Live in Chaweng or Lamai

[samuijimmy]

8 hours ago, Bigdogfarang said:

I gotta see a photo of this 7500 baht a month place and how the rooms compare to those provided free at bang Kwan 

 

You've lost me with the bang kwan bit...

 

 

[KingKongOfThailand]

9 hours ago, Bigdogfarang said:

I gotta see a photo of this 7500 baht a month place and how the rooms compare to those provided free at bang Kwan 

Think that's a massive over-exaggeration but of course horses for courses.

[Bigdogfarang]

14 hours ago, KingKongOfThailand said:

Think that's a massive over-exaggeration but of course horses for courses.

I jest of course but not sure by how much? genuinely interested what hovel you can get for 7000 a month when I first came to thailand as a wide eyed naive 21 year old I stayed in a wooden shack with an old fan and cold shower with a room big enough just for a double bed which I was sharing with my male travelling buddy to keep costs down and that was still 200 baht a night - about 6000 a month and this was 20 years ago ... incidentally being a red blooded 21 year old male not only was my mate in the bed (who was more interested in temples than going out) but various local girls I would bring back (whom at the time I didn't know where bar girls!)

We don't speak anymore funnily enough 

[wump]

A 200 a night room is around 2500 per month, not 6000. I can only speak for Pattaya, but for 8,500 you can stay in a proper hotel in here (newly built). Around 10,000 gets you a 37 sqm condo with western kitchen, washing machine and swimming pool in the centre.

 

7,500 a month is fine, but in Lamai you might have to go across the highway to get a decent room for this price.

[KingKongOfThailand]

8 hours ago, Bigdogfarang said:

I jest of course but not sure by how much? genuinely interested what hovel you can get for 7000 a month when I first came to thailand as a wide eyed naive 21 year old I stayed in a wooden shack with an old fan and cold shower with a room big enough just for a double bed which I was sharing with my male travelling buddy to keep costs down and that was still 200 baht a night - about 6000 a month and this was 20 years ago ... incidentally being a red blooded 21 year old male not only was my mate in the bed (who was more interested in temples than going out) but various local girls I would bring back (whom at the time I didn't know where bar girls!)

We don't speak anymore funnily enough 

I don't know how old you are or how long you have been going to Thailand but a 600 a night room is usually 6k a month and not 18k. Not sure if you are trolling or being serious, if you're serious then I hope you haven't been paying daily prices while staying at a place for months on end.

[samuijimmy]

32 minutes ago, KingKongOfThailand said:

I don't know how old you are or how long you have been going to Thailand but a 600 a night room is usually 6k a month and not 18k. Not sure if you are trolling or being serious, if you're serious then I hope you haven't been paying daily prices while staying at a place for months on end.

 

It's not uncommon to pay around 6000 to 8000 baht a month on Samui..several long term members here do... some obviously pay lots more.

 

I pay 6000. baht a month for my almost new house, (about 2 years old) ... has A/C hot water, all electric 3 prong and all  grounded  (that is not usual) electric runs about 500 to 600 baht a month ....Fridge and Basic furniture, but I have my own anyway!  200 meters to the beach and mountain view...  It's not the best designed house, bit one adapts... The most expensive and worst house was my first on on Koh Phangan at 8000 baht back in 2008 .... 6 months there was enough ...  other houses have cost either 5000 or 7000 a month.

 

Problem is one really needs to spend time looking around, 3 months stay  is not really giving one time to do that..

 

We've been lucky on this thread not to attract too many trolls!

[TheLobster]

1 hour ago, samuijimmy said:

Problem is one really needs to spend time looking around, 3 months stay  is not really giving one time to do that..

I've been 'looking around' for 10 years and I've still not made my mind up where on the island is best to buy or rent! Some people call me indecisive but I'm really not sure if they are right  .....

