Just in case you missed any vids in this series: Part 1: TURBO PROP PLANE to Samui: th-cam.com/video/Dhvfg4wP2BM/w-d-xo.html Part 2: KOH SAMUI GREAT NIGHT out! th-cam.com/video/GDQjviW3vEA/w-d-xo.html Part 3: KOH PHANGAN + PARTY prep! th-cam.com/video/uH3lFB6K9Bk/w-d-xo.html Part 4: FULL MOON PARTY Haad Rin th-cam.com/video/FG9F-1b_uEA/w-d-xo.html Part 5: AFTER the party: th-cam.com/video/fZaLIvoh6LI/w-d-xo.html Part 6: FOODIE/Sunset Beach: th-cam.com/video/CM7cBiqpxHM/w-d-xo.html Part 7: BUDGET vs Luxury Koh Phangan: th-cam.com/video/EYME5BGZcsM/w-d-xo.html Part 8: TOP 'SECRET' Koh Samui Beach Resort: th-cam.com/video/-DB7SB-BpJM/w-d-xo.html Thanks as always for watching, commenting, liking (or not;) Cheers! STL Tip Jar: www.buymeacoffee.com/SideTripLIFE Bitcoin: 3QbwGdsuKLnxfzovXDy7aB8wSoP2Qx8nbn
We stayed at nearby Bovy Beach Resort in 1989. It was owned by a banker who had some other ventures on the island. At the time there was only a dirt track up the coast so a bumpy ride! We searched it out about ten years later but Mother Nature had claimed it back and only some concrete steps remained. Earlier in 1988 we had stayed on the beach at Thong Nai Phan Yai for $2 p/n and could only get there by long tail. Outstanding memories. I enjoy being on the bike with you as I have ridden for over 50 years. Many thanks. Richard.
Another nice one STL. Second viewing already ... No doubt many more! ... "I'd Rather Be in Thailand" ... Someone will watch that oneday ... As you say, "It's Leo Time" ... Off right now to buy for tonight's 20 million Aus Lotto draw ...Thanks for the inspiration STL (-:
I never get my alerts. I reset that bell so many times. Tut tut, youtube. Congratulations 27K. Roll on 50K. Enjoyable video. Great tour around. Beautiful sunset. Informative. Always make it to the end. Great videos, enjoyable to watch. The food looked tasty. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day.
If you have the time, northwest side of Koh Phangan is amazing, there is a quiet absolutely beautiful beach there called Mae Haad, highly recommend. You are really good at capturing the atmosphere of the areas, saving up to go next winter, cant wait, thanks for the motivation ;)
That was great to watch, and reminisce. I lived on KP through Winter 2017/ 18, and had the best holiday of my life . Love the island so much, and miss it. Hope to be there 2022/ 23. L’Alcove was one of my favourite places to eat and hang out. Looking forward to more videos. Have a great time, and soak up the sun. It is freezing here ! Best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪
Thanks Richard. Will also return to L'Alcove upcoming but in case anyone would like to see my last visit: th-cam.com/video/t1N9SpYEik8/w-d-xo.html Best to you in Ireland, hope you can get back soon. STL
Another great vlog . Thailand looks like it come out of the Covid at last . In Vietnam we’re still in it . I would love to be traveling again in Thailand but the problem is I don’t know when I would be allowed back into Vietnam. I’ve got 2 friends who have been locked out for 2 years . One with a baby and the other was supposed to get married 18 months ago . Thank for the uploads.
Still a ways to go hereabouts Sid but all pointing in the right direction. Love Vietnam too and expect they'll be loosening up soon after seeing serious outcomes are way down thankfully, same as elsewhere. Btw, anyone missing Saigon, here's a vid of my trip there: th-cam.com/video/l_hF-QP2hWs/w-d-xo.html
Hey, just read your comment I'm also interested in going back to "Vietnam" near Hoi An, and watching many videos saying apparently that we can.. but I doubt.. Would you be able to advise me in this ? I'm in canada Thank you !!!
Hi, latest from Vietnam Briefing site: Vietnam has reduced quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated international arrivals from January 1, 2022. Arrivals with negative test results would only need to self-quarantine at home or their places of accommodation for three days when they enter Vietnam. Two RT-PCR tests will be conducted on the first and third day of entry. If negative, entrants are still required to monitor their health for the next 11 days. Further details are likely to be released by the health and transport ministries.
@@ericzohar1345 Well the problem is the government are not giving out enough information and the information they do give out changes very quickly. Right now there are a lot of new cases of the virus 24,000 a day we have just finished a Tet that the biggest social gatherings of the year . I know they were letting in some Russian tourists but they had to stay in a resort next to Cam Rhang airport. That is not cheep. Another idea they had was to use an island, but you couldn’t go to the main land . I can tell you there’s no tourists in my city of Nha Trang . Sorry I can’t be more helpful.
Koh Phangan is best known for its Full Moon Party (an all-night beach party) at Haad Rin Beach. ... On the contrary, Koh Phangan has some stunning scenery and is a lot less touristy than Koh Samui. But it's also very quiet (discounting the surge in tourists during each Full Moon Party, of course).
God I love your videos, I’m semi retiring nxt year at 43 years old from Australia, I’d love to pick your brain mate on everywhere you’ve been, so greatful for your content mate 🙏🏽👍
Niet to see my favorate spot.👍 i have a qustion,do you now if the resort berween hut sun bungalow and benjamins hut is open,the resort with the big Pool (20 meters)is still open?
