2 Month Stay

[etsuko]

Hi!

So I am planning to stay in Thailand for 2 months, but are not really sure where I should choose to settle down. As I will be working parts of the time, I requier a stable (and preferably fast) internet connection. Furthermore, I would like to stay more in an "island setting", or so I imagine at least, although I realise that I most likely won't find a "Robinson Crusoe"-island, so it's more about minimum of pollution and being able to stay close to the sea.

After exstensive research, I have narrowed location down to either Krabi or Koi Samui. From what I understand and see, Koi Samui is probably better of the two based on my requierments, but Krabi has shown to be very much less expensive. Is this impression correct?

I am not sure wether I should look for an apartment, or try to negotiate a long-term stay agreement with a hotel. The cheapest room at Tropical Garden Lounge Hotel at Koi Samui is showing up to cost about 675 THB including fee for internet per night, so I know it's possible, but I would prefer more space over staying at a hotel - especially since I plan to work out of the space parts of the time.

How much should I budget for food? I thought 1000 THB a day would do just fine, based on forums and guides on the internet. Based on prices on TripAdvisor however, that would not work out very well if I plan to eat dinner at a restaurant every day. 1500 THB a day is still do-able, as I have originally set off 2500 THB a day for expenses in addition to the living cost. I am not very fond of night life activities, so no partying for me, but I would prefer to have a budget that allows me to not worry to much about keeping the budget. Is it tight, or am I just worrying too much about this?

Of course I am not interested in deliberately wasting money, but I would rather work a bit more to don't have to worry about it, rather than deny myself treats so I can save.

Summary:

Budget for apartment/place to stay: 20 000 THB /month

Requierments: Close to the sea, peacefull, nice nature, stable and good internet access.

Budget for daily expenses (food, fun etc): 2 500 THB a day

Any help, comments, suggestions or opinions is welcomed and appreciated!

PS. I am a writer if that matters (although not in English, haha)

[Satcommlee]

Look up Koh Chang also! I love it down there, it isn't quite as commercialized as the Sothern Islands you mention, although if internet connection is an issue you need explain whether it is simple email or something more bandwidth intensive.

Your budgets are way over the top in my opinion unless you do end up in a tourist trap!

[etsuko]

Internet: Browsing, email etc. Nothing that requiers extensive bandwith, but it's always nice to have, haha.

Regarding the budget: How much would you say is more realistic to pay? Any thoughts regarding hotel vs apartment?

[innerspace]

Book a hotel for the first few nights then look around.

15k will get you a nice place monthly. 30k a great villa.

Samui has everything but is highly developed. Phuket the same.

Ko lanta near krabi is amazing but one of the few places with a true low season...95% closed this time of year yet the weathers fine apart from the odd heavy rain. Perfect if you love quiet and beaches all to yourself.

[smokie36]

You can rent a one bedroom Bungalow on Koh Samui for 10-12K Baht easily.

Bills for Electric and water around 1K Baht per month if you avoid using aircon.

Bike rental or a vehicle are advisable to be honest as other transport is either sporadic or expensive.

2500 Baht per day living expenses and you will hardly get any work done if you aren't disciplined.

Good luck.