Thinking of relocating within Thailand

[expat1010]

Currently have a place in BKK but finding the traffic and size to be a bit much as I get older. Wondering about other smaller cities and towns in Thailand. Hobbies are travel, diving, movies, weight lifting and bicycling. So a gym, massage shops and theatre are must haves. Can always fly to krabi for diving. Don’t drink or smoke but still like to meet up and chat with other westerners regularly. Would like to hear opinions from others on desirable places in LOS.

 

 

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[AlexRich]

Hua Hin came to mind, as you don't sound like someone who would enjoy Pattaya that much. Having said that you have all the facilities in Pattaya, it's very easy to get around and you can easily avoid the unsavoury places. I also like Chiang Mai, but would rule it out because of the pollution, which is awful for months on end. And the islands may be a bit too touristy for your liking. I don't know Issan but don't fancy the idea much ... a bit too rural for my liking.

 

Anyway, that's my tuppence worth ... Hua Hin. 

[sanmyn]

I have lived in Naklua, Wong Amat for 22 years. Originally from San Francisco. It is close enough to Pattaya for shopping & esentials but  living in Naklua avoids the bars, drunks & night life. Beach is great and good restaurants abound. Home theft is virtually unheard of here.

The sleepy downtown Naklua has fairs, markets and waterfront seafood restaurants. AND peace & quiet. 

[Peterw42]

13 minutes ago, sanmyn said:

I have lived in Naklua, Wong Amat for 22 years. Originally from San Francisco. It is close enough to Pattaya for shopping & esentials but  living in Naklua avoids the bars, drunks & night life. Beach is great and good restaurants abound. Home theft is virtually unheard of here.

The sleepy downtown Naklua has fairs, markets and waterfront seafood restaurants. AND peace & quiet. 

I would agree, especially the Nakua walking st in high season. Around at jomtien is similar, close to all the Pattaya infrastructure but away from the sexpat areas and crowds. Local markets and restaurants almost like living in a village.

Edited September 15, 2018 by Peterw42

[SheungWan]

Since theatre is a must have, nowhere better than Pattaya Beach Road for an evening's performance. Free seating available.

[chicowoodduck]

Same, same for me only different....thinking of doing the relocate out of LOS....??

[chicowoodduck]

16 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

I would agree, especially the Nakua walking st in high season. Around at jomtien is similar, close to all the Pattaya infrastructure but away from the sexpat areas and crowds. Local markets and restaurants almost like living in a village.

And very soon the Terminal 21.....??

[wwest5829]

Problem is what one finds great another has issues so, best recommendation is to visit potential relocation areas for some time. In the light of full exposure, I visited around Thailand before retiring to Chiang Mai 7 years ago. Oh, I think there are other cities where I could live but ...I grew up in a metropolitan area so Bangkok is for visiting, not living. As it has been mentioned, Spring burning of the rice fields can weigh heavy at times. Some of the 40K retirees here travel during that time. Usually, does not bother me as in the house, car, mall, restaurants air conditioning is on. Hmm, good time for a trip to Krabi or Koh Chang, etc. Come up and attend a Chiang Mai Expats breakfast or general meeting. Lots of folks for you to ask for input while you look around. Personally, I find I lack for nothing here.

[Just1Voice]

I'm 69, live in Chiang Mai but outside of the main city on Hwy 121, and I love it here.  10 years ago there was a problem with the burning, but now all the rice paddies have become multiple housing areas and businesses, so no more smoke.  Chiang Mai can be as "cosmopolitan" as you want, or as "rural" as you want. In my 10 years here, I've taken motorcycle trips all over the North, North East and Central areas, hitting every major city, and I have yet to find one I prefer over Chiang Mai.  

[micmichd]

1 hour ago, sanmyn said:

I have lived in Naklua, Wong Amat for 22 years. Originally from San Francisco. It is close enough to Pattaya for shopping & esentials but  living in Naklua avoids the bars, drunks & night life. Beach is great and good restaurants abound. Home theft is virtually unheard of here.

The sleepy downtown Naklua has fairs, markets and waterfront seafood restaurants. AND peace & quiet. 