Many years ago I always stay at " Beer Bungalow Hotel " about five minutes west of Haad Riin. Today its a new name of the hotel. Before it was very cheap and popular when it was FMP. I think it was 100 SEK / night for a room.
Another great video and I don't know why do you live in Bangkok ? But hey you are exploring the most amazing places and when I find the way I would definitely do what you do. Such beautiful places and people oh and the dogs 😍
Thank you kindly Debbie. Btw, I'm seriously thinking of relocating to the beach, we shall see... Yep those dogs are wonderful, part of the nice family there :)
@@SideTripLife I used to come over every year from 2000 to 2010 and bangrak always felt like home. Then everything went too expensive and busy for me. Places that were 40 a night became a 100 on the beach. Now seems a good time to experience living on the beach :) in my humble opinion
Fun fact is that all the favorite sea beaches for sunset watching in Thailand are all in the east seas, while all the fhe favorites for sunrise watching are in the west where there's no west coast at all (west coast belongs to Myanmar beyond the border). In the central plane most of the seas are all along the gulf of Thailand where is in the west of eastern shores and to the east of western shores.
Traffic lights??? Noooo! "Progress" sigh ... you read my mind! I miss Phangan, been going there for many many years, but was expecting the "progress" like I saw the "progress" in Samui over the last 20+ years.
Yep Hadi 'progress' McD's and traffic lights.... sigh... Fortunately no maccas on KPG as yet and there's still plenty of quiet chill beaches and coves all over the island (Samui too actually). You might give Khanom a go, like Samui 20 years ago: th-cam.com/video/91Y6BwAZ6JU/w-d-xo.html
Really enjoying your videos and get the sense you do other digital stuff as well as these excellent TH-cam videos. I'm looking to take a month with 2 weeks pure holiday, and then 2 weeks doing some digital stuff remotely and the islands seem like a fun alternative to the normal daily grind of a city. I do worry about amenities, safety/security of equipment etc, e.g. If laptop went wandering it wouldn't be something I couldn't replace due to special/converluted software needed. Do you have any tips/advice, both practical/logistics but also balancing being in paradise and trying to stay productive.
Thx Gareth. Regarding safety of laptop etc, I've never had an incident where my laptop or any valuables were taken from my room (safe or no safe). However, I get your concern, particularly if said laptop contains unique programs required to work. If possible, would back-up or mirror any software etc to the cloud and/or external drive (plus daily/weekly updates backups). Also, I recently downsized from a Macbook 15" to a base model 8 MB Macbook Air M1 13" as it's so much lighter, compact + can easily fit into any day pack (also it's TWICE as fast as my 15"/16MB, including editing/rendering 4K/1080 no issues, super smooth and no over-heating either). I still have my MB 15 at home but now usually plug my AIR into a monitor when at home as it's just so much faster. There's loads of co-working places with super fast wifi but hotels/bungalows can be spotty depending on how many users sharing, time of day, etc. So, after landing, best get a simcard with unlimited data min 10 mbps at either AIS/TRUE shop. Ask if they have any deals. Mine was 200 baht/$6 month unlimited (but I was lucky, just turned up when that offer was on). Still, should be able to get similar for approx $15 month, then you can tether wifi from phone to laptop whenver/wherever needed. As for staying productive, personally try to keep disciplined but strike a balance between screen time and beach etc time would be my advice. Enjoy!
Thx Greg. Bkk? Go down Suk soi 7 right now and you'd never know it was ever closed, absolutely pumping! Same for soi 8 and many places on 11 too. As per when will current test n go restrictions be lifted, I'd give it within 4-8 weeks.
@@SideTripLife Thanks. It will probably be at least a year before I can travel there, but I'm happy to hear that they are busy again. Until then, I will travel through TH-cam.
Wow! Thanks for the awesome video! I've been to Koh Samui before but not the other 2 islands. In your opinion, which one is the most family friendly with a Son of 11yrs old to live on? Thanks, PS, my Son loves your opening with the bird:)
Thanks to both you and your son. Definitely worth spending some time exploring both Hippie Island (Koh Phangan) and Turtle Island (Koh Tao) as they have many chill beaches, hikes, waterfalls, snorkeling, etc, etc. But to LIVE on with an 11 y.o. Samui would have more options for a teenager + better hospitals, schools, shopping etc etc (+main Islands immigration office) and just a one ferry hop to the mainland. Perhaps visit all 3 next trip and see which may suit best. Enjoy!
@@SideTripLife Thank you so much for your information. We will explore all 3 before making a choice but Samui makes the most sense for many reasons. Love your videos and the Mynah bird. Keep them coming:)
Hi man, great job, video perfect, it's like always. I hope you still don't have a phangan .. I love it there. The most reptile tong nai pan. Good luck. 👌😉
Hi. Are you planning to move to Koh Tau? We seem to be following you. We are currently staying in waterfront boutique hotel Ko Samui. Thanks for the recommendation its brilliant. Travelling to koh Phangan tomorrow Doh! Just noticed you were there 4 months ago. I’ll take a look Keep up the good work No one can touch you for the amount of information you pack in.
Yep, was on Koh Tao and here's a look at some places to stay: th-cam.com/video/6b87uOf6_MA/w-d-xo.html And some places to live: th-cam.com/video/Yt5BBGCszdY/w-d-xo.html And some places to visit: th-cam.com/video/Yt5BBGCszdY/w-d-xo.html And another nearby island: th-cam.com/video/S_Kg_EUjeZs/w-d-xo.html Enjoy turtle island:) STL
Hey mate, is this beach the best place to stay for beers and (some) action at sunset? Love your Samui/Phangan oriented videos btw. Exactly what I want in a vlog! Food, menus, hotels, travel... all the little details.
