Welcome to Thailandblog.nl
With 275.000 visits per month, Thailandblog is the largest Thailand community in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Sign up for our free e-mail newsletter and stay informed!
Newsletter
Language setting
Rate Thai Baht
Sponsor
Latest comments
- Rudolf: Quote: What are the current estimated costs of building a house per m². That just depends on what kind of requirements you meet
- Johnny B.G: In the 50s-80s/90s, Dutch regularly grown food also contained poison and yet there are 20% elderly people in the Netherlands and in TH that is also the case.
- Johnny B.G: The interpreter bases himself on a number of sources, but there is of course much more to it. In Isaan since 50-60 years ago r
- rob: On average I stay in Thailand 6 to 8 months a year and enjoy the food there every day. I will never, ever be told
- Eric Kuypers: Robert, do you know how big the Isaan is? Say NL three times, so it makes sense if you give a little bit of direction like the pro
- RonnyLatYa: Yes, I say that Kanchanaburi is just an example and that you can change that. You can also do this on the web page itself and then see
- william-korat: In the dry period the line is bottom of Bangkok and lower and east of that to just above Khao Yai National Park usually we
- Eric Kuypers: If you change the command line, such as https://www.iqair.com/thailand/nong-khai, you will get a different city or region. But you
- Cornelis: Well, GeertP, I am absolutely not a 'Brussels sprouts supporter' or THE Red Brand addict, but that does not mean that I don't like the Thai cuisine.
- Rudolf: It depends on what you are looking for in Thailand, but to be honest you don't have much choice in my opinion. The big cities are falling apart
- RonnyLatYa: Also take a look at this. https://www.iqair.com/thailand/kanchanaburi Also scroll down a bit and they will also give you some explanation
- Peter (editor): I also enjoy the Thai food and yes, the price is very attractive. But it's just a fact that Thai farmers are unbelievable
- Jacks: It is best to go in the period November to February. Someone with asthma should absolutely not come here from March to May
- GeertP: Dear Ronald, I completely agree with your story, I also enjoy Thai cuisine every day and even after 45 years of Thai
- Eric Kuypers: Wilma, bad air is not in all of Thailand. Thailand is more than 12x the Netherlands! These are the big cities (traffic) and some
Sponsor
Bangkok again
Menu
Arrivals Bangkok Airport
DOSSIERS
Learning objectives and topics
- Background
- Activities
- Advertorial
- Agenda
- Tax question
- Belgium question
- Sights
- Bizarre
- Buddhism
- Book reviews
- Column
- Corona crisis
- The Culture
- Diary
- Dating
- The week of
- Dossier
- To dive
- Economy
- A day in the life of…..
- Islands
- Food and drink
- Events and festivals
- Balloon Festival
- Bo Sang Umbrella Festival
- Buffalo races
- Chiang Mai Flower Festival
- Chinese New Year
- Full Moon Party
- Christmas
- Lotus Festival – Rub Bua
- Loy Krathong
- Naga Fireball Festival
- New Years Eve celebration
- Phi ta khon
- Phuket Vegetarian Festival
- Rocket festival – Bun Bang Fai
- Songkran – Thai New Year
- Fireworks Festival Pattaya
- Expats and retirees
- state pension
- Car insurance
- Banking
- Tax in the Netherlands
- Thailand tax
- Belgian Embassy
- Belgian tax authorities
- Proof of life
- DigiD
- emigrate
- To rent a house
- Buy a house
- In memoriam
- Income statement
- King's day
- Cost of living
- Dutch embassy
- Dutch government
- Dutch Association
- News
- Passing away
- Passport
- Retirement
- Drivers license
- Distributions
- Elections
- Insurance in general
- Visa
- work
- Hospital
- Health insurance
- Flora and fauna
- Photo of the week
- Gadgets
- Money and finance
- History
- Health
- Charities
- Hotels
- Looking at houses
- Isaan
- Khan Peter
- Koh Mook
- King Bhumibol
- Living in Thailand
- Reader Submission
- Reader call
- Reader tips
- Reader question
- Society
- marketplace
- Medical tourism
- Environment
- Nightlife
- News from the Netherlands and Belgium
- News from Thailand
- Entrepreneurs and companies
- Education
- Research
- Discover Thailand
- Opinions
- Remarkable
- Calls
- Floods 2011
- Floods 2012
- Floods 2013
- Floods 2014
- Winter prices
- Politics
- Poll
- Travel stories
- Travel
- Organizations
- Shopping
- Social media
- Spa & wellness
- Sport
- Cities
- Position of the week
- The beach
- Language
- For sale
- TEV procedure
- Thailand in general
- Thailand with children
- thai tips
- Thai massage
- Tourism
- Going out
- Currency – Thai Baht
- From the editors
- Real estate law; and
- Traffic and transport
- Visa Short Stay
- Long stay visa
- Visa question
- Flight tickets
- Question of the week
- Weather and climate
Sponsor
Disclaimer translations
Thailandblog uses machine translations in multiple languages. Use of translated information is at your own risk. We are not responsible for errors in translations.