[Bigdogfarang]

11 hours ago, KingKongOfThailand said:

I don't know how old you are or how long you have been going to Thailand but a 600 a night room is usually 6k a month and not 18k. Not sure if you are trolling or being serious, if you're serious then I hope you haven't been paying daily prices while staying at a place for months on end.

I'm not a backpacker I don't live in a 600 baht a night hovel - and of course I don't pay daily rate x30 lmao what place are you referring to that is 600 a night ? you lost me with that one ? If you read the post it's surely clear how old I am as well so also confused? To be clear the 200 baht a night (20 years ago) was a daily rate as AT that time I was travelling the equivalent monthly rate now would be about the poultry 7000 suggested being paid a month -- you understand inflation I assume ? the General point I was making was if coming to Thailand for such a short time 3 months don't be a tight arse spend some money and stay somewhere in a good location with good amenities - poverty tourism is exactly what the Thais want to discourage.

[samuijimmy]

4 hours ago, Bigdogfarang said:

I'm not a backpacker I don't live in a 600 baht a night hovel - and of course I don't pay daily rate x30 lmao what place are you referring to that is 600 a night ? you lost me with that one ? If you read the post it's surely clear how old I am as well so also confused? To be clear the 200 baht a night (20 years ago) was a daily rate as AT that time I was travelling the equivalent monthly rate now would be about the poultry 7000 suggested being paid a month -- you understand inflation I assume ? the General point I was making was if coming to Thailand for such a short time 3 months don't be a tight arse spend some money and stay somewhere in a good location with good amenities - poverty tourism is exactly what the Thais want to discourage.

 

Some places for less than 600 baht a night are not necessarily a hovel or for "backpackers"  .... I've had friends stay in a place near my that offer huge clean room, A/C TV fridge and hot water... beats some places in the 1500 baht and up range.. across the road from the beach too.  Leaves them money to buy  me a good dinner !

299b with fan 500b with A/C.... sheets changed every two days too!

[KingKongOfThailand]

13 hours ago, Bigdogfarang said:

I'm not a backpacker I don't live in a 600 baht a night hovel - and of course I don't pay daily rate x30 lmao what place are you referring to that is 600 a night ? you lost me with that one ? If you read the post it's surely clear how old I am as well so also confused? To be clear the 200 baht a night (20 years ago) was a daily rate as AT that time I was travelling the equivalent monthly rate now would be about the poultry 7000 suggested being paid a month -- you understand inflation I assume ? the General point I was making was if coming to Thailand for such a short time 3 months don't be a tight arse spend some money and stay somewhere in a good location with good amenities - poverty tourism is exactly what the Thais want to discourage.

Yeah, I realised I could calculate your age form your previous post, but just chill out man. I am not attacking you, no need to be all aggressive. Good for you that you are not a "tight arse" but mind you own business ok. Like I said before it's different strokes for different folks. 600 baht a month might be a "hovel" to you but your attitude is like poison, just chill, it does not mean it's being a cheap or that the room is automatically a dump.

 

Just scroll up, I have posted a few apartments that were in that range, you'll see that they are actually decent places for the price.

Edited May 10, 2017 by KingKongOfThailand

[notmyself]

11 hours ago, samuijimmy said:

 

Some places for less than 600 baht a night are not necessarily a hovel or for "backpackers"  .... I've had friends stay in a place near my that offer huge clean room, A/C TV fridge and hot water... beats some places in the 1500 baht and up range.. across the road from the beach too.  Leaves them money to buy  me a good dinner !

299b with fan 500b with A/C.... sheets changed every two days too!

 

Very true Jim.

 

[Bigdogfarang]

13 hours ago, KingKongOfThailand said:

Yeah, I realised I could calculate your age form your previous post, but just chill out man. I am not attacking you, no need to be all aggressive. Good for you that you are not a "tight arse" but mind you own business ok. Like I said before it's different strokes for different folks. 600 baht a month might be a "hovel" to you but your attitude is like poison, just chill, it does not mean it's being a cheap or that the room is automatically a dump.