Hi Karl. A more applicable term for KPG (outside of full moon parties etc) is 'chill'.... I enjoy staying at Haad Chao Pao for just that, chill vibes, couple chill beach bars, a few great beach eats places and can walk to Sri Thanu Village. For more lively options there's Thong Sala (main town area) or FMP of course. KPG has something for everyone, enjoy! STL
@@SideTripLife Thanks mate. Yep, aware of Thong Sala and the FMP, I was just trying to remember an old video of yours with a beach that struck my fancy, and I think that was it.
This time I did not see anything of your video. Anyway, I am very impressed by your fluently french and italian! When I go to Thailand, I want to feel that I am in Thailand. Are there many more farangs at KPG than on Koh Samui? It seams like that, or does it depend on where you go?
Hi Jonas. KPG is smaller so it 'appears' there's more foreigners perhaps but only on a few beaches etc. On both Islands a few places are a bit 'livelier' than others. For example, on Samui, Bangrak & Bophut have been liveliest throughout this but Chaweng and Lamai are starting to pick up too. On KPG Sri Thanu & Thong Sala are liveliest but Yao, Chaloklum and others are also starting to pick up. It'll take some time for all areas to get back but it's a welcome start.
@@SideTripLife Ok thanks for answer. I will not go now, but maybe in november. I understand there are a LOT of foreigners on both island, so maybe not my cup of tea, but I will try it once.
Might also add, there's still many chill, quiet places and beaches on both Samui/KPG to enjoy. Btw, Nov weather can be quite rainy/stormy but still sunny breaks. Best weather and time to visit plus fewer people is May/June imho.
@@SideTripLife Thanks for the extra info! But I love weather! Some people call it a storm when the wind is blowing, when the rain or snow is falling. I am loving it! But not McDonalds by the way, they dont make hamburgers.
@@SideTripLife I already got this text & responded w 👍 but for some reason it popped up again. Appreciate all your help. Was just checking out another one of yours an hour ago. Another island, girl swimming in pool on roof w glass front; high rent area. Love those islands. Oh yeah, I referred to great places in Thailand & mentioned Phu Quoc, Vietnam by mistake. Yet another phenomenal country. Have you done any videos on Vietnam? If so, would love to see them. I like DaNang & Nha Trang especially. 👍🇨🇷🇻🇳
I do not only make it to the end I wish your videos were at least an hour long ,and I thought I was the only person to use the saying “ass over tea kettle “ when I do say it I get strange looks , I ride motorcycles so I’ve seen some bad accidents helmets are a must thanks for videos 🙏
Thanks! I didn't stay there but I had a look and Seetanu is lovely, great choice. There's also a nice restaurant right there plus another next door, both are fantastic and have a nice vibe. Enjoy! (PS: LOVE your Koh Bulon Lae vid, it looks amazing!!! STL
@@SideTripLife Thank you so much 🌺 my videos are terrible 😂 I didn't even know how to hold the phone for TH-cam videos 😅 btw yes Koh Bulon is fantastic and really genuine,no cars,no bikes,just powerful and wild nature,of course is not for everybody as you must love the silence really much,I stayed there for ten days and then moved to the crowded Koh Lipe wich is the first thai iIsland I've been to in my first thai trip.Well...I'm really considering to move to Thailand some day,I wanna hit Phangan just to have one more option and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love it.Have you been to Koh Kood? That's my fav place so far 🙂
Bring back the good memories from just one month ago , I had great times in THE SAIL LOUNGE and the best place in next door L'ACOVE .. but Koh TAO a very bad experience and disappointing compared to Koh Phangan
Love L'Alcove too. Also absolutely love Koh Tao but sorry to hear your guys trip wasn't good. Looks like we visited similar places: th-cam.com/video/E0qMy5Hi6n0/w-d-xo.html
@@SideTripLife Thanks for sharing .. Yes indeed , we visited same places..Maybe we have good taste afterall LoL .. We also still have many vids to post . Looking forward to your new one too .Great channel .
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Do you find it hard to return motorcycles without any problems? I know I'm missing out by not wanting to rent but I find myself shying away from renting because of horror stories, having to pay for damage that you haven't caused or getting your bike stolen by the owner just to get your dollars . what's your thought on that? Anything happened to you over the years? Thanks ! Cheers from a fellow Canadian !
Hi Andy. Never had any bike shop faking damage or stealing etc ever. Actually, the opposite on KPG - many times I forget the key in the ignition and no prob. However, wouldn't recommend anyone learn to ride on KPG. Also if one doesn't have an intnl motorcycle license, most insurance is not valid. But if experienced and going to rent a bike, wearing a helmet is a must (daily accidents and 'go fund me' pleas to pay the hospital bills are common). Best come over and ride the local Songthaew bus/pickup first and suss it out. Have a great trip! STL
@@SideTripLife Thank you very much for the detailed response. Will be super careful and follow your advice. Going afrer xmas so, I will enjoy your content in the meantime. Thanks again and stay safe !
enjoying this series. Enjoy goujng to Thailand. Normally bangkok. Chiang mai and chiang ran. Are these island just party island or do they offer other things of interest to do like hiking . And is it safe riding a mountain bike on the roads there ? Just waiting for the test n go to be scrapped.
