Prev Vid Samui to Phangan: th-cam.com/video/k0sDJ6dHXno/w-d-xo.html Buy me a beer: www.buymeacoffee.com/SideTripLIFE Become a Patreon: www.patreon.com/sidetriplife
One of the myriad reasons we love these videos is that it transports us right back to Thailand while watching them. It's the detail but in particular it's the sounds we hear during them. So a certain bird sings, the shop sounds opening a Family Mart or 7/11 door, the lovely Thai people talking etc. Close my eyes, listen and we're there for just those few seconds.
Great video. Exactly what I needed. Your filming style and laid back narration + not putting yourself in the picture is unique and relaxing. Please post more often!
Must be a proof of quality that I'm watching your videos for the third or fourth time on a Friday night after work sipping a beer. Just bought you two beers, enjoy! Cheers from Sweden!
Cheers/Skål! Note you just added a vid for Stable Lodge to your channel. That was the 1st hotel I stayed at in Sukhumvit back when and loved it. Soi 8 still my fav in Bangkok.
@@SideTripLife Soi 8 is a relaxing place with good vibes. I stayed at Stable Lodge first time in 1999, was great then but even better now. I stayed at Had Son Resort in 2006, before the Koh Raham area was established. Great to see how it developed.
Wowsers. I stayed at Haad Yao 30 years ago. It’s changed A LOT. The only way there was in the back of a ute down a rutted dirt track through the jungle. Stayed in Bayview Bungalows (now Bayview Hotel), a beer was more expensive than a night’s accomodation right on the beach. Great place. Great vibe. Nice video, 🙏
Love all of your posts, brother: you don't focus on just your face; we can feel like we're THERE; and you explore so many places. Brilliant FUN. May I make a few requests? My partner gets dizzy when she sees fast video 'pans' from side-to-side; and can't watch if/when any TH-camr walks & films, without using a 'motion-stabilizing' video function. (To be honest, fast pans from side to side make ME feel a l'il queasy, too.) When I was 10, a relative taught me to SLOWLY film from side to side, on an 8mm film camera...and whenever (slowly) zooming out. Then, when I finally got my own '90s videocam (tape-based), I recalled those lessons---and even that older 'analog' Sony vidcam back then had a so-useful motion-stabilizing function. Probably digital cameras, too, have that 1990s function, now.... I realize that you're trying to keep your video & editing gear simple (kudos' good idea). Could you please check if the smartphone you use has a video-stabilizing function...and please if possible try slow side-to-side pans? I'd love to watch EVERY video post of yours, WITH this lady...however she just can't. If your current phone DOESN'T have accessible motion-stabilizing functions, perhaps a not-too-expensive dedicated video camera might be worth it? Keep up the good work, man. Love your gentle vocal commentaries, too, BTW.
Hi, thanks and also for the good suggestions (& my apologies to your lady). Actually my phone has a built-in gimbal, the problem is my DNA - I just move too fast! I can sometimes feel the gimbal groaning trying to keep up as I whip around lol. Very hard habit to break but will try to slow down. Cheers PS: The phone I use to film: th-cam.com/video/AxZojlP1nSs/w-d-xo.html
We love this video. When we go to Koh Phangan, we always stay at Hut Sun and every morning we walk to High Life to have breakfast and then we swim and walk on Had Yao. This is our favorite place and we hope we can come back some day.
A great collection of laid-back restaurants. I went to the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan many years ago. The atmosphere in this video is so much better!
Thank you for sharing, we are so grateful to you for sharing Thailand with us ,we miss our vacations there, we will be back until then we have your lovely videos to look at.👍🇨🇦❣️
So goods memories to this place ! Phangan is a wonderful island. The high life have a new decoration it was more "baba cool" before but it's really pretty now.
Promoting positive well-being is the strength and spirit, (if you will), of your videos. What is the old proverbial phrase? "Is the glass half empty or half full?" It would seem you are a "half-full glass" kind of guy, and you tell your stories in this upbeat style. Your videos certainly create a desire for adventure! Thanks for taking us along! Cheers from the frozen guy up north!!
Located 70 km from the mainland and just 12 km from Koh Samui, Phangan does not have an airport and relies heavily on ferries from the mainland and Koh Samui to transport visitors. The island is renowned for its lush tropical jungle interior, many idyllic, long white-sand beaches and over 20 nearby dive sites.
Thanks - wonderful video to watch as I visited most of those places with fond memories 2+ years ago and look forward to returning - maybe by end of this year. BTW I saw the sign for Pura Vida (near Bubba's) - this was one of my favorite breakfast places so hope it's not closed. Try it if you get a chance.
Great video of my favourite island 🌴Stayed in “Highlife Bungalows” a couple of times... Great spot 👌🏻 A lot of changes since I last visited... Be back soon ✈️
Thanks Bud. To any looking in who have never ridden a bike nor visited here, KPG is really not a place to learn to ride with many big hills and twisty roads. Also insurance is invalid without a bike lic & helmet is a must (despite many go without - resulting in frequent 'go fund me' accident cases, or worse)
Been checking out your videos & impressed. You do a number of things that make for great videos: your equipment must be state of the art, really crystal clear quality, you are not often in the videos, which is unusual, most guys & gals r the focal point of videos, which I have no criticism. It's just different. Your dialogue pertains to subject; not a lot of chatter & by far, the subject matter; those islands! I've only seen Phu Quoc prior to your videos. The rates & outstanding quality of the places. The ppl are different too. The atmosphere is extraordinarily tranquil. I'm 67, married & living on SS & pension. I like every dollar to count! I am technically challenged, like many of my peers. This cyber world is like space travel. Don't always get the lingo, but I'm persistent because I love Thailand, even more after watching your videos. You may very well be the best yet, although I do like several others who have really helped me out with my endless barrage of questions. Will be watching & thanks again. I checked out ALL the stuff you sent me & greatly appreciate you taking the time to do it. Am subscribed & always hit the like button.
