From Our Community
What Residents &
Families Say
The most honest picture of life at baansawadivs comes from those who have experienced it — residents, family members, and guests who chose to share their thoughts with us.
Back to Home200+
Residents welcomed since 2015
4.8/5
Average post-stay satisfaction score
82%
Welcome Stay guests who return for longer
14+
Countries represented among our residents
Resident Voices
What People Tell Us
"I came for the Welcome Stay not entirely sure what to expect — honestly a little worried it would feel clinical. It didn't at all. The garden was genuinely lovely, the food was better than I'd hoped, and the staff knew my name by the second morning. I extended by two days and have since booked a Seasonal stay for February."
Margaret H.
Welcome Stay, November 2025 · Edinburgh, Scotland
"My mother has been a Year-Round resident for nearly three years now. What stands out most — aside from how well she has settled — is how much the staff communicate with us as a family. We always know what is happening, and the annual review gave us a proper chance to sit down and talk through how things were going. That level of care is hard to find."
Kritsana T.
Family member of Year-Round resident · Bangkok
"I've done two Seasonal stays now — one in December, one in February. The rhythm of life here suits me very well. I like that the activities are organised but never pushed on you. The excursions have introduced me to parts of Chiang Mai I would never have found on my own. I'll be back again next cool season without question."
Paul V.
Seasonal Residence, twice · Antwerp, Belgium
"Moving to a residence was a significant step for me and I was cautious about it. The Welcome Stay made it manageable — there was no pressure and I could simply observe. The meals were a pleasant surprise, and by the third day I was already recognising faces and exchanging greetings. I moved into the Year-Round programme four months later."
Somruedee R.
Year-Round resident · Chiang Mai, Thailand
"As someone whose first language is not Thai and not English, I was concerned about fitting in. The staff were patient and found ways to communicate clearly. The community itself is more international than I expected. I have been a Seasonal resident for two years running and feel genuinely welcome each time I arrive."
Hisako N.
Seasonal Residence, recurring · Osaka, Japan
"My father did not want to consider a residence — full stop. He agreed to the Welcome Stay only to prove it wasn't for him. He arrived with his arms crossed and left with the dates already blocked out for a Seasonal stay. The team handled his wariness with good humour and no fuss. That made all the difference."
Anchalee C.
Daughter of Seasonal resident · Bangkok, Thailand
In More Detail
Stories From Our Community
From Welcome Stay to Permanent Home
Robert's Journey
The Situation
Robert, 74, had retired early due to health considerations and moved to Thailand from the UK six years prior. He lived alone in Chiang Mai and had begun finding the day-to-day management of his apartment increasingly tiring. His daughter in London was concerned but visits were limited.
The Approach
Robert's daughter contacted baansawadivs on his behalf. He agreed to a 5-day Welcome Stay in January 2023. He was matched with a host familiar with the concerns of independent older adults. The focus was on observation — no timetable, no obligations, just an honest look at how the community functioned.
The Outcome
Robert moved into the Year-Round programme in April 2023. He cites the meals and the social calendar — which he describes as "just enough structure without being a school timetable" — as the aspects that convinced him. His daughter visited for two weeks in November and joined the Loy Krathong community celebration.
"The Welcome Stay removed the risk from the decision. I could see exactly what I was choosing — no surprises after I moved in."
— Robert M., Year-Round resident since 2023
A Seasonal Arrangement That Found Its Rhythm
Pranom's Story
The Situation
Pranom, 68, had spent her working life in Bangkok and owned a home there. After retirement, she found Bangkok's heat and pace difficult during the hot months. Her children were supportive but had their own schedules. She wanted companionship and a change of setting, but was not ready to relocate permanently.
The Approach
Pranom began with a 2-month Seasonal stay from November to January 2022. Her personal calendar was arranged around activities she had noted interest in — Thai cooking sessions, garden walks, and occasional visits to the Sunday market. The arrangement was reviewed and extended by one month on her request.
The Outcome
Pranom has now returned for three consecutive cool seasons. She describes baansawadivs as "my Chiang Mai home" and has introduced two friends from Bangkok who have since completed Welcome Stays of their own. She returns to her Bangkok home in April each year with no intention of changing the arrangement.
"I have kept my independence and gained something I did not expect — a genuine community of people I look forward to seeing each year."
— Pranom L., Seasonal resident, three consecutive seasons
Reach Us
We Are Happy to Talk
If you would like to visit the residence, ask questions, or simply get a better sense of whether baansawadivs might suit someone in your family, we are here.
12 Moo 4, Hang Dong-Samoeng Road
Hang Dong, Chiang Mai 50230
Monday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
See It for Yourself
A short visit to the residence often answers questions that are hard to answer over the phone. We welcome tours at your convenience.
Arrange a VisitBegin With a Conversation
No commitment required — just a conversation about what you or your family member might be looking for, and whether baansawadivs could be a good fit.
Contact Us Today