I live in Jomtien. High quality Condos that are on par with Bangkok. Pools and amenities. Jomtien has 4 night markets along the beach road that are spread out nicely and have a variety of foods. There are so many restaurants in the Jomtien / Pattaya area that it would take years to try them all out. 2 large shopping malls along with so many small markets will complete anyones shopping needs. Watching the sunsets, and amazing monsoon Thunderstorms over the ocean from my condo balcony are something I would not trade for the often cloudy mountain view in CM. 140 Bhat ticket for the bus direct to the Airport in Bangkok in a brisk 1hr45min. 2 great Hospitals here. Had a yearly Physical at the Jomtien Hospital today for 2,970 Bhat. The Bangkok Hospital in Pattaya supports and utilizes my US Military FMP (Foreign Medical program) for health issues that are service connected for me. There is as well an American Legion and VFW located here in Pattaya. There are 2 water slide parks, a Tiger park, along with many other family orientated parks in Pattaya, Chonburi area.
Yeah, I want to live in jomtien when I move over from the UK 🇬🇧 in around 2 1\2 years time - I’m looking out for a condo around 12,000 baht , any suggestions! Daz, from everything Pattaya has shown a number of these on his channel
Been to all 7. Multiple times over the past 50 years both as tourist and expat. And agree with each analysis. Over that long period I've found that the key was the convenient availability of weeked getaways. Being a regular guest at a resort or town you start to feel as it your second home and it opens all of Thailand. I had 2 places a condo in BKK and an apartment in Cha Am simultaneously. And weekend trips from either place to both places in Thailand and other nearby counties with the stunningly and beautiful GF. were wonderful Now in my 80's returned to US during covid. and spend my time reminiscing about those wonderful decades . That's more than the other 80+ year olds at the senior center have. They only have memori of ther jobs. While I have memories of adventures of Thailand and all of Southeast Asia So anyone having passing dreams of moving to Thailand I say "do it now" because you shuld know that being in your 80's. sucks
Why did you not stay there? Health concerns? The reason I ask is that I have contemplated moving to Thailand, but my age (71) and health issues have made me decide against it.
@@malin5468just typed long response to you and hit wrong button on phone and it disappeared. Basic was I felt very comfy with med care there Used Bumrungrad and it's clinics including Dental for care. Chose American trained Doctors as I could relate to me as I am American especially when we talked spots and the college and pro teams where they studied So unless your issues are very serious then go to Thailand and u will be taken good care of medically there. Suggest next go to Bumrungrad and register with them and make an appointment with a Primary care physician or specialist to get a hands on experience I left Thailand during early covid for family reasons. Life comfortable but playing pool with other seniors at senior center is boring compared to playing with the ladies in the bars. That stuff keeps you young. Playing with other senior keeps you thinking about your age and ailments. So go as you can alt come back
Bangkok is roughly divided into 6 zones: 1.Central Bangkok 2.North Bangkok 3.South Bangkok 4.East Bangkok 5.North Thonburi 6.South Thonburi The most popular areas are usually Central Bangkok and South Bangkok, including places like Siam, Khaosan, Si Lom, Asok, Thong Lor, and Bang Na. West Bangkok, also called the Thonburi area, feels more local and is way much more cheaper than Central Bangkok. It's easy to get around with the BTS and MRT on Phetkasem Road and Charansanitwong Road. Although West Bangkok is similar to South Bangkok, it doesn't have fancy shopping malls and famous tourist spots. But it does have the famous Big Golden Buddha. North Bangkok is a good choice too, offering a modern city vibe in places like Lad Prao and Chatuchak. It's easy to use the MRT and BTS here. Don Muang Air Port is in this zone. On the flip side, East Bangkok, with areas like Bang Kapi, Meen Buri, Ram Khamhang, and Lad Krabang, is the cheapest option. However, it lacks good transportation options, so it's not the best for expats who want easy travel. Suwannabhumi Airport is in Lad Krabang District. Christ, If we get a chance, can you make a video about all the neighborhoods in Bangkok, please?
I've been to Bangkok and love that city. Do you know how expensive it is to live in the Bang Na area being outside Central Bangkok? And thanks for that awesome detail of the different areas of the city.
U didn't mention central east west Bangkok and central west east Bangkok as well as north south Bangkok and south north Bangkok; can u tell us about these areas
North West ….Nonthabhuri, cheaper, quieter, easy access on the purple line. House as opposed to condo, shopping plazas, and plenty of riverside restaurants at affordable prices.
Hello my name is Ginette and forgive the 1st part of my comment. When my husband first started watching you I was like who is this nutty guy you’re watching there’s no way he’s that happy all the time . A year and a half later I’m a huge fan and yes hubby enjoyed say “ I told you so. Long story short we will be leaving the US and arriving in Thailand on Tue. The only thing holding us back was our son, he’s 23 but still our baby. Thank you kindly for all the positive videos. You truly seem like a genuine inspiring person. I hope we have an opportunity to meet you.🙏🏽
I avoid Pattaya, too crazy for me, just outside the city many nice places. Jomtien, Sattahip, Rayong. Many nice places in Thailand, to suit all people, just do your homework, visit for an extended time. Never buy, rent is cheap, you can easily move on, nothing lost.
Baht bus gets you round trip Jomtien to/from central Pattaya for ~ $1usd. Bolt (Uber-like) can be ~ $3 each way maybe 20 minutes and most of that is because of traffic. Probably 7 miles as the croe flies.
My wife and I live in Pratumnak. Expat area with wonderful locals. Excellent hospitals and other infrastructure close by. Just went to Hua Hin for my birthday and we couldn't wait to get home.
Which end of Pratumnak do you live the Cosy Beach end or Soi 4 around the Birds and Bees resort think that is Paradise Beach? Also are there any houses to rent or is it mainly condos as we have cats so need ground floor living. We visited last March and this March too and it seemed a lot busier this year. I was going to visit Hua Hin too in the future as a possible location to live. what did you not like about it?
My house is in a small northern city. Not quite rural, but a 7 minute motorcycle drive from real rural. I love it, but I’m happy with few farangs, native food, and relaxed reading. I’ve put effort into learning basic conversational Thai and the ability to read menus and bus destinations in Thai.
Do you know where Phayao is? I loved it. Not too big. Also not too far from mountains and hot springs. Also could not speak the language has zero issues. Stayed with a lady friend just used Google translate. It was fun doing it that way actually. We had some good laughs
Great insights there. I’ve lived a month in Phuket, two in Bangkok and spent time in beautiful Chiang Mai so far. I can 100% confirm your impression. Phuket has great natural beauty here and there but feels still busy, hyper, noisy and not particularly peaceful. Bangkok has so much going for itself but I dread leaving my condo because stepping into the road is just damn stressful. It’s just not nice to go from A to B. The convenience, variety and beautiful condos are incredible tho. Chiang Mai made me feel instantly relaxed and at peace when I went. I always wondered why people liked it so much, but once you’re there, you get the „vibe“. I‘m going to live there for 6 months I think and might choose a beach location for the other six months, likely outside of Thailand, but thanks to your recommendation I’ll try Hua Hin as well :) Thanks and keep it up!
I recommend scouting too. I retired 2 years ago and moved to Thailand. I'm still trying to decide. I book 3-5 month stays through AirBnB because most will not short term lease a place. It is a little more expensive, but it is still in my budget. I don't think a week will let you get a true feel of a place because different areas in the same city can feel different.
Great infos Chris. I totaly agree with you. As a married guy with a Thai woman and travelling to Thailand since 1987 I'd prefer the rural live or Huan Hin. But love the whole country. 🙏🇹🇭
What stood out for me was how your face lit up when you began to talk about Koh Samui. My first trip to Thailand was in August a week in Bangkok and a week on Koh Samui.
My first time in Thailand is this time. Did some research and moved here. Figured if it didnt work for me, well,, its a big world. 67 yrs old, living one block from beach and on 55% of a simple social security pension.🏝️
Chris, you are the absolute, undisputed champion of all things Thailand. Congrats. Comparison of Hua Hin to Florida was a buzz kill, but I am thankful you said it. Much of my life spent in Florida, but increasing traffic and tall condos that block out the sun helped me decide not to live in Florida anymore. Still, going to check out Changmai and Hua Hin in December to decide where to retire. Thanks, man. Appreciate you.
That's crazy man. I live in south Florida and I'm coming to thailland for the first time to see if I want to move to Chang Mai mostly and Hua huin or Jom Tien during the burning season 😎 I'm coming right after Christmas and staying till mid March 💪
Awesome, man! We are thinking very much alike. I have visited Thailand two times for three months each time. I am excited to live in Thailand. My rent alone will go from 1700 dollars a month to 300-350 dollars a month. Good luck with the new chapter of your life.@@lostboi3974
Visited earlier this year to investigate Hua Hin and Cha Am. For living, I'd suggest Cha Am with the ability to drop down to Hua Hin for markets and shopping weekly, and then heading up to BKK for the big city visit. Beaches in Hau Hin were a bit of a let down. Best suggestion we got was to do a "day pass" at a resort. Gives you access to their nicer beach, pool, and a good lunch.
Pattaya is more than just bars. You can go out to Wongamat Beach area. It’s quiet. Not really a big party spot. But 5 minute drive to terminal 21 and 10 minutes from the party spots in town. Jomtien is quiet as well. Pattaya is as crazy as you want it to get. If you’re here to party it’s your spot. But you can also live a quiet life here . But like all party cities, you need to have your shit together. If you’re all about drinking and bar girls and living life at 100 mph Pattaya will tear you apart. But if you live that life so can Des Moines, Iowa I guess
If you wanna live on budget, I recommend Bangkok. Bangkok is full of both public transportation/street food and luxury places/ fancy foods. You can choose your kind of lifestyle here, super luxury or super cheap. If you go to other provinces, you will end up spend more cause the transportation. Cost of Living (for foreigner) - Cheaper to More expensive 1. Samui Island 2. Phuket 3. Pattaya/ Hua Hin 4. Bangkok 5. Chiang Mai 6. Rural Area - Other province However, please note that there's no convinient public transportation in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Rural areas (Sky train, Subway, etc. ). You might need to buy car or motorbike.