I'll keep the channel in mind if I want to fall asleep quickly, I don't know why you want to keep doing voice down but you're positively sopophoric. This is not a goddamn major documentary from Africa
That's ok J B, even I think my vids are a bit 'meh'... But that's just my style, heavy on content, lite on 'performing'. I also loathe/cringe at talking to myself (it's just so weird!) . Perhaps I should emulate successful YT'rs by cutting way back on actual content (what's in front of the camera) and instead put on mostly a selfie performance. This style would take far less effort vs filming many different sites & seems vastly more popular too. Thanks for the idea! lol
BIGJED75 is being modest, Kep looks amazing as are the islands off Cambodia. BigJed is also part of a very informative and entertaining channel with the latest on all things Cambo - check out ''For Riel' Cheers guys:)
Nice place,i,stayed my last visit in hut sun,by the way is your television working? becouse i first stay in the main building,uptairs in the restaurant and the tv was not working,than after 2days i moved to the beach bungalow with the sunset balcony and the tv was also not working.😀 Later i discovered that all tv's are not working.😀.but mai pen rai,i have had a great Stay..Thanks for the good memories.👍😀🙏
Sounds like a good memory Janus, Haad Chao Pao beach is a gem and HutSun is in a great location. TV? Never turned it on. Your stay was probably vastly improved without it (especially without news channels lol ;) Cheers!
Always looking forward to new video's from you side. Keep up the good work ! PS: If you make a 180\270 shot...move your camera a bit slower :) PS2: Feeling bad that we can't go there...
Yes, moving to quickly is in my DNA, must try to slow down lol. Hopefully Thailand can ramp up vax then more can start to return in the not too distant future. Hang in there!
Heya STL, I'm heading to the Samui Sandbox in September and was hoping you could recommend an AHA plus hotel by Lamai Beach Crystal Palace area? I would love to be on the beach but close is fine, also if you would recommend staying elsewhere on the island I would love options also. I love your videos! Keep them coming.
Thx SST. SHA Plus? Looking at the map of Lamai area there's only a few SHA + hotels on offer. Being budget minded but wanting decent quality, beachfront and walk to anywhere, personally would pick Marina Villa Hotel. Cheap as chips now too, around 700 baht (but would ante-up and get a top floor deluxe room closest to beach with pool/beach view from balcony. Then basically can walk anywhere, starting with the beach a few steps away. EDIT TO ADD: other areas: I have to say, Bangrak really won me over on this trip for so many great and reasonably priced restaurants on and off the beach, plus the beach itself while not pristine, is endlessly interesting to walk along, plus Bangrak market etc etc. BUT no SHA in Bangrak beach at the moment. So, would stay at Bophut, either Karma (higher end but reasonable & lovely) or budget good ol' Ibis. Then can hit the Shack and all the other great places in Bophut, plus Bangrak is just over the hill. Enjoy! STL
@@SideTripLife I just got done watching your Samui series, yes I agree the prices in Bangrak looked awesome! So many places I never knew about. I spent a month in Samui in 2018 but had a local "guide" but we went to the popular places. I just checked again and the Lamai Samui is fully booked now so I think I will take your advice and go with your suggestion. I really appreciate your input and maybe I'll see you there!
Ok but wait....bit confused and don't want to give wrong info. You initially mentioned AHA which I took to mean SHA hotel. There are TWO types of hotels in the Samui Plus program, AQ and SHA. The Lamai Samui /formerly Le Meridien is an "AQ" hotel as is required for first 7 days stay for intnl arrivals (unless already done 7 AQ days in Phuket Sandbox). There's only a handful of AQ hotels thus far (9 I think). Then, after 7 days at an AQ hotel, intnl visitors can check into a much cheaper and more plentiful SHA hotel (138 to choose from) for the final 7 days of the program. So, just to be clear the hotels I was suggesting were all in the SHA plus program, ie: for FINAL 7 days AFTER initial AQ 7 days stay. Hope we're on the same page, just don't want to unintentionally cause a viewer to book the wrong type of room! Cheers
@@SideTripLife Oops, I booked all my days at the Marina hotel. What is the cheapest first 7 day hotel? Sorry if I confused you. I should have been more specific.
Recommend to start by FIRST contacting your nearest Thai Embassy and apply for a COE (certificate of entry). Then look at "AQ" hotels for 1st 7 days in either Phuket or Samui (Phuket AQ hotels are cheaper as Samui requires hotels to take on extra safety measures like hospital staff etc etc). Have a look at 'Samui info by Nicha' FB group for more details and for Phuket, 'Phuket Sandbox - “Better Phuket” By I Asia Thailand' FB group and take it from there. Good luck!
so strange to see this.. things have changed so much.. Are there any countries where the "new koh phangan is" like how it was back in the day 90's and until about 2008
Good reminder, will do. Internet was fine at HutSun, also at Cabana. ie: could watch YT, netflix etc. At HutSun noticed a girl with headset and laptop seeming to be teaching online from her balcony so I suppose it was ok for that. At Cabana if you look at my prev vid you can see several people at the seaside restaurant with laptops open. Same at What's Cup cafe in this vid, plus there's loads of others like Zen Beach Hub, Bubba's, Rong's and on and on, also dedicated co-working places. Actually it seems every second person on KPG is working online.
