As a kid growing up in Thailand, I spent a considerable amount of time in the southern provinces of Phang Nga, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, and Phuket. Phuket was by far my most favorite oceanside province. I've been back many times on my visits throughout the years and found myself disliking all the modern changes. It has become far too crowded with tourists and lacking in the local vibe I once fell in love with. The cost of living has gone up so much that my dreams of early retirement there has been revised to seek other options. I'm now seeking areas in neighboring provinces that are less traveled by tourists.
Ao Nang to me is still the best jump off point to all you need. Lots of the great places you want within a couple of hours max. Krabi airport to get to wherever you want to get to that's further. That's why l left Jomtien/Pattaya and moved to Ao Nang. Air is cleaner. 1 bdrm condo at 11,000 baht a month for a 2 yr contract.
Phuket used to be really nice. Now it's extremely overpriced relative to the rest of Thailand and is going through what can only be described as 'over tourism'. Russians have made Phuket their 2nd home and that comes with a cost. Travelers know what I'm talking about.
I live in Phuket 9 months of the year. Have done for the past 10 years. One thing and one thing only has ruined the place. Russians. The Russian invasion.
Too many Russians and Chinese in Phuket now. Being around them in such large numbers ruins the tourist experience. We went during covid and stayed for a month. all the beaches were empty, no one around. Only locals. Probably Won’t be back again because it will never beat that experience. The rawai seafood market was our favorite.
I don’t mind the Russians they are ok but the Chinese are disgusting. Always yelling, pushing to the front of a line, and they steal anything not nailed down.
@@GreenyTravels Couldn't agree more. We had a pool villa on the road between Kamala and Patong for 13 years. Just sold it. The Russian invasion post Covid killed the property values. Covid was fabulous! We loved that virus! Moved north to a Russian free zone. 😂
Hi Greeney, While you are in the area, you should check out Thai Mueang, Phang Nga. It's just across the bridge from Phuket about 20 minutes. Very quiet, low prices and beautiful beaches. You will need transportation, though.
Thumbs up 👍 Greeny….are you still here…it does have heavy traffic however I’m in no hurry to get anywhere so it’s all cool 😎 as far as rent we bought our condo in Surin Beach in 2018 😎also food if you’ve lived here you get to know where all the reasonable places to eat 😎
Brian... Off topic. My friend is looking to retire in pattaya, to start with. Lol. Any suggestions on condos, 1 bdrm, that are big? Like 55 sqm or bigger? Central pattaya is best. Thanks I'm advance
The other thing that is good here is this is known as fight Island training island fitness scene. There’s no other place in Thailand like this that offers jujutsu MMA and wrestling.
i’m wondering what day you were here that’s right outside my condo. I’ve been living here for the last two years. I lived in Patong for one year couldn’t take the craziness. It’s better here in Rawai.
The "burning season" affects the top 3/4 of Thailand, especially the north and central regions. If you're looking for year round quality air, then you'd need to go to the provinces south of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Most of the areas on the Andaman Sea side are good. The only draw back to the southern provinces is the long rainy season.
@BrandenLesko Thanks, I'd rather have some smoke than have a lot of rain... Most likely, I'll be moving to Pattaya with my family, I love the fact that it is so close to Bangkok, Regards
South Phuket is very nice but not cheap in peak season which i guess is when you want to be there. Lot of rain at other times from April. But islands and scenery all around are stunning.
I loved Phuket but it was about 13% higher in prices yes traffic is very bad there at all times during the day and evening but it is very beautiful there ❤
Thanks, Greeny. Yeah like you I loved Rawai. Lots of places to eat ,drink and be merry. I stayed at an airBNB at the "Title" right in the middle of town. Thoroughly enjoyed my time there. 😎😀
I dont understand why people go to tourist areas then complain that its to touristy. Using your friend as the reason for going becomes old. My mate come over last year, so I went with him to places I've not been to before. His name is John, it's one of those things where I can take him to places I've been to before and didnt like, or enjoy somewhere I've not been before with a mate.
I went to some new places on the trip. He wanted to go to Phuket. Rawai was great. I’m not complaining. Just not sure if I could stay long term. We will see
Great video I was wondering what that area was like. Everybody says you need to go as far south as possible to avoid the burn season which like you say, is unfortunately during high season. I know the language barrier is always going to be an issue and now more complicated with Russian Chinese communities. I've seen advertised these earpieces that will translate in real time have you thought about those?