Thanks Gary. Sure, there's plenty of good hiking to be had on Koh Phangan (Bottle Beach, Than Sadet Ntnl Park, multiple waterfalls, viewpoints, jungle treks etc etc). Also many people ride bikes but be advised roads on KPG are quite hilly in places (but some will also like this;) I'd say go for it but just make sure it or you have reflectors, wear a helmet, plus having a rear view mirror would be handy Also as the roads are narrow and twisty would avoid biking at night. Last, would give test n go 8 weeks max to be downgraded and ultimately eliminated before summer. STL
Often wonder how many spills there are with Larn lanes being narrow and some steep, windy and cobblestone (+ endless supply of newbie riders). Once saw a western guy with Thai girl pillion who took a corner too fast/wide and ended up in the brush (luckily just scratches and not beside a cliff...) Koh Larn can make for a lovely day out tho if not over crowded, hope you enjoyed Tim.
You sound a little groggy at the start of the video. Little too much party'ing? :) (watched till the end ofcourse ) Itchy Boots is indeed a lady to watch. Had the pleasure or meeting her in biker-shop, couple of years ago.
Too many wobbly pops = wobbly legs and froggy voice (for me rarely thankfully, only once in full moon in this case;) Wait, you met Noraly?? Cool! Yep, Itchy Boots makes us guys and even the dude adventurers, bald, baldr, caz, etc all look like wussies lol (exception - indigo traveller, the real deal)
@@SideTripLife yeah nice girl to talk to. (Even though it was short. All these elderly bikers swamping her hahah). Very adventurous lady indeed. Bald looks like an interesting guy to meet though. He does show some cojones to travel to all the remote former Soviet places tbh
Just in case you missed any vids in this series:
Part 1: TURBO PROP PLANE to Samui: th-cam.com/video/Dhvfg4wP2BM/w-d-xo.html
Part 2: KOH SAMUI GREAT NIGHT out! th-cam.com/video/GDQjviW3vEA/w-d-xo.html
Part 3: KOH PHANGAN + PARTY prep! th-cam.com/video/uH3lFB6K9Bk/w-d-xo.html
Part 4: FULL MOON PARTY Haad Rin th-cam.com/video/FG9F-1b_uEA/w-d-xo.html
Part 5: AFTER the party: th-cam.com/video/fZaLIvoh6LI/w-d-xo.html
Part 6: FOODIE/Sunset Beach: th-cam.com/video/CM7cBiqpxHM/w-d-xo.html
Part 7: BUDGET vs Luxury Koh Phangan: th-cam.com/video/EYME5BGZcsM/w-d-xo.html
Part 8: TOP 'SECRET' Koh Samui Beach Resort: th-cam.com/video/-DB7SB-BpJM/w-d-xo.html
Thanks as always for watching, commenting, liking (or not;)
Cheers! STL
Tip Jar: www.buymeacoffee.com/SideTripLIFE
Bitcoin: 3QbwGdsuKLnxfzovXDy7aB8wSoP2Qx8nbn
Dude, huge difference of your voice the next morning after you've been sauced!
Incredible as always. Huge fan. Many thanks
Thanks kindly Dale
Living my life vicariously through your vlogs. 👍🏻🏖️😍
We stayed at nearby Bovy Beach Resort in 1989. It was owned by a banker who had some other ventures on the island. At the time there was only a dirt track up the coast so a bumpy ride! We searched it out about ten years later but Mother Nature had claimed it back and only some concrete steps remained. Earlier in 1988 we had stayed on the beach at Thong Nai Phan Yai for $2 p/n and could only get there by long tail. Outstanding memories. I enjoy being on the bike with you as I have ridden for over 50 years. Many thanks. Richard.
Such wonderful memories! Thanks for sharing with us :)
Glad to see Business getting back on it's feet great video thanks
Very beautiful video my dear friend thank you for sharing great footage fantastic Big like 😊🌴🇮🇹👍👍👍👍
I know you’ve done a few Phangan videos - but again , this one makes my smile a bit larger - wow & wow - Thanks as always 👌👍😎🙏
Thanks kindly Ant :)
great video i'm so envious of you like i said before.
Another nice one STL. Second viewing already ... No doubt many more! ... "I'd Rather Be in Thailand" ... Someone will watch that oneday ... As you say, "It's Leo Time" ... Off right now to buy for tonight's 20 million Aus Lotto draw ...Thanks for the inspiration STL (-:
Awwww My fav island
I miss Koh Phangan❤❤🏝
I never get my alerts. I reset that bell so many times. Tut tut, youtube. Congratulations 27K. Roll on 50K. Enjoyable video. Great tour around. Beautiful sunset. Informative. Always make it to the end. Great videos, enjoyable to watch. The food looked tasty. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day.
No worries Nicky. Amazed you find time between super-mod and super-chef/cooking channel duties, pls take it easy :)
@@SideTripLife ☺🤗Thank you. And you
Great vlog mate, been to quite a few places in Thailand but never been to phangan. Would love to go there next time.
What A Great Hotel Outstanding All Around.
I just love your side trips so inspiring & informative keep them going 👍👍👍
Cheers Scouser :)
WOW, this brings back happy memories!!! And also scary dengue fever ones. But mostly HAPPY FEELINGS!!!!
Thank you sensei.
1:10 , small but good pool for kids and babys. Looks cozy and nice there =)
Amazing video! Thank you for sharing the names of good restaurants 👌
Great Video as usual looks awesome cant wait to get there
Enjoyed the relaxing ride and views of the area very much ! Thank you for your time and efforts , truly a small gift in my day ... Enjoy ....
