Thailand Expats

Pinot · #1 27-06-2009, 11:49

The plan is (and it's on schedule) is to retire and move to Patong in August. I'm planning on checking out Malaysia and the Philippines but starting out in my favorite place in the world, Patong. I'll get a six month rental when I first get there but I want to explore other areas in Phuket and other countries.

What I won't do is get a motorbike. And I'm not too crazy about even driving a car there. I love riding my bike here in California. Thinking back, I don't remember seeing any bike riders during many visits to LOS. Is anyone riding bikes there and is it any safer than motorbikes? I'm thinking about transportation around town and the beach.

retepg · #2 27-06-2009, 12:01

Like you I have not seem many cyclists in Patong. But up in Chiang Mai there are loads of bicycle rental places and cyclists are all around, Thai and Farang...

eddiemonster · #3 27-06-2009, 17:55

The only time I feel relatively safe on the roads in Thailand is in a car, at least you have some protection around you. I have thought many times about getting a bicycle but always think that motorbikes are slightly safer (ignoring speeding and no helmet side of things...) as they are a bit more visible - if anyone bothers looking!

I couldnt imagine cycling around Patong would be the remotest bit pleasurable and would be extremely stressful.

bangladiver · #4 27-06-2009, 18:07

Most cyclists in Phuket seem to do it for fitness rather than just transport. Seen a few lone casual farangs and sometimes groups of Thais (having all the proper gear). Have cycled a fair bit and its no more dangerous than motorbike. There are some offroad course around (official and make your own).

However given the heat and hills its not a great way (on its own) to explore the island.

damaz · #5 27-06-2009, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinot

The plan is (and it's on schedule) is to retire and move to Patong in August. I'm planning on checking out Malaysia and the Philippines but starting out in my favorite place in the world, Patong. I'll get a six month rental when I first get there but I want to explore other areas in Phuket and other countries.

What I won't do is get a motorbike. And I'm not too crazy about even driving a car there. I love riding my bike here in California. Thinking back, I don't remember seeing any bike riders during many visits to LOS. Is anyone riding bikes there and is it any safer than motorbikes? I'm thinking about transportation around town and the beach.

Do you ride a road bike or MTB there's few Farang riding bikes.

damaz · #6 27-06-2009, 19:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangladiver

Most cyclists in Phuket seem to do it for fitness rather than just transport. Seen a few lone casual farangs and sometimes groups of Thais (having all the proper gear). Have cycled a fair bit and its no more dangerous than motorbike. There are some offroad course around (official and make your own).

However given the heat and hills its not a great way (on its own) to explore the island.

Agree people seem to be more cautious when they see you on a bike It's good fitness when you live in Kamala and ride to Layan or Patong

Pinot · #7 28-06-2009, 02:04

The thought of riding over that hill into Patong gives me chills. I guess I'll be walking for awhile.

damaz · #8 29-06-2009, 09:17

Going over is okay it's that last hill on the way back that's a killer you'll get fit if you want!!!

jaffaman · #9 29-06-2009, 10:14

I lived in Patong last year for a few months
I would highly recommend cycling there,
Car drivers always gave me a wide berth,
females on scooters not so.
get a good lock overseas..

The Loop · #10 29-06-2009, 13:30

The roads are dirty and dusty around Patong,especially near Jungceylon,and around the many building sites,where trucks are coming and going and leaving a layer of clay on the road that is slippery when it rains and dusty when it`s not.

I`d suggest you would be breathing in even more of the dust and car exhaust,on a push bike,that clogs up the air cleaners on my car and bike...
If your hoping for a longer and healthier life,think again.

There`s plenty of Thais wearing face masks around town these days.

But...up to you.

LivinLOS · #11 29-06-2009, 15:04

My brother rides bikes for ftness and fun but not for transport.. For a start no matter how fit you are your going to arrive at your destination soaking with sweat, the humidity is just that high..

bangladiver · #12 29-06-2009, 15:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

My brother rides bikes for ftness and fun but not for transport.. For a start no matter how fit you are your going to arrive at your destination soaking with sweat, the humidity is just that high..

a lot of guys still manage to arrive like that with mbikes or air conned cars!55555

Simbo · #13 29-06-2009, 15:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinot

The thought of riding over that hill into Patong gives me chills. I guess I'll be walking for awhile.

You should try walking over the patong-kamalalala hill- that sorts out the men from the boys! I walk everywhere when not in the truck (oxymoron?) dust is a problem but you soon get used to it. Crusty ventures out on his pushbike once in a while but I feel far safer walking and would never get a motorbike. Others like them but I don't.

nelsonone · #14 29-06-2009, 16:51

make sure you have plenty of spare tubews with yopu...the roads are a rubber makers dream

damaz · #15 30-06-2009, 12:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simbo

You should try walking over the patong-kamalalala hill- that sorts out the men from the boys! I walk everywhere when not in the truck (oxymoron?) dust is a problem but you soon get used to it. Crusty ventures out on his pushbike once in a while but I feel far safer walking and would never get a motorbike. Others like them but I don't.

I see a farang man walking over there often is that you Simbo no shirt and cap?