Looking for advice. This turned out pretty long so appreciate anyone who can read and share their thoughts.

 

 

Before coming to Thailand, I lived in Canada BC, mostly on the outskirts of a small-ish city. Forest service roads were just a 20 minutes away. Alot of my relaxing and winding down time was spent in the "bush", offroading, camping, etc, just enjoying the nature and outdoors, or just in the driveway/yard, taking in sun maybe work on my vehicle or a project.

 

Now I've been in Asia 2 years and thailand 1 year, and this is the thing I miss the most and cannot find here. it has bothered me since I got here, it feels like there is nowhere I can go outside and relax and be alone

 

I'm living in Bangkok in an apartment and before this I stayed in various hotels for a year, of course that has not helped. I've done some travelling to a few islands, hua hin, near ao nang, among other places, rented a bike, and this helped but not much. Outside areas like hiking trails, beach, parks dont really scratch the itch. Theres always many people and its hard for me to actually relax and have some wind-down time. I think having a house with a secluded driveway/yard would help. In Canada I could drive 20-30 minutes, find a nice outdoor area and spend the day if I wanted to, and not see anybody. You could camp pretty much anywhere in the forest, find nice spot near a creek or lake and just feel the stress etc of daily life wash away.

 

In Thailand, and obviously Bangkok, I cant find any of this. Even in other areas of thailand, it feels like as soon as I leave my room, many eyes are on me, and there are no "public" areas to go that arent crowded or full of people. I dont know if there is large "crown" land/public land people can just go to enjoy recreation like in Canada, it seems like everything is private property, crowded parks/beaches/hike trails , and national parks. But even these nationals parks and hiking trails, I dont think you are supposed to leave the beaten path. People wouldnt appreciate for example creating a mountain bike trail here. I dont think camping is a thing in thailand, at least not like in Canada, where you can skip the paid designated "camping parks" and go find some nice private secluded area.

 

Maybe if I went somewhere rural, I could find something like this, but i dont want to live in a rural area where I am the only foriegner. And if I stay in more "foreigner friendly" areas, then it is sure there will be nothing like this nearby.

 

I see the sunlight light shining in from my balcony now, and just feel like im locked in a cage. Even on the balcony there is just a building next to me with a wall of people, its hard to get away.

 

 

Wondering if anyone has felt similar and found ways of dealing with it, or maybe some new places i could look at travelling to or living.

 

 

 

Yeah, up in Chiang Mai you can live in the city centre, and 20 minutes later on jungle trails where there is nobody else.

 

Hundreds of deserted trails, off-road cycling, downhill cycling, waterfalls, rivers. I used to spend every day trail running, rare to see another person.

 

Many rural roads with almost nobody using them, I was out cycling a popular one this morning, apart from the Sansai cycling club (6 people) we passed coming the other way, nobody.

 

Then the park beside MaeJo golf club yesterday, just me and the park staff.

 

But beware, phone coverage very limited in the mountains and jungle, one twisted ankle and you would be crawling back a long way. It's unlikely you'd encounter anyone else.

I've been to Canada three times. Ontario and Manitoba for fishing, and Alberta for hunting. If I had the means, I would go there yearly, and will definitely go back when I move back to Texas.

 

I understand how you feel about being in the woods, as I've spent hundreds of days either alone or with friends hunting and fishing the woods and waterways.

 

I looked for that here, although Thailand doesn't have any hunting because of the lack of conservation. This, and the woods near where I live have mines, so I didn't think about trying them.

 

There are a few provincial parks here that you might try, although some have Tigers, and all have snakes that are deadly, so you would need to be really careful in them, along with having a Gps available. There are also islands that have some woods you might try, but again, be careful as it isn't like you're used to. 

 

The woods here aren't like back home or in Canada, and I miss the topography, trees and smells, along with the wildlife. This is one of many reasons I will go back home. 

2 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

woods here aren't like back home or in Canada, and I miss the topography, trees and smells, along with the wildlife. This is one of many reasons I will go back home. 

Top of Doi Suthep and Doi Pui all pine forest, and plenty of leeches in rainy season.

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

Top of Doi Suthep and Doi Pui all pine forest, and plenty of leeches in rainy season.

That's what I meant when I mentioned the provincial parks, along with some northern forested areas that wouldn't have mines. I haven't been to northern Thailand, and would like to see some of it before I move. Just don't forget the Gps, as some foreigners get lost every year in Thailand. 

8 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Just don't forget the Gps, as some foreigners get lost every year in Thailand. 

 

And download the off-line versions of the maps!!

 

And a small solar battery topper-upper would be handy.

Just now, Crossy said:

 

And download the off-line versions of the maps!!

 

True, it's best to be more than prepared going into any large wooded area, especially if you haven't been there before. I remember hunting in Mexico.