Great analysis Chris. I'm regularly in Thailand once or twice a year for the last 7 years. I want to add in another factor - humidity and felt temperature (not real temperature). Seaside places and places higher up on the hills have the advantage of breezes and cooler nights. So you do not necessarily have to use aircon, a fan is just enough. I'm often in Phitsanulok area but living up on the hills of Wang Tong district next to it. It so much of a difference being up on 500 m altitude. When we stay over night in the city, we use hotel with aircon, but up there in the hills it even gets cold in the nights so I can sleep easily. Don't throw your winter clothes away; you may need them for the first few hours of the day.
very perceptive observations. i am disabled.. i loved koh samui but very hard for me to navigate. the americans for disability act has not made it to thailand. thais are extremely kind to me but rough sidewalks and lack of handrails are just to much for me. speak passable thai. and have lived in thailand. on koh samui local transportation is expensive or unavailable sometimes
Hi, nice vdo as usual. Like you, I have a very long story with Thailand. I got married my thai wifr 32 years ago, living in France 30 years and now in Pattaya for two years as retired ( our kids are now flying alone😅). Pattaya is a great place to live. Cost of live is cheap, you find everything you need like in Bkk but you are on the seaside. Now regarding the "bad" réputation of the city, you see everything with your brain behind your eyes... Should you think bad, you see bad...wherever you stay , Bkk, Chiang mai, Phuket or Samui...
Always love exploring new parts & cities of Thailand but at the end of the day Bangkok always calls me back. The city has everything to offer and ease of transportation with the BTS & MRT just make it too convenient for someone that doesn't have a license. Once I get a motorbike license things may change but for now If I'm ever in Thailand Bangkok is liek a second home to me 🇹🇭
I am a country guy. We live on the edge of a small village in Loei province. And yes, it is in the boonies in a very scenic area. I do hate cities, crowds, traffic, high end hotels and restaurants. Since I am an introvert, actually nearly a hermit, I like this life style. We have chickens, ducks, rabbits a couple turkeys and a dog and cat. My Thai wife and I live alone in her two bedroom house. I had to westernize the house to suit myself but the house is now as I like it. I use the one bedroom as my man cave with all my computer stuff and solar power. I had a nine by nine square meter garage workshop that I had built. Since I rarely have any projects, I have converted it to a game room with a high quality pool table, computer, rest room and a refrigerator. Once a week a good farang friend would come over and we would drink beer and play pool. Unfortunately he is an old man like me but his health has suffered so no pool games now for a long time already. I do still have a 60 square meter condo in Jomtien but VERY seldom use it. I have no desire to rent it out so it just stays empty. I really should sell it but really don't need the money. I kept the condo which is in my name and it was always part of my plan "B" in case our marriage went on the rocks. Now my wife of more than twenty years says she is now too old to train a new husband so she says she will keep me. LOL! Added. I forgot to mention that our house sits on two and a half rai with a two meter high wall surrounding it.
I lived in Thailand from 2004-2006. I was teaching during this period. I lived in Songkhla, Surrathani, and Chiang Rai. My favorite out of these three was Chiang Rai. It was a very relaxed lifestyle. If I had to move there again ( I currently live in the SF Bay Area, CA) I would live up North, maybe Udon or Isaan.
My wife has a cousin up in Chiang Rai and it is lovely with cooler weather...but burning season isn't fun from what I understand. Would be great if you can split time between there and then a beach area.
@ashvoj avoid Cambodia then 😂 I spent a couple of weeks there & absolutely loved it, but when I got to Thailand afterwards, the humidity was barely noticeable because Cambo is soooo much worse. Still mostly jungle so VERY humid & being mostly land-locked, you don't get any cool ocean breezes to help
Really loved Nong Khai when I got to visit last year. Also helps that my gfs family will have more than everything needed to live a long happy life. Can't wait to get a bit of savings and make the move. Thanks for making the 2nd channel!
@@hanapin8464 I love to so much. Hoping to get a teaching job in the meantime nearby there. Love the people, love the nature and love the food. The cheap prices are nice too.
If you're sure you want to live in Thailand but not sure exactly where, just come, narrow it down, and try it. You can always go to another area you find later if you choose.
My Thai home is Chiang Mai and I absolutely love it. I hope it never turns into BKK. Totally agree that the quality in CM is fantastic. Unfortunately you're also right about the burning season which is so unfortunate.
Thank you so much for the videos! Me and my partner went to Thailand this summer, and we just COMPLETELY fall in love with Thailand. We are moving there in February 😊. I must say that your videos have been super useful and insightful. Thanks again ❤
Good summation overall Chris. Australian here; married to a Thai. Have pretty much already worked out the broad plan location wise. We’ve a plot of land in a rural area in the North East, about an hour and a half drive from both Udon Thani and Khon Kaen; all going well we’ll commence building in it in the next 18 months. We will also buy a place on the outskirts oh Hua Hin once the final decision on the timing of a move is determined. Spend the time outside brining season in the North East (it’s gotten horrific over the last couple of years) and burning season in Hua Hin. The question now is when to make the move. Can’t retire just yet; but if I could find a good way to make a reasonable living, the move happens sooner than later.
After my last visit in April for that month I made the decision and I'm in the process of selling the house and everything else. I'm looking at that Pratumnak area as it is centrally located and a cool area. I'm into car and motorcycle culture, and seems most the car events are in this area and Bangkok. My goal is "Toes in the sand" and a "shit eatin' grin" for the rest of my life. I'm soon to be 61, absolutely over it here, have a beautiful lady waiting for me, and looking forward to being there for good. It will be a HUGE lifestyle change for me, but I see everything I do here (except for snowboarding) is there, in the country of Thailand, and done BETTER than here in the country of dumbfuks, the U.S. Thanks to you and the others I watch, my heart n soul are still there. I'm hoping to start my relocation reTHAIrment next summer. 🤘😘🌬🌬➡️🇹🇭
I can definitely recommend Bangkok for city lovers for all the reasons mentioned. It is a great combination of modernity along with urban Thainess at the street level. I came to Thailand from the San Francisco Bay Area - Berkeley, CA. This was my first time living in a big city and I loved it. I lived in central Bangkok for six years before moving to our new house in the rural Sisaket countryside which I also love. As for the pollution, I didn’t think it was all that bad. Bangkok has big city air quality, a little worse in December/January but nothing that really bothered me. If you have respiratory problems or you are an eco-purist then maybe the Bangkok , or any big city, is not for you. Transportation - I use public transportation in Bangkok but I bought a car last year when we started building our house in Sisaket.
I've been living in Berkeley and working in SF for many years now, after several years in LA and a decade in Manhattan. Berkeley is an urban setting, or at least it has been since 2005 when I first moved here. That makes it very easy to move to a big city because Berkeley is so urban itself, and it borders Oakland and is across the bay from SF. That whole Berkeley-Oakland-San Francisco triangle is an urban metroplex, so it makes sense it was an easy transition. I'm told that the air in Bangkok has gotten much worse in the last several years, much like the air in California has, as well, mainly due to forest fires (air was so dangerous we had to wear P100 and N95 masks for safety at times). Since you weren't here during the pandemic, I can tell you one bizarre thing (in the best way possible) we learned the first 4 days of lockdown during the 2020. All of the air pollution over the SF Bay area went away, and we had the most gorgeous, clear skies and fresh air because no one was allowed to drive anywhere except for healthcare workers, fire personnel, and law enforcement. Same thing happened in LA, no smog, as in none. It was a beautiful thing to see. Now, both cities are as polluted as they were before the pandemic because everyone has gone back to driving. Thank you for your post! Wishing you continued happiness in the rural countryside.
Interesting takes on Thailand some of which I agree with. Your statements about the differences between Samui and Phuket were in general correct. Samui does have more of an Island vibe, but I would contrast that with the positive of Phuket having many more towns to explore and visit. Also, I disagree with your assessment about Samui traffic as the only place I've ever experienced traffic congestion in Samui is Chaweng Beach and Fisherman's Village early evening and if your on a motorbike this is not much of an issue. Also, one great aspect of Samui no one ever talks about is that all the towns and roads in Samui are around the perimeter because of the mountainous nature of the interior. However, this area, easily 80 percent of the island, is a maze of mostly trails with some narrow disintegrating roads that meander through the jungle going from mountain top to mountaintop interspersed by deep lush valleys. It is always ten degrees cooler up there and it is a wonderful place to explore with many temples and modest farm houses that simple Thai people reside in. I would add however, that in order to enjoy this aspect of Samui you need to have confidence and a moderate to high level of skill on a motorbike. Regarding Chiang Mai, I agree with your assessment but would add an amazing part of living in Chiang Mai are areas you can explore by motorbike to the west going towards Myanmar, and the roads to the north and east along the Chinese and Laos boarder. These roads are mostly in excellent shape and require only moderate motorbike riding ability.
Option 8 is could be 2nd tier beach towns outside of Phuket and Samui. Khao Lak is amazing. I came here for a day 5 days ago, and have no desire to leave. Ao Nang is also great. With a motorcycle in either place, you're golden. Both of them have a more relaxed vibe than Phuket or Samui, but both cater to tourists so will have more services and restaurants geared towards expats than rural living but less than the big islands.
Chris -Thank you for all you have done for the World community to help us understand Thailand. It is because of you that I am now vacationing in Thailand with the intent of seeing if it will fit my retirement plans. Many choices of where to stay but we booked 2 weeks in Pattaya and 1 in Bangkok. to get a feeling of the vibe and lifestyle here. I actually let my wife pick the locations, as my choice was Hau Hin, not Pattaya. We are in our 60's and from Vancouver Canada and are looking for cuisine choices and great beach views. Thailand has lived up to everything you have portrayed it to be and I just wanted you to know how much we appreciate your videos. Keep up the great work.
