And if not Phuket where else in Thailand ???

[stiffyStiff]

Intrigued by this question,
http://www.phuket-info.com/forums/ex...t-anymore.html

I have been thinking for some time, where else to go?
Cost of living is not so much my concern. It´s more that Phuket is becoming too crowded, too many villas, car, bikes, farang, only 2 roads to go North- South, no change possible........is it still Thailand or a farang enclave?

I would like to start searching but dont know where to start. In spring I was riding on my bike 8000 km from Phuket up North crossing back. I dont need bars, I need occasionally a cinema, a good hospital, a farang restaurant, beautiful nature. Chiang Dao looked tempting, but the burning forest stories?? Plus the next hospital, cinema is a bit far away. Chiang Mai to me is just another small Bangkok with little appeal.

Am I wrong? Where to start looking? I´d be happy to try various locations on a rental basis for say 3-6 months. A short stay is just not good enough to get a real feel.

[The Loop]

Originally Posted by stiffyStiff

. I dont need bars, I need occasionally a cinema, a good hospital, a farang restaurant, beautiful nature.

Hua Hin....

[stiffyStiff]

Hua Hin, you got a point, was riding along the lonely sea shore far outside.(Petchaburi - Chumpon) using often only gravel alleys thanks to my GPS. But is it not a bit claustrophobic to have again only one main road the A4 if you want to go somewhere?

[Dupree00]

Kanchanaburi?

Along the river there are various towns and Temples to visit. If you do want to party there are river boats/bars. Seemed like a nice area to chill.

I drove from BKK and there was one big town (name?) on the way that had a huge Temple and plenty of western comforts.

[nelsonone]

Krabi area......still very beautiful...especially further south down around Trang....and plenty of islands to explore

BTW you can travel east from Patong....so there are 3 directions....not bad for a coastal town...555

[jojo78]

i second the recommendation for Krabi. The countryside, coastline and islands are absolutely stunning. Ao Nang, which is the main resort area, is developing fast but still has a long way to go before catching up with Phuket. Krabi Town is still a sleepy provincial town but now has a Tesco Lotus (including Major Cineplex cinema) and there is Big C about to open any time soon. Best of all its only 2 hours from Phuket

[stiffyStiff]

Very helpful suggestions, I have not been South of Phuket, it´s about time to do that. Krabi area I have been biking.
Yes, its beautiful.
General observation= hardly saw any houses for rent.
Perhaps didnt look close enough. What is the situation ?

[LivinLOS]

I have often thought that Krabi would be a good retirement spot or if you liked life slower or didnt like Patongs scene.. Personally I shudder at the thought of moving upcountry into 'real Thailand' like I see many expats do after a few years (settle down with the missus and leave the tourist zones).. With somewhere like Krabi at least your able to drive down for a weekend party, yet still have almost total peace and quiet.

In fact you only have to head over to Panwa to see a totally different pace of life.

[nelsonone]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

I With somewhere like Krabi at least your able to drive down for a weekend party, yet still have almost total peace and quiet.

not too bad a drive Krabi-Patong.....can also catch a ferry across to phuket....or take a plane to BKK.....don't think I'd wanna be more than say 1hrs drive from an airport anywhere in LOS.....I like to have a quick esacape route planned...555

but have always thought I could live in Krabi whenever I've been there for a while.....I love the area further down south on the west coast too!

[Masterwoodsman]

I would be interested to know of any BM's who have lived in Hua Hin or Chiang Mai as an expat, as they are the 2 places that would appeal when Phuket implodes...

[LivinLOS]

The thing with further south is you lose the things I need like internet and western shops and goods.. I can see the appeal for some guys about Hua Hin, but the sea is grey and it just feels too quiet. thier argument is of course they can pop to BKK for a long weekend any time they need a fix.

Its the guys who move to Nakhon Nowhere that baffle me.. 2 hours to the local provincial town, 7 or so hours drive to Bangkok, no internet, watching the rice grow. I just cant see myself ever being happy in that situation.

[Dupree00]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

Its the guys who move to Nakhon Nowhere that baffle me.. 2 hours to the local provincial town, 7 or so hours drive to Bangkok, no internet, watching the rice grow. I just cant see myself ever being happy in that situation.

I know what you mean. When I see those retirement commercials of some guy living in some secluded retirement community out in the sticks I start to get paranoid. 555

[SirDougless]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

... Its the guys who move to Nakhon Nowhere that baffle me.. 2 hours to the local provincial town, 7 or so hours drive to Bangkok, no internet, watching the rice grow. I just cant see myself ever being happy in that situation.

I was going to suggest Nong Khai or Nakhon Phanom but I think I'll quit whilst I'm ahead ...

[Masterwoodsman]

Originally Posted by Dupree00

I know what you mean. When I see those retirement commercials of some guy living in some secluded retirement community out in the sticks I start to get paranoid. 555

Kinda perfect hideouts for the Gary Glitters of this world me thinks...

