Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and offers a host of experiences which include floating markets, modern bars, top of the range shopping, gastronomical delights and ancient temples steeped in the city’s history.
The Chao Phraya River separates the city and has a series of canals. The new ‘Sky train’ railway is something which should be experienced whilst in the city should you fancy avoiding the bustling traffic.
One of the largest floating markets is on the outskirts of Bangkok and you’ll greeted by the aromatic smells and the age old tradition of the locals and their way of making a living along the busy canals.
There is an array of beautiful and ancient buildings not to be missed whilst in Thailand. Although I did not personally experience all of the nightlife, it was made obvious to me that all of my entertainment needs would be taken care of by all well informed taxi drivers wishing to proudly show off their culture.
CHIANGMAI. Chiang Mai is a city full of traditional heritage that shares its secrets with all who wish to discover them. It is a city with stunning natural beauty. It is amazing to see plants that we have to protect from the frost, growing in their scores, naturally along the roadside.
The people of Chiang Mai are a wonder in themselves with exceptional handicraft skills producing magical souvenirs for the endless throng of visitors. Chiang Mai houses the Inthanon Mountain, standing 8,448 feet above sea level making it the highest mountain Thailand.
SUKHOTHAI When visiting Sukhothai the main attractions for the area are Phra Mae Ya Shirne which is located in the Muang District. You will see a long haired figure made of stone that resembles an ancient queen. There is also a museum and National park as well as monuments of great interest inside the city walls.
KRABI Krabi. Krabi Province is in the middle southern part of Thailand. It is situated in the aquamarine water of the Andaman Sea. It is one of the most stunning places in all of Thailand.
Krabi Town is situated near the mouth of the Krabi River. The Mangrove forest is something to experience and is a must for avid bird watchers. Krabi Resort is set among a curtain of palm trees on the Ao-PhraNang beach. This is a delightful place to be if you are looking to soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is a busy sprawling city of more than 6 million people that never sleeps. The city certainly isn’t every retiree’s cup-of-tea, but its diversity is impressive. Not only home to traffic jams and air pollution, Bangkok houses some of the world’s finest examples of Buddhist temples. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the adjacent Grand Palace are definite must-sees.
The capital city is a shopping paradise with some of the best and largest department stores and markets east of Europe. Most popular shopping destinations include:
- Siam Paragon
- Siam Square
- MBK (Mahboonkrong)
- Central World Plaza
- Central Chidlom
- Emporium
- Siam Discovery
- Pratunam Market
- Jatujak Weekend Market (largest of its kind in the world)
Bangkok is also famed for its exciting nightlife with everything for everyone’s taste.
Safety: As with every other major city it counts to use basic common sense when out and about and especially at night.
Health: Bangkok has plenty of international hospitals of the highest world standard, they include:
- Bumrungrad
- Samitivej
- Bangkok
- Yanhee
- Bangkok Nursing Home
Embassies: Most of the world’s major countries have an embassy in Bangkok.
Finance: ATMs can be found everywhere in Bangkok. Retirees can open bank accounts in Thailand and their money can be easily accessed. There is presently at least one American Brokerage firm in the capital.
Phuket
Phuket, nicknamed the Pearl of the South, is the largest island in Thailand. Once unknown, it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. The island now ranks as the second wealthiest place in Thailand after Bangkok and the cost of living has risen alongside its economical growth.
Phuket is home to some of the most beautiful beaches the country has to offer, such as: Patong, Karon, Karen and Nai Han. Besides simply sunbathing, one can do a spot of island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving or even bungee-jumping. Phrom Thep cliff is also a place not to be missed with its quite spectacular views over the Andaman Ocean. The island’s terrain is hilly, forested and full of varied vegetation.
It is not difficult to get out off the touristy area; with just a short drive outside of the main destinations, one can enjoy a beach to oneself.
The major beach of Patong has a swarm of condominium blocks, plush hotels and international restaurants. The neighbouring beaches of Karen and Kata are also popular for those wanting a quieter time.
Phuket’s provincial town is located around 20 kilometers from Patong beach. It is a commercial Thai-Chinese town but still offers some delightful old-European style architecture.
Pattaya
Pattaya, a seaside resort located not far from the capital city, has been getting foreigners in hoards since the first Amercian GIs arrived during the Vietnam War. This destination may not have the finest beaches but it makes up for it with its amazing array of shopping malls and sizzling nightlife. Once rather infamous for its seedy nature, Pattaya has now turned itself into a family destination with a water world and fun park. There are also a multitude of golf courses, go-kart tracks, sports clubs and diving centers. Not only is Pattaya popular with foreigners, it is also a well-known destination for middle-class Bangkokians.
Due to its enormous amount of places to stay, Pattaya offers all sorts of accommodation at very reasonable prices. And that includes houses, condominiums and furnished apartments either for short or long time stay. One can also find some of the best-priced international food and seafood there too.