Nice compliment, thanks Karl :)
What a great video man,thanks very informative 👏. I've subscribed to your channel
Cheers Simon
Glad to see Alcove is still there. Food there is consistently incredible! Can't wait to go back soon.
J'adore L'Alcove aussi ;) May you return soon
Hi love all your vids keep them coming 🙂
If you have the time, northwest side of Koh Phangan is amazing, there is a quiet absolutely beautiful beach there called Mae Haad, highly recommend. You are really good at capturing the atmosphere of the areas, saving up to go next winter, cant wait, thanks for the motivation ;)
Thx, also LOVE the NW part of KPG, pls see: th-cam.com/video/oQRsZOUx2Cg/w-d-xo.html
That was great to watch, and reminisce. I lived on KP through Winter 2017/ 18, and had the best holiday of my life . Love the island so much, and miss it. Hope to be there 2022/ 23. L’Alcove was one of my favourite places to eat and hang out. Looking forward to more videos. Have a great time, and soak up the sun. It is freezing here ! Best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪
Thanks Richard. Will also return to L'Alcove upcoming but in case anyone would like to see my last visit: th-cam.com/video/t1N9SpYEik8/w-d-xo.html
Best to you in Ireland, hope you can get back soon. STL
really enjoying watching your videos, thanks for posting!!!
Ohh Man... That Chicken n Cashew looked so good I almost went on line to buy a Ticket....... Tremendous as always.... :-))))
Awesome. Need to get booked! Where’s my IPad? Oh, I am looking at it. Dur!
the views are amazing, thanks for the travel ideas
Great to see you back down that way. You're in your element. Greetings from Valenciana !
Mucho appreciado Bruno :)
Nice, man! Can't wait to get there!
I miss SriThanu soooo much. Omg my heart. Thank you for sharing this. ♡
I love you island Koh Phangan ❤️🏝☀️
Aye PospelovDM :)
Fantastic, great info and footage, cheers.
😮🎉❤... Love the Vids... Long time follower - first-time comment!🙏🏼🥂😂
Hi STL hope life is treating you well. It certainly looks like it. Loved the 'Joey Tribiani' impression when you greeted Cappuccino 🤣🤣🤣
Loved Koh Phangnan. Haad Yao especially.
Agree, LOVE Haad Yao. Had another look in this vid: th-cam.com/video/CM7cBiqpxHM/w-d-xo.html
Another great video to get me through a miserable winter. Someday...someday....where did I put those lottery tickets?
Another great one!
Greetings from South Africa.
Cheers Gerhard and hello SA :)
Another great vlog . Thailand looks like it come out of the Covid at last . In Vietnam we’re still in it . I would love to be traveling again in Thailand but the problem is I don’t know when I would be allowed back into Vietnam. I’ve got 2 friends who have been locked out for 2 years . One with a baby and the other was supposed to get married 18 months ago . Thank for the uploads.
Still a ways to go hereabouts Sid but all pointing in the right direction. Love Vietnam too and expect they'll be loosening up soon after seeing serious outcomes are way down thankfully, same as elsewhere. Btw, anyone missing Saigon, here's a vid of my trip there: th-cam.com/video/l_hF-QP2hWs/w-d-xo.html
Hey, just read your comment
I'm also interested in going back to "Vietnam" near Hoi An, and watching many videos saying apparently that we can.. but I doubt..
Would you be able to advise me in this ?
I'm in canada
Thank you !!!
Hi, latest from Vietnam Briefing site:
Vietnam has reduced quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated international arrivals from January 1, 2022. Arrivals with negative test results would only need to self-quarantine at home or their places of accommodation for three days when they enter Vietnam. Two RT-PCR tests will be conducted on the first and third day of entry. If negative, entrants are still required to monitor their health for the next 11 days. Further details are likely to be released by the health and transport ministries.
@@SideTripLife
24,000 new cases today . I’m expecting it to go up after we have just had the Tet Holliday.
@@ericzohar1345
Well the problem is the government are not giving out enough information and the information they do give out changes very quickly. Right now there are a lot of new cases of the virus 24,000 a day we have just finished a Tet that the biggest social gatherings of the year . I know they were letting in some Russian tourists but they had to stay in a resort next to Cam Rhang airport. That is not cheep. Another idea they had was to use an island, but you couldn’t go to the main land . I can tell you there’s no tourists in my city of Nha Trang . Sorry I can’t be more helpful.
Always look forward to your videos as so informative, you quite literally helping me book a 3 week vacation around Kpg, samui and tao
Cheers Paul
Koh Phangan is best known for its Full Moon Party (an all-night beach party) at Haad Rin Beach. ... On the contrary, Koh Phangan has some stunning scenery and is a lot less touristy than Koh Samui. But it's also very quiet (discounting the surge in tourists during each Full Moon Party, of course).
Thanks bud..love the content..
always great video love it
I watch that sailing channel as well. Uma Sailing are also 2 Canadians.
Omg I miss koh phaguan I was went there in my frist time too
Great video as always
Thanks Liz :)
Äntligen dags igen !
Tack :)
God I love your videos, I’m semi retiring nxt year at 43 years old from Australia, I’d love to pick your brain mate on everywhere you’ve been, so greatful for your content mate 🙏🏽👍
Niet to see my favorate spot.👍 i have a qustion,do you now if the resort berween hut sun bungalow and benjamins hut is open,the resort with the big Pool (20 meters)is still open?
No problem getting to the end lol
Good commentary. Thank you.
Thank you too!