 

Just scroll up, I have posted a few apartments that were in that range, you'll see that they are actually decent places for the price.

Fair comment but not being aggressive at all. I guess tone can be lost in the written word. Good luck with your search 

[KingKongOfThailand]

Just a big thanks for everyone who contributed to this thread. Gained some realistic and good information! Beers on me when I come to town!

[samuijimmy]

21 hours ago, KingKongOfThailand said:

Just a big thanks for everyone who contributed to this thread. Gained some realistic and good information! Beers on me when I come to town!

 

Party time then! You will have to tell us where! you are going to find your place on the three islands! 

 

One question you asked was about weather, don't think that got answered... really anytime except November through December has lots more rain. although this year January was wetter than usual.

April / May are generally the hottest months.... Phew it's hot!!  Other months generally OK!

[thaibeachlovers]

On 5/6/2017 at 0:32 PM, Lone Ranger said:

Bophut best place on the island in my humble opinion so hire a jeep [not motorbike as 2nd deadliest place in world] & check it out.....

I never liked Bo Phut, and always stayed at Mae Nam. far better beach and easy to catch the songthew ( if they still use them ).

Back in the early 90s Chaweng was the cheese, and is the best actual beach in Thailand, as long as not looking landward. The sand is excellent and swimming good away from the reef. Unfortunately the flight path goes through the middle of Chaweng, so you'd want something at the south end. It's all too expensive for me now, and I think your budget might be a bit low.

Lamai has terrible sand to walk on.

Night life was on both beaches with dozens of bars. 

 

If I was wanting to stay 3 months on the islands, I'd be going to Chaloklum on Phangan. Probably find somewhere to stay in the village that doesn't cost too much.

My favourite beach was Than Sadet, but there weren't any non resort places to stay last time I went.

Had Rin would be easiest to find somewhere to stay, but the whole moon party thing has ruined it more than any other ruined Thai beach.

All else fails could stay in the town. Hire a m'bike to get around.

 

I wouldn't even consider Tao. Ruined by overbuilding.

[thaibeachlovers]

On 5/7/2017 at 3:08 PM, khunPer said:

 

 

 

Using local available public transportion is the so-called "song thaew", a pick-up car with two (song) rows (thaew) of seats in the bed. They drive on fixed prices in daytime from 6 am till 6 pm. The also drive fixed routes – a sign on top says for example "Nathon-Chaweng-Lamai" – and you just stop them in the road. In the bed-cabin is a push bottom for a bell in the drivers cabin, you can press when you wish to get off. Price-range is from 20 baht till about 100 baht, but check the price first (there is a price board in the bed-cabin, but just to be safe). After 6 pm the song thaews drive like taxis, but on agreed price, that normally will be in the range of 200 baht for a short distance (around the corner) till some 500-600 baht for a longer distance (for example Lamai to one of the Northern places). The song thaew may stop en-route and pick-up more passenger, who also pay for the same trip you already agreed to par for...

 

Given the prices for songtheaws now, and not wishing to ride a m'bike, I won't be staying on Samui again  for sure.

I suppose Pattaya spoils one given the price has been 10 baht since last century. Even after midnight it's still 10 baht.

Haven't read anything on here about Chaloklum. I liked that one when I stayed there many years ago.

[PoorSucker]

Given the prices for songtheaws now, and not wishing to ride a m'bike, I won't be staying on Samui again  for sure.

I still pay 70 baht from Nathon to Chaweng, same as 18 years ago.....


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[KingKongOfThailand]

Wow, songtheaws really overpriced on Samui! I heard prices of 20-50 baht in other places but never 70 baht. That's usually a taxi fare isn't it.

[evadgib]

18 minutes ago, KingKongOfThailand said:

Wow, songtheaws really overpriced on Samui! I heard prices of 20-50 baht in other places but never 70 baht. That's usually a taxi fare isn't it.

