Finding Solace in Chiang Mai: Katherine Phillips’ Journey to a Slower, Healthier Life
Moving to a new country is never an easy decision, but for Katherine Phillips, it was a necessary step toward healing and finding balance in her life. In 2019, at the age of 32, Phillips left her hometown of San Diego and relocated to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in search of a slower pace of life and better mental health. Her journey is one of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and learning to embrace a different way of living.
Phillips, who grew up in San Diego, had always been drawn to the idea of exploring Asia. Her mother, who immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines, had instilled in her a deep connection to the region. While she had visited the Philippines several times, Phillips had never ventured further into Southeast Asia. After completing her master’s degree in counseling, she felt burned out from years of 15-hour workdays and decided it was time for a change. When she found a job listing for a counseling position at a private international school in Chiang Mai, she knew it was the perfect opportunity to take a break and explore a new part of the world.
Chiang Mai, a city located about 450 miles north of Bangkok, has long been a hub for expats and digital nomads due to its low cost of living and laid-back lifestyle. Phillips was drawn to the city because of its reputation as a safe and welcoming place for foreigners. Despite her parents’ shock and concern when she announced her decision to leave the U.S., she felt a sense of adventure and relief at the prospect of breaking free from the traditional path her family had envisioned for her.
Phillips initially moved to Chiang Mai on a work visa provided by the school where she was employed as a counselor. For two years, she worked with students, helping them navigate their academic and personal challenges. However, when the pandemic hit, her job shifted online, and she began to feel the familiar signs of burnout. Recognizing that she needed a change, she left her position and enrolled in a Thai language program under an education visa. Today, she works remotely for a marketing agency, using Thailand’s new "Destination Thailand Visa," designed specifically for digital nomads and remote workers.
One of the most significant benefits of Phillips’ move has been the improvement in her mental health. Chiang Mai’s slower pace of life has allowed her to reconnect with herself and pursue hobbies she never had time for in the U.S. She now enjoys activities like salsa and bachata dancing, creating content for YouTube and TikTok, and exploring the vibrant culture of her adopted home. Her $340-a-month apartment in the trendy Nimman district offers her a comfortable and affordable space to live and work. The city’s affordability, coupled with its welcoming expat community, has made it easier for her to build a life that feels more fulfilling and balanced.
Phillips’ journey has not been without challenges, however. Adjusting to the language barrier and the spicy Thai cuisine took time, and she initially felt a pang of FOMO (fear of missing out) on events back home. But as she settles into her new life, she has come to realize that she feels safer and more at peace in Chiang Mai than she often did in the U.S. While she acknowledges that her decision to leave the States was unconventional, she believes it has been one of the best choices she has ever made.
For Phillips, the lessons she has learned in Chiang Mai are invaluable. She encourages others to consider stepping out of their comfort zones and exploring new opportunities, even if it means leaving behind the familiar. As she continues to build her life in Thailand, she remains open to the possibilities the future holds, knowing that she can always return to the U.S. if she chooses. For now, she is content with the slower, healthier, and more meaningful life she has created for herself in Chiang Mai.