Naklua is in fact part of Pattaya. Pattaya Nua.

[robertson468]

I have lived on Koh Samui now for 14 years and really enjoy my life here.  There are a plethora of gyms, two cinemas and many cafeterias and bars for meeting and socialising.  There is also diving just a boats ride away on with several dive centres on the Island.  Life here is very marginally more expensive, because we are an Island, but the plus side is I find the local people really friendly and helpful, more so than anywhere else I have travelled to in Thailand, which includes Chiange Mai, Hong Son, Hua Hin, Isaan, Chumpohn, Kanchanburi, Ayudia et al, I think you get the gist?  As "WWest" above has recommended, perhaps a trip to some of the places you fancy before commiting yourself?  If you would like to come to Samui, please PM me and I would be delighted to help you visit this delightful Island.

[Taco]

Koh Phangan a solid choice.  Good cycling. Solid local farang crowd.   Plenty of heavy drinkers to yoga, you name it.   Pretty much have all the comforts minus the theater, but Samui is a 25 minute boat away. The island is no where near as crazy as people make it out to me.  Lots of good western food choices and for the most part affordable for an island.  Plus you can get the Samui resident card and fly Bangkok Air for either 2000 or 2750 one way to bkk or Pattaya when needed. 

[PerkinsCuthbert]

Just to add to the spectrum of opinions, I have lived in Bangkok thirty-one years and would rather leave Thailand altogether than relocate anywhere else within the country. Which is not to say I do not still enjoy visiting other parts, just that for me there is nowhere else that provides the range of opportunities and interests that the capital does. Yes, the traffic can frustrate and the downtown tourists areas are overpriced, but once familiar with local transport and if open-minded to new experiences, there are endless discoveries still to be made here.

[newnative]

2 hours ago, sanmyn said:

I have lived in Naklua, Wong Amat for 22 years. Originally from San Francisco. It is close enough to Pattaya for shopping & esentials but  living in Naklua avoids the bars, drunks & night life. Beach is great and good restaurants abound. Home theft is virtually unheard of here.

The sleepy downtown Naklua has fairs, markets and waterfront seafood restaurants. AND peace & quiet. 

     Yes, I would recommend Naklua/Wong Amat, as well.  My partner and I have lived in Jomtien, Pratamnak, South Pattaya, and Central Pattaya but moved to the Wong Amat beach area the beginning of this year.  We are liking it a lot. The traffic is easier, we're close to 3 malls plus Tesco and Bangkok Hospital.  We just like the whole atmosphere.  Good choice of condos to either rent or buy in about every price range.  It feels very safe as there are always lots of people walking around.   I would put Pattaya on your list of places to check.  I think you will find that it has a lot to offer and it checks off most of the items on your list.  And, you're not too far from your old stomping ground of Bangkok.

[AlexRich]

2 hours ago, Just1Voice said:

I'm 69, live in Chiang Mai but outside of the main city on Hwy 121, and I love it here.  10 years ago there was a problem with the burning, but now all the rice paddies have become multiple housing areas and businesses, so no more smoke.  Chiang Mai can be as "cosmopolitan" as you want, or as "rural" as you want. In my 10 years here, I've taken motorcycle trips all over the North, North East and Central areas, hitting every major city, and I have yet to find one I prefer over Chiang Mai.  

 

I like Chiang Mai and it would be my favourite destination, but for the burning season. Since I've only travelled there within the last 10 years I have to say that your "so no more smoke" comment is completely untrue. I was there one May (arriving thinking that it would be gone) and still had to deal with the pollution. For an old person Chiang Mai is only good for the 6 months you are guaranteed no smoke.

 

[Lacessit]

1 hour ago, AlexRich said:

 

I like Chiang Mai and it would be my favourite destination, but for the burning season. Since I've only travelled there within the last 10 years I have to say that your "so no more smoke" comment is completely untrue. I was there one May (arriving thinking that it would be gone) and still had to deal with the pollution. For an old person Chiang Mai is only good for the 6 months you are guaranteed no smoke.