 

My tripod stand was about 200 yards from the road I parked on. South Texas and Mexico brush country looks the same. Flat and very few hills.

 

There aren't many large trees, mostly Mesquite, black brush and a lot of small bushes and cactus. You can't walk in a straight line more than 50 yards or so before you have to circumvent around the brush.

 

When it's light, you can watch your back, taking notes on where you walk, certain bushes and small trees etc. When you walk out there in the morning darkness, everything looks the same.

 

The first morning I walked to my tripod I thought I was walking in the right direction but I came out to the road, 50 yards from my truck.

 

I tried again and again I walked out to the road, maybe 75 yards from my truck again. It was getting light and I made sure I walked slow and I ended up at my tripod when it was full light. People walk in circles all the time, but this was the first time it happened to me. 

46 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Then the park beside MaeJo golf club yesterday, just me and the park staff.

 

Sounds like a good place to live, too, if one wishes to be fairly near the city, but also wishes to live in a far less-densely populated area.

Worth considering....BIG TIME.....

 

Move out of Bangkok some where like Koh Chang. 

23 minutes ago, Crossy said:

 

And download the off-line versions of the maps!!

 

And a small solar battery topper-upper would be handy.

 

No worries, as for me, on this count.

 

I never get lost.

I keep my sextant strapped to my back, 24/7....

 

No need for solar power, either.

 

 

Although, a bubble sextant might work best if you can't see the horizon.....for the trees....

 

 

The closest national park to bangkok:

 

Lots of suggestions and places for you noted in this thread 

 

 

In Bangkok, I would suggest parks. In Thailand, I would suggest Thai national parks. Without a car you'll be limited, but doing many NPs very possible by paid transport.

 

The longer I live in Bangkok the more it grows on me, but you gotta enjoy the parks regularly and you must get out of the city. We holiday together outside the city about six weeks a year. Next year I'll do an additional maybe six weeks away as well. 

 

It would be very nice to have a condo with a view with a good location. I'm working on it. 

 

If you're on Sukhumvit and well tired of it that's no surprise. Once a week is plenty. There's nothing remotely Thai about it. Difficult to even get decent Thai food tbh. Terminal I guess standard bog.

 

 

2 hours ago, Sum Ting Wong said:

I leave my room, many eyes are on me, and there are no "public" areas to go that arent crowded or full of people.

 

You're not in the parks that's certain. 

 

It's a city. Hide in plain site if that makes you feel better - or engage the place and people 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, fredwiggy said:

Thailand doesn't have any hunting because of the lack of conservation.

 

There's no conservation here. Everything is eventually fished or hunted to extinction.

 

10 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

The closest national park to bangkok:

 

 

 

I'm sure there are closer. I know so, but Khao Yai is a nice park 

 

Close is relative just overnight. Find a great park, camping, good canteen, ez point to point transport. Most of Thailand is available by 12 hour bus ride.

Of course Canada is so much bigger than Thailand!

If you look around there are many places to go to be alone in Thailand too.

I would prefer to move around a lot too but have too many things to look after.

Would like to live like this guy in Canada.

 

11 hours ago, jvs said:

If you look around there are many places to go to be alone in Thailand too.

 

You can be alone in your apartment, can't you?

 

Not sure why such an obsession with having no human beings around.

 

Plenty times during the day many beaches are not even that full of people. 

 

2 hours ago, Sum Ting Wong said:

Looking for advice. This turned out pretty long so appreciate anyone who can read and share their thoughts.

 

 

Before coming to Thailand, I lived in Canada BC, mostly on the outskirts of a small-ish city. Forest service roads were just a 20 minutes away. Alot of my relaxing and winding down time was spent in the "bush", offroading, camping, etc, just enjoying the nature and outdoors, or just in the driveway/yard, taking in sun maybe work on my vehicle or a project.

 

Now I've been in Asia 2 years and thailand 1 year, and this is the thing I miss the most and cannot find here. it has bothered me since I got here, it feels like there is nowhere I can go outside and relax and be alone

 

I'm living in Bangkok in an apartment and before this I stayed in various hotels for a year, of course that has not helped. I've done some travelling to a few islands, hua hin, near ao nang, among other places, rented a bike, and this helped but not much. Outside areas like hiking trails, beach, parks dont really scratch the itch. Theres always many people and its hard for me to actually relax and have some wind-down time. I think having a house with a secluded driveway/yard would help. In Canada I could drive 20-30 minutes, find a nice outdoor area and spend the day if I wanted to, and not see anybody. You could camp pretty much anywhere in the forest, find nice spot near a creek or lake and just feel the stress etc of daily life wash away.

