Quote:
Originally Posted by stiffyStiff
I am still hoping that Sir Doug less, wonderful play on words, and / or others will come forward with impressions why alternative locations appeal to them.
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That's easy.
For me, I enjoy coming to Phuket for a holiday, catch up with friends (expat &
TGs) etc. Patong's nightlife appeals in small (2-3 weeks) doses, as do beaches such as Surin. But I couldn't live there. It all gets a bit much after about 3 weeks. I get sick of sleeping through the day and partying in the dark.
After meeting the wife I started to travel around Thailand, primarily Isaan because that is where she is from. I enjoyed visiting her family in the village (made easier because they have a substantial abode, even an airconditioned lounge room with armchairs) and visiting surrounding cities - Sakon Nakhon, Nong Khai, Udon Thani.
Nong Khai has become a favourite after several visits and I have a few expat and Thai acquaintances there. I think the Maekhong appeals to me. Not quite the Surin beach seaview but it is always a hive of activity. Real estate is much cheaper than Phuket. I almost bought a two story, 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house 15 minutes out of the city for AUD35,000. Neung, my wife, can go shopping in the markets, hand over 1 baht and get change. There are bars and western restaurants I can frequent if I desire. Yes, it is much quieter way of life. The Kamala of Isaan.
I still travel to other areas and some like Kanchanaburi also appeal. It is a beautiful area, more livelier than Nong Khai and only a few hours by train or car from BKK. Well worth a visit. In December I intend to look at Nakhon Phanom, also on the Maekhong. Don't know what to expect but if you don't go you'll never know.
Anyway, for the moment I've decided to stay in Sydney for at least the next 3 years. This should allow Neung to obtain a Permanent Residency visa and give our children Australian Citizenship. Both should be assets to her and the family after my demise. Should I survive that time then I'd be happy to live in Thailand, but not in Phuket or Pattaya. But I'll be visiting both!