@@SideTripLife working online or checking FB and IG :P Thanks for the info , and maybe next time remember to ask one of those guys if the connection is strong and stable enough for prolonged video conferencing
I don't know if I dozed off when you showed the $8.00 room, but I watched video twice & missed it. Not really a big deal, just curious. Let me know where to find it. Plenty of options in the video, but I'm just a whaco about petty details. 🤐
This was filmed during 'Rona' time and since then tourism has ROARED back.... Thus, few places are renting monthly but I checked Benjamin's and Cabana and both are full until after April holidays, then go from $20-$30 night, still not bad for beachfront paradise pool hotels. Will be doing an update on current 2023 pricing etc upcoming, stay tuned.
No nightlife clubs ala Bangkok/Pattaya etc (& many would say, thankfully;) Well, unless you count the likes of 360 bar etc or former full moon debacle and the wee strip of girly bars on the way to Ban Tai. Other than that, there's umpteen chill, cool, hip (or hippie chic;) places to wine n dine. Or my fav, all kinds of local watering holes with cheap & cheerful grub n grog on the beaches and down the small lanes.
Koh Phangan, younger demographic - Uniform: Sri Thanu in particular, hippie chic, wear a scarf or toque even (cos it looks cool, despite 40 C heat;) man bun /pony tail (MUST!), beard, elephant or hemp wrap skirts/guys/gals, dread lock hair= bonus points, look at 'normies' with dismissive disdain and say 'I feel your energy' when meeting another 'conscious' person at the local vegan cafe or yoga studio (or use scarf to disguise when having a steak or burger at Belgian Bistro;). Koh Samui, older demographic -Uniform: Lamai in particular, safari shorts, wife beater / Chang singlet, white knee socks in sandals, cruise around on big bike with no helmet (cos you're free & tuff as hell;) +max loud pipes =bonus points (again, the tuff boomer thing;) look at younger westerners with disdain, talk baby talk to Thais while acting superior, oh and complain a lot, esp about how they do things better 'back home'.... Ok just joking, really Samui/Phangan only 20 min boat ride apart so either Island lol;)
We love these videos you're putting out!! We'll be arriving in October. Any apartments we can rent out monthly at a decent price in that area? Hope all is well there!!
@Living On Our Terms Thanks and great channel name guys! Best have a look on Facebook groups for Koh Phangan rentals where you'll find many small bungalows/apts etc for rent.
Plz add internet speed test when you stay at different bungalows, gives people an idea if they can work online. Teaching english needs decent internet for streaming sessions.
Many small bungalows and even mid-large resorts can have throttled internet depending how many are sharing same bandwidth pipe at same time. So, best to get an unlimited data sim and tether. Check at AIS/TRUE/DTAC etc main shops and ask if they have any deals on. I did and have a fast unlimited plan for 200 baht/$6 month (this was a rare deal but pays to ask).
I forgot which phone you use for your filming. Is it a Vivo? And if so or not, which model again, please? Thanks so much and really enjoy the videos. I've told you before, it helps calm those of us who can't travel for a while/long time. Be safe!
Thanks for watching my vids and coming along. Regarding the phone I use to film with, will paste my response to a similar query below: -Vivo X50 pro, 1st phone with a builtin gimbal: th-cam.com/video/AxZojlP1nSs/w-d-xo.html But it's getting old now and I've dropped it many times (still works ok tho, amazingly;) .So will look to upgrade to the new X70 Pro as the gimbal is on the ultra-wide lens this time (on the X50 pro the gimbal is on the main lens, bit FOV is a bit too narrow/tight)
A great place which I miss visiting. We have a condo in HH and hope to travel next year. Let's see. By the way, will ever get edgier in your videos? How about a fight or something? Leave it to Beaver has nothing on you. And an even bigger question than Who shot JR? Will we ever see you on-camera? Enquiring minds want to know.
Love Hua Hin! Have done many a video showing the wonderful places from HH to Dolphin Bay, to PKK. Maybe I should have cut much of that content and thrown in some dramatics to keep interest instead? (lol just joking;) Actually, I have appeared in a few vids albeit briefly, for example: Can see me in this early vid: th-cam.com/video/LrWeMkHa1-o/w-d-xo.html And in this one: th-cam.com/video/BDILYiAvEO4/w-d-xo.html And a few others but really this channel is about what's in front of the camera (vs me blagging on filling time instead of filming actual content) hope that's ok. Cheers! PS: you missed me saying I was naked except for shoes at the last beach, does that count?? 555!
Most small resorts, cafes, etc etc in Thailand and in SE Asia only take cash. However, localised digital payment apps are quickly taking hold even with tiny vendors ie: True Money etc, etc. Can load these apps with cash via 7 11 counter (or link via local bank if having one here)
Aug still gets a lot of sun as the SW monsoon affects the lower Gulf (Samui/KPG etc) later than the West coast (Phuket etc), This was the case last Aug but that was also an unusually dry 'summer'. Personally wouldn't hesitate to visit KPG in August. STL
Vivo X50 pro, 1st phone with a builtin gimbal: th-cam.com/video/AxZojlP1nSs/w-d-xo.html But it's getting old now and I've dropped it many times (still works ok tho, amazingly;) .So will look to upgrade to the new X70 Pro as the gimbal is on the ultra-wide lens this time (on the X50 pro the gimbal is on the main lens, bit FOV is a bit too narrow/tight)
That was the burger price at the fancy Belgian Bistro on the beach (or, go to the market, can get a burger for 3 bucks;) Thailand is currently seeing a huge surge in visitors.. Seatanu Bungalows prices are now around $60 and they're booked until end of April. Then their prices drop to around $20 for fan room, $37 for base a/c room.