Was there last year Beautiful but the most expensive part of Thailand ... also way too many tourists to enjoy living there But tempting because of the clean air Maybe in Rawai! We had a 2 bedroom villa with a personal pool there ...was fantastic!
I had to leave Phuket 3 days early - just hated the Russian influence. But the baht is King and the locals don't care who probides it. Krabi for me every time - busy but no ONE oppressive influence. 👍
I have a love hate relationship with Phuket. I first went to Patong and didn't like it there at all so started going to Ao Nang, which I liked immediately. However, during COVID I went back and stayed at Bang Tao and absolutely loved it!! In conclusion for me, it's a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.
Forget Phuket, it's not for you....keep doing your sojerns, it's entertaining........................but genuinely, having watched you over the few years on YT,.I can't imagine you ever really settled or happy with your lot, but you won't find better than your apartment as a base imo..............................
Good video but I've no idea why you'd swap Bang Saray for Phuket? 😳 Bang Saray is amazing, quiet, peaceful, nice beach, near Central Pattaya and an airport and cheap as chips whereas Phuket is the complete opposite. Gridlocked traffic, little Russia, expensive, overrun with tourists, taxi mafia, nightlife trouble everywhere especially Patong, getting more polluted through over tourism and filthy polluting tourist boats destroying the beaches and coral. Nah, Bang Saray for me all day long! 👍
@GreenyTravels Bad air pollution in Pattaya area only lasts a few months a year whereas pollution in Phuket lasts all year round due to over tourism, traffic fumes and filthy humans littering everywhere. Then again, humans themselves are the worst kind of litter especially if there's lots of them. 😡 We're all different but for me, it's Bang Saray, Sattahip or Rayong all day long. 👍
I lived there 6 months in kata in the last 3 years....gorgeous area too busy for me the driving is too dangerous. If you dont drive maybe its ok. Nai Harn is the best IMO
Hi Greenie, Nice video. What was the name of the snorkeling trip? We will be there in 2 weeks. We’re staying in Kamala for 3 days and the Slate close to airport for a couple more. Any other beach bars/restaurant advice would be appreciated. Our first trip to Thailand. Go Lions tonight.
@@GreenyTravels thanks man, appreciate it. This should make you feel good about being in Thailand. High temperature in metro Detroit Tuesday? 5 degrees.
Phuket got crazy expensive, this week they have this edm festival, 25000 a night everywhere. Insane ah? Also too touristic, taxis too expensive, airport far. Sad Pattaya doesnt have that beachy vibe and cannot swim, otherwise would be perfect as cheap
If you live in Bangkok or central Thailand, try Cha-Am on the western side of the gulf instead for cleaner waters and less foreign tourists. Cheaper food and accommodations.
Pattaya does have a beachy vibe. Couple of spots locals would know, not advertising though. Go to Sattahip if you want swimming in the ocean. Otherwise plenty of pools for swimming. When I hear people complaining about not swimming in ocean, I wonder how thousands of people who swam in that same water that day survived? Probably just showered afterwards like normal people.
The one thing I hate about sitting at the beach is the "hawkers, peddlers, vendors" every minute asking if you want to buy something. NO I came to RELAX if I wanted to buy that Item I would walk 2 minutes to the store that sells that same item.
Phuket. At one time phuket was a great place. Now you have lots of chinese and russian mafia. Thailand thinks about cracking down on these groups but money seems to limit the thai govs actions. Many Thais are not happy about what is taking place in Phuket. A lot of it is illegal. Housing prices are around twice the cost of other tourist areas. Sometimes you can find a decent condo price then you hear that the cam fees are over 500 dollars a month. Phuket is still a nice place to visit for a week or two, but far too many glaring red flags. Even thais have trouble living in that area. Thanks for the video
If you're looking for a less crowded area, less traffic & congestion (easy motorbike driving), nice beach, not overly expensive, plenty of good restaurants with all kinds of food, good shopping, not too far from Bangkok, still has a more realistic Thailand feel - what about Hua Hin? Talk about beautiful beaches, scenic drive - the drive from Hua Hin down to Surat Thani is the most beautiful I've seen in Thailand. National parks, mountains, etc along the way. And from there ferry over to Koh Samui.