[nelsonone]

Originally Posted by Masterwoodsman

Kinda perfect hideouts for the Gary Glitters of this world me thinks...

creepy innit?

also I don't think I could live in a rural all Thai area with no falang about for miles....would feel a bit like a target and wouldn't wanna get hunkered down into that mindset

[stiffyStiff]

Originally Posted by SirDougless

I was going to suggest Nong Khai or Nakhon Phanom but I think I'll quit whilst I'm ahead ...

Please dont quit! After all there is life in...... where ever.
Please tell your experiences otherwise the options are too limited and we kill the discussion right here and now.
It is premature to exclude other life styles. I need internet and access to other farang things too but not every day. I want to listen. Are there any stories out there of farang having found a more Thai integrated way of life??
That would be interesting.
This is brainstorming, NO THOUGHT; NO IDEA IS too wild or too crazy.

PS<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<.

I see on your photo Salakeoku Nong Khai, the best art I ve seen in Thailand.

[SiamGecko]

I'd say that for me personally the only liveable place in Phuket right now is the far South of the island...we get a alot of flack down here for being too quiet and boring...someone said "God's waiting room" IIRC, but that sounds like what some people are actually looking for, somewhere quiet on a daily basis but close enough to the bright lights whenever you want it. You have all the infrastructure you need, internet is fine, plenty of places to eat and getting up and down the island is pretty easy. (Just don't go out after dark )

If I wasn't down in Rawai/Nai Harn I'm not sure I would still be here, Patong, Kata, Kamala and Karon don't appeal, Phuket Town I am willing to give a go, but I know after a few months the appeal of having alternate nightlife/eateries will have worn off and I will be missing the proximity of a beach and peace and quiet.

Further north, the Farang enclaves of Laguna are the perfect example of what I am not looking for here, any further north and the basics become a road trip. Kathu would be an option, but I have never really felt I would like to live there.

Not really a response to the OP question of If not Phuket, where else...but there are still a few places left in Phuket in my opinion that are worth a go.

[The Loop]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

I can see the appeal for some guys about Hua Hin, but the sea is grey and it just feels too quiet. thier argument is of course they can pop to BKK for a long weekend any time they need a fix.

Thats the only reservation i would have about HH.

I kinda like to go to the beach and swim and body bash,maybe 3 or 4 times a week,it`s just not possible there.

Otherwise the wide clean streets,the panoramic seaviews and countryside the proximity to BKK and the realistic property prices and rentals along with a somewhat subdued bar scene are just perfect for me.

[Masterwoodsman]

On the contrary, Rawai and Nai Harn would be bottom of my list due to all the muggings, crime, break ins and even dog poisonings on Nai Harn beach.... Shame really as it does have potential

[SiamGecko]

Originally Posted by Masterwoodsman

On the contrary, Rawai and Nai Harn would be bottom of my list due to all the muggings, crime, break ins and even dog poisonings on Nai Harn beach.... Shame really as it does have potential

Well i have managed to survived here as most other people have...i don't see a mass exodus of expats/long stayers. Unless you know more about the crime stats here than I do. I find it more laid back and friendly than living in Patong/Kata/Karon as I did before.

Dog poisonings happen everywhere, it's not restricted to Rawai/NH, and not likely to deter me from living somewhere unless you have a penchant for dog food that is

[stiffyStiff]

anyone with living experience in Middle or North Thailand?
It was one of the good things which I observed towns around Udon Thani. One could actually walk relatively uncluttered sidewalks, thing seem to be cleaner.

Hua Hin and Trang will for sure be my next close up expeditions by bike, rain permitting. Suggestions for places to stay are welcome. No hotels, there one can´t get a living feeling. But unusual ideas are appreciated.
It´s a brainstorming !

[Masterwoodsman]

Just going off topic a little Stiffmeister, but what bike are you riding ??? I am a keen biker myself and have a few here

[stiffyStiff]

I am riding a scooter Honda SilverWing 600cc.

[stiffyStiff]

Coming back to the subject, Rawai, Nai Harn soon will be like the Spainish coast line, cement only. The change over the last 3 years has been dramatic with no end in sight.
And what roads to take in the future ??

[dan boy]

Originally Posted by stiffyStiff

Intrigued by this question,
http://www.phuket-info.com/forums/ex...t-anymore.html

I have been thinking for some time, where else to go?
Cost of living is not so much my concern. It´s more that Phuket is becoming too crowded, too many villas, car, bikes, farang, only 2 roads to go North- South, no change possible........is it still Thailand or a farang enclave?

I would like to start searching but dont know where to start. In spring I was riding on my bike 8000 km from Phuket up North crossing back. I dont need bars, I need occasionally a cinema, a good hospital, a farang restaurant, beautiful nature. Chiang Dao looked tempting, but the burning forest stories?? Plus the next hospital, cinema is a bit far away. Chiang Mai to me is just another small Bangkok with little appeal.

Am I wrong? Where to start looking? I´d be happy to try various locations on a rental basis for say 3-6 months. A short stay is just not good enough to get a real feel.