Three more things about Hua Hin: there are several good golf courses there; there are quite a few older farangs (retired); and some people find it too slow and sleepy. I like it, myself.
I like Hua Hin - the big downside is Phetkasem Road. If you want to move north-south you have to use it. If you want to go east-west you got to cross it. Neither is pleasant.
Koh Samui was so chill and relaxing. I really enjoyed it when I was there with my wife. We are moving to Thailand in December and we decided on Khon Kaen. Also a nice low cost option with all of the amenities.
Finally found this channel took me awhile but this is the kind of video that I really enjoy, talking about Thailand and not the red light districts this kind of video lets me feel like I am really there so thank you very much.
Samui is great for a month or two but becomes boring and is remote, requiring a ferry trip and long drive or a flight to enjoy some city life or visit anywhere else of interest. Phuket is like a Samui Bangkok hybrid so it suits people who struggle to choose between city and island life. A friend who recently moved there used to hop between Samui and Bangkok every month but got tired of being unsettled by that lifestyle. He now lives full time there and takes occasional long weekend direct flight trips to KL, Singapore and Saigon.
I just moved to Thailand a month ago. Was so done with the west and sold everything i had and quit my job. Ive been to Bangkok, koh samui, phuket in the first few weeks and now are in jomtien, Pataya. To be honest you were mostly spot on indeed. I loved Koh Samui. Phuket wasn't my thing tbh. Missed the island vibes like you said. To be honest, Pataya is pretty relaxing. The Jomtien area is pretty laidback. The centre and walking street isnand partying is not our thing so we just avoid that. Love it here and still not sure where we will settle. Great advice 👌🏼
Fantastic video Chris, loved this one. I am a couple of years from retirement and have been holidaying in different locations to get a feel for Thailand and loved them all. First trip to Phuket coming up shortly.
That's what I did last August, spent a month going to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya... not a big city person, so for me Bangkok was too big, Chiang Mai was ok, again more people than I thought, Hua Hin and south of there was slower pace, and Pattaya crazy party town. Will come back and hope to visit Phuket, maybe Krabi, some of the islands and what is east of Pattaya, like Chanthaburi.
Glad I found you, your content is amazing, you're honest, and likable, and provide so much value by giving an open and clear overview of Thailand, I truly appreciate it!! I'm way more of a beach guy, work remotely, and Asia has always been my dream. Hope to see you soon, all the best!! Cheers!!
Howdy Chris. Just found your channels, great info. About locations I'd just like to expand a little. I'd put a little more emphasis on pollution in Chiang Mai and especially Issan. Burning season is terrible. We settled on Ao Nang Krabi (bought a plot of land and start building in January). A trade off of cost, things to do and natural beauty. We really like Koh Lanta for beaches, sunsets and cost (you can actually afford sea view places there). But as we age, access to a modern hospital as well as convenient shopping steered us to Krabi. Phuket and Samui are just too crowded and the drivers on Samui are completely nuts ! Keep up the good work.
Great analysis, couldn't agree more. Acutally I am mainly living in CM and switch to Samui during the burning season, visiting Bangkok, where I lived in the past only for some weekends and visits.
My girlfriend lives in Hat Yai, I've come here now for the third time this year and if everything goes well I plan to move here within 12 months from Australia. Thanks for the videos!
Very nice ! Thank you, as your opinions are truly helpful. And I don’t take your recommendations necessarily as bias, but as an ex Canadian with plenty of Thailand experience. And yes, I’m definitely thinking of taking your advice, as I gave myself 5 years to find the “perfect” place to retire in. For me, Hua Hin is becoming more and more appealing. Again, thank you
Pattaya is the best place to live if you are not an alcoholic, just don't stay in the center. I recommend Prattamnak or Jomtien areas, those have everything you need and you can still reach Pattaya's city center within 5-15minutes. I don't really drink alcohol, but I really enjoy the cost of living that is much cheaper than in Phuket and Bangkok. Also I can reach Suvarnabhumi within 1,5hour.
I don't drink at all, but Patttaya's reputation related to alcoholism makes me fear living there irrespective of my current state. I'm single and would intend to enjoy the dating scene, so I'm afraid that I would eventually start doing as I see (monkey see, monkey do) after enough time around it. I live in the states and never really go to bars, so it's no problem at all for me here. But there feels like it may be a completely different story, given how pervasive drinking is within the culture. I feel like I could live almost anywhere and this would never be an issue, because though I've drank plenty in my younger years, I have no real affinity for it in middle-age. But, Pattaya just seems like a totally different beast to contend with. Thoughts?
Just the info was looking for. Jomtien sounds good but I would need public transport. How far is it to Pattaya and is public transport readily available?
I found out from my Thai girlfriend that worked in a Ramen shop in BKK. She told me that if business was slow the business keeps the 10% service charge. If business is busy, they share the service charge. 😂
Your stunning lack of empathy for your "Thai girlfriend" is sickening. She endured financial abuse with an amoral boss and you think it's so funny you chose a laughing-so-hard-I'm-crying emoji? smh That poor woman...
Great informative video CP. I agree best advice is to go spend some time in Thailand first. The other trap that people sometimes fall into is the on holiday/living there one. There’s a lot to consider when making a permanent move that you can easily overlook, or just not even consider, when on a holiday.
Still about two years out from being able to move to Thailand. I've watched so many vids, but for me, I think living in the outskirts of Bangkok, but on a BTS line is the way to go. A community with good housing options, good restaurants, good street food, and cafes but not so close to downtown Bangkok as to be overwhelming on a day to day basis.
Hi Chris, just found your channel, it's great, I'm from nyc and going thailand over 25 yrs, been to every spot u mentioned, but after living in a zoo like nyc, I enjoy living last 10yrs on and off in the hills of chiang rai, thanks again
Sure, It’s a great city. I really love Bangkok. But I just came up from Jomtien and spent the night (Soi 15). I have just a few months left on my condo lease in Jomtien, and was thinking of trying Bangkok for a year. The traffic in afternoon and evening was miserable. Cannot compare to Jomtien or Pattaya traffic. I don’t mind buying a hotel room for one or two nights a month in Bangkok. Prefer to live in Jomtien.
I think jomtien is really really good in many respects. Might not be the best place on planet earth but like it’s got to be perhaps in the top 10 if you’re a single guy. Bahtbus takes you into Pattaya for 30 cents takes like 7 min. It’s quiet at night there. Beaches are nice. Everything is cheap. Night life is great. Like if you’re a snowbird this is where to go
This was a great video for someone who is interested in coming to Thailand. I will be going to all these places to see which one I like best! Much love for the videos.
Very good. I not big city. I did Bangkok for 1st week. Followed by Jomtien/Pattaya for 5 months. And now Rayong. Your words, observations, honesty, straightforwardness, etc is spot on. Very good. 🙏😁Lovin' & Livin' Thailand
if health services and access to them is the key look at area that can provide that and a few good options with great hospitals for the expat and look at health insurance too, the other thing is access to transport either international air ports and local buses and trains/ferries to get where you need to be.
Spot on describing Chiang Mai, especially affordable global cuisine options, Thai food is great but who can eat it 365? I visited Hua Hin last month, it was IMO a bit underwhelming compared to Chiang Mai. Pattaya is a cost effective escape from the burning season, it's not all about the pussy. 😂 Korat is perfect for many older folks, but it's hard for me to pass on CM even with the seasonal smoke.
Great video Chris. I’ve been coming to Thailand for over 20 years and I’ve been married to a Thai for 17 years. I’ve been to all the places in this video and done the partying/holiday lifestyle. But when we move over from the UK in 2 years we’ll be living out in Isaan for the quiet life with a few trips every year down to Hua Hin which we love. Plus a few trips also to other parts of Asia.
Live in suwannaphumb a small town in Roi Et province. If you want a wuiet and peaceful retirement then the Issan region is ideal. One hour from nearest airport and one hour flight to Bangkok. Go to Pattiya, Bangkok and Hua Hin for short breaks them back to the peace and quiet of this region. Been living in Thailand for 11 months with no regrets .
I just discovered your channel, and I subscribed. I like your style of talking and giving info, and you give good info. And I see your viewers also write some good info. I'm 56 yrs old and not in great health, and I plan to move there in a few years to live out the last years of my life there. I have pretty much made up my mind that I will definitely move there if my health holds up good enough til I am ready. I have family obligations and very low energy, so it will take me awhile to wrap things up here in Maryland, USA. I hope to live in a quieter area, like maybe down around Chanthaburi, in the far South-East end of Thailand. I have been to Thailand 7 times since 1999, and I've been to all the places you mentioned here (and many more) except Hua Hin. I will take a few trips to Thailand before I make the final move, and I plan to travel around to many places, scouting out the areas I may want to move to, and just to experience different areas. I love adventure, so the idea of traveling around scouting for months really appeals to me, but I also will want to get a home base to feel grounded between different branches of my journey. I will be watching more of your vids, and I'll probably comment more.
very good advice, personally I like Jomtien which is 10-15 south of Pattaya, it is a great place to be, go to Pattaya if you want to party, but it also have major shopping but Jomtien certainly should be worth a visit
Pattaya, you can live in a modern city, with lots of live music on weekends; ultra modern shopping; and lots of bars out of the way where you can meet a friendly beer bar girl that will show you around town for a few days; introduce you to her friends; and start to get to know people. It's easy to get rides everywhere with ride share or bus; or train into Bangkok. Close to Bangkok! South of Pataya, but still very close; is much less hectic Jomtien Beach; which has some amazing views, for inexpensive monthly rates in new modern condos, huge pools, water parks, dolphin swims; and excellent expat schools and communities; great for family life. Maybe no reason to buy there; if you might want to move to Chang Mai in a couple of years; or Hua Hin.. Bitcoin is a better investment than real estate anyway; and we still need to see what rules will apply for money brought to Thailand in the future, to purchase vs rent. I think expats will be able to bring in capital from USA, buy real estate and live on Social Security without paying taxes; the new tax laws apply more to Thais that expatriate their business income.