As a kid growing up in Thailand, I spent a considerable amount of time in the southern provinces of Phang Nga, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, and Phuket. Phuket was by far my most favorite oceanside province. I've been back many times on my visits throughout the years and found myself disliking all the modern changes. It has become far too crowded with tourists and lacking in the local vibe I once fell in love with. The cost of living has gone up so much that my dreams of early retirement there has been revised to seek other options. I'm now seeking areas in neighboring provinces that are less traveled by tourists.
Greeny the beaches you are on is stunning.
They were all so nice. At the end I was on Koh Lipe. So amazing
I like pattaya it has it all if you get sick of tourists you can take a walk to the darkside no tourists 😊
I agree 2 years ago Bearley seen a thia just Russia
Overrun now
Ao Nang to me is still the best jump off point to all you need. Lots of the great places you want within a couple of hours max. Krabi airport to get to wherever you want to get to that's further. That's why l left Jomtien/Pattaya and moved to Ao Nang. Air is cleaner. 1 bdrm condo at 11,000 baht a month for a 2 yr contract.
Ao Nang, Samui strong competitors for my future here. 6 months south 6 in Bangkok would be great
Phuket used to be really nice. Now it's extremely overpriced relative to the rest of Thailand and is going through what can only be described as 'over tourism'. Russians have made Phuket their 2nd home and that comes with a cost. Travelers know what I'm talking about.
rus is awfull
I live in Phuket 9 months of the year. Have done for the past 10 years. One thing and one thing only has ruined the place. Russians. The Russian invasion.
Too many Russians and Chinese in Phuket now. Being around them in such large numbers ruins the tourist experience. We went during covid and stayed for a month. all the beaches were empty, no one around. Only locals. Probably Won’t be back again because it will never beat that experience. The rawai seafood market was our favorite.
I loved it over Covid. Went twice. Feel bad for the workers but the no crowds was amazing
@@GreenyTravels yea covid for some people was pure hell but hawaii during this time was fantastic. nobody on the beach or on the roads. it was heaven
I don’t mind the Russians they are ok but the Chinese are disgusting. Always yelling, pushing to the front of a line, and they steal anything not nailed down.
@@GreenyTravels Couldn't agree more. We had a pool villa on the road between Kamala and Patong for 13 years. Just sold it. The Russian invasion post Covid killed the property values. Covid was fabulous! We loved that virus! Moved north to a Russian free zone. 😂
I owned a condo in Karon for 12 months. I sold it exactly 1 year ago.
The traffic and the number of tourists gets old really quick.
Good drone shots. What is the brand and range? Is it easy to learn?
Not for me. Lost it already
Brian any difference in the strength of the Sun in Phuket versus Pattaya.
I think much stronger in Phuket
@@GreenyTravels Did you get sun burn.
I made the mistake of renting past January in Pattaya. The air quality was rough today. When did the air improve last year? Mid April?
lol. June
@@GreenyTravels Thanks for the feedback!
Hi Greeney, While you are in the area, you should check out Thai Mueang, Phang Nga. It's just across the bridge from Phuket about 20 minutes. Very quiet, low prices and beautiful beaches. You will need transportation, though.
Thumbs up 👍 Greeny….are you still here…it does have heavy traffic however I’m in no hurry to get anywhere so it’s all cool 😎 as far as rent we bought our condo in Surin Beach in 2018 😎also food if you’ve lived here you get to know where all the reasonable places to eat 😎
Nice!! I’m sure if I stayed long term I would figure it out. We will see.
I like Phuket but Koh Samui might be a better choice during burning season. Maintain that beachy atmosphere.
Brian... Off topic.
My friend is looking to retire in pattaya, to start with. Lol. Any suggestions on condos, 1 bdrm, that are big? Like 55 sqm or bigger? Central pattaya is best. Thanks I'm advance
The other thing that is good here is this is known as fight Island training island fitness scene. There’s no other place in Thailand like this that offers jujutsu MMA and wrestling.
i’m wondering what day you were here that’s right outside my condo. I’ve been living here for the last two years. I lived in Patong for one year couldn’t take the craziness. It’s better here in Rawai.
