I'm coming up on 16 years here now. If you like s'mores, bring a years supply of graham crackers with you, because it's about the one thing you can't get here.

Do be careful about your husband's visa. It shouldn't be a problem, but they've been a little strict about this lately (and I agree about keeping quiet about his work). Assuming this is in cooperation with a Thai university, I don't think you'll have much problem with visas. Academic work is usually rubber-stamped.

The Thai Visa Forum is one of the better sources of information. Most of the posts are answered by expats actually living there. There is a section on Chiang Mai.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index....p;showforum=28

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showforum=50

Thailand has some excellent malls and supermarkets. You could purchase vegetables and meats and cook your own food at home.

Medicines are pretty cheap in Thailand. For most items you can purchase what you need over the counter without any prescription.

Transportation is pretty cheap too! Besides flying you can take the train or a bus to Bangkok when you get bored. There is an overnight sleeper train that is not too expensive.

Have fun.

Michael BKK...If you go to Villa Market at Phrom Phong station, they sell Health Valley... Amarenth crackers... which are the same as Graham crackers. The Health Valley factory is here in L.A. County. I eat them here in the States and also buy them at Villa market in BK when my market is out of them here. Happy Travels!

I'm usually in Villa once a week. Hadn't noticed the Healthy Valley crackers, but I've lost any cravings for that kind of food long ago.