Srithanu is awesome, very reasonabley priced..... feel like going right now ❤❤❤
Many years ago I always stay at " Beer Bungalow Hotel " about five minutes west of Haad Riin. Today its a new name of the hotel. Before it was very cheap and popular when it was FMP. I think it was 100 SEK / night for a room.
'Beer Bungalow Hotel' & 350 baht? This sounds like a wonderful place :)
Thanks mate ….enjoyed
Cheers Rob
Another great video and I don't know why do you live in Bangkok ? But hey you are exploring the most amazing places and when I find the way I would definitely do what you do. Such beautiful places and people oh and the dogs 😍
Thank you kindly Debbie. Btw, I'm seriously thinking of relocating to the beach, we shall see... Yep those dogs are wonderful, part of the nice family there :)
@@SideTripLife I used to come over every year from 2000 to 2010 and bangrak always felt like home. Then everything went too expensive and busy for me. Places that were 40 a night became a 100 on the beach. Now seems a good time to experience living on the beach :) in my humble opinion
Fun fact is that all the favorite sea beaches for sunset watching in Thailand are all in the east seas, while all the fhe favorites for sunrise watching are in the west where there's no west coast at all (west coast belongs to Myanmar beyond the border). In the central plane most of the seas are all along the gulf of Thailand where is in the west of eastern shores and to the east of western shores.
Traffic lights??? Noooo! "Progress" sigh ... you read my mind! I miss Phangan, been going there for many many years, but was expecting the "progress" like I saw the "progress" in Samui over the last 20+ years.
Yep Hadi 'progress' McD's and traffic lights.... sigh... Fortunately no maccas on KPG as yet and there's still plenty of quiet chill beaches and coves all over the island (Samui too actually). You might give Khanom a go, like Samui 20 years ago: th-cam.com/video/91Y6BwAZ6JU/w-d-xo.html
Driving on paved roads on KPG does not feel right does it? 😂 Was there on December and it really felt special some kind of same same 🤔 but different
Love this vibes!
Thanks Vyacheslav :)
Great again!!!!
Great video 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Your voice starts out very different from normal. Must have been one heck of a party the night before!
Rarely tie one on etc but enjoyed a few wobbly pops and a fun night out previously
Watched to the end as always 😊. One day you must ride to a halo Klum and take a Longtail around to Bottle Beach 1 for lunch 🌴
Nice one Cassy, thanks. LOVE Chaloklum and will explore more: th-cam.com/video/CNX7BvvIBvU/w-d-xo.html
Really enjoying your videos and get the sense you do other digital stuff as well as these excellent TH-cam videos.
I'm looking to take a month with 2 weeks pure holiday, and then 2 weeks doing some digital stuff remotely and the islands seem like a fun alternative to the normal daily grind of a city.
I do worry about amenities, safety/security of equipment etc, e.g. If laptop went wandering it wouldn't be something I couldn't replace due to special/converluted software needed.
Do you have any tips/advice, both practical/logistics but also balancing being in paradise and trying to stay productive.
Thx Gareth. Regarding safety of laptop etc, I've never had an incident where my laptop or any valuables were taken from my room (safe or no safe). However, I get your concern, particularly if said laptop contains unique programs required to work. If possible, would back-up or mirror any software etc to the cloud and/or external drive (plus daily/weekly updates backups).
Also, I recently downsized from a Macbook 15" to a base model 8 MB Macbook Air M1 13" as it's so much lighter, compact + can easily fit into any day pack (also it's TWICE as fast as my 15"/16MB, including editing/rendering 4K/1080 no issues, super smooth and no over-heating either). I still have my MB 15 at home but now usually plug my AIR into a monitor when at home as it's just so much faster.
There's loads of co-working places with super fast wifi but hotels/bungalows can be spotty depending on how many users sharing, time of day, etc. So, after landing, best get a simcard with unlimited data min 10 mbps at either AIS/TRUE shop. Ask if they have any deals. Mine was 200 baht/$6 month unlimited (but I was lucky, just turned up when that offer was on). Still, should be able to get similar for approx $15 month, then you can tether wifi from phone to laptop whenver/wherever needed.
As for staying productive, personally try to keep disciplined but strike a balance between screen time and beach etc time would be my advice. Enjoy!
Great video again.yout living the dream.!!!
Any news on when Bangkok will open to tourists.yet.?
Thx Greg. Bkk? Go down Suk soi 7 right now and you'd never know it was ever closed, absolutely pumping! Same for soi 8 and many places on 11 too. As per when will current test n go restrictions be lifted, I'd give it within 4-8 weeks.
This looks even better than Koh Chang.
I said I wouldn't travel to anywhere in Asia again, just because it is so far away. Now you are making me really really want to go to Thailand.
Best wait till after April, it is BUSY here now....(Feb 2023) Will be doing an update on Koh Phangan soon
@@SideTripLife Thanks. It will probably be at least a year before I can travel there, but I'm happy to hear that they are busy again. Until then, I will travel through TH-cam.
thank you
Nice music choice
I keep trying to decide where to head once I leave Chiang Mai.....and you keep enticing me to go back to the same three islands!
Love CM but you been there a while, recommend get thee to the isles and chill
@@SideTripLife Hah yeah, been here too long but still dealing with doctors post accident. Once that's done though, I'm out!
Sorry, now I recall you were in an accident. Hope you're well on the mend and good to go again soon!
