour or two
• Looking for a quiet place to do some writing and relaxing, to see what it is like to live short term in another country
• Close to a woolies like supermarket
• Public transport reasonably close

Anything else to consider?

Are there, what are, the similarities, points in common, of the two towns?

I can't speak for Chiang Mai but my girlfriend and I loved Penang and thought that we could live there. Although more touristy we stayed in Batu Ferrenghi which is on the north coast. Bus 101 (Bus 101 Rapid Penang Ruote - Penang Island) runs every 10 minutes or so along the road into town and on to the airport. There were quiet places inbetween there and the main town which might fit the bill. There's also a large Tesco which is on the bus route as well.

 

[RB]

It is a long time since I visited Penang (stayed in the area Wanderlust-tim mentioned and enjoyed) so others will have better advice. This is a link to various topics re Penang from an International Living mob-may be of use You searched for penang - Postcards

 

[get me outta here]

Was in Batu Ferrenghi 40 years ago and there was one hotel, does it look a bit different now? I enjoyed both Penang and BF.

I can't speak for Chiang Mai but my girlfriend and I loved Penang and thought that we could live there. Although more touristy we stayed in Batu Ferrenghi which is on the north coast. Bus 101 (Bus 101 Rapid Penang Ruote - Penang Island) runs every 10 minutes or so along the road into town and on to the airport. There were quiet places inbetween there and the main town which might fit the bill. There's also a large Tesco which is on the bus route as well.

 

[deka2]

One consideration will be the weather. Different pattern in Chiang Mai to Penang.

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

Was in Batu Ferrenghi 40 years ago and there was one hotel, does it look a bit different now? I enjoyed both Penang and BF.

Very, there's probably about a dozen western chain hotels within 2km of each side of the town. Had a bustling little night market each night as well. We also had two very good affordable meals in small mum and pop restaurants, but it's Penang, everything is good.

One question which Gold60 hasn't asked is beachfront or mountains?

 

[Gold60]

Well. Penang is beachfront, and Chiang Mai is mountains I guess. I don't have a preference. I am mainly looking at the peace and quiet amenity, and other things they make a longer stay more enjoyable and sustainable, as opposed to a two or three day tourist stop.

I am probably looking more for a condo like situation if I was to stay for more than a week or two?

Does that answer the question/s ?

Very, there's probably about a dozen western chain hotels within 2km of each side of the town. Had a bustling little night market each night as well. We also had two very good affordable meals in small mum and pop restaurants, but it's Penang, everything is good.

One question which Gold60 hasn't asked is beachfront or mountains?[/QUOTE

 

[ric_melb]

It is a few years singe I visited either place but I remember getting around in Chiang Mai was somewhat limited to tuk tuk or converted pick up truck. By contrast Penang has taxis and buses. I'm sure there are other methods of transport in each, other members may care to comment.

 

[Aeolus]

Grab, which is their equivalent of Uber in Penang is great and very reasonably priced. Tesco sells almost anything and it’s on route to the Batu Ferringhi area from the city.
Unless you are missing home cooked meals, there’s absolutely no reason to do your own cooking as local food is really cheap and easily accessible.
PM me if you need to know more about Penang as I may be able to help.

 

[sudoer]

Unless you are missing home cooked meals, there’s absolutely no reason to do your own cooking

Just taking a guess but it could be allergies or specific dietary requirements.

 

[drron]

Well I haven't been to Penang but a couple of stays in Chiang Mai.We have looked at spending some time in Thailand when our travelling slows down.But one thing to be aware of is that the Thai have a limit of 30 days on stays for those that don't need visas such as Aussies.They are very strict about that.So if you do choose Chiang Mai stay for 29 days!

Chiang Mai itself-an interesting place.It is very popular with expats.As to public transport there are indeed taxis.Uber was taken over by Grab in Chiang Mai earlier this year-
Chiang Mai CityNews - Grab Buys Uber's Southeast Asia Business, Ending Service in Thailand in Two Weeks from Today

Riding GRAB and UBER in Chiang Mai - Chiang Mai Traveller

There are also local busses but we have never been game enough to use them.
And the ILA have postcards on Chiang Mai as well-
You searched for chiang mai - Postcards

Personally we prefer Thailand over Malaysia.