Hammerheads

Hi, I'm coming to Thailand at the end of April. I fancy checking out Koh Chang for a week. Anyone know the island well, can give me some pointers in terms of the better areas to stay/visit. Many thanks

Done a lot of the islands but not Koh Chang. To be honest, a mountainous largish island with a bit to do and see would probably be the best compromise 😁

Sounds good, In the USA I found some incredibly welcoming people, but the gun culture has just got completely out of hand. Not for me, although Thailand does have it's own issues with firearms. I'm currently learning Thai so I think this will help.

Hey thanks, I've heard good things about this area

I did ride a motorbike from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, the roads are awesome. Stopped off at Samkampaeng for the geysers and visited the white temple. Went to see Big Buddha on the Maekong River, yes was very enjoyable up there.

What is NP?

I have an online business, this keeps me busy. I like to visit national parks, play golf occasionally, I do like the seaside, I hate tackiness, over crowdedness, girlie bars and all that rubbish. May start a small business with the wife catering for visiting Bangkok Thais and traditional tourists.

I'm interested to know why you believe that Khao Yai would he a strange option? I love nature, I don't like hugely crowded or polluted areas (so wish to stay away from big cities and farming communities). I don't do flooding so there are a few areas I will not live in. I don't wish to sit in sports bars and be plagued by young Thai girls wanting someone to look after them. I don't do poor areas.

Thank you. I enjoyed Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Hua Hin. Not been to Nong Khai but Udon and Khon Kaen are not for me. Sad to hear about Ao Nang although I didn't find anything wrong while visiting. Found a superb seafood restaurant on the outskirts overlooking a bay. It was awesome. My wife is a chef so we don't choose to eat out a lot. I do like Hua Hin. Pollution in Thailand from crop burning appears to be a big issue.

Hi do you mind me asking you why Samui became unbearable? I've heard mixed reviews.

Thank you

Hi guys, good day to you. Anyone here live in Ao Nang, Krabi or can give a solid opinion of what it's like to live there? I'm about to leave the UK for Thailand, have lived in the country for 12 months previously, travelled extensively and know Thailand pretty well. Ao Nang is always somewhere I head for, I just love the scenery, the location and the vibe down there. However, this was always on vacation so not sure what it would be like to settle there. Be interesting to learn your thoughts.

Thanks for your comments, we'll be giving it a go for a while to see how the region stacks up. If we don't find happiness there we'll be off to Ao Nang.

This is true and has been on my mind. But I'm at the stage in life where I really couldn't give a damn about some young Thai girl who wants to hook up with a farang for an easy life. My wife is a diamond, we've been together for 25 years and I wouldn't trade her for anyone. And could I be bothered with all that? Give me a swimming pool and a cocktail any day, far more satisfying!

My wife is originally from Udon, I lived there for 6 months but not really what I was looking for. The people I met are fantastic. If you want to buy a big plot of land up there please let me know 🤣

She may well be - but I detest it!

Thank you for your comments you've summed us up pretty well. My wife has been in the UK 25 years, we met in London. So it's a big change for both of us. We don't like the heavily commercialised world, we want to live in peace with nature. We have a large family in Bangkok so will be visiting fairly regularly which is fine.

OK let me expand. We will be moving to Pak Chong District, likely tambon of Mu Si.

I too have heard lots of negative stuff about the region. I will be visiting as it is the nearest beach to Khao Yai. Looking forward to forming my own opinions.

We are very lucky living in Bath where crime is minimal and the City has a real vibe. But one thing that doesn't ever change is the rare appearance of that big orange ball in the sky - and I'm sick of not seeing it. Really looking forward to Thailand - any place is what you make of it.

Hasn't Koh Samui got the best airport ever? I love the island, I also love Ko Phangan - I have a friend who runs a small resort there with her own bit of beach looking out at Samui. It is breath-taking. Just stay away from Haad rin during party time (if it's still going on). I believe the tallest tree in Thailand exists on the island. Remember riding past it and thinking "goodness me, that is enormous". The beaches in the north and east are stunning.

Just want to thank everyone, your comments have helped cement our move to Thailand so well done. We are going to move to Khao Yai, likely to arrive end of March, so toasty. Wife is not really a beach person, more in love with mountains, wildlife and nature in general. So, I'm looking for ex-pats to hook up with who are living in the area. I want to build a community of friends. At the same time I am learning the language which I personally feel is essential if moving to another country. All my family are bilingual, it's just me who is the lazy one. I do know Thailand very well, have travelled extensively and lived there for a year. Khao Yai is ideal for me as an inland location - I hate big cities. If it was completely down to me, we'd be headed for Ao Nang or even Hua Hin. Alas, the northern part of the eastern seaboard is not my cup of tea, I find Chonburi a bit too commercialised but it'll be handy for beach visits by car from Khao Yai. Wife wants a monkey, I want a baby elephant. Probably end up with a parrot 😁. Anyone living in or near Khao Yai, be really good to hear from you.

Thank you to you all for your supporting words and stories. Good luck to you all, see you in Thailand. I have lived there previously for 12 months. When it gets a bit hot either the a/c goes on or I slip into the pool. Sorted 🤪

Am I sure she's female? I did check years ago... I know what you mean, unfortunately she seems to have a bit of a downer on the country. Trouble is we live in a very safe place and I think it's all a little bit too much you tube clickbait she's watching.