@@SideTripLife ok. Once again I thank you for invaluable info. I'll keep this in mind for the low monthly rates on the off season. I wonder if food cost goes down at that time of year too. Today I pick up where I left off yesterday w your videos. 👍🇨🇷
@@SideTripLife is the AC necessary from may to? I find a good steady breeze is sufficient on islands. Ii realize different strokes for different folks. I respect your opinion, having been there.
Re reopening comments ... After such long long term closures, reopening is not as easy for many businesses as in past pandemics etc as pointed out by "THE THAIGER" TH-cam - "Thailand Reopening Costs and Challengers" -September 24 at 9.00 minutes in )-:
The prices, especially at that burger joint, were expensive, even by Western standards. Pretty, but I fear the good deals (on food and drink) are at an end now that they've discovered what foreigners will pay (and tip on top of it). How nice things get ruined unfortunately.
Sure but you can choose high or lower prices. I chose the 'fancy' place on the beach just for a treat. You can still get a burger for around $3.00 or Thai dish for $1.50 in many places, plus add a beer for 2 bucks (or go to the local Western style pub and pay twice as much++ - up2u as they say. EDIRT: ps, I don't mind tipping good service, particularly in a place where most restaurant workers are making around 12k/$350 month usually 12 hour days and 1 day off per week, if fortunate. So, tip or no tip, again, up2u
Hi, it may appear so from the outside but actually as I've shown numerous times in vids, Thai people are constantly caring for strays (despite extremely hard times personally).
Sorry I couldn't hold covid era prices FROM 3 YEARS AGO for you... Unfortunately tourist numbers and long stayers have gone berserk since covid ended. Also does not help that many foreigners have sub-let blocks of airbnb's at super inflated prices.... Again, sorry bout that. Actually perhaps try FB Marketplace, might still find some rare deals . PS: JUST checked Agoda and Cabana Resort is currently from 650 Baht/$18, loved that place too: www.agoda.com/phangan-cabana-resort/hotel/koh-phangan-th.html?cid=1898974 - ALSO, Benjamin's Huts from 1200 Baht/$36, super place. Good luck! STL
For me YT is just a hobby. I sold my biz here not too long ago and currently preparing to launch another. I suppose if I went all out at YT I might make a go of it as a main income but that's not my current goal. Good luck with your goals too, never know until you try.
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Prev Vid Samui to Phangan: th-cam.com/video/k0sDJ6dHXno/w-d-xo.html
Buy me a beer: www.buymeacoffee.com/SideTripLIFE
Become a Patreon: www.patreon.com/sidetriplife
One of the myriad reasons we love these videos is that it transports us right back to Thailand while watching them. It's the detail but in particular it's the sounds we hear during them. So a certain bird sings, the shop sounds opening a Family Mart or 7/11 door, the lovely Thai people talking etc. Close my eyes, listen and we're there for just those few seconds.
Great video. Exactly what I needed. Your filming style and laid back narration + not putting yourself in the picture is unique and relaxing. Please post more often!
beautiful filming love these vids
Cheers Paul
Must be a proof of quality that I'm watching your videos for the third or fourth time on a Friday night after work sipping a beer. Just bought you two beers, enjoy! Cheers from Sweden!
Cheers/Skål! Note you just added a vid for Stable Lodge to your channel. That was the 1st hotel I stayed at in Sukhumvit back when and loved it. Soi 8 still my fav in Bangkok.
@@SideTripLife Soi 8 is a relaxing place with good vibes. I stayed at Stable Lodge first time in 1999, was great then but even better now.
I stayed at Had Son Resort in 2006, before the Koh Raham area was established. Great to see how it developed.
Wowsers. I stayed at Haad Yao 30 years ago. It’s changed A LOT. The only way there was in the back of a ute down a rutted dirt track through the jungle. Stayed in Bayview Bungalows (now Bayview Hotel), a beer was more expensive than a night’s accomodation right on the beach. Great place. Great vibe. Nice video, 🙏
You're sooooo fortunate to have seen KPG 30 years ago! Thanks for sharing your experience back then, wonderful stuff! STL
Appreciate crystal clear attention to detail. Name of place & rates. I'm sure the hotels appreciate it even more! Good stuff.
HI There Thanks For The Video , Very Happy to see the Life back again for Thailand . and lovely country koh phangan,
lovely place .
Love all of your posts, brother: you don't focus on just your face; we can feel like we're THERE; and you explore so many places. Brilliant FUN.
May I make a few requests? My partner gets dizzy when she sees fast video 'pans' from side-to-side; and can't watch if/when any TH-camr walks & films, without using a 'motion-stabilizing' video function. (To be honest, fast pans from side to side make ME feel a l'il queasy, too.) When I was 10, a relative taught me to SLOWLY film from side to side, on an 8mm film camera...and whenever (slowly) zooming out. Then, when I finally got my own '90s videocam (tape-based), I recalled those lessons---and even that older 'analog' Sony vidcam back then had a so-useful motion-stabilizing function. Probably digital cameras, too, have that 1990s function, now....
I realize that you're trying to keep your video & editing gear simple (kudos' good idea). Could you please check if the smartphone you use has a video-stabilizing function...and please if possible try slow side-to-side pans? I'd love to watch EVERY video post of yours, WITH this lady...however she just can't. If your current phone DOESN'T have accessible motion-stabilizing functions, perhaps a not-too-expensive dedicated video camera might be worth it?