 

In Thailand, and obviously Bangkok, I cant find any of this. Even in other areas of thailand, it feels like as soon as I leave my room, many eyes are on me, and there are no "public" areas to go that arent crowded or full of people. I dont know if there is large "crown" land/public land people can just go to enjoy recreation like in Canada, it seems like everything is private property, crowded parks/beaches/hike trails , and national parks. But even these nationals parks and hiking trails, I dont think you are supposed to leave the beaten path. People wouldnt appreciate for example creating a mountain bike trail here. I dont think camping is a thing in thailand, at least not like in Canada, where you can skip the paid designated "camping parks" and go find some nice private secluded area.

 

Maybe if I went somewhere rural, I could find something like this, but i dont want to live in a rural area where I am the only foriegner. And if I stay in more "foreigner friendly" areas, then it is sure there will be nothing like this nearby.

 

I see the sunlight light shining in from my balcony now, and just feel like im locked in a cage. Even on the balcony there is just a building next to me with a wall of people, its hard to get away.

 

 

Wondering if anyone has felt similar and found ways of dealing with it, or maybe some new places i could look at travelling to or living.

 

 

 

Around Chumphon you'll find beaches where you will be alone. Many stretch more than 9-10 km.  In the "Hinterland" you'll find wild bush for hiking, walking. Or go with your bike one way down on the East, crossing Thailand  and then again on the West side of Thailand, along Khao Lak.

Even camping in the bush is possible.

If you need people around you the advice from @BritManToo is good, living in a regional city. We have many of the things you seek up here but not the people or night life. But stay away at holiday times as half of Bangkok come here to enjoy the crowds. 

49 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Around Chumphon you'll find beaches where you will be alone. Many stretch more than 9-10 km.  In the "Hinterland" you'll find wild bush for hiking, walking. Or go with your bike one way down on the East, crossing Thailand  and then again on the West side of Thailand, along Khao Lak.

Even camping in the bush is possible.

 

Bush camping lol. Aussie per chance?

 

And there are islands you can day trip as well as whale shark searching trips off Chumpon. Years ago there were semi legal campsite on one of the islands. The vacinity still had a bit of hard coral

 

Not top tier beaches, but quiet and remote.

 

Chumpon area is linked to Myanmar. Lots of forest. 

 

Hands down I favor Andaman over Gulf.

 

Khao Lak is a bit of a scene. 

 

 

If you don't own a car your possibilities will alw6be limited. That doesn't mean that the best parks are out of reach.

3 hours ago, save the frogs said:

The closest national park to bangkok:

 

 

Thailand has more lush bush than Canada, in some respects.

I love Thailand.

I will never leave.

 

17 minutes ago, GammaGlobulin said:

 

Thailand has more lush bush than Canada, in some respects.

I love Thailand.

I will never leave.

 

There's no need for prejudices 

We may offend other nations by saying that 

4 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

There's no need for prejudices 

We may offend other nations by saying that 

 

Speaking Truth is not bias.

 

Yes, it's all available in Thailand, in Chiang Mai and surrounding area.

During the week, 10 am to 2 pm, there's plenty of places to relax, knock around without being bothered.

 

Use Gmaps to find all the parks, green areas.  Unis have nice open green areas, quiet.  Malls are also good, and themed.   I must have a F'off aura, as nobody seems to bother me, whether by myself or with wife.

 

We've been to most province, some metro, urban, usually not in the main area, or far from it, and nobody bothers us.

 

Back to BKK:

Also the canal market during the week vacant, though always a few vendors for something to munch on & drink.

 

During the week, hop on one of the buses that do a long loop route, great for a bit of city life sightseeing.  Options really do abound.

 

Gmaps is your friend, and my main research tool.  Save weekends for sitting on your balcony.

 

Open (on laptop) Gmaps, type 'Krung Thep', click on 'nearby', the type in 'parks'.   Now zoom in to areas, zoom in further, click on 'search this area', if nothing showing up, zoom in further.  Then drag map around to another, hit 'search this area' again.   If 'search this are' doesn't show, zoom out or in about, and it will ...

 

 

Use 'satelite' (layers) view if wanting to see what is there, zoom in, use street view.  Directions using public trans for bus routes.

 

 

There's a few parks along the river, a couple large.  Take the water boats, tourist one if relly want to be alone, and better if a photo bug.

 

 

 

We prefer bungalows with some green around, as we travel with a dog ...

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1298442-leaving-the-bar-stool/page/7/#replyForm

 

There are parks that are in and around Bangkok that are not at all crowded. Some are huge, and while they do not allow overnight camping, you can spend a day hardly seeing anyone. 

 

Or get a place with a yard. I live in Bangkok and have yard. I often have coffee outside at dawn and see no one but the squirrels for at least an hour. 

 

 

15 hours ago, fredwiggy said:

I understand how you feel about being in the woods, as I've spent hundreds of days...alone hunting

 

Actual photo of Fred as a young man killing a bear with his bare hands.

 

Unless this is a new concern why in the world would you even consider living in Thailand let along Bangkok?   Live where you can afford and are the happiest.  If you need a little taste of Thailand in your life come back on vacation now and then.    