Read our full here disclaimer.
Royalty
© Copyright Thailandblog 2024. All rights reserved. Unless stated otherwise, all rights to information (text, image, sound, video, etc.) that you find on this site rest with Thailandblog.nl and its authors (bloggers).
Whole or partial takeover, placement on other sites, reproduction in any other way and/or commercial use of this information is not permitted, unless express written permission has been granted by Thailandblog.
Linking and referring to the pages on this website is permitted.
Home » Reader question » Reader question: What is a good place to spend the winter in Thailand?
Dear readers,
I am a man of 60 years. I live in the Netherlands on my own in a flat and would like to give my life a different turn. Thailand seems to be about the only country in the world where a man my age can meet an attractive woman and enjoy a good climate.
By the way, I'm not really planning to emigrate, but I want to spend the winter months in Thailand in the first place. Reading through the articles on this site shows that pitfalls are widely available in Thailand. However, a better country does not seem to be found.
Does anyone have any tips for a good place to settle for half a year: Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui or something else? Any other points to watch out for?
Thanks for the responses.
With kind regards,
anold
Dear Arnold,
I think Pattaya (preferably Jomtien) is a nice place where many Dutch people are. The advantage is that there are many Dutch bars where you can easily come into contact with others who can help you 'integrate' again.
If you have a little more to spend, are more on your own and want to see the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, then Phuket (preferably Patong) is for you.
If you are looking for beautiful beaches, a little more peace, then you can go to Hua Hin.
But by far the Dutch can be found in Pattaya. It's just what you're looking for. By the way, you can fly quite cheaply within Thailand, so you can also do a round of Thailand this year, so that you can decide next year where you will spend the winter.
Beautiful weather and beautiful women can be found throughout Thailand.
Good answer AlexB, although I read between the lines that you are a Pattaya fan. Nothing wrong with that. I have lived there for over 15 years..
I am now a big fan of Hua Hin. I also really liked Koh Chang to be for a longer period of time.
That's why it's just what you want.
I would like to add to your advice to ANOLD, Go and have a look yourself for a few months at the places mentioned by the readers. Make that a plan.
I think you have to make your own choice. I don't have to like what you like and vice versa.
Best,
I would strongly advise against pattaya.
it is full of Russians who don't even know how to sit properly at a table.
I would rather opt for Hua Hin, also a nice place to visit several beautiful islands from there.
in the south, krabi is another gem
Hello Arnold,
Pattaya has a lot to offer for a winter resident. Nice prices and something for everyone. Phuket is [very] expensive or you have to do some research to find something affordable.
A nice alternative is Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Affordable and also many 'foreigners' live there.
You can also combine it to stay between different places for a longer period of time. Good luck. Gr Rob
Hello Arnold,
Been coming to Thailand for a while, 30 years and I agree with Alex. Another tip: It is also nice to concentrate on Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai. Nice climate, very affordable, lots to do and experience. In short; a combination of different places to spend the winter is a nice alternative and don't forget the two places mentioned earlier. Gr Robbert
Hello Alex B
every person is different in his needs and what he likes.