Thanx for all the trailblazing……
I admire your life… i am working towards this 🤞🏼
New sub this is excellent content
Thanks kindly! STL
Wow! Thanks for the awesome video! I've been to Koh Samui before but not the other 2 islands. In your opinion, which one is the most family friendly with a Son of 11yrs old to live on? Thanks, PS, my Son loves your opening with the bird:)
Thanks to both you and your son. Definitely worth spending some time exploring both Hippie Island (Koh Phangan) and Turtle Island (Koh Tao) as they have many chill beaches, hikes, waterfalls, snorkeling, etc, etc. But to LIVE on with an 11 y.o. Samui would have more options for a teenager + better hospitals, schools, shopping etc etc (+main Islands immigration office) and just a one ferry hop to the mainland. Perhaps visit all 3 next trip and see which may suit best. Enjoy!
@@SideTripLife Thank you so much for your information. We will explore all 3 before making a choice but Samui makes the most sense for many reasons. Love your videos and the Mynah bird. Keep them coming:)
Excellent ❤❤❤
Hi man, great job, video perfect, it's like always. I hope you still don't have a phangan .. I love it there. The most reptile tong nai pan. Good luck. 👌😉
First comment from Dubai 🙋❤
Confirmed! Cheers Adullah :)
@@SideTripLife 🍻🍻🍻🍻❤
Hi. Are you planning to move to Koh Tau? We seem to be following you. We are currently staying in waterfront boutique hotel Ko Samui. Thanks for the recommendation its brilliant. Travelling to koh Phangan tomorrow
Doh! Just noticed you were there 4 months ago. I’ll take a look
Keep up the good work No one can touch you for the amount of information you pack in.
Yep, was on Koh Tao and here's a look at some places to stay:
th-cam.com/video/6b87uOf6_MA/w-d-xo.html
And some places to live:
th-cam.com/video/Yt5BBGCszdY/w-d-xo.html
And some places to visit:
th-cam.com/video/Yt5BBGCszdY/w-d-xo.html
And another nearby island:
th-cam.com/video/S_Kg_EUjeZs/w-d-xo.html
Enjoy turtle island:) STL
Hey mate, is this beach the best place to stay for beers and (some) action at sunset? Love your Samui/Phangan oriented videos btw. Exactly what I want in a vlog! Food, menus, hotels, travel... all the little details.
Hi Karl. A more applicable term for KPG (outside of full moon parties etc) is 'chill'.... I enjoy staying at Haad Chao Pao for just that, chill vibes, couple chill beach bars, a few great beach eats places and can walk to Sri Thanu Village. For more lively options there's Thong Sala (main town area) or FMP of course. KPG has something for everyone, enjoy! STL
@@SideTripLife Thanks mate. Yep, aware of Thong Sala and the FMP, I was just trying to remember an old video of yours with a beach that struck my fancy, and I think that was it.
I'm sure you have a good reason for living in Bangkok, but you can visit here anytime. Nice option, the best of both worlds.👍🇨🇷
Great video as always , how long do you stay at each hotel ?? Looking forward to next video 😉
Cheers Matty. I never really know how long I'll stay. Last year I went away for a weekend to Khanom and ended up being away for almost 6 months lol
@@SideTripLife Are you on a retirement Visa or Thai Elite Visa?
This time I did not see anything of your video. Anyway, I am very impressed by your fluently french and italian! When I go to Thailand, I want to feel that I am in Thailand. Are there many more farangs at KPG than on Koh Samui? It seams like that, or does it depend on where you go?
Hi Jonas. KPG is smaller so it 'appears' there's more foreigners perhaps but only on a few beaches etc. On both Islands a few places are a bit 'livelier' than others. For example, on Samui, Bangrak & Bophut have been liveliest throughout this but Chaweng and Lamai are starting to pick up too. On KPG Sri Thanu & Thong Sala are liveliest but Yao, Chaloklum and others are also starting to pick up. It'll take some time for all areas to get back but it's a welcome start.
@@SideTripLife Ok thanks for answer. I will not go now, but maybe in november. I understand there are a LOT of foreigners on both island, so maybe not my cup of tea, but I will try it once.
Might also add, there's still many chill, quiet places and beaches on both Samui/KPG to enjoy. Btw, Nov weather can be quite rainy/stormy but still sunny breaks. Best weather and time to visit plus fewer people is May/June imho.
@@SideTripLife Thanks for the extra info! But I love weather! Some people call it a storm when the wind is blowing, when the rain or snow is falling. I am loving it! But not McDonalds by the way, they dont make hamburgers.
Another good one, my man. What months are big tourist times? Or rather, which ones are not?
After Songkran annual holidays at end of April to August best. Then rainy season dominates Sept-Nov mostly
@@SideTripLife thanks! 👍
@@SideTripLife I already got this text & responded w 👍 but for some reason it popped up again. Appreciate all your help. Was just checking out another one of yours an hour ago. Another island, girl swimming in pool on roof w glass front; high rent area. Love those islands. Oh yeah, I referred to great places in Thailand & mentioned Phu Quoc, Vietnam by mistake. Yet another phenomenal country. Have you done any videos on Vietnam? If so, would love to see them. I like DaNang & Nha Trang especially. 👍🇨🇷🇻🇳
One of my 1st videos, Saigon: th-cam.com/video/l_hF-QP2hWs/w-d-xo.html
Will be hitting Vietnam beaches likely this year
Hey could you let me know the name of the song with the funky piano that plays in your videos, many thanks
Not sure the name as I changed it to 'STL Intro'. It's no longer online, luckily I have it.
