Vedant Chawla — Explore. Build. Grow.

Global Living

Living abroad, written by someone who actually did it.

I left Agra, made Chiang Mai home and have explored 14 countries and territories across Asia. Here’s what I’ve learned about cost, visas, culture and quality of life — especially for Indians thinking about the move.

Map of flight paths from Chiang Mai, Thailand, to the 14 countries Vedant has visited: India, Russia, China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and ThailandIndiaRussiaChinaJapanTaiwanHong KongVietnamLaosCambodiaPhilippinesMalaysiaSingaporeIndonesiaChiang MaiHOME BASE

Explore by topic

Living in Thailand 2 Country Comparisons 1 Global Opportunities 2 Travel Guides 4 Visas & Residency · soon Cost of Living · soon Work & Business · soon Expat Life · soon

Start here

Why I moved to Thailand — cover Global Opportunities · June 9, 2026 Why I moved to Thailand: a journey toward a better life Cost vs quality of life, safety, international perspective — and why it was never about escaping India. Why I chose Chiang Mai over Bangkok — cover Country Comparisons · June 10, 2026 Why I chose Chiang Mai over Bangkok Nature, freedom, balance — traffic, food, healthcare and the 10-minute city.

Travel guides

Temples, peaks & places I’ve explored

First-hand guides from my trips around Thailand and Malaysia — newest first.

Famous Chin Swee Caves in Genting HighlandsGenting Highlands, Malaysia · Famous Chin Swee Caves in Genting HighlandsA Chinese Buddhist temple in the clouds — the giant Buddha, the nine-storey pagoda and how to get there by Awana SkyWay. The Blue Temple in Chiang Rai, ThailandChiang Rai, Thailand · The Blue Temple in Chiang Rai, ThailandWat Rong Suea Ten — a sapphire-blue temple just north of Chiang Rai town, rebuilt in 2016. Doi Inthanon National Park and Temple, Chiang MaiChiang Mai, Thailand · Doi Inthanon National Park and Temple, Chiang MaiThailand’s highest peak — waterfalls, the Kaew Mae Pan trail, a Hmong village and the twin royal pagodas. All About the White Temple, Chiang RaiChiang Rai, Thailand · All About the White Temple, Chiang RaiWat Rong Khun by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat — what it means, opening hours and entry fees.
Country spotlight

Thailand, from someone who lives here.

I first came in 2016 and made Chiang Mai my base in 2021. It isn’t as cheap as it used to be — but for what you get, the value is hard to beat.

Why Chiang Mai, not Bangkok →
Value for money
A townhouse with pool, gym and 24-hour security — at a price that makes sense.
The 10–20 minute city
Airport, hospitals, malls, gyms and cafés are all close. Less traffic, more living.
Remote-work hub
Coworking spaces, cafés and a global community of founders, creators and nomads.
Food & healthy living
Fresh produce from the north’s farms and the Royal Project; Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Burmese food.

14 countries & territories explored

See cities →
India
Thailand
Vietnam
Malaysia
Singapore
Philippines
Indonesia
Cambodia
Laos
Japan
Taiwan
China
Hong Kong
Russia

Writing next

Guides I’m working on

Join the newsletter and get each one when it’s published.

  1. 01[Guide title — e.g. Real cost of living in Chiang Mai]
  2. 02[Guide title — e.g. Thailand visa options for Indians]
  3. 03[Guide title — e.g. Thailand vs Vietnam for remote workers]

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