A friend of mine is thinking about Nong Khai , Near the Mekong river, the way he describes the place, it has plenty of restaurants and things to do, but not many tourists, so no bars or go-go's etc....

[SiamGecko]

Originally Posted by stiffyStiff

Coming back to the subject, Rawai, Nai Harn soon will be like the Spainish coast line, cement only. The change over the last 3 years has been dramatic with no end in sight.
And what roads to take in the future ??

Eh? Not sure where you get that idea, yes it has changed but nothing like other more developed parts of the island! It's still a very green area, though I will admit there is plenty of building going on. It will be a long time before it approaches anything close to Patong...and it has the advantage of not being hemmed in by hills on all sides.

Still for me is a pleasant place to live, tho I totally understand other people's feelings about the area.

[SirDougless]

Originally Posted by dan boy

A friend of mine is thinking about Nong Khai , Near the Mekong river, the way he describes the place, it has plenty of restaurants and things to do, but not many tourists, so no bars or go-go's etc....

I'd agree with him. I like going up there. It was rated by an American seniors magazine (Modern Maturity??) as the 7th best place to retire to in the world. I'm not aware of any go-gos (and didn't go looking for them), but plenty of bars and 'companionship' is reasonably easy to find.

I'll be checking out Nakhon Phanom in Dec as another possible place to live. Kanchanaburi is also a very nice place and not too far away from BKK. Plenty of bars there.

[nelsonone]

reckon I'd quite like the Chiang Mai area a sit gets 4 seasons and I realy like the peole up there...would have to have coastal breaks quit regularly though

[stiffyStiff]

Originally Posted by nelsonone

would have to have coastal breaks quit regularly though

perhaps THAT is the answer= I will simply become a gypsy. staying on the road until I find my final Temple.
Never a dull moment has being my slogan all my life.
Kanchanaburi has it special attraction, water plus mountains and I bet that in the not too distant future there will be a high speed train BKK - CM. May be interesting investmentwise,

[LivinLOS]

Its very easy to be mobile around Thailand, its usually a woman that will stop your wandering..

[stiffyStiff]

Originally Posted by SirDougless

I was going to suggest Nong Khai or Nakhon Phanom but I think I'll quit whilst I'm ahead ...

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.

[SirDougless]

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.

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!

[Tim26swe]

Originally Posted by SirDougless

I'd agree with him. I like going up there. It was rated by an American seniors magazine (Modern Maturity??) as the 7th best place to retire to in the world. I'm not aware of any go-gos (and didn't go looking for them), but plenty of bars and 'companionship' is reasonably easy to find.

I'll be checking out Nakhon Phanom in Dec as another possible place to live. Kanchanaburi is also a very nice place and not too far away from BKK. Plenty of bars there.

I was visiting nakhon phanom and surroundings with gf september 2007 and it reminded me of my hometown.. very slow community where there not comes to much poeple..we got there by a small airline pb-air and to that airport there was only 1 arrival-departure of the day and that seemed to be the highlight of the day there.. might been just the month i was there but it was veery slow.. but cheap.. we spend the whole night out in a bbq buffe+ beers ..i think around 11 ppl from the family and it didnt even comes up to 1000bht so i never seen the money so much worth as there. when we took in at a lunch restaurant it ended up to 60bht for 2 ppl.

there was 2 main hotels down the river mekong.. we stayed at both them for some days due we met the family. was cheap as dirt.and worth moore than i could belive.

from prewious trips to phuket- bkk im kind of promised myself to never drive in thailand but when i saw the slow and calm traffic there, im rented myself a car and we got around there. very nice nature and almolst unatural friendly people.. there was still that ol (im poor but happy) thai smile living on there

we was one day going to a waterfall and before that we got into there we go to a place to buy some food.. well the restaurant cooked up food for 8 ppl + kids and i almost fell when she claimed 143bht for the lunch! i handed over 150 and looked at gf if i was suppose to put in another 50 for tip.. but no.. that lady in restaurant insisted to give that 7 bht back in coins!

if stuck around there for a months holiday.. it wouldnt get so expensive i guess.. umm until that family start ask for the sinsod maybee yeee

// Tim

[snorter]

I like the eastern seaboard area where I live. You can get all the services, internet, cinema, half decent shopping (Ban Chang has it's own Lotus opened a couple of months ago). There's some interesting scenery and you're close enough to Pattaya if you fancy a night out.

Having said all that, it's difficult to find beaches as good as those down south unless your gonna head through Rayong and down towards the Cambodian border. Khoa Chang isn't a bad place to visit down that way.

I haven't visited Krabi since 1997, but loved it when I did go there and have often thought of it as a place for retirement........as I said, if you're looking for nice beaches and pristine coastline then it's the southern peninsula..

[lunglek]

You could try Nakhorn Ratchasima plenty to do around the city and province, not many expats there, good shopping, hospitals, cinemas, night life is mainly thai with a small mix of expat bars check out KoratFarang.com - Index for more info.