I can tell you what I did because in 1999 I also planned to spend the winter here in Thailand.
In 1999 I first had 2 months. rented an apartment in Nonthaburi.
Then I have 1 month. in a guest house in phuket.
Then rented an apartment in Bangkok for 2 months.
Then rented a house in Pattaya for 2 months.
Then back to the Netherlands and I went to evaluate with myself what exactly I want.
Nonthaburi is fine.
Phuket is too expensive for me personally.
Bangkok personally is too hot and too busy for me.
Pattaya is life, but what I do like is that many Dutch people live there.
2000 -2001 I first want to go to the north to try it out there, so to Changmai.
When I was in Changmai I immediately had a good feeling, saw the mountains and the forests personally.
Immediately rented a house just outside Changmai motor rented first for 1 month. and then bought one myself.
Many orphans touring in nature and in the evening in Changmai.
By chance I met my neighbor who works in nursing during the day and also works at home embroidering name schools.
I wintered here from 2000 to 2009.
From 2009 I have been deregistered from the Netherlands and I will stay in the Netherlands for another 3 to 4 months to be with my kids and grandkids. I plan to sell my caravan this year so that I will only be in the Netherlands for 1 to 2 months.
This is just an idea if you don't know yet where you want to spend the winter
And what your needs are.
Changmai also has everything but no beach.
Greetings.
Hans van Mourik
Arnold I don't know what you mean by pitfalls, maybe you mean that you fall in love too quickly with a Thai beauty?? but I would say book a holiday and orient yourself in a nice place somewhere in Thailand. I myself am 57 and have been going to Pattaya for 9 years (4x a year) and in between sometimes to Phuket and always a few days in BKK.
Moderator: don't chat svp.
I'm surprised no one mentions Samui, Pattaya is mi over the top, Phuket is like Benidorm (high-rise buildings, Hua Hin is boring, ChiangMai has no beach, no Samui is by far the best, can party there, find women there, but has as you are looking for enough of the quiet beach life.
Dear Hans,
My wife and I rent an apartment in Patong Beach (Phuket). My wife is Thai and is happy to help you wherever you wish.
She has previously both helped people find a partner and protected them from an alleged partner (say a freeloader).
In any case, good luck.
I am from Belgium
I have been going to pattaya for 4years now for 3M
Phuket would interest me
If you could give me some details
Dear Bart,,
I would like to go back to Phuket again.
i was once in naiharn beach. beautiful.
you might be interested in renting your apartment. If possible.
go and have a look in Hua Hin, nice place, not too busy, beautiful beach, also some Dutch people, Chaam is also a nice place nearby, but not so cozy, Hua Hin has everything, I live there for 3 hours today, I often go there by train for 30 Bath. If you buy anything, you can email me, greetings Joop
Khon Kaen is not mentioned, not well known, but still a large place with beautiful nature and no/little tourism, and cozy. I have lived there permanently for 12 years. Come and have a look, I would say, unless you really want a beach and it isn't there. (we go there when we feel like it)
Another nice thing, for those who love golf, a true golfers paradise, many beautiful golf courses and affordable.
Hello, we are a Belgian couple who winter in Thailand for 3 months every year. Our choice fell on Hua Hin. Why?
Everything is available: many restaurants, both Thai and exotic. All kinds of supermarkets even with many European goods. A nice but not too busy nightlife area. 2 bridge clubs and lots of golf courses. Long beautiful beaches (not the most beautiful in Thailand but for that you have to be on small islands). Not far from Bangkok.
Less funny:
Traffic can be very busy around New Year's Eve. Sometimes a lot of jellyfish in the months of January and February. Many farang (foreigners); but that is not necessarily a disadvantage.
regards
I would like to get in touch with John van Wesemael to exchange information about Hua Hin
Sincerely, Aad de Jong
Ahoy Arnold, I can highly recommend Jomtien! Close to Pattya, so lots of entertainment within reach. But the peace and quiet of Jomtien. I have an apartment there (I also rent it out) and spend the winter there every time with great pleasure. If you have any specific questions, please email me privately ([email protected]). Like so many others, I have built up a network of acquaintances there. I would like to inform you in more detail about this. Kind regards, Ad Koens.
