Best Way To Visit Thailand

[Renoir]

Hi,

I will take an early retirement in two years and I would like to visit Thailand to find the area where I would prefer to live. I have been to Thailand last year for one month and I traveled by myself but I do not find that I have seen as much as I could have. I have been lazy and spent half the time in Bangkok. One of my friend went to Thailand with an organized company and she has seen much more than me but she was always with tourists in tourist areas and most of her time was organized for her. This would not have been good for me as I want to see the every day Thailand, not just the tourist areas.

I would like a mix between a tourist tour and personal exploration. Like a company who would take care of finding me a good hotel and traveling between cities but at the same time leaving me time to explore by myself. Is there such a thing? I do not mind doing some tourist exploration but I want a lot of time by myself to feel the place..

Thanks,

Renoir

[afarang]

On my first trip to Thailand, in 1977, I hopped on trains ,got off where I pleased ,wandered around ,got back on trains to what would become my next destination. Travel for short distances on 3rd class trains is lovely. I also did ,though ,every long distance sleeper (2nd class)lines. Sungai Golok, Chiang Mai, Nong Khai ,Ubon Ratchathani and Hat Yai.In those days I did only a few bus trips. There were only 3rd class buses. Nowadays you have 2nd, 1st and VIP buses running everywhere in Thailand. On main intercity routes .3rd class still run on minor routes ,but are slowly being phased out.Just follow your nose ,get on and off where your fancy takes you.See something that interests you ?get off and explore. I have been on every rail line in Thailand (11 of them, at last count)Many were 3rd class . Have had wonderful experiences. Use a good guide book ,if you will. I never did, Trusted my nose.

[craigt3365]

I haven't done any trips by train, but have been all over Thailand since first coming here in 2002. There's soooooo much to see. It's real easy to travel around by yourself...or with a friend that you happen to find!

I know you are also looking at places to retire. Great! We did the same thing for a few years. Exploring different areas before finding a place.

Use Thaivisa for help. Post in the local forums. I've met some really nice people by doing that. I'd recommend you check out a bunch of places before deciding.

I've never had a problem getting a reasonable hotel room. I've never had a problem finding somebody to speak English. Just hop on the bus, head to, say, Hua Hin, find a place to stay, and hang out until you're ready to leave. Don't hesitate to rent a car also. Lots of neat places are out of reach unless you have transportation. For example, the loop from CM to Pai to Mae Hong Son. Great if you have your own wheels...and you can check out CR, the golden triangle, etc.

Places I would check would be Phuket (it's a big island, with lots of different places to stay), Samui, Hua Hin (Cha Am), Kanchanaburi, Khorat (I'm heard from some folks living there who really like it), Chantaburi (really good beachs, lots of parks to explore), even Pattaya (just get outside of town...which you will need wheels to do).

Anyway...solo travel here is really easy. Just go for it!

[keeniau96]

I have been living in Phuket for about 10 years now, seen much of the country. Much to like but if I had to do it again I would choose the Philippines. So why don't I just move there now? Thai wife is wonderful. Probably a Filipina would be also but the grass is adequate on this side of the fence.

[craigt3365]

I have been living in Phuket for about 10 years now, seen much of the country. Much to like but if I had to do it again I would choose the Philippines. So why don't I just move there now? Thai wife is wonderful. Probably a Filipina would be also but the grass is adequate on this side of the fence.

Have you ever lived in the PI? I have not, but visited there for about a month. IMHO, it's a notch below Thailand. I've met quite a few Filipino's who live here, rather than back home. Can't blame them. And my friends who have Filipina wifes, live here...for good reason.

For sure the grass is adequate on this side of the fence...for now...