Quote:
Originally Posted by PeterT
I find Phuket much more pleasing to the eye than Pattaya. I will comment on the other aspects of living here as I settle in.
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Thanks for the feedback. Phuket is more beautiful than Pattaya. More quiet, less urban, and more of the small town atmosphere with a number of quaint small towns. That is what I like about it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PeterT
One thing I did notice straight away is that everything appears to cost more here.
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You've noticed! Been going to LOS for 7 years, with an average of 3 months a year, mostly spent in Phuket. Last year, I was in Phuket, but also went to Pattaya for my 1st time. This year spent most of my time in Pattaya. The reasons for the switch are twofold. First, being there for 5 month this year, I just couldn't easily afford the Phuket prices, what with the declining dollar and the fact that girls and hotels are about double what they were a few years ago. Second, with fewer girls and more young tourists in Phuket, it is just harder to pull the really great-looking girls there. In Pattaya, it was a challenge in high season, but I still managed to pull very good-looking gals for 1000 on a good night, and 1500 on a night when I didn't want to try that hard. For comparable quality, I would have paid double in Phuket.
It's pretty much the same story for rooms. Double the price for comparable quallity. And even for food, since some days I like to eat at the little sidewalk restaurants, roadside noodle places, markets, and the food court at Tukcom, where I could still buy a meal for 20 to 30 Baht. The funky little restaurants have mostly disappeared from Patong, replaced by bars/discos(was a great little cheap restaurant where Baya Beach is), and upscale shops, and a night market where Jungceylon is. Not even many noodle stands left, or grilled chicken vendors.
I miss Patong, but it's not the same. But I will still definitely make it there for at least a visit next year. If I move to LOS, I would have to consider Phuket, and figure ways to cut costs, like long-term accomodations and living outside of Patong. But there is a lot I would miss about Pattaya, because I like the little funky places so much more than the upscale places. It is more real. I don't know if I want to live in a place that has been turned completely into an upscale resort.
Anyhow, keep us posted on your impressions of life in Phuket!!