Seems much better
Is the smokey season that bad in Pattaya? I thought it was mainly a problem if you lived in the north
Bad for me. Definitely a haze in the air. I hate that
The "burning season" affects the top 3/4 of Thailand, especially the north and central regions. If you're looking for year round quality air, then you'd need to go to the provinces south of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Most of the areas on the Andaman Sea side are good. The only draw back to the southern provinces is the long rainy season.
@BrandenLesko
Thanks, I'd rather have some smoke than have a lot of rain... Most likely, I'll be moving to Pattaya with my family, I love the fact that it is so close to Bangkok, Regards
@Connor-jf7rp
Today? But the smokey season has even started, has it?
@Connor-jf7rp
Well, that's very sad, what a shame! Best of luck!
Russians taken over Phuket now! Much busier and more expensive than before.
Seems like it.
South Phuket is very nice but not cheap in peak season which i guess is when you want to be there. Lot of rain at other times from April. But islands and scenery all around are stunning.
The traffic really the only thing stopping me from Phuket. Was out with a buddy that lives there and he is so tired of it.
Greeny-you did excellent ~😊
Excellent in what?
Brian what kind of traffic were you getting dating sites in Phuket.
lol. Didn’t look but I’m sure would have been all freelancers like Pattaya
@@GreenyTravels Is it the Russian freelancers taking over.
If you check the air quality map in the app, you will find that there is heavy burning in many areas of Cambodia and some in Thailand as well.
I loved Phuket but it was about 13% higher in prices yes traffic is very bad there at all times during the day and evening but it is very beautiful there ❤
Thanks, Greeny. Yeah like you I loved Rawai. Lots of places to eat ,drink and be merry. I stayed at an airBNB at the "Title" right in the middle of town. Thoroughly enjoyed my time there. 😎😀
I stayed at the title too. Was very convenient
@GreenyTravels Yes I totally agree. 😀
Will you be heading to Ao Nang it was another area that enjoyed. I stayed at the Golden Beach Resort.
@PaulD-Australia he did that not long ago
@timwalker2458 OK Thanks, must have missed it.😊
I dont understand why people go to tourist areas then complain that its to touristy.
Using your friend as the reason for going becomes old.
My mate come over last year, so I went with him to places I've not been to before.
His name is John, it's one of those things where I can take him to places I've been to before and didnt like, or enjoy somewhere I've not been before with a mate.
Because Russian tourism is on a different level same as a takeover!
I went to some new places on the trip. He wanted to go to Phuket. Rawai was great. I’m not complaining. Just not sure if I could stay long term. We will see
Let me have one guess on where the guy walking into the restaurant with no shirt on was from
😂
Yeah looks disgusting. They have no refinement or respect for others!
Great video I was wondering what that area was like. Everybody says you need to go as far south as possible to avoid the burn season which like you say, is unfortunately during high season. I know the language barrier is always going to be an issue and now more complicated with Russian Chinese communities. I've seen advertised these earpieces that will translate in real time have you thought about those?
Was there last year
Beautiful but the most expensive part of Thailand ... also way too many tourists to enjoy living there
But tempting because of the clean air
Maybe in Rawai!
We had a 2 bedroom villa with a personal pool there ...was fantastic!
"what are we going on a hayride?" you crack me up.
I had to leave Phuket 3 days early - just hated the Russian influence. But the baht is King and the locals don't care who probides it. Krabi for me every time - busy but no ONE oppressive influence. 👍
Yea. Krabi awesome
Let’s go Lions 🏈
Yes sir
I have a love hate relationship with Phuket. I first went to Patong and didn't like it there at all so started going to Ao Nang, which I liked immediately. However, during COVID I went back and stayed at Bang Tao and absolutely loved it!! In conclusion for me, it's a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.
I find that Phuket is a fairly expensive place to stay in Thailand
Yes. One of the most
Forget Phuket, it's not for you....keep doing your sojerns, it's entertaining........................but genuinely, having watched you over the few years on YT,.I can't imagine you ever really settled or happy with your lot, but you won't find better than your apartment as a base imo..............................
That’s true. I’m looking though. I got an offer on my place. We will see what happens
Good video but I've no idea why you'd swap Bang Saray for Phuket? 😳
Bang Saray is amazing, quiet, peaceful, nice beach, near Central Pattaya and an airport and cheap as chips whereas Phuket is the complete opposite.
