I had a look at Bang Saen a few weeks ago and was impressed by how clean the place was especially after staying in Jomtien. I am obtaining a retirees visa soon and wondered if anyone has had any experience of living in Bang Saen or Mae Phim (which I haven't seen yet). I'm sick of the dirty crowded bar scenes in both Pattaya and Jomtien and want to opt for a nice laid back lifestyle where you don't pay a fortune for a condo. Any advice appreciated.

I had a look at Bang Saen a few weeks ago and was impressed by how clean the place was especially after staying in Jomtien. I am obtaining a retirees visa soon and wondered if anyone has had any experience of living in Bang Saen or Mae Phim (which I haven't seen yet). I'm sick of the dirty crowded bar scenes in both Pattaya and Jomtien and want to opt for a nice laid back lifestyle where you don't pay a fortune for a condo. Any advice appreciated.

I lived in Bang Saen for a year. Enjoyed it immensely. Used to swim at Burapha University. The Hotel and Tourism Tarining Institute was open then. Is it still open? Got to know a lot of the University and HTTI students. Not too much Farang company. Chonburi a good town to visit.

I had a look at Bang Saen a few weeks ago and was impressed by how clean the place was especially after staying in Jomtien. I am obtaining a retirees visa soon and wondered if anyone has had any experience of living in Bang Saen or Mae Phim (which I haven't seen yet). I'm sick of the dirty crowded bar scenes in both Pattaya and Jomtien and want to opt for a nice laid back lifestyle where you don't pay a fortune for a condo. Any advice appreciated.

I lived in Bang Saen for a year. Enjoyed it immensely. Used to swim at Burapha University. The Hotel and Tourism Tarining Institute was open then. Is it still open? Got to know a lot of the University and HTTI students. Not too much Farang company. Chonburi a good town to visit.

I had a look at Bang Saen a few weeks ago and was impressed by how clean the place was especially after staying in Jomtien. I am obtaining a retirees visa soon and wondered if anyone has had any experience of living in Bang Saen or Mae Phim (which I haven't seen yet). I'm sick of the dirty crowded bar scenes in both Pattaya and Jomtien and want to opt for a nice laid back lifestyle where you don't pay a fortune for a condo. Any advice appreciated.

I lived in Bang Saen for a year. Enjoyed it immensely. Used to swim at Burapha University. The Hotel and Tourism Tarining Institute was open then. Is it still open? Got to know a lot of the University and HTTI students. Not too much Farang company. Chonburi a good town to visit.

How long ago were you living there and were you renting or did you buy? I heard that weekends can be a bit of a nightmare with Thais coming down from Bangkok. Also I don't think English is as widely spoken as Pattaya/Jomtien.

If you want a clean beach as well, Bang Saen has the most polluted beach I have ever seen in Thailand, in my entire life actually. There was a tv report last week that an unknown smelly substance had washed up on the beach, stinking up the whole area.

Where's those photos you had posted earlier, Tony?

The ones with the used condoms floating ashore along with the rubbish, trash, and fecal matter...

If you want a clean beach as well, Bang Saen has the most polluted beach I have ever seen in Thailand, in my entire life actually.

I agree.

Been there once and will never go back.

If you want a clean beach as well, Bang Saen has the most polluted beach I have ever seen in Thailand, in my entire life actually.

I agree.

Been there once and will never go back.

OK thanks for the comments. I must admit I never went down on the beach when I was there, but I was impressed with how tidy the town was. After Pattaya/Jomtien's rubbish everywhere, broken footpaths, open man-hole covers etc., not to mention the traffic, Bang Saen was literally a breath of fresh air.

I had a look at Bang Saen a few weeks ago and was impressed by how clean the place was especially after staying in Jomtien. I am obtaining a retirees visa soon and wondered if anyone has had any experience of living in Bang Saen or Mae Phim (which I haven't seen yet). I'm sick of the dirty crowded bar scenes in both Pattaya and Jomtien and want to opt for a nice laid back lifestyle where you don't pay a fortune for a condo. Any advice appreciated.

I have lived in Bangsaen for two years and enjoy it. Pattaya is a bit too much but it is only 40km away if a few days of crazy living is desired.

I do not swim in the ocean.

As many other posters say, rent a place for a few months and see how you like it.

e-mail me for more info.

Good luck,

Mike