Pattaya is real easy to get to from Bangkok. The 150km distance can be done by either bus or taxi, the latter of which should cost no more than 50USD.
Health: Pattaya has some excellent hospitals including the Pattaya International Hospital.
Crime & Safety: Pattaya, due to its population density and amount of wealthy tourists, is certainly not one of the safest destinations in Thailand.
One should take care when going out at night*, avoid secluded places* and keep their consumption of alcohol under control. Most retirees though in Pattaya, in all their years there though, have seldom or never had any problems.
* There has been a rise in crime against foreigners who visit the beach in the middle of the night, so stay away.
Finance: There are plenty of ATMs, currency exchange booths and banks in Pattaya. All banks are more than happy to allow retirees to open a bank account.
Shopping: Pattaya has all the shops to make a retiree’s life ideal. There are lots of places selling imported goods. Everything can be had at:
- Lotus
- Big C
- Foodland
- Tops
Chiang Rai
North of Chiang Mai, bordering both Burma and Laos is the quiet mountainous province of Chiang Rai which has kind of stood still in time. Located in the province is the once infamous Golden Triangle known for its opium poppies. Nowadays though, the only action to be found there, is inside a museum dedicated to the now defunct drug trade.
Chiang Rai is often the destination for retirees who have become tired of the touristy scene of Chiang Mai province and really want to get away from it all, perhaps living a quiet life with their family. Like Chiang Mai, the area is home to a variety of hill tribes such as the Lahu, Lisaw, Akha and Yao whose very existence hasn’t changed over the generations. One of the most popular destinations for tourists (mostly Thai) is the mountain of Doi Tung, which was once the home to the mother of the present king, Somdet Srinakharin. Princess Srinakharin was said to have fallen in love with the area as its cool climate and picturesque mountains reminded her of her former place of residence, Lausanne in Switzerland. Visitors can visit her palace next to a delightful flower park dedicated to the princess for her diligent work on behalf of underprivileged northerners.
Another extremely popular destination, again mostly for Thais, is the mountain of Doi Mae Salong which is famed for its flowers. The mountain is home to remnants of the KMT who fled China during the Communist takeover. It is the only place in the whole of Thailand where Chinese (Yunnanese) is the main language spoken.
Chiang Rai is a crossing point for those traveling into northern Burma and perhaps up into southern China (the border is very much open to foreigner these days). Then, to the east, it is possible to travel by boat to the historically beautiful town of Luang Prabang in Laos. Should anyone wish to travel across the border it is advised to check first on the latest political situation, especially in Burma.
The provincial town itself is just a mini-Chiang Mai with a slightly more laid-back feel about it. And this is the place, out of sheer convenience, where most retirees end up.
Finance: ATMs and banks can be found everywhere in downtown Chiang Rai Town. All banks are more than happy to allow retirees to open a bank account.
Shopping: This can be done at the Westernized superstore of Big C.
Golf: Chiang Rai with its wonderful weather and views is a golfers dream. Golf can be played at:
Santiburi – a delightful golf course just 8km from Chiang Rai Town
Waterford Valley – a championship golf course located in the mountains 40km east of the town
Hua Hin
This location, situated just 3 hours south of Bangkok, was the original tourist destination of Thailand, made popular by former (and present) Thai kings. Hua Hin is still popular with Thailand’s high society and the King and Queen still reside there from time to time.
The town lies just off a nice beach which gets more than its fair share of more elderly tourists who prefer the peace and calm of there more than Pattaya.
Nong Khai Town
This small provincial town has somehow, quite amazingly, developed into a new destination for lots of retirees over the past decade. In fact, this border town with Laos was recently voted as the 7th best place in the world for retirees by America’s Modern Maturity magazine. So, how come Nong Khai got so many votes to get such a high ranking?
- Quiet roads
- Reasonable cost of food and drink
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Reasonably priced and good standard of accommodation
- Cool climate
- Lovely views of the Maekhong River
- Friendly locals
Nong Khai is just 20km from the Laotian capital of Vientiane and so it is also a popular stop over for long-termers on their visa-runs. The main language spoken in town is Isaan dialect (similar to Laotian) but the town also has a distinctive Vietnamese feel to it, and till this day the Vietnamese language can still be heard sometimes in the market area. The food too is mostly Laotian (north-eastern Thai) but the most famous dish of all to come out of Nong Khai is Vietnamese in origin, Naem Neuang (grilled pork).
There really isn’t that much to do at all in Nong Khai. Most expats and retirees can be found in their spare time sat around chatting, eating and drinking at one of the idyllic river bank restaurants looking over the Maekhong River. Some male retirees have also married a local Thai and started a new family.
Finance: ATMs and banks can be found everywhere in downtown Chiang Rai Town. All banks are more than happy to allow retirees to open a bank account.
Shopping: This can be done at either Lotus or Macro supermarkets.
Golf: There are several decent courses around the province.
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