The way I look at it, as long as I live close enough to experience the bells and whistles of a big city to travel there from time to time, its the best of both worlds. I'm fortunate enough to live an hour from a city twice as big as the one where I live, so when we do want to see more museums, a better zoo, a wider range of restaurants or go to the Alamo Drafthouse, its just a short drive.
Chiang Mai looks gorgeous btw.