TIME Magazine Lists Phuket and Isan Among World’s Greatest Places for 2023

[London Boy]

I stayed for week in October 2021 when it was under the sand box scheme, and I had to do quarantine after returning from England. I loved it, hired a Scooter for ฿200 a day to get round the island. Hardly any tourists, and everything was dirt cheap. In reflection, I didn't realize what a unique time it was to be there

[Will B Good]

I think US/EU foodies might get a bit of shock 'dining out' in Isaan.......the food is almost unrecognisable from that served  in their home Thai restaurants......and the food selection is mainly from Laos.

[Goat]

Predictable Thai bashing comments from people who loathe Thailand so much they actually chose to live here.

Weirdoes.

 

Phuket is great if you have plenty of cash. 

 

TIME isnt owned by Thais. It is what the rest of the world think about Thailand.

[kwaussie]

Honestly dont know why some people are on this forum, love Thailand, Love Phuket why do so many people visit and like me keep returning, has so many great beaches and places that are not crowded and i have travelled all over Thailand.

Also have soft spot for Hua Hin .

[Nong Khai Man]

4 hours ago, koolkarl said:

They didn't mention that a gas mask is mandatory for Isan.

Why have you been Farting Again ??

[Burma Bill]

2 hours ago, Freddy42OZ said:

I think Bangkok is the only place worth living full time

With respect, it is a matter of personal choice. I would never, ever live in Bangkok with its concrete jungle. I was born in the UK Oxfordshire countryside and cities like London and Birmingham were not my scene. So, when I lived in Thailand for 20 years, the country bumpkin land of Lanna and Isaan were my choice, both being very friendly and scenic. I only visited Bangkok for the British Embassy/Passport Office or flying out from DMK or BKK.

[KhunLA]

6 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

With respect, it is a matter of personal choice. I would never, ever live in Bangkok with its concrete jungle. 

If not for the pollution, I could easily live there.  But would have to be near one of the 'green areas' that allows dogs.

[soalbundy]

2 hours ago, SuwadeeS said:

Does't matter what they say. Issan and Phuket. What a BS.

I think because of a lack of Informations and objectivity.

 

Look. At Phuket island the first experience is a rip off for the transportation from the airport.

In Issan on an, corner the, point at you and call you "farang" insteed of "khon tang chard".

That is totally disrimination.

Time Magazine go back to school.

Farang isn't meant to be derogatory, once they know your name they will use it, nobody in my village refers to me as the farang, if I have a foreign visitor that person will be referred to as the farang that lives at Davids house until they have been introduced and know the name of that person. Isaan people are open and friendly and farang are generally highly regarded if they aren't fully paid up butt holes.

[Mickmouse1]

It said " most visited" not best, have they taken into consideration its modern transport system? 

Have they mentioned the Motorbike & Taxi MAFIA?

I rest my case your honour !

I went there 2 times for a reason and never again.

[Menken]

8 hours ago, neeray said:

Nice bit of badly needed, free advertising. I hope those who have TIME aren't disappointed.

Indeed. Wonder what that cost TAT.

[sambum]

".......those who venture to this off-the-beaten-path region of Thailand teeming with rice fields are rewarded with national parks, temple ruins, and Michelin-recommended restaurants."

 

In my wife's region in Isan you are hard pressed to find a restaurant of ANY kind!!!

Mind, it is teeming with rice fields - they got that part right!

[sambum]

3 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

With respect, it is a matter of personal choice. I would never, ever live in Bangkok with its concrete jungle. I was born in the UK Oxfordshire countryside and cities like London and Birmingham were not my scene. So, when I lived in Thailand for 20 years, the country bumpkin land of Lanna and Isaan were my choice, both being very friendly and scenic. I only visited Bangkok for the British Embassy/Passport Office or flying out from DMK or BKK.

"......it is a matter of personal choice."

 

Well said! Myself, I prefer a "half way house" that isn't "busting at the seams" where taxi drivers, girlie bars and restaurants are ripping you off, but somewhere you can have a quiet drink at a bar, and a decent meal at a fair price.

For that, for the most part, you need to be away from places like Pattaya, Phuket, and Bangkok - maybe one of the smaller tourist resorts?

[paulikens]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The island province is also drawing more visitors to its uncrowded countryside with an impressive landscape of modern luxury lodges.

which means the uncrowded countryside will then get crowded.   