Keep up the good work, man. Love your gentle vocal commentaries, too, BTW.
Hi, thanks and also for the good suggestions (& my apologies to your lady). Actually my phone has a built-in gimbal, the problem is my DNA - I just move too fast! I can sometimes feel the gimbal groaning trying to keep up as I whip around lol. Very hard habit to break but will try to slow down. Cheers
PS: The phone I use to film: th-cam.com/video/AxZojlP1nSs/w-d-xo.html
We love this video. When we go to Koh Phangan, we always stay at Hut Sun and every morning we walk to High Life to have breakfast and then we swim and walk on Had Yao. This is our favorite place and we hope we can come back some day.
Love, love, love your vids STL. Definitely going to travel to Koh Phangan next year when we are allowed out again. 👍
Can't wait to be getting back over there in 2 months. But this time to live. Your videos get me through the wait!
Thank you for the great views ! Enjoy ...
I love your videos. Would love to see your face one day. You are one of the kindest souls...your compassion shows through your deeds.
A great collection of laid-back restaurants. I went to the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan many years ago. The atmosphere in this video is so much better!
Thanks Edward. Will show Haad Rin /full moon beach soon (you might even like it better now;)
Thank you for sharing, we are so grateful to you for sharing Thailand with us ,we miss our vacations there, we will be back until then we have your lovely videos to look at.👍🇨🇦❣️
Always good vibes and great content. Beautiful views. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day.
So goods memories to this place ! Phangan is a wonderful island. The high life have a new decoration it was more "baba cool" before but it's really pretty now.
Yet another amazing video. Loved it. Thank you. So informative. Cath and Kevs x
Looks a great place so chilled and quiet.
Promoting positive well-being is the strength and spirit, (if you will), of your videos. What is the old proverbial phrase? "Is the glass half empty or half full?" It would seem you are a "half-full glass" kind of guy, and you tell your stories in this upbeat style. Your videos certainly create a desire for adventure! Thanks for taking us along! Cheers from the frozen guy up north!!
Travels with Aeropress
Stirs his espresso
Finds fresh beans in the jungle...
Coffee level: Expert.
lol! :)
The area really looks extra special being quiet - but would so luv to be there anytime - Thanks STL 👌😎🙏👍
loved this...my friends own Coco Loco....they use to be directly across the street. That new location is only a few years old.
Located 70 km from the mainland and just 12 km from Koh Samui, Phangan does not have an airport and relies heavily on ferries from the mainland and Koh Samui to transport visitors. The island is renowned for its lush tropical jungle interior, many idyllic, long white-sand beaches and over 20 nearby dive sites.
Once the restrictions of coming to Thailand is over I will surely come beautiful place
Thanks - wonderful video to watch as I visited most of those places with fond memories 2+ years ago and look forward to returning - maybe by end of this year.
BTW I saw the sign for Pura Vida (near Bubba's) - this was one of my favorite breakfast places so hope it's not closed. Try it if you get a chance.
Great video of my favourite island 🌴Stayed in “Highlife Bungalows” a couple of times... Great spot 👌🏻
A lot of changes since I last visited... Be back soon ✈️
The greatest vid of all about beaches. Will visit the places you shared. Need a bike though. Thanks.
Thanks Bud. To any looking in who have never ridden a bike nor visited here, KPG is really not a place to learn to ride with many big hills and twisty roads. Also insurance is invalid without a bike lic & helmet is a must (despite many go without - resulting in frequent 'go fund me' accident cases, or worse)
@@SideTripLife Thailand #1 Best country and people on the planet x
Finally news and positives vibes...thanks.
Fantastic. Thanks.
Been checking out your videos & impressed. You do a number of things that make for great videos: your equipment must be state of the art, really crystal clear quality, you are not often in the videos, which is unusual, most guys & gals r the focal point of videos, which I have no criticism. It's just different. Your dialogue pertains to subject; not a lot of chatter & by far, the subject matter; those islands! I've only seen Phu Quoc prior to your videos. The rates & outstanding quality of the places. The ppl are different too. The atmosphere is extraordinarily tranquil. I'm 67, married & living on SS & pension. I like every dollar to count! I am technically challenged, like many of my peers. This cyber world is like space travel. Don't always get the lingo, but I'm persistent because I love Thailand, even more after watching your videos. You may very well be the best yet, although I do like several others who have really helped me out with my endless barrage of questions. Will be watching & thanks again. I checked out ALL the stuff you sent me & greatly appreciate you taking the time to do it. Am subscribed & always hit the like button.
@15:00 definitely beautiful beach
Wow..Epic.Love yo visit there one day.
I'll keep the channel in mind if I want to fall asleep quickly, I don't know why you want to keep doing voice down but you're positively sopophoric.
This is not a goddamn major documentary from Africa
That's ok J B, even I think my vids are a bit 'meh'... But that's just my style, heavy on content, lite on 'performing'. I also loathe/cringe at talking to myself (it's just so weird!) . Perhaps I should emulate successful YT'rs by cutting way back on actual content (what's in front of the camera) and instead put on mostly a selfie performance. This style would take far less effort vs filming many different sites & seems vastly more popular too. Thanks for the idea! lol
Ok, you win! This much better than Kep. Will have to compare that to the Cambodian Islands when we get over to them.
BIGJED75 is being modest, Kep looks amazing as are the islands off Cambodia. BigJed is also part of a very informative and entertaining channel with the latest on all things Cambo - check out ''For Riel' Cheers guys:)
@@SideTripLife Thanks for the shout out.