I would recommend you Jomtien as there are few of the pitfalls from Pattaya. And there are indeed many compatriots. And the food is less expensive. If you really come for the winter months, let the north shoot, it can be quite cold and wet. Phuket is expensive and so is Krabi. Hua Hin and Cha Aam I'm not fond of it. Not the kind of beach you want. Should it be Jomtien; I can help you with advice and deed, I also rent out condos, just email me [email protected]
Have been looking for the best place in Thailand for years to finally settle there.
We have therefore always spent our holidays, for 2-3 months, somewhere else.
First a few years in Pattaya, it became very busy and my wife really didn't like it there.
Then a few years in Phuket, Kata, beautiful beaches, but it also got quite busy there and the Russians got the upper hand a bit.
Then 2 years Hua Hin, nice place beautiful beaches, but is growing a bit out of its jacket, so again very busy, especially on the weekends when many people from Bangkok come.
Now 3 years in Chiang Mai, no beach but a lot to do / see in the immediate vicinity. Climate is slightly more pleasant, especially the evenings / nights are a bit cooler than central and southern Thailand. Furthermore, the nightlife is good, but not as lavish as eg Pattaya and Phuket (Patong). There, too, you can get almost everything you want as a Westerner, shopping malls galore.
So for us it will be Chiang Mai as emigration place.
Dear Anold
I have been living in Huahin for 8 years now and my experience has shown that Huahin is the most beautiful seaside resort in Thailand and the most relaxing place to spend the winter. In Huahin you also have everything.
I am now 65 years old and it is just what you are looking for
Bangkok.Phuket and Pattaya is too crowded more young people come to party and beasts. In Huahin there are also nice and sweet girls and everything is still affordable
Good luck with your search and you can always approach me
fr gr Henk
Samui is too expensive, and especially the flight tickets are very expensive and full of tourists, beautiful beaches, but you also have them 2 hours drive below Bangkok in Hua Hin.
and here's a completely different opinion:
pattaya: horrible, i came there already in 1974, but luckily stayed in jomtien
bangkok: beautiful, but would not be my preference for a long stay
chiang mai and chiang rai both beautiful and depending on whether you want to be by the sea this would be a good choice;
pukhet: everyone agrees on that; you shouldn't be there.
ko samui, i was also there 40 years ago; fantastic, but with what I have now heard from many, I would not go there either.
hua hin: is my preference and I go there every year in January/February, including 5 days in Bangkok and a week in Chiang Mai.
I did that many times and then stayed in Pattaya. Many foreigners come there, so you make friends quickly. Renting a studio for a nice amount is highly recommended. Everything is open 24 hours a day, so you never get bored.
"Everything is open 24 hours a day."
That is of course complete nonsense.
All Agogo's, Pharmacies, Banks, Hairdressers, attractions, almost all beer bars, restaurants, massage parlors, shopping centers, clothing stores, markets, laundries, booking offices, etc. are CLOSED at night.
The 7-Elevens and Family Marts are generally open, as are a number of restaurants and beer bars, you really don't have to be bored or short of something, but the idea that 'everything' would be open is definitely a completely wrong idea. presentation.
Moderator: Just a response to the reader's question, please.
Pattaya is comprehensive, there is a nice NL club N/A Pattaya with monthly drinks at the yacht club, nice people there, very pleasant, I think Pattaya is quite nice, a lot of choice, a lot of catering and everything that goes with it, many beautiful golf courses because I like to play golf. Bangkok is a working city for expats, not something for vacationers or people who are retired. I have lived in Thailand permanently for 12 years and then you know how things go, I don't think Bangkok is bad, but for retired people who want a beach, that is not typically there..
Bye Anold
You need to be a bit clearer in your question. How much do you have to spend, how important do you think it is to have fellow countrymen around you? How well do you speak English and possibly other languages such as German or French. What are your hobbies.
