Looking To The Future

[cdmtdm]

Hi Guys ... wanted to pose the question , my wife and i have discussed where in the future would we move to when the hustle and bustle of Phuket is no longer attractive... we like the idea of country Thailand , somewhere possibly close to water , mountains etc... but not over populated by westerners. We have not travelled extensively through Thailand yet but will do in time , any ideas on where we may find a piece of un spoilt paradise?? if we get a good bit of feedback we will plan our next trip to check the places out ... thanks in advance.

[seaeagle]

Man, when you see how the rest of Thailand is, you'll be desperate for your fix of husle and bustle, believe me. Your desire for mountains AND water seems a bit at extremes, and narrows your choice to, well, I can't think of anywhere like that.

However, always willing to help............

We've just come back from a holiday to Khao Yai national park, just into Nakhon Ratchasima province. Without doiubt, the scenery is beautiful, and the elevation takes the edge of the heat, too. Some developments up there are really magnificent, but they're still not cheap. Having great scenery and a national park on your doorstep carries the same premium as views of the Andaman Sea. If it sounds what you want, take a look.

Reasons why I'd never go, though:

Pakchong and Muak Lek are the nearest towns. One horse towns, and ones where the horse left 10 years ago. Developments with a view aren't necessarily close to the towns, in fact Phu Patra development was 45 mins from the nearest shop. Same goes for hospitals and schools etc. You are truly in the middle of nowhere.

While nice, the developments were a ghost town. Seems as if the majority are being bought by rich Bangkok-based Thais to use as a weekend home. Absolutely quiet as a church mouse. And strangely, not a swimming pool in sight!

There appears to be no expat life whatsoever, and without that escape you'll go crazy. I imagined that the only thing i could do all day was to buy some binoculars and spot wildlife.

As an alternative option, consider Khao Sok, just north of Phuket. Not too far from beaches of Khao Lak, and 2 1/2 hours from Phuket 'civilisation'. No pun intended - until I ventured up north, I never considered Phuket to be civilisation. Jeez, I certainly do now!!

[jerrylee]

Hi Guys ... wanted to pose the question , my wife and i have discussed where in the future would we move to when the hustle and bustle of Phuket is no longer attractive... we like the idea of country Thailand , somewhere possibly close to water , mountains etc... but not over populated by westerners. We have not travelled extensively through Thailand yet but will do in time , any ideas on where we may find a piece of un spoilt paradise?? if we get a good bit of feedback we will plan our next trip to check the places out ... thanks in advance.

Check out Lampang, not the Lampang to Chiangmai Road, but Lampang to Phayao (The Asian Super Highway) ...

this is only one hour away from city of Chiangmai so easy reach of western food/culture communities.

un-spoilt = unknown (not common knowledge) ?!

[katabeachbum]

Ocean, islands, beaches, mountains, not crowded with foreigners but still want a town. Thats Prechuap Khirikan. 50-100 km south of Hua Hin.

[bikerlou47]

Khao Yai was my choice I have lived there 5 years now and for me it is paradise. Very quiet with two swimming pools close by. Decent shopping at the bottom of the mountain (Outlet Village). Its not cheap but in two hours I am at the airport or the Nana. Under 4 hours to Pattaya.

I personally dont want to be around Farangs!