Im in the process of moving to Thailand. Still going to take me 6 month's to 1 year. Going to be stying in Phuket with my Thai girlfriend. We are eventually going to settle in her town Phattalung. Keep up the good content and keeping our Thailand dreams alive...🎉
Again thank you for the informative videos. We've done a little binge-watching this weekend; Before moving, Where to Live, and your insurance video. We are getting closer to when we will move there in the spring so we are paying special attention to your content. Thanks for the worthwhile and useful topics.
When working on Saudi Arabia, my family and I went to Thailand for 3 weeks. We spent out time I Chaing Mae then flew to Koh Samui. Chaing Mai is a city, but it’s strange in that it doesn’t seem like a city. I don’t like city life but Chaing Mae was awesome! The temples, waterfalls in the mountains, the food, and of course, the beautiful people. If I were to move to Thailand, that most definitely be where I would relocate. My daughter and I went to Mai Ya waterfalls way up into the mountains with a rented jeep and had absolutely no problems driving there. A quick story; while we were walking along the river just down from the falls, unbeknown to us, a Thai family were having a picnic on one of the large granite rocks close by. I felt a tap on my shoulder, and there was a gentleman with his wife and kids handing me a piece of barbecue chicken and a beer, and the same for my daughter with the exception of the beer, they gave her a coke. More stories then I can convince my fingers to type up, but what a beautiful place on all levels.
Hi Chris. We plan to be in Koh Samui In April for approximately three months. We hope to get a chance to meet you while we are there. Thanks for everything you do.
Pat-e-ya. Jomtien is decent. Away from the Sin City of central Pattaya but close enough to pop in. You also have the ferry from Bali Hai Pier over to Koh Larn. Some absolutely gorgeous beaches only an hour away. I spent 30 days on Samui in June/July. My 1st trip down south. Loved it ❤ A bit expensive, occasionally felt a little isolated, but generally awesome (shout out to Flora & Note whose YT vids "made" me fall in love with Samui 555) 👌 Phuket is on my "very soon" list. I really loved Chiang Mai. Cooler mountain weather, but would hate the 3 months of choking to death. Hua Hin is like a mini Pattaya/ cheap Samui. A bonus for HH (apart from proximity to BKK) is that you're also not TOO far from the south, the beautiful resort vibe. Kanchanaburi is also a nice little spot, not far from BKK (2½ hrs by train) & HH. Relaxed river life. My GF has land in Roi Et I'd like to build on, for the "true" Thai life in Isaan but would love to be able to afford a condo in Jomtien to offset the boredom. Great list Chris 👌 Always love your videos
Hi Chris. Great info. We are also going to retire in a few months to Thailand. We have heard that Jomtien , Pattaya was a nice place to stay and it looks affordable. If any one could give us more info on accommodation would be great. A condo would be fine. Thanks
Hey Chris, you suggested that Pattaya was short days and long nights, but I’ve been thinking for a few years about moving out there as a buddy of mine lives there. He’s older than me, I’m 52 but if it’s really a youngster lifestyle I wonder what he has found there at the age of 54. We both have military pensions and wondered what you might discover about Pattaya that little of us know. I’ll send you his name by PM if it helps so you could get an older guys perspective. Using GBP would be useful as a comparison, but we can work around it. Keep up the good work 👍
My own experiences here Stateside is that when you are charged a 10% surcharge for tip, your server will only see a small portion, management gets the bulk, and so I still will tip the server and do it personally so that they get to keep it instead of a cleaner picking it up on the table and putting it in the " JAR "....
I don't think you can mention Pattaya living without discussing Jomtien and also The Darkside. Both have enough distance between them and the craziness of Pattaya, lower cost of living, less traffic, Jomtien has the beach and The Darkside has the lake. But you are about 15 minutes from the hospitals and night scene.
I'd say the only issue with number 7 is language, My Mrs is from Suphanburi, province next to Kanchanaburi, no one & I mean no one speaks English, it's hard work, one way to learn the local language I guess lol. We bought our land in Cha Am, just enough of us farang for the locals to speak English, but not saturated with farang like Hua Hin is. Great food, great night market, a BKK hospital, shopping mall's, beach isn't the best in the world, but nice enough to sit in a deck chair & chill out. In the evening, about 10 street food vendors set up on the beach & you order what you like, just pay the one bill, absolutely brilliant. We're flying out tomorrow for 3 weeks, can't wait.
Cha Am is great. Best seafood meal ever: drive north on the beach road to the fishing village where the road T's with the river. Resto right there, watch the fishing boats going out to the gulf.
You hit the nail on the head my friend. I have been to Pattaya several times because early trips my buddies wanted to waste 2 days there. Moving to Thailand and chosing Pattaya as your place to live is exactly like living in the USA and chosing Vegas as a place to live Souless and how many days can you get drunk in a row?
Where in southern California did you live? Actually LA? Some guy did a food review the other day at a resturant in little siagon a mile from my house and he said he was in LA... Not even close, little siagon is in Orange County....
Pattaya to me, Thai, I don’t like to live there (Im ok with day trip there but definitely not night life, party - Pattaya has not good reputation for nightlife). I prefer live in nearby town called Bangsaen, where next to beaches, facilities: universities (Burapha Uni, Kasetsart Uni), Hotels, resort, condominiums, real estates, department stores: Central department store, robinson, pacific park, hospitals etc. Bangsaen also not far from BKk only 1.5 hrs in car. The atmosphere at Bangsaen is similar as Huahin, family + friendly style. Seafood in Bangsaen is great as the same as other seaside town. And East coast of Thailand (Chonburi(Bangsaen, Sattahip, Sriracha ), Rayong (Samed Island), Chanthaburi, Trat (Chang Island) these east coast provinces of Thailand are truly gems.
If not for the worst air pollution in the country during February and May, I would highly recommend Chiang Mai for relatively low cost of living, golf courses and places to travel from such as Chiang Rai, Lampoon, Lampang, Mae Hong Sonn, Prae, Nan or Luang Pra Bang even. (I live here though born and grew up in Bangkok). You can find (almost) everything Bangkok has in Chiang Mai, including traffic jam in some areas! If you can get away from Chingmai for a few months during the polltuted months, Chiang Mai and Sattahib are two good choices. The rest are either expensive or too crowded.
This was so helpful - a great summary of the options to retire there for a person like me. Although everything is subjective in the end, I can relate and agree, for the most part, to your recommendations/suggestions after recently staying for a period of time in just a couple of the destinations you describe. So, thank you very much for your time.
@@tomgolab3958Jomtien is minutes away, depending on traffic. Just a few miles as the crow flies. Bolt can get you from one to the other for $3-5 usd. The baht bus can get you ROUND TRIP for *under a buck* usd.
I'm looking really hard at Koh Chang. I lived in Rayong for a couple of years and I'm intimately familiar with Pattaya. I've spent lots of time in BKK. Hua Hin is nice and that's kind of my plan B.
I live in Jomtien. High quality Condos that are on par with Bangkok. Pools and amenities. Jomtien has 4 night markets along the beach road that are spread out nicely and have a variety of foods. There are so many restaurants in the Jomtien / Pattaya area that it would take years to try them all out. 2 large shopping malls along with so many small markets will complete anyones shopping needs. Watching the sunsets, and amazing monsoon Thunderstorms over the ocean from my condo balcony are something I would not trade for the often cloudy mountain view in CM. 140 Bhat ticket for the bus direct to the Airport in Bangkok in a brisk 1hr45min. 2 great Hospitals here. Had a yearly Physical at the Jomtien Hospital today for 2,970 Bhat. The Bangkok Hospital in Pattaya supports and utilizes my US Military FMP (Foreign Medical program) for health issues that are service connected for me. There is as well an American Legion and VFW located here in Pattaya. There are 2 water slide parks, a Tiger park, along with many other family orientated parks in Pattaya, Chonburi area.
Yeah, I want to live in jomtien when I move over from the UK 🇬🇧 in around 2 1\2 years time - I’m looking out for a condo around 12,000 baht , any suggestions! Daz, from everything Pattaya has shown a number of these on his channel
Please share details on the 140 baht bus ticket to the airport 🙏
Take a bolt or the bhat bus to the Jomtien bus station on Thappraya rd. Bus goes direct to Sukhumvit Airport in Bangkok @@mrjeffreychow
Yes and plenty of hookers 😂😂
You don't mind the hot/humid & rainy climate?
Been to all 7. Multiple times over the past 50 years both as tourist and expat. And agree with each analysis.
Over that long period I've found that the key was the convenient availability of weeked getaways. Being a regular guest at a resort or town you start to feel as it your second home and it opens all of Thailand. I had 2 places
a condo in BKK and an apartment in Cha Am simultaneously. And weekend trips from either place to both places in Thailand and other nearby counties with the stunningly and beautiful GF. were wonderful
Now in my 80's returned to US during covid. and spend my time reminiscing about those wonderful decades . That's more than the other 80+ year olds at the senior center have. They only have memori of ther jobs. While I have memories of adventures of Thailand and all of Southeast Asia
So anyone having passing dreams of moving to Thailand I say "do it now"
because you shuld know that being in your 80's. sucks
Why did you not stay there? Health concerns? The reason I ask is that I have contemplated moving to Thailand, but my age (71) and health issues have made me decide against it.
Thank you for the advice!
Just moved to Thailand after living in Brazil for 20 years. I am 74. You can if you want too. @@malin5468
@@malin5468just typed long response to you and hit wrong button on phone and it disappeared.