That's the daylight price for a journey that takes 45mins. The gullible often pay more & fail to note the price list published in the back. Small notes come in handy as you are the one doing the short-changing ?

Edited May 15, 2017 by evadgib

[Bigdogfarang]

1 hour ago, KingKongOfThailand said:

Wow, songtheaws really overpriced on Samui! I heard prices of 20-50 baht in other places but never 70 baht. That's usually a taxi fare isn't it.

lol I hope that's a joke ?? taxis are mafia run on samui from Nathon to chaweng is gonna be 500-800 baht. For 70 baht they may let you sit inside on the leather  seats then immediately get out again 

[Samui Bodoh]

Morning all

The above couple of posts are why I recommend a motorbike for those that can ride responsibly. Unless you are wealthy, a motorbike is really the only viable option for being here long-term. But, I reiterate riding responsibly!!!

Cheers

[KingKongOfThailand]

Just been reading the thread about box jellyfish. Should I be concerned at all, as I had planned to go swimming every day for 3 months from June. 

[Bigdogfarang]

40 minutes ago, KingKongOfThailand said:

Just been reading the thread about box jellyfish. Should I be concerned at all, as I had planned to go swimming every day for 3 months from June. 

Made me a bit wary that as well I think the main stings have been in lamai with last one being at night - I now carry some vinegar in my bag when at the beach as that is the best treatment for stings - not that that is really gonna help Vs box jellyfish. I am dubious as to whether the stings that have happened are from box - they are the most deadly creature on the planet and your chances of survival are pretty low - maybe some other jellyfish.. either way avoid swimming at night or in murky water after a storm... I tend to just swim in one of the hotels pools so far I have not been rumbled as a non guest and thrown out 

[samuijimmy]

10 hours ago, KingKongOfThailand said:

Wow, songtheaws really overpriced on Samui! I heard prices of 20-50 baht in other places but never 70 baht. That's usually a taxi fare isn't it.

 

This is not Bangkok or Pattaya () ! .... Even though there are areas of BKK you will pay a much higher price, if going to off beat areas.

 

If arriving by ferry, Lomprayah, Seatran etc... your best bet is to use the mini bus service these companies provide, as they will take you  to your resort for about 100 -150 baht, depending on season. 

 

The Songstheaws  only ride around the main roads. Which could end up being a long walk to resort unless it is on the main routes......In reality expect to pay 100 baht, unless you speak Thai!

Taxi's are sometimes negotiable, but you probably won't get any ride for less than 300 baht.

 

On Koh Phangan, the system is a bit different... and price can vary as to how many people in the back of the truck...going to a particular area.

[KingKongOfThailand]

Minibus from airport seems the most reasonable. 

[samuijimmy]

Just now, KingKongOfThailand said:

Minibus from airport seems the most reasonable. 

 

Yes, it should be OK, They have a table as you leave the exit ramp...

 

i  just assumed you were doing it by the cheaper way by  bus and ferry! ....

[khunPer]

10 hours ago, KingKongOfThailand said:

Just been reading the thread about box jellyfish. Should I be concerned at all, as I had planned to go swimming every day for 3 months from June. 

Not really – there has been very few cases, and Box Jelly Fish mainly appears in raining season (October - early January) in calm weather.

[samuijimmy]

An off topic post about Box jelly fish has been removed.... this topic has been discussed several times before ... It's not the huge issue some people like to suggest.

Carry vinegar. ... easy to get and apply if concerned.

[thaibeachlovers]

On 5/15/2017 at 8:10 AM, PoorSucker said:

I still pay 70 baht from Nathon to Chaweng, same as 18 years ago.....


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Equivalent trip from Sattahip to Pattaya NOW is 20 baht for locals ( I paid 30 ).

 

Back when I stayed on Samui a lot it was 20 baht Nathon to Chaweng. Sigh- the good old days.