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Monique Lindner from Germany has travelled to more than 40 countries around the world but says there is only one city where she would want to permanently settle down
13:13, Mon, Dec 22, 2025 Updated: 13:25, Mon, Dec 22, 2025
A woman who has travelled the world says she settled in Chiang Mai (Image: xxwp via Getty Images)
A globetrotting woman who has explored more than 40 countries claims there's just one city where she'd choose to make her permanent home. Monique Lindner has journeyed to breathtaking destinations across Australia, Latin America, and Asia.
The adventurous traveller became the first in her German family to venture beyond their homeland, spending over seven years roaming the globe. Eventually, however, she realised she craved somewhere to put down roots. In a piece for BusinessInsider, Monique revealed the destination that captured her heart above all others.
Chiang Mai in Thailand (Image: Getty Images)
After thoughtful deliberation, she decided to establish her base in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She describes the city as an ideal blend of "local charm" and "big city vibes".
Situated several hundred miles north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai houses approximately one million residents and features numerous Buddhist temples and ancient ruins.
Monique recalled: "My first visit was about a decade ago, when the city felt more like a backpacker's paradise with cheap beer on every corner, $5 hostel beds, and loads of young people driving around with their gear on rented scooters."
She expresses her adoration for the city's diverse retail landscape, from modern shopping centres to intimate "mama shops" run by local families.
Monique says Chiang Mai has 'big city vibes' (Image: Getty Images)
The area boasts traditional tea and fresh produce markets alongside familiar chains like Starbucks. Monique confesses she could "never get bored" exploring the Buddhist temples and enjoying musical performances and local art galleries.
Despite settling down, she maintains her "love to travel", frequently embarking on day excursions by car and boat. A 25-minute journey from the city centre would transport Monique into the heart of an "amazing" national park, whilst a one-hour drive delivers her to the historic town of Lamphun.
Upon initially relocating to Chiang Mai, Monique discovered herself residing within a gated community boasting a garden, tennis court, and swimming pool, all within a "modest budget".
She continued: "Although my neighborhood felt quiet, it was still convenient, with car-repair joints, fresh food markets, and numerous shops nearby. Building a community and making friends in the area has also been easy for me."
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Monique settled in Chiang Mai (Image: Getty)
Monique reveals she has participated in events promoted on Facebook and even formed connections with fellow "digital nomads" throughout her stint in Thailand. According to her, it seems there are "activities and gatherings for everyone" spanning from yoga sessions to drumming workshops.
However, she acknowledges there isn't a "perfect" location to establish roots, and faces difficulties during the conventional "burning season" when agricultural fields and woodland waste are set ablaze.
She explains she has undertaken road journeys during recent burning seasons, though confesses she finds herself "missing" Chiang Mai.
Monique concluded: "Falling in love with this city was easy for me, and it was wonderful having a home base there for several years. Though I've still got a few logistics to work out, I hope to call this piece of Thailand my permanent place of residence in the future."
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