Gridlocked traffic, little Russia, expensive, overrun with tourists, taxi mafia, nightlife trouble everywhere especially Patong, getting more polluted through over tourism and filthy polluting tourist boats destroying the beaches and coral. Nah, Bang Saray for me all day long! 👍
Pollution my friend. I couldn’t leave the house today. It’s gross. Phuket probably not the answer either though.
@GreenyTravels Bad air pollution in Pattaya area only lasts a few months a year whereas pollution in Phuket lasts all year round due to over tourism, traffic fumes and filthy humans littering everywhere. Then again, humans themselves are the worst kind of litter especially if there's lots of them. 😡
We're all different but for me, it's Bang Saray, Sattahip or Rayong all day long. 👍
Soi 6 Lady say" gLeeny, why you boom boom lady Phuket, come back, NA!!
😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣
I lived there 6 months in kata in the last 3 years....gorgeous area too busy for me the driving is too dangerous. If you dont drive maybe its ok. Nai Harn is the best IMO
Hi Greenie,
Nice video. What was the name of the snorkeling trip? We will be there in 2 weeks. We’re staying in Kamala for 3 days and the Slate close to airport for a couple more.
Any other beach bars/restaurant advice would be appreciated. Our first trip to Thailand.
Go Lions tonight.
Coral island trip
@@GreenyTravels thanks man, appreciate it. This should make you feel good about being in Thailand. High temperature in metro Detroit Tuesday? 5 degrees.
Phuket got crazy expensive, this week they have this edm festival, 25000 a night everywhere. Insane ah? Also too touristic, taxis too expensive, airport far. Sad Pattaya doesnt have that beachy vibe and cannot swim, otherwise would be perfect as cheap
🤮
If you live in Bangkok or central Thailand, try Cha-Am on the western side of the gulf instead for cleaner waters and less foreign tourists. Cheaper food and accommodations.
Pattaya does have a beachy vibe. Couple of spots locals would know, not advertising though. Go to Sattahip if you want swimming in the ocean. Otherwise plenty of pools for swimming. When I hear people complaining about not swimming in ocean, I wonder how thousands of people who swam in that same water that day survived? Probably just showered afterwards like normal people.
The one thing I hate about sitting at the beach is the "hawkers, peddlers, vendors" every minute asking if you want to buy something. NO I came to RELAX if I wanted to buy that Item I would walk 2 minutes to the store that sells that same item.
Phuket. At one time phuket was a great place. Now you have lots of chinese and russian mafia. Thailand thinks about cracking down on these groups but money seems to limit the thai govs actions. Many Thais are not happy about what is taking place in Phuket. A lot of it is illegal. Housing prices are around twice the cost of other tourist areas. Sometimes you can find a decent condo price then you hear that the cam fees are over 500 dollars a month. Phuket is still a nice place to visit for a week or two, but far too many glaring red flags. Even thais have trouble living in that area. Thanks for the video
@@paulhefner2813 Please stay in yr own county and save your racism to your own self.
Cleaning the feet in the same water is not advisable, good for
the restaurant’s floor but not good for hygiene and fungal infections
There's enough sand and salt being rinsed off into that, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.
Phuket, Death Waters, YUK!
After the tsunami I won't go near the place! YUK! 😮
anyone ever tell you that your eyeballs are unnaturally close together?
In 58 years you are the first.
@@GreenyTravels well, they are.
Thailand it's not the right place for every westerners.depend on your life syle your money and your taste.
This is so true. Definitely takes some getting used to
and no horses
4:26 🍑
😂
If you're looking for a less crowded area, less traffic & congestion (easy motorbike driving), nice beach, not overly expensive, plenty of good restaurants with all kinds of food, good shopping, not too far from Bangkok, still has a more realistic Thailand feel - what about Hua Hin? Talk about beautiful beaches, scenic drive - the drive from Hua Hin down to Surat Thani is the most beautiful I've seen in Thailand. National parks, mountains, etc along the way. And from there ferry over to Koh Samui.
I’m trying to avoid the pollution and Hua Hin gets it too. Samui may be my best option.
I moved out of Phuket. Was there for 3 years but it changed drastically.
That’s all I heard about. A shame
At least it's better than Pattaya. I'm still not a fan of either.
no thanks,to much rus there