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Where to live?

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vonnegute
  7/13/2017 14:17 EST

We have decided to live in Thailand from January to May, 2018. I am hoping to get input regarding which town we will fit in best. Here are some relevant thoughts. Warning: we are just starting our research so please excuse any ignorance I reveal.
• We prefer a town or village to a city (maybe with a population range between 2,000 – 15,0000). Best option would be one that is within a couple hours of a city that would be large enough to provide for most modern needs.
• We prefer that town to be predominately Thai, not Tourist. However, we would appreciate an ex-pat presence since we don't speak the language or know the culture.
• Cost of living is also a consideration. We would like to pay local prices not jacked up tourist prices.
• We love the ocean, but while stuck on land we hate high temperatures (85 f) and higher and high humidity. Are the only mountainous villages in the north?
• We plan on chartering a catamaran a couple of times out of Dream Yacht Charter where we have a relationship (located near Phuket airport, or Langkawi, Malaysia). All else being equal, we would choose the town closest to their base.
• If we end up living far away from the charter base, what is the bus service in Thailand like? Would we go crazy on a 20 hour bus ride? What do national airline flights cost?
• We prefer laid-back and casual to night-life and fancy.
• We love nature.
• We're in our 50s.
Please feel free to keep the thread going or send us a private message. Any input will be helpful.

ken24
  7/13/2017 19:25 EST

Hi V, - - you raise as many questions as you ask, which would be normal for such a quest...

I live in a small village, similar to what you describe... maybe the most important issue will be internet access. Mine is excellent. Yes, a 20 hr bus ride would be dreadful. However, I recently flew from Chiang Mai to Surathani RT for $80 and the bus would have been about the same. The heat is not too bad. Maybe in being less humid, maybe in that I am retired and have a/c - - though hot season can get pretty bad, I just limit my exposure and outdoor activities.
At the moment it has been overcast and pleasant, Was outdoors most of yesterday, waterfalls and such and no major sweat. If you are going to live out in a village, you will want a car unless your goals are just basic survival... and staying home a lot.

I am willing to answer any questions you might have - ken

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