Where To Live? Young Couple With Not Kids Seeking Beach Residence

[carlosdasilva3]

Hi,

I am new to the Forum and my name is Carlos. I am originally Portugal and I am an academic researcher. Given the flexibility I have with my work, the only tool I need is my computer and Internet.

Given my monthly income from my research activities, me and my girlfriend are planning on moving to the Thailand for a period of 4 to 6 months. Our plan is to learn local martial arts and also do some spiritual activity (meditation) take some afternoons to spend time together on the beach or travelling to other islands.

Given that we are not looking for heavy party places, no women, no alcohol neither expensive restaurants (we cook home mostly or would eat simple food), what location would you recommend us to look for an apartment? The only condition is having beautiful beaches at walking distance, internet connection and possibly a market close by to buy food.

We are quite a humble couple and therefore we would like to take this opportunity to let go of the constant stress of the city we live in, spend time together. Most of my research projects will be done by the time so I will have a lot of free time to enjoy life.

We are seeking an apartment with 1 or max. 2 bedrooms at a walking distance from the beach, with internet and a swimming pool (can be shared pool). We also seek a place that is safe for us to live comfortably out of worries.

Let me know what you would recommend and in your opinion what budget in average would I need for such lifestyle in that specific locations.

Looking forward to hear your opinion.

Carlos + Tajci

Edited March 29, 2011 by carlosdasilva3

[Kernow86]

I would say that you have quite a few choices here. Initially, when i read your post i was thinking that Cape Panwa would be perfect but then you mentioned you want a pool. Having a pool there is unusual or very expensive. So you may have to look at some of the busier areas. Check houseinphuket.com to get an idea of price vs location.

If you look hard enough you can find the place your looking for! Good Luck!

[steelepulse]

>>Given my monthly income from my research activities, me and my girlfriend are planning on moving to the Thailand for a period of 4 to 6 months.

Are you actually looking at staying in Phuket, or somewhere in Thailand close to a beach?

[naiharn]

Given my monthly income from my research activities, me and my girlfriend are planning on moving to the Thailand for a period of 4 to 6 months. Our plan is to learn local martial arts and also do some spiritual activity (meditation) take some afternoons to spend time together on the beach or travelling to other islands.

Given that we are not looking for heavy party places, no women, no alcohol neither expensive restaurants (we cook home mostly or would eat simple food), what location would you recommend us to look for an apartment? The only condition is having beautiful beaches at walking distance, internet connection and possibly a market close by to buy food.

We are quite a humble couple and therefore we would like to take this opportunity to let go of the constant stress of the city we live in, spend time together. Most of my research projects will be done by the time so I will have a lot of free time to enjoy life.

We are seeking an apartment with 1 or max. 2 bedrooms at a walking distance from the beach, with internet and a swimming pool (can be shared pool). We also seek a place that is safe for us to live comfortably out of worries.

Let me know what you would recommend and in your opinion what budget in average would I need for such lifestyle in that specific locations.

Looking forward to hear your opinion.

Carlos + Tajci

It sounds like you are going to do your work over the Internet. That's a great idea. Live in a cheap tropical paradise and earn western money!

But, please note that if you wish to work in Thailand you need to have a work permit. For which you will need the right type of visa. And an employer with a minimum of 4 Thai employees per foreigner, and a minimum capital of X million baht.

But don't worry. The Thai government is very efficient and forward looking, and you'll be able to fix all these things up with a minimum of fuss, red tape and expense. There will also never be any necessity to pay tea-money, even if only to move things along.

[carlosdasilva3]

>>Given my monthly income from my research activities, me and my girlfriend are planning on moving to the Thailand for a period of 4 to 6 months.

Are you actually looking at staying in Phuket, or somewhere in Thailand close to a beach?

Hi,

I am looking for a place close to the beach, not necessary in Phuket. But it seems at a first look that Phuket and its various beaches could be the right option.

[carlosdasilva3]

But, please note that if you wish to work in Thailand you need to have a work permit. For which you will need the right type of visa. And an employer with a minimum of 4 Thai employees per foreigner, and a minimum capital of X million baht. But don't worry. The Thai government is very efficient and forward looking, and you'll be able to fix all these things up with a minimum of fuss, red tape and expense. There will also never be any necessity to pay tea-money, even if only to move things along.

Hi,

I will not work for any kind of Thai company. I will simply work on my research project that involves solely a good internet connection. So I will be paid from Europe and living in Thailand for 4 to 6 months while I write my final articles.

The idea would be to learn more and make more of my time on earth by not only doing my regular job (research) but also learning about a new culture, practice new sports and find time for the soul. All this instead of watching TV or getting stuck in traffic on the way to the University

Any other location recommendation given my profile?

[carlosdasilva3]

Hi Kernow86,

Thank you for your suggestion. A pool would be very nice but not our top priority. So Cape Panwa could definitively be an option.

[Logician]

Don't worry about the unnecessary scare mongering regarding work permits. Lots of people work from their computer at home and you would never get caught. As you said, technically you are not working anyway.

The advice that is given time after time on this forum, and I believe is the best advice, is to stay in a hotel for a week or so first and have a look around. It is much easier to find places to rent when you are here in person, and for a stay as long as 6 months, it would be a shame to rent somewhere that you decided you didn't like a couple of weeks later.

I reckon, given what you have said, Nai Yang would be good for you.

Good luck, I'm sure you will have a blast, and it will turn out to be the first of many trips to Phuket.

[carlosdasilva3]

Thank you for the tips!

Nai Yang looks great! I will check the rental prices.

Any other suggestions or tips for our upcoming moving to Thailand? Any other location would fit us well?

[grumpyoldman]

Thank you for the tips!

Nai Yang looks great! I will check the rental prices.

