I just got here and I will be here for 6 months on a retirement Visa. Im trying to decide where I want to stay. I would like to stay within a 10 minute walk or motorbike ride to a beach.

I have visited and would consider Cha Am, Phuket, or Koh Samui. I have been living in Bangkok since last year, and i really dont like it because rents are high and quality of life for me is not what I would like it to be and it doenst have a beach.

My considerations include:

Within 10 minutes commute to beach by motorbike

Rents lower than Bangkok for a 3 or 6 month lease

Within 10 minutes to Lotus or Big C

Can bring my own beach chair and not have to pay daily to rent one

Can anyone shed some light as to what its like to live in these places and if you are happy living there?

I have looked on the internet for condos for rent for 3 and 6 months in Samui and Cha AM but have not been able to find much.

Sorry, I'm keeping quiet about the very long, very white sand, very quiet beach that I like. Maybe 15 minutes to Big C. Rents (no condos) perhaps 25% of BKK. Last time I swam there, my group were the only ones on the beach (not counting the som tam seller about 50m back towards the road.

But good luck with your search. I reckon there is a sliding scale of "home comforts" vs tranquility vs price, and you may need to adjust to that. Having said that, the rent factor will be in your favour.

Here , this is where I would go, less than 10 minutes to the major town etc, low rents, great food.

My own piece of paradise.

From room to beach, just walk across the road ! No tourism, no commercialism, unspolit.

Where?

DSC03377.JPG

Here , this is where I would go, less than 10 minutes to the major town etc, low rents, great food.

My own piece of paradise.

From room to beach, just walk across the road ! No tourism, no commercialism, unspolit.

I also know of such a beach!...best to just keep it a secret so it doesn't get ruined by the influx of farangs.

DSC03377.JPG

Here , this is where I would go, less than 10 minutes to the major town etc, low rents, great food.

My own piece of paradise.

From room to beach, just walk across the road ! No tourism, no commercialism, unspolit.

I also know of such a beach!...best to just keep it a secret so it doesn't get ruined by the influx of farangs.

Absolutely right !!!

DSC03377.JPG

Here , this is where I would go, less than 10 minutes to the major town etc, low rents, great food.

My own piece of paradise.

From room to beach, just walk across the road ! No tourism, no commercialism, unspolit.

Looks like where I live!

While the above certainly looks nice, it doesn't help the OP with his original question! Why post something if it's not relevant!

Unless your definition of Paradise includes masses of foreigners and over-development, you'd be a fool to publicise your hidden treasure on the internet. It's bound to be ruined anyway, but why speed up the process?

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Sorry, I'm keeping quiet about the very long, very white sand, very quiet beach that I like. Maybe 15 minutes to Big C. Rents (no condos) perhaps 25% of BKK. Last time I swam there, my group were the only ones on the beach (not counting the som tam seller about 50m back towards the road.

But good luck with your search. I reckon there is a sliding scale of "home comforts" vs tranquility vs price, and you may need to adjust to that. Having said that, the rent factor will be in your favour.

DSC03377.JPG


Here , this is where I would go, less than 10 minutes to the major town etc, low rents, great food.
My own piece of paradise.

From room to beach, just walk across the road ! No tourism, no commercialism, unspolit.

I also know of such a beach!...best to just keep it a secret so it doesn't get ruined by the influx of farangs.

Why bother posting a reply then?

Although TBH I know exactly what you mean I have found my quiet little gems and would never wish to share them on a forum.

I don't want to return next trip and be surrounded by coach loads of tourists, even though I'm a tourist myself.

Guess I shouldn't have posted this post either as it is no help to the original poster.

Oh well, back to my cold bottle of Leo and shoulder massage.

Sent form my Samsung Galaxy using a Nice Young Thai Girl to type my message.

DSC03377.JPG

Here , this is where I would go, less than 10 minutes to the major town etc, low rents, great food.

My own piece of paradise.

From room to beach, just walk across the road ! No tourism, no commercialism, unspolit.

It is in the Hebrides, though, right? We're used to these Thai Tourism photos now

Where?

Anywhere in Fife, unless you want the weather.

Stay close to the sea, and avoid the midges.

Am I the only one posting helpful advice on this thread?

Some posters are being a bit ridiculous. It's not as if a beach recommendation in this thread will lead to a flood of foreigners spoiling your "little gem".

TBH, places that meet the OP's requirements are ten a penny in Thailand. Better to arrive and do some house hunting when you get there rather than waste money on a condo arranged online.

Who wants to live near the beach where the local foreigners are tossers?

Who wants to live near the beach where the local foreigners are tossers?

Pancake merchants

Who could resist?

Unless your definition of Paradise includes masses of foreigners and over-development, you'd be a fool to publicise your hidden treasure on the internet. It's bound to be ruined anyway, but why speed up the process?

The OP didn't ask for hidden gems, he had a very general request for beach area ideas against his specific requirements.

Unless your definition of Paradise includes masses of foreigners and over-development, you'd be a fool to publicise your hidden treasure on the internet. It's bound to be ruined anyway, but why speed up the process?

The OP didn't ask for hidden gems, he had a very general request for beach area ideas against his specific requirements.

Portobello meets most of his requirements, but he might have visa problems after secession

Unless your definition of Paradise includes masses of foreigners and over-development, you'd be a fool to publicise your hidden treasure on the internet. It's bound to be ruined anyway, but why speed up the process?

The OP didn't ask for hidden gems, he had a very general request for beach area ideas against his specific requirements.

Portobello meets most of his requirements, but he might have visa problems after secession

I was thinking seaton sands doon by the pots and pans in a lovely static caravan

North Berwick and Dirleton are nice too.

Phuket for me is nice, and if its off season i am sure you would pick up some type of Accommodation..., lots of nice beach resorts, busy or quiet,

skegness,

but im sure it dosnt have a bloody big-c

Just take a bus to a town on the coast and check out some of the smaller towns around the place.

TBH I don't know what rent in Bkk is anymore last time I lived there it was a serviced apartment off s sathorn In 1996 I was paying around 10,000. As for everything else the OP listed on his want list, my vote is Samui.

which beach would you stay for 6 months?

None in Thailand.

Actually, I hear HH is popular with old boys or perhaps more south in Prachuap.

Unless your definition of Paradise includes masses of foreigners and over-development, you'd be a fool to publicise your hidden treasure on the internet. It's bound to be ruined anyway, but why speed up the process?

The OP didn't ask for hidden gems, he had a very general request for beach area ideas against his specific requirements.

Portobello meets most of his requirements, but he might have visa problems after secession

I was wondering how long before Portobello got a mention ...

Do they have a '7's Team? Practice on the Beach?

I wouldn't stay on a beach for six hours let alone six months. Still, different strokes....

Koh Phangan - for me the best island, I could stay there easily for six months... not too small, not too big! And nature is beautiful

Samui is nice...

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koh chang or samui. koh chang is pretty close to the cambodian border, easy run.

koh samui has alot more variety.....if you are definitely setting in for the long run...even a tesco lotus. I would be happy at samui, as i could take the ferry quickly to phangan as well.

koh phayam is quiet and relaxing...perhaps boring after a week.