That was great I love it.
Love your videos.
Nice place,i,stayed my last visit in hut sun,by the way is your television working? becouse i first stay in the main building,uptairs in the restaurant and the tv was not working,than after 2days i moved to the beach bungalow with the sunset balcony and the tv was also not working.😀 Later i discovered that all tv's are not working.😀.but mai pen rai,i have had a great Stay..Thanks for the good memories.👍😀🙏
Sounds like a good memory Janus, Haad Chao Pao beach is a gem and HutSun is in a great location. TV? Never turned it on. Your stay was probably vastly improved without it (especially without news channels lol ;) Cheers!
Lol. Why not both indeed!
Seems like the busiest and most normal place in Thailand right now
Update: as a precaution restaurants went takeaway only this week but KPG still among the best places to be (would add, pre-rona, now, after, anytime:)
Always looking forward to new video's from you side. Keep up the good work !
PS: If you make a 180\270 shot...move your camera a bit slower :)
PS2: Feeling bad that we can't go there...
Yes, moving to quickly is in my DNA, must try to slow down lol. Hopefully Thailand can ramp up vax then more can start to return in the not too distant future. Hang in there!
If you go for a beer one day, visit "the flag" an xpath bar in thong sala, near the pier, and greet them from me :) love your videos
Thx Brian. They just placed a no alcohol restriction in restaurants etc (7 11, shops ok) but will be showing a look round Thong Sala town soon
Beautiful Beaches 👍👍👍✅Love Thailand 🇹🇭
Try "Minigolf" at Koh Phangan. 15 minutes from Thongsala?
Enjoyed this vid. Would love to experience sunset through your eyes from bluerama hotel infinity pool bar .. Try to go there please
Bluerama is fantastic but have an equally amazing spot coming up. Stay tuned
are you planning to visit koh chang this year?
Thailand will ALWAYS come back.....trust me
Heya STL, I'm heading to the Samui Sandbox in September and was hoping you could recommend an AHA plus hotel by Lamai Beach Crystal Palace area? I would love to be on the beach but close is fine, also if you would recommend staying elsewhere on the island I would love options also. I love your videos! Keep them coming.
Thx SST. SHA Plus? Looking at the map of Lamai area there's only a few SHA + hotels on offer. Being budget minded but wanting decent quality, beachfront and walk to anywhere, personally would pick Marina Villa Hotel. Cheap as chips now too, around 700 baht (but would ante-up and get a top floor deluxe room closest to beach with pool/beach view from balcony. Then basically can walk anywhere, starting with the beach a few steps away.
EDIT TO ADD: other areas: I have to say, Bangrak really won me over on this trip for so many great and reasonably priced restaurants on and off the beach, plus the beach itself while not pristine, is endlessly interesting to walk along, plus Bangrak market etc etc. BUT no SHA in Bangrak beach at the moment. So, would stay at Bophut, either Karma (higher end but reasonable & lovely) or budget good ol' Ibis. Then can hit the Shack and all the other great places in Bophut, plus Bangrak is just over the hill. Enjoy! STL
@@SideTripLife I just got done watching your Samui series, yes I agree the prices in Bangrak looked awesome! So many places I never knew about. I spent a month in Samui in 2018 but had a local "guide" but we went to the popular places. I just checked again and the Lamai Samui is fully booked now so I think I will take your advice and go with your suggestion. I really appreciate your input and maybe I'll see you there!
Ok but wait....bit confused and don't want to give wrong info. You initially mentioned AHA which I took to mean SHA hotel.
There are TWO types of hotels in the Samui Plus program, AQ and SHA. The Lamai Samui /formerly Le Meridien is an "AQ" hotel as is required for first 7 days stay for intnl arrivals (unless already done 7 AQ days in Phuket Sandbox). There's only a handful of AQ hotels thus far (9 I think).
Then, after 7 days at an AQ hotel, intnl visitors can check into a much cheaper and more plentiful SHA hotel (138 to choose from) for the final 7 days of the program.
So, just to be clear the hotels I was suggesting were all in the SHA plus program, ie: for FINAL 7 days AFTER initial AQ 7 days stay. Hope we're on the same page, just don't want to unintentionally cause a viewer to book the wrong type of room! Cheers
@@SideTripLife Oops, I booked all my days at the Marina hotel. What is the cheapest first 7 day hotel? Sorry if I confused you. I should have been more specific.
Recommend to start by FIRST contacting your nearest Thai Embassy and apply for a COE (certificate of entry). Then look at "AQ" hotels for 1st 7 days in either Phuket or Samui (Phuket AQ hotels are cheaper as Samui requires hotels to take on extra safety measures like hospital staff etc etc). Have a look at 'Samui info by Nicha' FB group for more details and for Phuket, 'Phuket Sandbox - “Better Phuket” By I Asia Thailand' FB group and take it from there. Good luck!
so strange to see this.. things have changed so much.. Are there any countries where the "new koh phangan is" like how it was back in the day 90's and until about 2008
very nice informative video but you should also tell about the internet quality... many guys interested in living there are digital nomads...
Good reminder, will do. Internet was fine at HutSun, also at Cabana. ie: could watch YT, netflix etc. At HutSun noticed a girl with headset and laptop seeming to be teaching online from her balcony so I suppose it was ok for that. At Cabana if you look at my prev vid you can see several people at the seaside restaurant with laptops open. Same at What's Cup cafe in this vid, plus there's loads of others like Zen Beach Hub, Bubba's, Rong's and on and on, also dedicated co-working places. Actually it seems every second person on KPG is working online.