 

I would tend to agree with you. The smoke is worst from mid-February and all of March. It was atrocious about 3 years ago, when I couldn't see a hotel only 500 metres from my condo. It has improved somewhat since then. Certainly "no more smoke" is stretching too far.

[AlexRich]

6 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I would tend to agree with you. The smoke is worst from mid-February and all of March. It was atrocious about 3 years ago, when I couldn't see a hotel only 500 metres from my condo. It has improved somewhat since then. Certainly "no more smoke" is stretching too far.

It may actually have been 3 years ago, so I may have landed there during that period. I’m no hater of Chiang Mai, it would be a perfect destination but for the environment. I also took a trip to Kuala Lumpur and hit the same problem, smoke from Sumatra. Of the four weeks I was there, I was unwell for three of them. 

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

6 hours ago, wwest5829 said:

As it has been mentioned, Spring burning of the rice fields can weigh heavy at times. Some of the 40K retirees here travel during that time. Usually, does not bother me as in the house, car, mall, restaurants air conditioning is on.

 

Indoor air condition does pretty much nothing to prevent/alleviate the very serious PM2.5 pollution problem that the CM area has each year from November to March or so.

 

You may be cooler indoors with air con, but it would take HEPA air purifier units -- which the malls and other retail businesses don't use -- to get the very small, microscopic PM2.5 particles out of the air. And those are the worst because they bypass your body's natural filters and can get directly into the bloodstream.

 

In short, whether you know it or not, during those times of the year in CM -- absent an air purifier -- it SHOULD bother you.

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

4 hours ago, newnative said:

     Yes, I would recommend Naklua/Wong Amat, as well.  My partner and I have lived in Jomtien, Pratamnak, South Pattaya, and Central Pattaya but moved to the Wong Amat beach area the beginning of this year.  We are liking it a lot. The traffic is easier, we're close to 3 malls plus Tesco and Bangkok Hospital.  We just like the whole atmosphere.  Good choice of condos to either rent or buy in about every price range.  It feels very safe as there are always lots of people walking around.   I would put Pattaya on your list of places to check.  I think you will find that it has a lot to offer and it checks off most of the items on your list.  And, you're not too far from your old stomping ground of Bangkok.

 

What would the typical range of rents be for say, 2-bedroom condos/apartments?

 

What if any farang-oriented supermarkets are located within the Naklua area??

 

And lastly, what Immigration office has jurisdiction over Naklua, and do they have any oddball/out-of-the-norm rules/requirements for things like retirement extensions?

 

Thanks!

[newnative]

28 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

What would the typical range of rents be for say, 2-bedroom condos/apartments?

 

What if any farang-oriented supermarkets are located within the Naklua area??

 

And lastly, what Immigration office has jurisdiction over Naklua, and do they have any oddball/out-of-the-norm rules/requirements for things like retirement extensions?

 

Thanks!

    Check Hipflat for rent ranges depending on what you are looking for--oceanview, high floor, project age, location, etc.  First click on 'Condo Directory', then 'Properties in Pattaya', and then click on 'North Pattaya'. Condo projects in Naklua/Wongamat are listed there and you can check different projects for rent and see information on the projects--number of units, when built, amenities, units offered for rent and at what price, etc.

    Tesco Lotus is not far on North Pattaya road and Big C is in Central Festival Mall, also close  There may also be a grocery in the new Terminal 21 and there is Best grocery on Dolphin Circle.  My partner and I shop mostly Tesco and Big C and find enough of a western selection.

    Chonburi is the Immigration office and it is in Jomtien.  I haven't used any other ones but my understanding is it is one of the better ones to deal with--I've never had a problem in 8 years.

[newnative]

  Oops.  Meant to say Big C is in Central Marina Mall.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

19 minutes ago, newnative said:

Tesco Lotus is not far on North Pattaya road and Big C is in Central Marina Mall , also close  There may also be a grocery in the new Terminal 21 and there is Best grocery on Dolphin Circle.  My partner and I shop mostly Tesco and Big C and find enough of a western selection.

 

 

When I asked about farang-oriented supermarkets, I really meant more like Villa or Foodland or even a Central Food Hall....