Basic was I felt very comfy with med care there
Used Bumrungrad and it's clinics including Dental for care. Chose American trained Doctors as I could relate to me as I am American especially when we talked spots and the college and pro teams where they studied
So unless your issues are very serious then go to Thailand and u will be taken good care of medically there. Suggest next go to Bumrungrad and register with them and make an appointment with a Primary care physician or specialist to get a hands on experience
I left Thailand during early covid for family reasons. Life comfortable but playing pool with other seniors at senior center is boring compared to playing with the ladies in the bars. That stuff keeps you young. Playing with other senior keeps you thinking about your age and ailments. So go as you can alt come back
wow this is what make me move to th soon , adventure and nature
we will do it soon :)
Bangkok is roughly divided into 6 zones:
1.Central Bangkok
2.North Bangkok
3.South Bangkok
4.East Bangkok
5.North Thonburi
6.South Thonburi
The most popular areas are usually Central Bangkok and South Bangkok,
including places like Siam, Khaosan, Si Lom, Asok, Thong Lor, and Bang Na.
West Bangkok, also called the Thonburi area,
feels more local and is way much more cheaper than Central Bangkok.
It's easy to get around with the BTS and MRT on Phetkasem Road and Charansanitwong Road.
Although West Bangkok is similar to South Bangkok,
it doesn't have fancy shopping malls and famous tourist spots.
But it does have the famous Big Golden Buddha.
North Bangkok is a good choice too,
offering a modern city vibe in places like Lad Prao and Chatuchak. It's easy to use the MRT and BTS here.
Don Muang Air Port is in this zone.
On the flip side, East Bangkok,
with areas like Bang Kapi, Meen Buri, Ram Khamhang, and Lad Krabang, is the cheapest option.
However, it lacks good transportation options,
so it's not the best for expats who want easy travel.
Suwannabhumi Airport is in Lad Krabang District.
Christ, If we get a chance, can you make a video about all the neighborhoods in Bangkok, please?
I've been to Bangkok and love that city. Do you know how expensive it is to live in the Bang Na area being outside Central Bangkok? And thanks for that awesome detail of the different areas of the city.
YES PLEASE. I SECOND THIS
U didn't mention central east west Bangkok and central west east Bangkok as well as north south Bangkok and south north Bangkok; can u tell us about these areas
North West ….Nonthabhuri, cheaper, quieter, easy access on the purple line. House as opposed to condo, shopping plazas, and plenty of riverside restaurants at affordable prices.
Thank you for this detail.
Hello my name is Ginette and forgive the 1st part of my comment. When my husband first started watching you I was like who is this nutty guy you’re watching there’s no way he’s that happy all the time . A year and a half later I’m a huge fan and yes hubby enjoyed say “ I told you so. Long story short we will be leaving the US and arriving in Thailand on Tue. The only thing holding us back was our son, he’s 23 but still our baby. Thank you kindly for all the positive videos. You truly seem like a genuine inspiring person. I hope we have an opportunity to meet you.🙏🏽
I avoid Pattaya, too crazy for me, just outside the city many nice places.
Jomtien, Sattahip, Rayong.
Many nice places in Thailand, to suit all people, just do your homework, visit for an extended time.
Never buy, rent is cheap, you can easily move on, nothing lost.
Thanks you for the recommendations. I absolutely appreciate that you gave a list of alternate locations.
Roughly how far is it from Jomtien to Pattaya and is public transport readily available?
Baht bus gets you round trip Jomtien to/from central Pattaya for ~ $1usd. Bolt (Uber-like) can be ~ $3 each way maybe 20 minutes and most of that is because of traffic. Probably 7 miles as the croe flies.
i agree. Went once and never again. I recently went to Rayong and found it a lovelly place
This guy makes sense.. thanks
My wife and I live in Pratumnak. Expat area with wonderful locals. Excellent hospitals and other infrastructure close by. Just went to Hua Hin for my birthday and we couldn't wait to get home.
i also stay in pratumnak, by far the best area in pattaya, quet peaceful and 5min from action. perfect
Stop telling everyone about it. We would like to keep it the way it is.
Pratumnak great area to live!
Which rural areas would you recommend and would you consider them to be safe?
Which end of Pratumnak do you live the Cosy Beach end or Soi 4 around the Birds and Bees resort think that is Paradise Beach? Also are there any houses to rent or is it mainly condos as we have cats so need ground floor living. We visited last March and this March too and it seemed a lot busier this year. I was going to visit Hua Hin too in the future as a possible location to live. what did you not like about it?
My house is in a small northern city. Not quite rural, but a 7 minute motorcycle drive from real rural. I love it, but I’m happy with few farangs, native food, and relaxed reading. I’ve put effort into learning basic conversational Thai and the ability to read menus and bus destinations in Thai.
Do you know where Phayao is? I loved it. Not too big. Also not too far from mountains and hot springs. Also could not speak the language has zero issues. Stayed with a lady friend just used Google translate. It was fun doing it that way actually. We had some good laughs
@@andrewbrann6231 Yes, I’m in Phrae. Close by. Nan, Lampang, Lamphun, Phayao, and Phrae are all really nice.
For general and low cost living, I recommend to live nearby any of universities in Thailand.
Good advice cause students get money from parents with no jobs.
And because of the sideline girls!555@@insightwisdom7022
Great insights there. I’ve lived a month in Phuket, two in Bangkok and spent time in beautiful Chiang Mai so far. I can 100% confirm your impression. Phuket has great natural beauty here and there but feels still busy, hyper, noisy and not particularly peaceful. Bangkok has so much going for itself but I dread leaving my condo because stepping into the road is just damn stressful. It’s just not nice to go from A to B. The convenience, variety and beautiful condos are incredible tho. Chiang Mai made me feel instantly relaxed and at peace when I went. I always wondered why people liked it so much, but once you’re there, you get the „vibe“. I‘m going to live there for 6 months I think and might choose a beach location for the other six months, likely outside of Thailand, but thanks to your recommendation I’ll try Hua Hin as well :) Thanks and keep it up!
I currently live in Chiang Mai. I love the laidback and friendly people. I also like the lower cost of living compared to BKK and the Islands.
I recommend scouting too. I retired 2 years ago and moved to Thailand. I'm still trying to decide. I book 3-5 month stays through AirBnB because most will not short term lease a place. It is a little more expensive, but it is still in my budget. I don't think a week will let you get a true feel of a place because different areas in the same city can feel different.
Definitely
Our plan too
Great infos Chris. I totaly agree with you. As a married guy with a Thai woman and travelling to Thailand since 1987 I'd prefer the rural live or Huan Hin. But love the whole country. 🙏🇹🇭
What stood out for me was how your face lit up when you began to talk about Koh Samui. My first trip to Thailand was in August a week in Bangkok and a week on Koh Samui.
My first time in Thailand is this time. Did some research and moved here. Figured if it didnt work for me, well,, its a big world.
67 yrs old, living one block from beach and on 55% of a simple social security pension.🏝️
What part did you say?
What area
Chris, you are the absolute, undisputed champion of all things Thailand. Congrats. Comparison of Hua Hin to Florida was a buzz kill, but I am thankful you said it. Much of my life spent in Florida, but increasing traffic and tall condos that block out the sun helped me decide not to live in Florida anymore. Still, going to check out Changmai and Hua Hin in December to decide where to retire. Thanks, man. Appreciate you.
That's crazy man. I live in south Florida and I'm coming to thailland for the first time to see if I want to move to Chang Mai mostly and Hua huin or Jom Tien during the burning season 😎 I'm coming right after Christmas and staying till mid March 💪
Awesome, man! We are thinking very much alike. I have visited Thailand two times for three months each time. I am excited to live in Thailand. My rent alone will go from 1700 dollars a month to 300-350 dollars a month. Good luck with the new chapter of your life.@@lostboi3974
Hua hin is the most overrated place I've ever been, all concrete and no beach and sleezy bars
@@kippsguitar6539 I think I might make my alternative Jom Tien if that is the case.
Visited earlier this year to investigate Hua Hin and Cha Am. For living, I'd suggest Cha Am with the ability to drop down to Hua Hin for markets and shopping weekly, and then heading up to BKK for the big city visit. Beaches in Hau Hin were a bit of a let down. Best suggestion we got was to do a "day pass" at a resort. Gives you access to their nicer beach, pool, and a good lunch.
Pattaya is more than just bars. You can go out to Wongamat Beach area. It’s quiet. Not really a big party spot. But 5 minute drive to terminal 21 and 10 minutes from the party spots in town. Jomtien is quiet as well. Pattaya is as crazy as you want it to get. If you’re here to party it’s your spot. But you can also live a quiet life here . But like all party cities, you need to have your shit together. If you’re all about drinking and bar girls and living life at 100 mph Pattaya will tear you apart. But if you live that life so can Des Moines, Iowa I guess
If you wanna live on budget, I recommend Bangkok. Bangkok is full of both public transportation/street food and luxury places/ fancy foods.
You can choose your kind of lifestyle here, super luxury or super cheap.
If you go to other provinces, you will end up spend more cause the transportation.
Cost of Living (for foreigner) - Cheaper to More expensive
1. Samui Island
2. Phuket
3. Pattaya/ Hua Hin
4. Bangkok
5. Chiang Mai
6. Rural Area - Other province
However, please note that there's no convinient public transportation in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Rural areas (Sky train, Subway, etc. ). You might need to buy car or motorbike.
Great analysis Chris. I'm regularly in Thailand once or twice a year for the last 7 years. I want to add in another factor - humidity and felt temperature (not real temperature). Seaside places and places higher up on the hills have the advantage of breezes and cooler nights. So you do not necessarily have to use aircon, a fan is just enough. I'm often in Phitsanulok area but living up on the hills of Wang Tong district next to it. It so much of a difference being up on 500 m altitude. When we stay over night in the city, we use hotel with aircon, but up there in the hills it even gets cold in the nights so I can sleep easily. Don't throw your winter clothes away; you may need them for the first few hours of the day.
very perceptive observations. i am disabled.. i loved koh samui but very hard for me to navigate. the americans for disability act has not made it to thailand. thais are extremely kind to me but rough sidewalks and lack of handrails are just to much for me. speak passable thai. and have lived in thailand. on koh samui local transportation is expensive or unavailable sometimes
Khon Kaen is a brilliant city. Cheaper than most cities, great nightlife etc. Its a gem.