@@SideTripLife working online or checking FB and IG :P
Thanks for the info , and maybe next time remember to ask one of those guys if the connection is strong and stable enough for prolonged video conferencing
Amazing video. A question, have you been to KP mid November, does it rain a lot?
I don't know if I dozed off when you showed the $8.00 room, but I watched video twice & missed it. Not really a big deal, just curious. Let me know where to find it. Plenty of options in the video, but I'm just a whaco about petty details. 🤐
This was filmed during 'Rona' time and since then tourism has ROARED back.... Thus, few places are renting monthly but I checked Benjamin's and Cabana and both are full until after April holidays, then go from $20-$30 night, still not bad for beachfront paradise pool hotels. Will be doing an update on current 2023 pricing etc upcoming, stay tuned.
@@SideTripLife 👍🇹🇭
Blessed ❤️
Thanks for your viedo never been ko phan gang what's the main area with night life ?, Tony
No nightlife clubs ala Bangkok/Pattaya etc (& many would say, thankfully;) Well, unless you count the likes of 360 bar etc or former full moon debacle and the wee strip of girly bars on the way to Ban Tai. Other than that, there's umpteen chill, cool, hip (or hippie chic;) places to wine n dine. Or my fav, all kinds of local watering holes with cheap & cheerful grub n grog on the beaches and down the small lanes.
@@SideTripLife cheers amigo keep. On trucking,
Great vids ,thanx. Are you and all thoe people go thru all the hustle to get into Thailand? M in Spain.
What is better island to live on Koh Phangan or Koh Samui?
Koh Phangan, younger demographic - Uniform: Sri Thanu in particular, hippie chic, wear a scarf or toque even (cos it looks cool, despite 40 C heat;) man bun /pony tail (MUST!), beard, elephant or hemp wrap skirts/guys/gals, dread lock hair= bonus points, look at 'normies' with dismissive disdain and say 'I feel your energy' when meeting another 'conscious' person at the local vegan cafe or yoga studio (or use scarf to disguise when having a steak or burger at Belgian Bistro;). Koh Samui, older demographic -Uniform: Lamai in particular, safari shorts, wife beater / Chang singlet, white knee socks in sandals, cruise around on big bike with no helmet (cos you're free & tuff as hell;) +max loud pipes =bonus points (again, the tuff boomer thing;) look at younger westerners with disdain, talk baby talk to Thais while acting superior, oh and complain a lot, esp about how they do things better 'back home'.... Ok just joking, really Samui/Phangan only 20 min boat ride apart so either Island lol;)
We love these videos you're putting out!! We'll be arriving in October. Any apartments we can rent out monthly at a decent price in that area? Hope all is well there!!
@Living On Our Terms Thanks and great channel name guys! Best have a look on Facebook groups for Koh Phangan rentals where you'll find many small bungalows/apts etc for rent.
@@SideTripLife Thank you! Keep making great videos!
Bro what brand gimbal do you use?
This: th-cam.com/video/AxZojlP1nSs/w-d-xo.html
Excellent video as ever.. But I can see creativity and better editing in your videos.
Positive
Plz add internet speed test when you stay at different bungalows, gives people an idea if they can work online. Teaching english needs decent internet for streaming sessions.
Many small bungalows and even mid-large resorts can have throttled internet depending how many are sharing same bandwidth pipe at same time. So, best to get an unlimited data sim and tether. Check at AIS/TRUE/DTAC etc main shops and ask if they have any deals on. I did and have a fast unlimited plan for 200 baht/$6 month (this was a rare deal but pays to ask).
@STL: Do you even run into other known TH-camrs on your travels?
Not often but a few times recently as there's several on the islands currently.
I forgot which phone you use for your filming. Is it a Vivo? And if so or not, which model again, please? Thanks so much and really enjoy the videos. I've told you before, it helps calm those of us who can't travel for a while/long time. Be safe!
Thanks for watching my vids and coming along. Regarding the phone I use to film with, will paste my response to a similar query below:
-Vivo X50 pro, 1st phone with a builtin gimbal:
th-cam.com/video/AxZojlP1nSs/w-d-xo.html
But it's getting old now and I've dropped it many times (still works ok tho, amazingly;) .So will look to upgrade to the new X70 Pro as the gimbal is on the ultra-wide lens this time (on the X50 pro the gimbal is on the main lens, bit FOV is a bit too narrow/tight)
@@SideTripLife Thanks so much! I hope to get one someday if the States opens up to selling more Chinese phones. Thanks again!
A great place which I miss visiting. We have a condo in HH and hope to travel next year. Let's see. By the way, will ever get edgier in your videos? How about a fight or something? Leave it to Beaver has nothing on you. And an even bigger question than Who shot JR? Will we ever see you on-camera? Enquiring minds want to know.
Love Hua Hin! Have done many a video showing the wonderful places from HH to Dolphin Bay, to PKK. Maybe I should have cut much of that content and thrown in some dramatics to keep interest instead? (lol just joking;) Actually, I have appeared in a few vids albeit briefly, for example:
Can see me in this early vid: th-cam.com/video/LrWeMkHa1-o/w-d-xo.html
And in this one: th-cam.com/video/BDILYiAvEO4/w-d-xo.html
And a few others but really this channel is about what's in front of the camera (vs me blagging on filling time instead of filming actual content) hope that's ok. Cheers!
PS: you missed me saying I was naked except for shoes at the last beach, does that count?? 555!
