David Foster
I'm an American in my mid-50s. In late 2024 I moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where I'm building a life with my partner Jasmine and our two dogs, Boon (a Pomeranian) and Mali (a chihuahua). I share that life in lifestyle vlogs on YouTube and Facebook.
Articles by David
- Chiang Mai Itinerary Planning: Landmarks, Nature, and Local Culture
A guide to organizing a Chiang Mai itinerary, featuring key landmarks, local markets, botanical gardens, and mountain destinations for various lengths of stay.
- Overview of Mae Kampong Village in Chiang Mai Province
An overview of Mae Kampong, a highland village located 50km east of Chiang Mai known for its cool climate, coffee cultivation, and natural landmarks.
- Kinlum Kindee in Chiang Mai: MICHELIN Guide Insights
Discover what the MICHELIN Guide says about Kinlum Kindee, a Northern Thai restaurant in San Sai featuring garden-grown ingredients and bold regional flavors.
- The Art of the Compliment: Navigating Praise, Modesty, and Respect in Thai Dating
Learn the nuances of giving and receiving compliments in Thai dating culture, from navigating modesty and deflection to praising character over appearance.
- The 'Under Consideration' Visa Extension Period in Chiang Mai (2026): The 30-Day Wait, House Visits, and the Culture of Jai Yen
Understanding the 30-day 'Under Consideration' stamp when extending your Thai visa in Chiang Mai, including travel rules, house visits, and the cultural waiting game.
- Working at Ombra Caffe & Coworking (Santitham): Quiet Desks, Fast Wi-Fi, and a Respectful Community
Ombra Caffe & Coworking in Santitham offers fast internet, ergonomic chairs, and a quiet, respectful atmosphere starting at just 100 THB a day.
- Facing the Cobras: An Honest Look at Mae Sa Snake Farm
A look at the Mae Sa Snake Farm in Mae Rim. What to expect, practical details, and the Thai cultural context surrounding these reptiles.
- Working Quietly at BART Coffee: Small Space, Serious Espresso, and Deep Focus in the Old City
BART Coffee in Chiang Mai's Old City offers serious espresso, fast Wi-Fi, and a quiet, minimalist space perfect for deep work.
- A Quiet, Professional Reset: An Expat Guide to Sense Massage (Santitham) in Chiang Mai
Discover Sense Massage and Spa in Santitham, Chiang Mai. A clean, professional spot offering excellent Thai massage without the premium spa price tag.
- Bridging the Worlds: Etiquette for Introducing Your Thai Partner to Your Expat Friends
Introducing your Thai partner to your expat friends can be a cultural minefield. Learn how to bridge the gap, manage social expectations, and protect their face.
- The White String Protocol: How to Receive a 'Suu Kwan' Blessing in Chiang Mai
Understanding the Lanna 'suu kwan' (wrist-tying) blessing ceremony, how to receive the white string respectfully, and why you shouldn't just cut it off.
- Chiang Mai's November 2026 Indie Markets: Baan Kang Wat, Chamcha, and Jing Jai
The cool season is arriving in Chiang Mai. Here is your guide to three community craft markets expanding their weekend events for November 2026.
- Living in Saraphi (Tha Wang Tan): Riverside Space, Gated Communities, and the Quiet Expat Life
Saraphi offers spacious homes, tree-lined roads, and a slower pace for expats willing to live outside the moat. Here is what to expect in Tha Wang Tan.
- Carving the Flat Water: A Guide to Hang Dong’s Canyon Wake Park (And Thai Dock Etiquette)
Canyon Wake Park in Hang Dong offers a brilliant escape from the Chiang Mai heat. Here’s what to expect on the water and the dockside etiquette to keep in mind.
- Navigating 'Kha-Racha-Kan': Dating Thai Civil Servants and Professionals in Chiang Mai
Dating a Thai civil servant, teacher, or healthcare worker requires expats to step out of the nomad bubble and respect strict rules around public image.
- The Low-Down on Sitting: Understanding Physical Elevation and Respect in Chiang Mai
Taking a seat in Chiang Mai isn't as simple as pulling up a chair. Understand the Thai rules of physical elevation, respect, and floor-sitting etiquette.
- Working at Addicted to Work (Sirimangkalajarn): Quiet Desks, Fair Pricing, and Real Focus
Addicted to Work offers a quiet, highly productive coworking environment near Nimman. Discover pricing, internet speeds, and the local etiquette that makes it work.
- Living at SR Complex Condominium: Retro Space, Budget Rent, and Train Station Convenience
Trading modern amenities for massive floor plans, SR Complex offers expats budget-friendly retro living near the railway station with a deeply local rhythm.
- The ‘Pha Sam Si’ Protocol: Why Trees and Pillars Wear Colorful Cloth in Chiang Mai
Bright ribbons on trees and trucks are everywhere in Chiang Mai. Here is what the 'Pha Sam Si' tradition means and how expats can respect these local shrines.
- The 'Mae-Sue' Tradition: Navigating the Go-Between in Chiang Mai Dating
Navigating the indirect approach in Thai dating. Learn how the traditional 'Mae-Sue' (go-between) dynamic shapes romantic introductions in Chiang Mai.
- Quiet, Skilled, and Deeply Restorative: An Expat Guide to Orn Healing Hands in Chiang Mai
Orn Healing Hands in Chiang Mai's Old City offers highly skilled, no-fuss traditional Thai massage in a quiet, clean setting. Perfect for deep relief.
- Living in Chiang Mai's Phra Sing Neighborhood (Inside the Moat): Temple Bells, Heritage Rules, and a Walkable Expat Life
Living in Chiang Mai's historic Phra Sing neighborhood offers incredible walkability and temple views, but expats must adapt to older buildings and a quieter pace.
- Working at Ombra Caffe (Santitham): Quiet Focus, Fair Pricing, and Thai Study Culture
Discover Ombra Caffe in Santitham, a quiet cafe and coworking hybrid with affordable day passes, solid internet, and a respectful community atmosphere.
- Thailand’s 30-Day Visa Exemption in 2026: Airport vs Land Border Rules, Proof of Funds, and the Thai Culture of Welcome
Navigating Thailand's 30-day visa exemption in 2026, from onward ticket rules and land border limits to understanding the Thai culture of a polite welcome.