Vonnegute

We have decided to live in Thailand from January to May, 2018.  I am hoping to get input regarding which town we will fit in best.   Here are some relevant thoughts.  Warning:  we are just starting our research so please excuse any ignorance I reveal.

·      We prefer a town or village to a city (maybe with a population range between 2,000 – 15,0000).  Best option would be one that is within a couple hours of a city that would be large enough to provide for most modern needs.

·      We prefer that town to be predominately Thai, not Tourist.  However, we would appreciate an ex-pat presence since we don't speak the language or know the culture.

·      Cost of living is also a consideration.  We would like to pay local prices not jacked up tourist prices.

·      We love the ocean, but while stuck on land we hate high temperatures (85 f) and higher and high humidity.  Are the only mountainous villages in the north?

·      We plan on chartering a catamaran a couple of times out of Dream Yacht Charter where we have a relationship (located near Phuket airport, or Langkawi, Malaysia).  All else being equal, we would choose the town closest to their base.

·      If we end up living far away from the charter base, what is the bus service in Thailand like?  Would we go crazy on a 20 hour bus ride?  What do national airline flights cost?

·      We prefer laid-back and casual to night-life and fancy.

·      We love nature.

·      We're in our 50s.

Please feel free to keep the thread going or send us a private message.  Any input will be helpful.

We have decided to live in Thailand from January to May, 2018.  I am hoping to get input regarding which town we will fit in best.   Here are some relevant thoughts.  Warning:  we are just starting our research so please excuse any ignorance I reveal.

·      We prefer a town or village to a city (maybe with a population range between 2,000 – 15,0000).  Best option would be one that is within a couple hours of a city that would be large enough to provide for most modern needs.

·      We prefer that town to be predominately Thai, not Tourist.  However, we would appreciate an ex-pat presence since we don't speak the language or know the culture.

·      Cost of living is also a consideration.  We would like to pay local prices not jacked up tourist prices.

·      We love the ocean, but while stuck on land we hate high temperatures (85 f) and higher and high humidity.  Are the only mountainous villages in the north?

·      We plan on chartering a catamaran a couple of times out of Dream Yacht Charter where we have a relationship (located near Phuket airport, or Langkawi, Malaysia).  All else being equal, we would choose the town closest to their base.

·      If we end up living far away from the charter base, what is the bus service in Thailand like?  Would we go crazy on a 20 hour bus ride?  What do national airline flights cost?

·      We prefer laid-back and casual to night-life and fancy.

·      We love nature.

·      We're in our 50s.

Please feel free to keep the thread going or send us a private message.  Any input will be helpful.