@@SideTripLife the naked part was edgy. Thanks for being a good sport, my fellow Thailand brother!
i'm going to retire on Koh Phangan , UK is finished
Good deal on those hotels! Btw, do they accept credit cards? Or you pay cash only?
Most small resorts, cafes, etc etc in Thailand and in SE Asia only take cash. However, localised digital payment apps are quickly taking hold even with tiny vendors ie: True Money etc, etc. Can load these apps with cash via 7 11 counter (or link via local bank if having one here)
@@SideTripLife Thanks
How did you find the weather in august?
Aug still gets a lot of sun as the SW monsoon affects the lower Gulf (Samui/KPG etc) later than the West coast (Phuket etc), This was the case last Aug but that was also an unusually dry 'summer'. Personally wouldn't hesitate to visit KPG in August. STL
what do you use to hold your phone while driving your scooter?
Hand held (not recommended either;) Getting a new action cam so won't be doing this in the future...
@@SideTripLife great videos... thx!
❤️
You could make entire videos of "check out beaches..."
Stay tuned...
Hello. What phone are you shooting on?
Vivo X50 pro, 1st phone with a builtin gimbal:
th-cam.com/video/AxZojlP1nSs/w-d-xo.html
But it's getting old now and I've dropped it many times (still works ok tho, amazingly;) .So will look to upgrade to the new X70 Pro as the gimbal is on the ultra-wide lens this time (on the X50 pro the gimbal is on the main lens, bit FOV is a bit too narrow/tight)
@@SideTripLife Thanks for the answer)
i'm soooo jealous :(
At the end 19:55 $7.75 that is the room rate?
That was the burger price at the fancy Belgian Bistro on the beach (or, go to the market, can get a burger for 3 bucks;) Thailand is currently seeing a huge surge in visitors.. Seatanu Bungalows prices are now around $60 and they're booked until end of April. Then their prices drop to around $20 for fan room, $37 for base a/c room.
@@SideTripLife ok. Once again I thank you for invaluable info. I'll keep this in mind for the low monthly rates on the off season. I wonder if food cost goes down at that time of year too. Today I pick up where I left off yesterday w your videos. 👍🇨🇷
@@SideTripLife is the AC necessary from may to? I find a good steady breeze is sufficient on islands. Ii realize different strokes for different folks. I respect your opinion, having been there.
I take my hat off to any body who works hard enough to be able to do what you do, any tips 😁
Yes, don't forget to put the camera away and just walk along the beach, mountain, stream, etc :)
What’s the name of this place?
Hi DD, this is Koh Phangan, an island just off the South East coast of Thailand. The names of the beaches visited were Haad Chao Pao and Haad Yao.
@@SideTripLife thank you soo much
Are you a permanent resident? You've been in Thailand longer than a normal tourist stays, right? Hi from Toronto.
Hi in T.O., not a permanent res, sold my biz here recently, working on a new project launch now (YT a side thing) launch TBA asap
Re reopening comments ... After such long long term closures, reopening is not as easy for many businesses as in past pandemics etc as pointed out by "THE THAIGER" TH-cam - "Thailand Reopening Costs and Challengers" -September 24 at 9.00 minutes in )-:
The prices, especially at that burger joint, were expensive, even by Western standards. Pretty, but I fear the good deals (on food and drink) are at an end now that they've discovered what foreigners will pay (and tip on top of it). How nice things get ruined unfortunately.
Sure but you can choose high or lower prices. I chose the 'fancy' place on the beach just for a treat. You can still get a burger for around $3.00 or Thai dish for $1.50 in many places, plus add a beer for 2 bucks (or go to the local Western style pub and pay twice as much++ - up2u as they say. EDIRT: ps, I don't mind tipping good service, particularly in a place where most restaurant workers are making around 12k/$350 month usually 12 hour days and 1 day off per week, if fortunate. So, tip or no tip, again, up2u
Does someone help all the strays in the streets? It seems people just don't care
Hi, it may appear so from the outside but actually as I've shown numerous times in vids, Thai people are constantly caring for strays (despite extremely hard times personally).
I'm here, right now, in August 2023, and I can attest thst your prices are absolutely inaccurate. The costs here are INSANE.
Sorry I couldn't hold covid era prices FROM 3 YEARS AGO for you... Unfortunately tourist numbers and long stayers have gone berserk since covid ended. Also does not help that many foreigners have sub-let blocks of airbnb's at super inflated prices.... Again, sorry bout that. Actually perhaps try FB Marketplace, might still find some rare deals . PS: JUST checked Agoda and Cabana Resort is currently from 650 Baht/$18, loved that place too: www.agoda.com/phangan-cabana-resort/hotel/koh-phangan-th.html?cid=1898974 - ALSO, Benjamin's Huts from 1200 Baht/$36, super place. Good luck! STL
I wasn't trying to troll, I just wanted to let you know that it's gotten horribly expensive here.
Thanks Sandra, also for a good reminder I need to make an update video and will be doing so upcoming. Cheers, STL :)
i really love your vids but the only thing i dont understand is why you never show ur face :)
Thanks. Just prefer it this way as this channel is not about me, rather what's in front of the camera, ie actual content (vs selfie blah blah filler;)
@@SideTripLife may I ask another question, do u live only from the income of the vids?
My dream is to do the same thing one day :)
For me YT is just a hobby. I sold my biz here not too long ago and currently preparing to launch another. I suppose if I went all out at YT I might make a go of it as a main income but that's not my current goal. Good luck with your goals too, never know until you try.
I love this place. But guys, be carefull with koh tao. Something there is not correct.
Please invest in yourself and get a standalone mic. Worst part of your videos is it's always super quiet.