Any other suggestions or tips for our upcoming moving to Thailand? Any other location would fit us well?

Classic TV poster, OP asks for a suggested place to live and someone hits him with "you better have a work permit....." yeeeeesh.

In my opinion the Bangtao area seems like it might be o.k. for you, but I would shoot for a stand alone house, never been big on apartments or condos. But they sure do have a bunch of those up there. Lersuang Group, Richmond Group etc.

You might consider Krabi, Khlong Muang area nice and quiet, but come low season the beaches disappear.

[MisterMan]

Try www.phuketvillarentals.com

They have the largest selection, and will give you an idea of what you can get.

[carlosdasilva3]

Hi,

I should be moving at the end of October until the end of March - I guess its the high season. Still hope to find something good at decent prices

[steelepulse]

Do you have a monthly housing and overall budget?

[Kernow86]

Try www.phuketvillarentals.com

They have the largest selection, and will give you an idea of what you can get.

I may be using this website incorrectly but it seems that unless you made the Forbes 500 this year you would be wasting your time to look. I only comment because i'm always keen to keep an eye on the rentals around the island.

I would still recommend that houseinphuket.com has the best selection catering for wider range of budgets.

Please note that i do not work for them -just based on my experience!

[geriatrickid]

Phuket is a shocker in pricing for someone from affordable Portugal. If you are dependent upon a good internet connection, please ask around as to where the most reliable locations are and who the best provider is. My connection at this time is garbage and I am about to start throwing my laptop at the wall in frustration. Some areas may not have access to the best internet connections, which is why you should ask.

In terms of tranquility and an atmosphere free of noise to allow you to think, you may need to locate outside the bigger towns, so that means avoiding the kata to Kamala tourist side. I do not know what your budget is, but you may wish to consider Bang Tao, and Nai Yang which has a big temple.

Remember not to live to close to the temple as the drifting ashes from the burning bodies can sometimes land on your lunch if your are outside eating. As well, the smell can upset the children. Also, locate far away from a mosque. The call to prayers does not facilitate sleep or concentration. When you decide on a place, walk around a few times at different hours of the day. Look for burning trash and look up for loudspeakers. You do not want to be next to neighbors that burn trash as there is nothing you can do about it. Loudspeakers are self explanatory. Trust me when I say, avoid, avoid avoid. For peace of mind look for an area with a small Family Mart, 7-11 of Big One. You will be happy when the phone balance runs down or the toilet paper disappears. Also at 7-11 you can pay for some airline tickets and utility bills, so life is easier, even if the inventory is limited. (Big One is so much better.)

[carlosdasilva3]

Hi,

Thank you very much for the advice and tips, I highly appreciate it! Concerning my budget, I am not planning on living on a shoestring, neither in a luxury villa for 2000$+ a month. At first sight, Nai Yang seems beautiful and what we are looking for. Bang Tao seems nice too.

Would you also advise me to rent a bike and go around those places, knocking on condos' doors and ask if something is for rent while in the beginning stay in a hotel/ hostel?

[petercallen]

Hi,

Thank you very much for the advice and tips, I highly appreciate it! Concerning my budget, I am not planning on living on a shoestring, neither in a luxury villa for 2000$+ a month. At first sight, Nai Yang seems beautiful and what we are looking for. Bang Tao seems nice too.

Would you also advise me to rent a bike and go around those places, knocking on condos' doors and ask if something is for rent while in the beginning stay in a hotel/ hostel?

The best advice you have been given is to stay in a hotel for a week, there are hotels/guesthouses to fit all budgets.

Rent a motorbike which is quite cheap and have a look around, there is accommodation available anywhere on the island

[carlosdasilva3]

Ok

I will focus/ start on the areas you guys suggested so far.

Any other areas I should drive the scooter around in order to seek my future home?

[Peterocket]

I looked at 2 properties in Bangtao this month one at 7k baht per month 1km from the beach with 2 bedrooms and another for 6k per month with is near the mosque in a condo. I wouldnt say that is expensive in any way. I would challenge anyone in the UK to get a apartment or house for a price even close to that.

[carlosdasilva3]

Wow!

That price is really good! When we are talking about such prices, is it simply an apartment in a block far from everything or a is it located in a place we can reach most of the stuff by walking?

All I saw is that for 20.000 baht you can get a very nice place and for 30.000 baht you get quite a luxury apartment.

[Peterocket]

No its an apartment block right in the middle of Bangtao village. Can walk to the beach (Bangtao and Surin), small shops nearby, cheap places to eat quality thai food (50 baht average), not far from Tesco Lotus , Underground parking. etc etc.

No swimming pool though and also I expect no other Farang which could be positive or negative depending on what you would prefer. The apartment block is called Rattima Apartments, they have a very basic website. I've never been in it though.

There is even better for the same price if you look around. Staff at my work only pay 3k per month for their 'houses'.

[carlosdasilva3]

Great Info!

Thanks a lot for your insights PeterRocket!

[likewise]

Hev you thought about Krabi? Lot less crowded then Phuket and scenery is more beautiful.

[carlosdasilva3]

Hev you thought about Krabi? Lot less crowded then Phuket and scenery is more beautiful.

What about internet connection? And which location exactly in Krabi you had in mind?

[likewise]

Depends where you want to stay, Ao nang is the beach area and is about 15 km from Krabi town.

Internet there's CAT (which I use), TOT and some locations also TT&T, same as Phuket.

[carlosdasilva3]

Thank you very much for your comments and tips!

I will still keep reading this forum and learn more about Thailand and its fantastic locations to both live and visit.

[stevehaigh]

you should be able to get a 2 bedroom house in rawai, 5 mins from the beach for about 13000/month

drive around the small sois and you'll find places