Deciding Where to Live in Thailand

If this is not the most important decision you will make in your move to Thailand, it will certainly make anyone's top 10 list. But just because it's important doesn't mean it's such a tough job. Think about it .. traveling around to different regions, visiting beaches, wandering the mountains and the plains.

Actually, the first part of your settlement in Thailand should probably be more like an extended holiday.

Some expats move too quickly to get settled. Taking a few weeks to relax and enjoy your new home is a good idea. Just don't commit to anything long term.

Do you think that number three is a bit of humor? You will soon come to understand how serious it is and how devastating it can be. Stories about the mistakes men make with women whom they have known just a few weeks .. or never really got to know .. are all too common.

I'll never forget the time I decided to scout Trat town and Trat province. Besides being rainy season I didn't have a decent local map. That was a disaster .. and I ended up driving back to Ranong for the night.

"That was pretty silly", you might say. I agree. But when it's raining so hard you can't see, your Thai is problematic, darkness is closing in and you haven't a clue where to find accommodations .. The moral here is to try and match weather and activities

You have many realistic options for traveling around Thailand. Some are more enjoyable, others more effective while some cost less.

Flying from point to point is fast, but you don't get a good opportunity to see the countryside up close. After your flight, you then have to rely on local transportation (coming) to visit smaller town and neighborhoods.

Rail travel is not a 100% option for Thailand. Why? Not every province in Thailand has rail access. When rail service is available, it is very moderately priced. When air-con cars are available, they can be quite comfortable.

Buses, depending on the flavor, can scare the heck out of sane people. The upside is that buses go everywhere in Thailand. V. I. P. express buses are less problematic, but ask yourself why farangs dubbed the government line as the "Orange Crush".

Driving is an excellent option IF you are a good driver, good navigator, don't get frustrated easily, are not subject to road rage, and adapt easily to right-side driving. If you plan on driving, we have some recommendations for driving in Thailand.(coming) Drivers are commonly available in Thailand and offer an excellent option, although a bit more expensive. Drivers are less likely to get lost and they speak Thai. Drivers can help with baggage, spot a good place to eat, and they can ask questions much easier than you can. Using a driver is an excellent option for newcomers, especially if more than one person is along for the ride.