Hi,

If you don't know me already (which you probably don't), I'll give you a short background.

I'm a software engineer, been living in Bangkok, Thailand for over 3 years in a full time job with work permit. I can write any style of software, but specialise in Ship to Shore satellite communications. Over the next year I would like to start working on a contract basis, keeping a retainer on with my current company to support the existing software I've developed for them.

I'm starting to get a bit fed up with Bangkok though and really considering an island or somewhere close to the beach in the South. My options so far are:

* Ko Samui

* Krabi

* Phuket

Basic requirements are a renting a two bedroom (detached) house and ADSL availability. Any idea how much I can expect to pay for these in the above locations? Can anybody recommend anywhere else around Thailand that may suit me?

I also DJ for a hobbie and play Techno/Trance (not the Thai style <deleted>) on a regular basis at a bar in RCA. I would also like to do this at a bar where I eventually move to (if I do move)....

Any feedback appreciated.

Thanks,

Insight

I would say Samui would be your best bet. You would definetely have more chance doing gigs as a DJ. The crowd is younger and more hip. They have adsl on the island but only in Lamai and Chaweng.

The downside is that Samui has flights served only by Bangkok Airways and they are riculously priced. It is also getting very developed and very crowded.

Definately Samui gets more backpikeys, so better for djing, In phuket as a rule they just seem to want sexynaughtybitchyme / ketchup / Blue / Shakira ran in a loop (I once played ketchup song 5 times in a row at different pitches, the cats bloody loved it) But there are one or two decent places for your styne of music (Thai typo) Karma lounge, and errrrr some other places

Reckon housing is cheaper in Phuket than Samui, ADSL is comedy in both places.

Krabi has some interesting places for gigging but mostly it's the longstay expat's Graveyard and I would steer clear.

Why don't you have two holidays, Samui and Phuket, we'll look after you when you come 'daaan saaaf'

Good luck fella.

It is horses for courses in my opinion.

Not that I don't like a few days on the beach occasionally but living in a resort full time would give me the dilema of where to go for a holiday.

Some folks prefer to live in Thai/Khmer/Laos villages away from other farangs. Personally, I prefer town life where I can meet other farangs (usually when I wish to) and within striking distance (in my case 500 - 600 km) of holiday destinations.

As has been said "up to you"

Have a look at Jomptien.

Very cheap housing. Quiet but close enough to western food, etc if desired.

Big thanks for all the replies so far. Samui is looking far more preferable, but any idea on the cost of rent per month for a two bedroom house?

Living in Bangkok, I'm paying 16K. Should I expect to pay higher or lower on Samui?

Thanks again,

Insight