On 9/24/2025 at 5:40 PM, Sum Ting Wong said:

Looking for advice. This turned out pretty long so appreciate anyone who can read and share their thoughts.

 

 

Before coming to Thailand, I lived in Canada BC, mostly on the outskirts of a small-ish city. Forest service roads were just a 20 minutes away. Alot of my relaxing and winding down time was spent in the "bush", offroading, camping, etc, just enjoying the nature and outdoors, or just in the driveway/yard, taking in sun maybe work on my vehicle or a project.

 

Now I've been in Asia 2 years and thailand 1 year, and this is the thing I miss the most and cannot find here. it has bothered me since I got here, it feels like there is nowhere I can go outside and relax and be alone

 

I'm living in Bangkok in an apartment and before this I stayed in various hotels for a year, of course that has not helped. I've done some travelling to a few islands, hua hin, near ao nang, among other places, rented a bike, and this helped but not much. Outside areas like hiking trails, beach, parks dont really scratch the itch. Theres always many people and its hard for me to actually relax and have some wind-down time. I think having a house with a secluded driveway/yard would help. In Canada I could drive 20-30 minutes, find a nice outdoor area and spend the day if I wanted to, and not see anybody. You could camp pretty much anywhere in the forest, find nice spot near a creek or lake and just feel the stress etc of daily life wash away.

 

In Thailand, and obviously Bangkok, I cant find any of this. Even in other areas of thailand, it feels like as soon as I leave my room, many eyes are on me, and there are no "public" areas to go that arent crowded or full of people. I dont know if there is large "crown" land/public land people can just go to enjoy recreation like in Canada, it seems like everything is private property, crowded parks/beaches/hike trails , and national parks. But even these nationals parks and hiking trails, I dont think you are supposed to leave the beaten path. People wouldnt appreciate for example creating a mountain bike trail here. I dont think camping is a thing in thailand, at least not like in Canada, where you can skip the paid designated "camping parks" and go find some nice private secluded area.

 

Maybe if I went somewhere rural, I could find something like this, but i dont want to live in a rural area where I am the only foriegner. And if I stay in more "foreigner friendly" areas, then it is sure there will be nothing like this nearby.

 

I see the sunlight light shining in from my balcony now, and just feel like im locked in a cage. Even on the balcony there is just a building next to me with a wall of people, its hard to get away.

 

 

Wondering if anyone has felt similar and found ways of dealing with it, or maybe some new places i could look at travelling to or living.

 

 

 

I hear ya. I'm from country Australia and get that claustrophobic feeling in Thailand. Lucky in one respect in that the wife's house in on a few rai so I can get a reprieve.

Having said that I get the same closed in feeling when visiting Bangkok, Philadelphia and London .

 

Need some clear open spaces. Must be the way I've lived or have been programmed for it.

Where I grew up it was normal to drive on the highway for two hours and not come across another town. Seems like it's every 15 minutes or less in Thailand.

 

The people posting about parks just don't understand and probably never will. Probably come from the city in a previous life.

Probably only Canadians and Ozzie's will understand.

2 hours ago, emptypockets said:

I hear ya. I'm from country Australia and get that claustrophobic feeling in Thailand. Lucky in one respect in that the wife's house in on a few rai so I can get a reprieve.

Having said that I get the same closed in feeling when visiting Bangkok, Philadelphia and London .

 

Need some clear open spaces. Must be the way I've lived or have been programmed for it.

Where I grew up it was normal to drive on the highway for two hours and not come across another town. Seems like it's every 15 minutes or less in Thailand.

 

The people posting about parks just don't understand and probably never will. Probably come from the city in a previous life.

Probably only Canadians and Ozzie's will understand.

Philadelphia ... PA, USA ???  you're joking right

 

I've knocked around that city, neighborhoods, parks, and whole metro area.  Always something going on, and you can be as alone, or have great company any time, any day, any where.  One of the best metro areas to be single or in a relationship.

 

With lovely countryside, rolling hills within 1-2 hours away, if not in the city itself.

 

5 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Philadelphia ... PA, USA ???  you're joking right

 

No, I'm not joking. As I said , city people would not understand.

9000 acres might sound like a lot to you, but it really isn't. 

I'm more accustomed to seeing a petrol ( gas) station, and nothing else every 2-300 kilometres with nothing in between.

8 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

No, I'm not joking. As I said , city people would not understand.

I didn't grow up in the city, but loved it.  I grew up in suburbia, Delaware County, and same applies.

 

I lived 1/2 hour by rail from William Pann / City Hall for about 40 yrs, on & off, and owned 3 houses, one in Philly (SW) and 2 in Delaware County.  Always keeping one unit open for myself.  Last 5 years at Germantown (Memphis areas), and the whole country is great IMHO