I visited Khon Kaen last year and I love it. This year I will settle down over there
interested. what are the major draws for you and what type of expat do you think it best suits?
Hi, nice vdo as usual. Like you, I have a very long story with Thailand. I got married my thai wifr 32 years ago, living in France 30 years and now in Pattaya for two years as retired ( our kids are now flying alone😅). Pattaya is a great place to live. Cost of live is cheap, you find everything you need like in Bkk but you are on the seaside. Now regarding the "bad" réputation of the city, you see everything with your brain behind your eyes... Should you think bad, you see bad...wherever you stay , Bkk, Chiang mai, Phuket or Samui...
Always love exploring new parts & cities of Thailand but at the end of the day Bangkok always calls me back. The city has everything to offer and ease of transportation with the BTS & MRT just make it too convenient for someone that doesn't have a license. Once I get a motorbike license things may change but for now If I'm ever in Thailand Bangkok is liek a second home to me 🇹🇭
I am a country guy. We live on the edge of a small village in Loei province. And yes, it is in the boonies in a very scenic area. I do hate cities, crowds, traffic, high end hotels and restaurants. Since I am an introvert, actually nearly a hermit, I like this life style. We have chickens, ducks, rabbits a couple turkeys and a dog and cat. My Thai wife and I live alone in her two bedroom house. I had to westernize the house to suit myself but the house is now as I like it. I use the one bedroom as my man cave with all my computer stuff and solar power. I had a nine by nine square meter garage workshop that I had built. Since I rarely have any projects, I have converted it to a game room with a high quality pool table, computer, rest room and a refrigerator. Once a week a good farang friend would come over and we would drink beer and play pool. Unfortunately he is an old man like me but his health has suffered so no pool games now for a long time already. I do still have a 60 square meter condo in Jomtien but VERY seldom use it. I have no desire to rent it out so it just stays empty. I really should sell it but really don't need the money. I kept the condo which is in my name and it was always part of my plan "B" in case our marriage went on the rocks. Now my wife of more than twenty years says she is now too old to train a new husband so she says she will keep me. LOL!
Added. I forgot to mention that our house sits on two and a half rai with a two meter high wall surrounding it.
I lived in Thailand from 2004-2006. I was teaching during this period. I lived in Songkhla, Surrathani, and Chiang Rai. My favorite out of these three was Chiang Rai. It was a very relaxed lifestyle. If I had to move there again ( I currently live in the SF Bay Area, CA) I would live up North, maybe Udon or Isaan.
Does it also get humid (muggy) and rainy up there North?
My wife has a cousin up in Chiang Rai and it is lovely with cooler weather...but burning season isn't fun from what I understand. Would be great if you can split time between there and then a beach area.
@@ashvoj It's hot and humid everywhere in Thailand. One thing that is unique about CR is that it gets a bit cold in around November.
@@NDemanuele1 thank you! The hot & humid combination is a deal breaker for me personally, otherwise Southeast Asia checks many boxes
@ashvoj avoid Cambodia then 😂 I spent a couple of weeks there & absolutely loved it, but when I got to Thailand afterwards, the humidity was barely noticeable because Cambo is soooo much worse. Still mostly jungle so VERY humid & being mostly land-locked, you don't get any cool ocean breezes to help
You are the best Thailand vlogger imo fair play
Really loved Nong Khai when I got to visit last year. Also helps that my gfs family will have more than everything needed to live a long happy life. Can't wait to get a bit of savings and make the move. Thanks for making the 2nd channel!
Yes, I like Nong Khai…always visit the Saturday evening market along the Mekong….good food and cheap foot massage 45 minutes 99 bht
@@hanapin8464 I love to so much. Hoping to get a teaching job in the meantime nearby there. Love the people, love the nature and love the food. The cheap prices are nice too.
If you're sure you want to live in Thailand but not sure exactly where, just come, narrow it down, and try it. You can always go to another area you find later if you choose.
My Thai home is Chiang Mai and I absolutely love it. I hope it never turns into BKK. Totally agree that the quality in CM is fantastic. Unfortunately you're also right about the burning season which is so unfortunate.
Huahin is the best,not too far from BKK but close to the sea.
Thank you so much for the videos! Me and my partner went to Thailand this summer, and we just COMPLETELY fall in love with Thailand. We are moving there in February 😊. I must say that your videos have been super useful and insightful. Thanks again ❤
Good summation overall Chris. Australian here; married to a Thai. Have pretty much already worked out the broad plan location wise. We’ve a plot of land in a rural area in the North East, about an hour and a half drive from both Udon Thani and Khon Kaen; all going well we’ll commence building in it in the next 18 months. We will also buy a place on the outskirts oh Hua Hin once the final decision on the timing of a move is determined. Spend the time outside brining season in the North East (it’s gotten horrific over the last couple of years) and burning season in Hua Hin.
The question now is when to make the move. Can’t retire just yet; but if I could find a good way to make a reasonable living, the move happens sooner than later.
Bangkok is intense. Gotta really explore the different zones; arguably the best street food scene in the world
After my last visit in April for that month I made the decision and I'm in the process of selling the house and everything else. I'm looking at that Pratumnak area as it is centrally located and a cool area. I'm into car and motorcycle culture, and seems most the car events are in this area and Bangkok.
My goal is "Toes in the sand" and a "shit eatin' grin" for the rest of my life. I'm soon to be 61, absolutely over it here, have a beautiful lady waiting for me, and looking forward to being there for good.
It will be a HUGE lifestyle change for me, but I see everything I do here (except for snowboarding) is there, in the country of Thailand, and done BETTER than here in the country of dumbfuks, the U.S.
Thanks to you and the others I watch, my heart n soul are still there.
I'm hoping to start my relocation reTHAIrment next summer.
🤘😘🌬🌬➡️🇹🇭
Appreciate this new page mate. I just returned from my trip and thoroughly enjoyed it. I used plenty of your advise and info.
I can definitely recommend Bangkok for city lovers for all the reasons mentioned. It is a great combination of modernity along with urban Thainess at the street level. I came to Thailand from the San Francisco Bay Area - Berkeley, CA. This was my first time living in a big city and I loved it. I lived in central Bangkok for six years before moving to our new house in the rural Sisaket countryside which I also love.
As for the pollution, I didn’t think it was all that bad. Bangkok has big city air quality, a little worse in December/January but nothing that really bothered me. If you have respiratory problems or you are an eco-purist then maybe the Bangkok , or any big city, is not for you.
Transportation - I use public transportation in Bangkok but I bought a car last year when we started building our house in Sisaket.
I've been living in Berkeley and working in SF for many years now, after several years in LA and a decade in Manhattan. Berkeley is an urban setting, or at least it has been since 2005 when I first moved here. That makes it very easy to move to a big city because Berkeley is so urban itself, and it borders Oakland and is across the bay from SF. That whole Berkeley-Oakland-San Francisco triangle is an urban metroplex, so it makes sense it was an easy transition.
I'm told that the air in Bangkok has gotten much worse in the last several years, much like the air in California has, as well, mainly due to forest fires (air was so dangerous we had to wear P100 and N95 masks for safety at times).
Since you weren't here during the pandemic, I can tell you one bizarre thing (in the best way possible) we learned the first 4 days of lockdown during the 2020. All of the air pollution over the SF Bay area went away, and we had the most gorgeous, clear skies and fresh air because no one was allowed to drive anywhere except for healthcare workers, fire personnel, and law enforcement. Same thing happened in LA, no smog, as in none. It was a beautiful thing to see. Now, both cities are as polluted as they were before the pandemic because everyone has gone back to driving.
Thank you for your post! Wishing you continued happiness in the rural countryside.
@@le_th_ I lived in El Cerrito for 40 years. I would call it suburbia. San Francisco pales in size to a city like Bangkok.
Interesting takes on Thailand some of which I agree with. Your statements about the differences between Samui and Phuket were in general correct. Samui does have more of an Island vibe, but I would contrast that with the positive of Phuket having many more towns to explore and visit. Also, I disagree with your assessment about Samui traffic as the only place I've ever experienced traffic congestion in Samui is Chaweng Beach and Fisherman's Village early evening and if your on a motorbike this is not much of an issue. Also, one great aspect of Samui no one ever talks about is that all the towns and roads in Samui are around the perimeter because of the mountainous nature of the interior. However, this area, easily 80 percent of the island, is a maze of mostly trails with some narrow disintegrating roads that meander through the jungle going from mountain top to mountaintop interspersed by deep lush valleys. It is always ten degrees cooler up there and it is a wonderful place to explore with many temples and modest farm houses that simple Thai people reside in. I would add however, that in order to enjoy this aspect of Samui you need to have confidence and a moderate to high level of skill on a motorbike. Regarding Chiang Mai, I agree with your assessment but would add an amazing part of living in Chiang Mai are areas you can explore by motorbike to the west going towards Myanmar, and the roads to the north and east along the Chinese and Laos boarder. These roads are mostly in excellent shape and require only moderate motorbike riding ability.
Option 8 is could be 2nd tier beach towns outside of Phuket and Samui. Khao Lak is amazing. I came here for a day 5 days ago, and have no desire to leave. Ao Nang is also great. With a motorcycle in either place, you're golden. Both of them have a more relaxed vibe than Phuket or Samui, but both cater to tourists so will have more services and restaurants geared towards expats than rural living but less than the big islands.
I really enjoyed Krabi/Ao Nang
Chris -Thank you for all you have done for the World community to help us understand Thailand. It is because of you that I am now vacationing in Thailand with the intent of seeing if it will fit my retirement plans. Many choices of where to stay but we booked 2 weeks in Pattaya and 1 in Bangkok. to get a feeling of the vibe and lifestyle here. I actually let my wife pick the locations, as my choice was Hau Hin, not Pattaya. We are in our 60's and from Vancouver Canada and are looking for cuisine choices and great beach views. Thailand has lived up to everything you have portrayed it to be and I just wanted you to know how much we appreciate your videos. Keep up the great work.