 

Speaking personally, I wouldn't really put Big C or Tesco into the farang-oriented supermarket category.

[newnative]

9 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

When I asked about farang-oriented supermarkets, I really meant more like Villa or Foodland or even a Central Food Hall....

 

Speaking personally, I wouldn't really put Big C or Tesco into the farang-oriented supermarket category.

There is a Central Food Hall in Central Festival Mall and Villa is in Avenue shopping center.  Foodland is on Pattaya Klang.  So, all 3 are available.

[scubascuba3]

Cycling is very good around Pattaya, many groups go out. There are many reasons why people live in or near Pattaya. The obvious is just one reason

[khunPer]

19 hours ago, expat1010 said:

Would like to hear opinions from others on desirable places in LOS

Krabi, Phuket, and Samui comes to mind; i.e. your list of interests "travel, diving, movies, weight lifting and bicycling".

 

Living permanent on Koh Samui for more than 13-years I can talk about that. It's easy to travel by either air, or take one of the ferries to the mainland. Diving in the area is said to be top class (I'm unfortunately not diving myself) and many boats and tours are available; otherwise Krabi is within reach for a tour off the island. There are two sets of each three cinemas, in Chaweng's Central Festival mall and in Bo Phut's Tesco-Lotus mall, showing the major releases with English sound, or English subtitles for local Asian movies (I'm a regular cinema visitor). Plenty of gyms, many recently opened. We have local bicycle communities or groups, and some few exercise races are held during the year (latest one this morning, I twice noticed bicycle groups with police escort). However the traffic on the main roads can be a bit chaotic during day time, but I see many exercise bicyclists in early morning, and if you're into mountain biking there are lots of options. Massage shops can be found anywhere, from beach to aircon, and high-end. Plenty of pubs where foreigners and expats meets.

 

My best advise when talking about where to settle in Thailand is always: Spend  a week, or a few weeks, or a month each place in interest, and check it out for yourself. Revisit during different times of the year, so you know whats it's like in hot season, and during monsoon rainy season. Change to different location in the areas, as they might be very different; i.e. if Samui you'll find huge difference from beach village to beach village, but all has their own charm and possibilities.

 

Moving out of Bangkok you might need to consider transportion, as there will be no Sky Train or Metro, and hardly any city busses. Motorbike or car might be a possibility; song thaew (baht bus) in daytime is an option; and taxis are normally often available, but might be relative high priced.

?

[zzaa09]

Ahhh...

Romanticizing the proverbial Farang ghettos and associated circles. 

 

Ain't it grand.

 

 

 

?

[yrag]

Bang Saray......every thing you could dream of..

[cleverman]

Phuket,best place to live in the world. 

[JayBird]

Pattaya has all you need. My needs are pretty much the same. The main down point is shopping is no where near as good as Bangkok, but it is second best in Thailand. A few trips a year to Bangkok should fill in the gaps for what you need.

 

It is very easy to ignore the bar scene here. I've been here a couple of years and totally skip out on the bar and sexpat thing, and sometimes forget it happens here. (just ignore the main bar streets)

 

There are a few gyms. None world class, but good enough for bodybuilders. (Power lifters may have difficulty).

 

I avoid bars yet still run into lots of expats who also avoid the scene and are still plenty nice to chat with.

 

 

it's as if there is a non sexpat expats sub group here.

[1FinickyOne]

23 hours ago, AlexRich said:

 

I like Chiang Mai and it would be my favourite destination, but for the burning season. Since I've only travelled there within the last 10 years I have to say that your "so no more smoke" comment is completely untrue. I was there one May (arriving thinking that it would be gone) and still had to deal with the pollution. For an old person Chiang Mai is only good for the 6 months you are guaranteed no smoke.

 

What I have seen about these discussions of 'smoke' is that everyone varies as to their individual sensitivity to it... I have seen days in CM that were definitely 'yellow colored' and disgusting, but not many - - I have also heard friends complain bitterl on days where I had a clear view of Doi Suthep from quite a distance away... 

 

Yes, I know they have measurements of particles, but personally I am rarely bothered by it...