I do not only make it to the end I wish your videos were at least an hour long ,and I thought I was the only person to use the saying “ass over tea kettle “ when I do say it I get strange looks , I ride motorcycles so I’ve seen some bad accidents helmets are a must thanks for videos 🙏
Big thanks NYC-IRON13
Do you have a map you can post or send pm with this location please? Awesome video thank you.
Hi Jim, sure, pls see: th-cam.com/video/fZaLIvoh6LI/w-d-xo.html
Mate, I want to know how you manage to be on permanent holiday in Thailand? Love the vids, always enjoy them
Thanks Dave. Actually, sold my biz here prior to the rona, preparing to launch another now. Will also keep making vids (time permitting).
@@SideTripLife good luck with it! Giving serious thought to my own plans to work remote and spend time there. Your videos are an inspiration
Hello there!Nice vlog,I will be in Phangan in one month and already booked at Seetanu Bungalow,have you been there?Is it a good choise I did? 🙏
Thanks! I didn't stay there but I had a look and Seetanu is lovely, great choice. There's also a nice restaurant right there plus another next door, both are fantastic and have a nice vibe. Enjoy! (PS: LOVE your Koh Bulon Lae vid, it looks amazing!!! STL
@@SideTripLife Thank you so much 🌺 my videos are terrible 😂 I didn't even know how to hold the phone for TH-cam videos 😅 btw yes Koh Bulon is fantastic and really genuine,no cars,no bikes,just powerful and wild nature,of course is not for everybody as you must love the silence really much,I stayed there for ten days and then moved to the crowded Koh Lipe wich is the first thai iIsland I've been to in my first thai trip.Well...I'm really considering to move to Thailand some day,I wanna hit Phangan just to have one more option and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love it.Have you been to Koh Kood? That's my fav place so far 🙂
Sorry, forgot to say that I would like to stay for 3 months or more.. if we can..
Visa ?
Bring back the good memories from just one month ago , I had great times in THE SAIL LOUNGE and the best place in next door L'ACOVE .. but Koh TAO a very bad experience and disappointing compared to Koh Phangan
Love L'Alcove too. Also absolutely love Koh Tao but sorry to hear your guys trip wasn't good. Looks like we visited similar places: th-cam.com/video/E0qMy5Hi6n0/w-d-xo.html
@@SideTripLife Thanks for sharing .. Yes indeed , we visited same places..Maybe we have good taste afterall LoL .. We also still have many vids to post . Looking forward to your new one too .Great channel .
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Do you find it hard to return motorcycles without any problems? I know I'm missing out by not wanting to rent but I find myself shying away from renting because of horror stories, having to pay for damage that you haven't caused or getting your bike stolen by the owner just to get your dollars . what's your thought on that? Anything happened to you over the years? Thanks ! Cheers from a fellow Canadian !
Hi Andy. Never had any bike shop faking damage or stealing etc ever. Actually, the opposite on KPG - many times I forget the key in the ignition and no prob. However, wouldn't recommend anyone learn to ride on KPG. Also if one doesn't have an intnl motorcycle license, most insurance is not valid. But if experienced and going to rent a bike, wearing a helmet is a must (daily accidents and 'go fund me' pleas to pay the hospital bills are common). Best come over and ride the local Songthaew bus/pickup first and suss it out. Have a great trip! STL
@@SideTripLife Thank you very much for the detailed response. Will be super careful and follow your advice. Going afrer xmas so, I will enjoy your content in the meantime. Thanks again and stay safe !
enjoying this series.
Enjoy goujng to Thailand. Normally bangkok. Chiang mai and chiang ran.
Are these island just party island or do they offer other things of interest to do like hiking . And is it safe riding a mountain bike on the roads there ?
Just waiting for the test n go to be scrapped.
Thanks Gary. Sure, there's plenty of good hiking to be had on Koh Phangan (Bottle Beach, Than Sadet Ntnl Park, multiple waterfalls, viewpoints, jungle treks etc etc). Also many people ride bikes but be advised roads on KPG are quite hilly in places (but some will also like this;) I'd say go for it but just make sure it or you have reflectors, wear a helmet, plus having a rear view mirror would be handy Also as the roads are narrow and twisty would avoid biking at night. Last, would give test n go 8 weeks max to be downgraded and ultimately eliminated before summer. STL
@@SideTripLife thnks for the feedback 😁
Great
Just back from Koh Larn. Not a helmet in sight.
Often wonder how many spills there are with Larn lanes being narrow and some steep, windy and cobblestone (+ endless supply of newbie riders). Once saw a western guy with Thai girl pillion who took a corner too fast/wide and ended up in the brush (luckily just scratches and not beside a cliff...) Koh Larn can make for a lovely day out tho if not over crowded, hope you enjoyed Tim.
Cool
Love KPhangan
$4.50 for a thomsaw, that is Koh Samui prices
100k this week!
You sound a little groggy at the start of the video. Little too much party'ing? :) (watched till the end ofcourse )
Itchy Boots is indeed a lady to watch. Had the pleasure or meeting her in biker-shop, couple of years ago.
Too many wobbly pops = wobbly legs and froggy voice (for me rarely thankfully, only once in full moon in this case;) Wait, you met Noraly?? Cool! Yep, Itchy Boots makes us guys and even the dude adventurers, bald, baldr, caz, etc all look like wussies lol (exception - indigo traveller, the real deal)
@@SideTripLife yeah nice girl to talk to. (Even though it was short. All these elderly bikers swamping her hahah). Very adventurous lady indeed.
Bald looks like an interesting guy to meet though. He does show some cojones to travel to all the remote former Soviet places tbh