Three more things about Hua Hin: there are several good golf courses there; there are quite a few older farangs (retired); and some people find it too slow and sleepy. I like it, myself.
looks like the place to be for the week and go for a drink to bangkok if you want some action
I like Hua Hin - the big downside is Phetkasem Road. If you want to move north-south you have to use it. If you want to go east-west you got to cross it. Neither is pleasant.
Koh Samui was so chill and relaxing. I really enjoyed it when I was there with my wife. We are moving to Thailand in December and we decided on Khon Kaen. Also a nice low cost option with all of the amenities.
Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani are well worth considering 👍
Great choice ❤
Finally found this channel took me awhile but this is the kind of video that I really enjoy, talking about Thailand and not the red light districts this kind of video lets me feel like I am really there so thank you very much.
I am Thai living in US so happy to hear you said mostly great thing about Thailand. Love your show. We plan to retire in Thailand 4 yrs from now.
I arrive in Samui on Nov 26th for a long-term stay. This isn't my first long-term stay in the Kingdom but it will be my first as a single man.
Samui is great for a month or two but becomes boring and is remote, requiring a ferry trip and long drive or a flight to enjoy some city life or visit anywhere else of interest.
Phuket is like a Samui Bangkok hybrid so it suits people who struggle to choose between city and island life. A friend who recently moved there used to hop between Samui and Bangkok every month but got tired of being unsettled by that lifestyle. He now lives full time there and takes occasional long weekend direct flight trips to KL, Singapore and Saigon.
Chang Mai stay, with a Hua Hin burning season stay. Perfect!
I just moved to Thailand a month ago. Was so done with the west and sold everything i had and quit my job. Ive been to Bangkok, koh samui, phuket in the first few weeks and now are in jomtien, Pataya. To be honest you were mostly spot on indeed. I loved Koh Samui. Phuket wasn't my thing tbh. Missed the island vibes like you said. To be honest, Pataya is pretty relaxing. The Jomtien area is pretty laidback. The centre and walking street isnand partying is not our thing so we just avoid that. Love it here and still not sure where we will settle. Great advice 👌🏼
Fantastic video Chris, loved this one. I am a couple of years from retirement and have been holidaying in different locations to get a feel for Thailand and loved them all. First trip to Phuket coming up shortly.
That's what I did last August, spent a month going to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Pattaya... not a big city person, so for me Bangkok was too big, Chiang Mai was ok, again more people than I thought, Hua Hin and south of there was slower pace, and Pattaya crazy party town. Will come back and hope to visit Phuket, maybe Krabi, some of the islands and what is east of Pattaya, like Chanthaburi.
Glad I found you, your content is amazing, you're honest, and likable, and provide so much value by giving an open and clear overview of Thailand, I truly appreciate it!! I'm way more of a beach guy, work remotely, and Asia has always been my dream. Hope to see you soon, all the best!! Cheers!!
Howdy Chris. Just found your channels, great info. About locations I'd just like to expand a little. I'd put a little more emphasis on pollution in Chiang Mai and especially Issan. Burning season is terrible. We settled on Ao Nang Krabi (bought a plot of land and start building in January). A trade off of cost, things to do and natural beauty. We really like Koh Lanta for beaches, sunsets and cost (you can actually afford sea view places there). But as we age, access to a modern hospital as well as convenient shopping steered us to Krabi. Phuket and Samui are just too crowded and the drivers on Samui are completely nuts ! Keep up the good work.
Great analysis, couldn't agree more. Acutally I am mainly living in CM and switch to Samui during the burning season, visiting Bangkok, where I lived in the past only for some weekends and visits.
My girlfriend lives in Hat Yai, I've come here now for the third time this year and if everything goes well I plan to move here within 12 months from Australia. Thanks for the videos!
Enjoy the chicken!
Very nice ! Thank you, as your opinions are truly helpful. And I don’t take your recommendations necessarily as bias, but as an ex Canadian with plenty of Thailand experience. And yes, I’m definitely thinking of taking your advice, as I gave myself 5 years to find the “perfect” place to retire in. For me, Hua Hin is becoming more and more appealing. Again, thank you
Great channel. Great content. Clear English for us non native.
Clear audio. Super 🔝
Pattaya is the best place to live if you are not an alcoholic, just don't stay in the center.
I recommend Prattamnak or Jomtien areas, those have everything you need and you can still reach Pattaya's city center within 5-15minutes.
I don't really drink alcohol, but I really enjoy the cost of living that is much cheaper than in Phuket and Bangkok. Also I can reach Suvarnabhumi within 1,5hour.
I don't drink at all, but Patttaya's reputation related to alcoholism makes me fear living there irrespective of my current state. I'm single and would intend to enjoy the dating scene, so I'm afraid that I would eventually start doing as I see (monkey see, monkey do) after enough time around it. I live in the states and never really go to bars, so it's no problem at all for me here. But there feels like it may be a completely different story, given how pervasive drinking is within the culture. I feel like I could live almost anywhere and this would never be an issue, because though I've drank plenty in my younger years, I have no real affinity for it in middle-age. But, Pattaya just seems like a totally different beast to contend with. Thoughts?
Just the info was looking for. Jomtien sounds good but I would need public transport. How far is it to Pattaya and is public transport readily available?
Thank you for sharing your Thai experience with us. Excellent presentation.
I found out from my Thai girlfriend that worked in a Ramen shop in BKK. She told me that if business was slow the business keeps the 10% service charge. If business is busy, they share the service charge. 😂
Your stunning lack of empathy for your "Thai girlfriend" is sickening. She endured financial abuse with an amoral boss and you think it's so funny you chose a laughing-so-hard-I'm-crying emoji? smh That poor woman...
@@le_th_dude literally ruined your entire week with a 10 month old comment 💀
Go cry it out, bud.
@@xCr0nus😂😂😂 you deserve three of this emojis even a month later for that
your analisys is perfect, so smart, so helpful, thanks
Great informative video CP. I agree best advice is to go spend some time in Thailand first. The other trap that people sometimes fall into is the on holiday/living there one. There’s a lot to consider when making a permanent move that you can easily overlook, or just not even consider, when on a holiday.
Fantastic video, man. Your review is solid gold. Thanks.
Still about two years out from being able to move to Thailand. I've watched so many vids, but for me, I think living in the outskirts of Bangkok, but on a BTS line is the way to go. A community with good housing options, good restaurants, good street food, and cafes but not so close to downtown Bangkok as to be overwhelming on a day to day basis.
Welcome to smog. The food is great in Bangkok, But the crowds and congestion are unbelievable. Has little to offer to me but floods and traffic jams.
@@geoffwaterman6560 No worries. If I decide Bangkok isn't for me, I can just pop off to another city.
Hi Chris, just found your channel, it's great, I'm from nyc and going thailand over 25 yrs, been to every spot u mentioned, but after living in a zoo like nyc, I enjoy living last 10yrs on and off in the hills of chiang rai, thanks again
Bangkok still the place for me, city life where everything is convenient and walking around seeing many people from different places
It is good but I just can't handle the pollution. You don't realise until you actually drive into Bangkok and see it.
Sure, It’s a great city. I really love Bangkok. But I just came up from Jomtien and spent the night (Soi 15). I have just a few months left on my condo lease in Jomtien, and was thinking of trying Bangkok for a year. The traffic in afternoon and evening was miserable. Cannot compare to Jomtien or Pattaya traffic. I don’t mind buying a hotel room for one or two nights a month in Bangkok. Prefer to live in Jomtien.
I think jomtien is really really good in many respects. Might not be the best place on planet earth but like it’s got to be perhaps in the top 10 if you’re a single guy. Bahtbus takes you into Pattaya for 30 cents takes like 7 min. It’s quiet at night there. Beaches are nice. Everything is cheap. Night life is great. Like if you’re a snowbird this is where to go
I have already leaving in Thailand one year and this is the video I had liked to see before coming. Excellent video¡¡¡
This was a great video for someone who is interested in coming to Thailand. I will be going to all these places to see which one I like best! Much love for the videos.
Very good. I not big city. I did Bangkok for 1st week. Followed by Jomtien/Pattaya for 5 months. And now Rayong.
Your words, observations, honesty, straightforwardness, etc is spot on.
Very good. 🙏😁Lovin' & Livin' Thailand
Pattaya sucks. That's why I left. Drunks, speeding motorist and bar fight.
Great video Chris! To me, Bangkok is the absolute best :) Hope everyone finds the place they love the best in Thailand.
if health services and access to them is the key look at area that can provide that and a few good options with great hospitals for the expat and look at health insurance too, the other thing is access to transport either international air ports and local buses and trains/ferries to get where you need to be.
Love this synopsis of Thailand!!! Gives me an idea of the culture of where I should live in Thailand.
Spot on describing Chiang Mai, especially affordable global cuisine options, Thai food is great but who can eat it 365? I visited Hua Hin last month, it was IMO a bit underwhelming compared to Chiang Mai.
Pattaya is a cost effective escape from the burning season, it's not all about the pussy. 😂 Korat is perfect for many older folks, but it's hard for me to pass on CM even with the seasonal smoke.
It sounds like Thailand is a huge place for prostitution tourism, which is really very sad for those females.
Great video Chris. I’ve been coming to Thailand for over 20 years and I’ve been married to a Thai for 17 years. I’ve been to all the places in this video and done the partying/holiday lifestyle. But when we move over from the UK in 2 years we’ll be living out in Isaan for the quiet life with a few trips every year down to Hua Hin which we love. Plus a few trips also to other parts of Asia.
Happy to show you around 20 minutes North of Chiang Mai when you are in town.
Live in suwannaphumb a small town in Roi Et province. If you want a wuiet and peaceful retirement then the Issan region is ideal. One hour from nearest airport and one hour flight to Bangkok. Go to Pattiya, Bangkok and Hua Hin for short breaks them back to the peace and quiet of this region. Been living in Thailand for 11 months with no regrets .