[LittleBear57]

Visited Phuket twice in 18 years. Finally went back whilst the pandemic was on and it was quite nice. Roads were busy enough without the tourists, can't imagine it being anything like that now with the tourists back using the mafia controlled transport and overpriced food and drink which was reduced generally by 10%. For me it's not special and there are better and much safer beaches in Krabi where the photo was taken.

 

The north east is where I have to go with the missus although I have dug my feet in and refused these past few years. I find it really boring. 

 

Khao Yai is just a rip off place full stop, many better national parks in Thailand. I would be surprised if it made the top 100 in the world. The area around the park just full of imitation European style villages expensive coffee shops and restaurants, Oh and pricey accommodation too. 

 

Anyway who writes this stuff. Can't believe they are well travelled in Thailand.

[BayArea]

17 hours ago, Spock said:

I lived in Phuket way back in 1995 for 6 months and disliked it. Also had a car which allowed me to avoid dealing with the transport mafia. The water was pleasant enough but the island was expensive and the local Thais, as opposed to the restaurant and bar staff, were not particularly friendly. Can't see how it would feature high in this list. 

The further south you go, the less friendly the ' Thais' become...

[Skeptic7]

Isaan, Thailand. OK...but ALL of it❓ C'mon. 

[Old Croc]

23 hours ago, ujayujay said:

Phuket???..dont kidding me. If youre honest: One of the most overcrowdet Touristdestination in the World....a no go Place????

Phuket can be very overcrowded.

Have you ever stopped to think why it is overcrowded with tourists?

[Hanuman2547]

I've never really been a big fan of Phuket.  I did like my visits back in the early 80's.  Not so much lately (the 90's) and haven't been there in 20 years.  I do enjoy a lot of other places in the south though.

[Chongalulu]

On 3/24/2023 at 9:20 AM, Kaopad999 said:

I'd take Isaan over Phuket any time of the week.
Phuket just full of scams,tourists and rip-off prices. 
Good or holiday maybe ? but not for long term living. 

locals  in Isann are far moe friendly.
Paceful life. 
3 or 4 nice cities to chose from.
Many beautiful ladies.
without scams and taxi maffia. 

The snorkeling in Isaan is pretty dire though…. 

[Old Croc]

Interesting to see Luang Prabang listed. On my bucket list to visit as is the incredible scenery in much of Laos.

 

Wouldn't want to live there with their style of government, and the looming neighbor immediately to the north.

[Old Croc]

10 hours ago, BayArea said:

The further south you go, the less friendly the ' Thais' become...

What a silly statement!  There are friendly, and unfriendly, people to be found everywhere in Thailand. Obviously, the southern border region has security issues, but there are members on this forum living happily in the southern most areas of Thailand.

To attempt to denigrate the tourism areas of Krabi, Phuket and even Surat Thani with your ludicrous theory that people are more toxic than in the north is a statement about yourself.

[Old Croc]

On 3/24/2023 at 7:17 AM, JimTripper said:

I don’t like Phuket much. The beaches are crowded. I’m not one of those guys that looks great with my shirt off, so strolling around in front of an audience of people on beach chairs is not something that makes me comfortable.

Thanks for sharing.

Pity the magazine didn't take just your personal foibles into account when compiling this list.

[Old Croc]

On 3/24/2023 at 9:16 AM, Freddy42OZ said:

I think Bangkok is the only place worth living full time.   

Bangkok is one of the world's great ant most exciting cities. If city life is what you desire, I think all round it would tick most boxes.

I lived in cities all my life and couldn't even contemplate living in another in retirement. 

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, Old Croc said:

Bangkok is one of the world's great ant most exciting cities. If city life is what you desire, I think all round it would tick most boxes.

I lived in cities all my life and couldn't even contemplate living in another in retirement. 

It's a little overkill for me, coming from suburbia Philly, PA, USA, and 20 min convenient train ride into the city.  Philly pop. was 1.5 mill, 6 mill for metro area.

 

But the other metro areas, really don't offer much in TH.   

 

Enjoy the rural life, but wish Krung Thep wasn't so polluted, or I'd be there, or closer to.  Love being near the surf now, but we don't swim in it.

[Kaopad999]

3 hours ago, nchuckle said:

The snorkeling in Isaan is pretty dire though…. 

There's always the rice paddies in the raining season : P 

[LittleBear57]

On 3/24/2023 at 10:46 PM, BayArea said:

The further south you go, the less friendly the ' Thais' become...

Sounds a bit like the UK there.????