I just discovered your channel, and I subscribed. I like your style of talking and giving info, and you give good info. And I see your viewers also write some good info. I'm 56 yrs old and not in great health, and I plan to move there in a few years to live out the last years of my life there. I have pretty much made up my mind that I will definitely move there if my health holds up good enough til I am ready. I have family obligations and very low energy, so it will take me awhile to wrap things up here in Maryland, USA. I hope to live in a quieter area, like maybe down around Chanthaburi, in the far South-East end of Thailand. I have been to Thailand 7 times since 1999, and I've been to all the places you mentioned here (and many more) except Hua Hin. I will take a few trips to Thailand before I make the final move, and I plan to travel around to many places, scouting out the areas I may want to move to, and just to experience different areas. I love adventure, so the idea of traveling around scouting for months really appeals to me, but I also will want to get a home base to feel grounded between different branches of my journey. I will be watching more of your vids, and I'll probably comment more.
All of his videos are this good.
very good advice, personally I like Jomtien which is 10-15 south of Pattaya, it is a great place to be, go to Pattaya if you want to party, but it also have major shopping but Jomtien certainly should be worth a visit
Pattaya, you can live in a modern city, with lots of live music on weekends; ultra modern shopping; and lots of bars out of the way where you can meet a friendly beer bar girl that will show you around town for a few days; introduce you to her friends; and start to get to know people. It's easy to get rides everywhere with ride share or bus; or train into Bangkok. Close to Bangkok! South of Pataya, but still very close; is much less hectic Jomtien Beach; which has some amazing views, for inexpensive monthly rates in new modern condos, huge pools, water parks, dolphin swims; and excellent expat schools and communities; great for family life. Maybe no reason to buy there; if you might want to move to Chang Mai in a couple of years; or Hua Hin.. Bitcoin is a better investment than real estate anyway; and we still need to see what rules will apply for money brought to Thailand in the future, to purchase vs rent. I think expats will be able to bring in capital from USA, buy real estate and live on Social Security without paying taxes; the new tax laws apply more to Thais that expatriate their business income.
Im in the process of moving to Thailand. Still going to take me 6 month's to 1 year. Going to be stying in Phuket with my Thai girlfriend. We are eventually going to settle in her town Phattalung. Keep up the good content and keeping our Thailand dreams alive...🎉
Make sure you do your flood zone research. Plenty of areas where flood waters are very damaging or can trap you.
Again thank you for the informative videos. We've done a little binge-watching this weekend; Before moving, Where to Live, and your insurance video. We are getting closer to when we will move there in the spring so we are paying special attention to your content. Thanks for the worthwhile and useful topics.
When working on Saudi Arabia, my family and I went to Thailand for 3 weeks. We spent out time I Chaing Mae then flew to Koh Samui.
Chaing Mai is a city, but it’s strange in that it doesn’t seem like a city. I don’t like city life but Chaing Mae was awesome! The temples, waterfalls in the mountains, the food, and of course, the beautiful people. If I were to move to Thailand, that most definitely be where I would relocate.
My daughter and I went to Mai Ya waterfalls way up into the mountains with a rented jeep and had absolutely no problems driving there. A quick story; while we were walking along the river just down from the falls, unbeknown to us, a Thai family were having a picnic on one of the large granite rocks close by. I felt a tap on my shoulder, and there was a gentleman with his wife and kids handing me a piece of barbecue chicken and a beer, and the same for my daughter with the exception of the beer, they gave her a coke.
More stories then I can convince my fingers to type up, but what a beautiful place on all levels.
Great clear video. Thanks a lot.
I would love to live in Chiang Mai. Absolute love it, but not in Burning Season😢
Hi Chris. We plan to be in Koh Samui In April for approximately three months. We hope to get a chance to meet you while we are there. Thanks for everything you do.
Pat-e-ya. Jomtien is decent. Away from the Sin City of central Pattaya but close enough to pop in. You also have the ferry from Bali Hai Pier over to Koh Larn. Some absolutely gorgeous beaches only an hour away. I spent 30 days on Samui in June/July. My 1st trip down south. Loved it ❤ A bit expensive, occasionally felt a little isolated, but generally awesome (shout out to Flora & Note whose YT vids "made" me fall in love with Samui 555) 👌 Phuket is on my "very soon" list. I really loved Chiang Mai. Cooler mountain weather, but would hate the 3 months of choking to death. Hua Hin is like a mini Pattaya/ cheap Samui. A bonus for HH (apart from proximity to BKK) is that you're also not TOO far from the south, the beautiful resort vibe. Kanchanaburi is also a nice little spot, not far from BKK (2½ hrs by train) & HH. Relaxed river life. My GF has land in Roi Et I'd like to build on, for the "true" Thai life in Isaan but would love to be able to afford a condo in Jomtien to offset the boredom. Great list Chris 👌 Always love your videos
Can you get decent condos at affordable prices at Jomtien?
will move to Samui end of this month. Have been going back and forth for the last years but now retired I do the last step 😊
Hi Chris. Great info. We are also going to retire in a few months to Thailand. We have heard that Jomtien , Pattaya was a nice place to stay and it looks affordable. If any one could give us more info on accommodation would be great. A condo would be fine. Thanks
Same here!
Hey Chris, you suggested that Pattaya was short days and long nights, but I’ve been thinking for a few years about moving out there as a buddy of mine lives there. He’s older than me, I’m 52 but if it’s really a youngster lifestyle I wonder what he has found there at the age of 54. We both have military pensions and wondered what you might discover about Pattaya that little of us know. I’ll send you his name by PM if it helps so you could get an older guys perspective. Using GBP would be useful as a comparison, but we can work around it. Keep up the good work 👍
Hua Hin is my favourite spot from what I have seen in Thailand so far.
I really like all your videos. I think you are the best youtuber on Thailand
My own experiences here Stateside is that when you are charged a 10% surcharge for tip, your server will only see a small portion, management gets the bulk, and so I still will tip the server and do it personally so that they get to keep it instead of a cleaner picking it up on the table and putting it in the " JAR "....
I used to eat in a restaurant that had great food. It was already overpriced and then he added a ten percent service charge. I simply quit going in.
I don't think you can mention Pattaya living without discussing Jomtien and also The Darkside. Both have enough distance between them and the craziness of Pattaya, lower cost of living, less traffic, Jomtien has the beach and The Darkside has the lake. But you are about 15 minutes from the hospitals and night scene.
I'd say the only issue with number 7 is language, My Mrs is from Suphanburi, province next to Kanchanaburi, no one & I mean no one speaks English, it's hard work, one way to learn the local language I guess lol. We bought our land in Cha Am, just enough of us farang for the locals to speak English, but not saturated with farang like Hua Hin is. Great food, great night market, a BKK hospital, shopping mall's, beach isn't the best in the world, but nice enough to sit in a deck chair & chill out. In the evening, about 10 street food vendors set up on the beach & you order what you like, just pay the one bill, absolutely brilliant. We're flying out tomorrow for 3 weeks, can't wait.
Cha Am is great. Best seafood meal ever: drive north on the beach road to the fishing village where the road T's with the river. Resto right there, watch the fishing boats going out to the gulf.
@@formica. Will check that out this visit 🙏
You hit the nail on the head my friend. I have been to Pattaya several times because early trips my buddies wanted to waste 2 days there. Moving to Thailand and chosing Pattaya as your place to live is exactly like living in the USA and chosing Vegas as a place to live Souless and how many days can you get drunk in a row?
Where in southern California did you live? Actually LA? Some guy did a food review the other day at a resturant in little siagon a mile from my house and he said he was in LA... Not even close, little siagon is in Orange County....
Pattaya to me, Thai, I don’t like to live there (Im ok with day trip there but definitely not night life, party - Pattaya has not good reputation for nightlife). I prefer live in nearby town called Bangsaen, where next to beaches, facilities: universities (Burapha Uni, Kasetsart Uni), Hotels, resort, condominiums, real estates, department stores: Central department store, robinson, pacific park, hospitals etc.
Bangsaen also not far from BKk only 1.5 hrs in car. The atmosphere at Bangsaen is similar as Huahin, family + friendly style.
Seafood in Bangsaen is great as the same as other seaside town. And East coast of Thailand (Chonburi(Bangsaen, Sattahip, Sriracha ), Rayong (Samed Island), Chanthaburi, Trat (Chang Island) these east coast provinces of Thailand are truly gems.
If not for the worst air pollution in the country during February and May, I would highly recommend Chiang Mai for relatively low cost of living, golf courses and places to travel from such as Chiang Rai, Lampoon, Lampang, Mae Hong Sonn, Prae, Nan or Luang Pra Bang even. (I live here though born and grew up in Bangkok). You can find (almost) everything Bangkok has in Chiang Mai, including traffic jam in some areas!
If you can get away from Chingmai for a few months during the polltuted months, Chiang Mai and Sattahib are two good choices. The rest are either expensive or too crowded.
This was so helpful - a great summary of the options to retire there for a person like me. Although everything is subjective in the end, I can relate and agree, for the most part, to your recommendations/suggestions after recently staying for a period of time in just a couple of the destinations you describe. So, thank you very much for your time.
I love Pattaya. Just stay @ Jomtien or Bangsare if you want a quieter deal.
This country is a dream world
How far is from Jomtien to Pattaya and is public transport readily available?
@@tomgolab3958Jomtien is minutes away, depending on traffic. Just a few miles as the crow flies.
Bolt can get you from one to the other for $3-5 usd. The baht bus can get you ROUND TRIP for *under a buck* usd.
I'm looking really hard at Koh Chang. I lived in Rayong for a couple of years and I'm intimately familiar with Pattaya. I've spent lots of time in BKK. Hua Hin is nice and that's kind of my plan B.
Keep the good info flowing. Solid channel man. We are planning a trip to Thailand thanks in part to much of your content.
Jomtien beach so underrated and has so much to offer and nothing like nearby Pattaya,
I lived in Chiang Mai for a year and now in Pattaya/Jomtien for the past two months. I miss CM.