Each place has its pros and cons. For me Ko Samui is still the ultimate place, but yes that is personal
Bye Anold
You need to be a bit clearer in your question. How much do you have to spend, how important do you think it is to have fellow countrymen around you? How well do you speak English and possibly other languages such as German or French. What are your hobbies.
Each place has its pros and cons. For me Ko Samui is still the ultimate place, but yes that is personal
First go on a tour of the country before you get settled.
Or look further around. Malaysia, Philippines. Vietnam or just in the Netherlands Aruba, Bonaire Curacao or the three other islands??
To choose Thailand is too simple but to find places what about the following:
I miss the discussions
SHAME
Nakhon Si Thammarat
KRABI
It's just where you feel most at home.
I am Dutch, but I still feel most at home in Groningen -> and then East Groningen
Oldambt area and/or hey Hoge Land.
Isn't that what you're crazy about
OOPS live most of my life in Brabant. Mostly work in Belgium and Germany and work for a French company.
Oh yes my second place of residence is near Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Since 2008. But yes, that's where my wife comes from.
Yes, dear people, I think everyone forgets Koh Lanta, a beautiful island where I have been coming for 10 years and have been running a restaurant on the beach for 4 years. There are not that many Dutch people there yet (you will find plenty of them in the Netherlands) but still a Thai atmosphere and If it's too quiet, go to Krabi or Phuket for a few days, everything is only 2 hours by boat
Welcome and like to visit Black Coral Restaurant and I will show you everything I am 65 myself
Koh Lanta, how is the price level? the same as phuket?
So everyone has their preferences. I traveled for 5 months last winter. Africa first. Then a month in Thailand. Started in Hua Hin to look for a house/apartment. I was disappointed. Finally found a nice spot. Then went to Koh Tao and Koh Samui. In Lamai Beach I found a very nice house where I want to go next winter. After further wanderings in Thailand I went to the Philippines (had a 30 day visa). Then back to Hua Hin to stay for another 30 days. Nice town, lots of entertainment, beautiful beach. I like it there.
So next year it will be 30 days Samui, 30 days Hua Hin and I still have to figure out the time in between. Well that is also a possibility. But I am a traveler
Why not to rayong. laem mae phim.
Thai basic and also hyso nice sweden beaches for shortstayers.
Living in everything that Thai nature can offer.
And the people.
Khon khon thai.
What could be nicer to have breakfast every morning with the Thai seabrease on the beach.
Go for a walk 5 km. For eight hours after that, it's really hot
In the afternoon eating out in wasasana. in the bush. but have cauliflower, broccoli and carrots
and s. In the evening go for a walk on the beach with your Thai lover.
Go to Koh Chang for a week every 2 months.
With your own children to Kho Chamao Naam Tok or, for example, to Wad Khao Kitchakud or to the boat in Praesae.
Kern is a Thai woman who you can trust and who you have honestly invested in for years (wrong word) in NL and Thailand in terms of relationship. Who knows Thailand and who knows Holland. Doing and giving each other the chance to experience what your background, culture is. the rest is up to people. Keep both in it. And you will live well.
63 years already and this year definitely to Thailand.
Curious how it goes.????
What I find suffocating, not for a few days, is always having to stay in Bangkok and therefore having to breathe the dirty air. Anyone who has stopped smoking has not stopped because in Bangkok you get so much rubbish in your lungs that a doctor in NL would say, hey, are you smoking again? Even crazier was a café in Bangkok where smoking was allowed inside, with the doors closed.
On the other hand, nobody has to live in Bangkok who doesn't want to, and whoever likes it all, have a nice day of course, freedom, happiness.
Bang Saray might be something for you. (Another) nice village, 15 km south of Pattaya. Nice harbours, many simple Thai but also international gastronomy, the fresh market twice a day and not to forget Peter, the Belgian baker Bang Saray, with undoubtedly the most beautiful beaches between Pattaya and Sattahip, is an ideal starting point for trips to the sights in Area. Exactly the right place for the holidaymaker who wants a refreshing stay, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, without losing touch with the rest of the world. We have lived here for seven years, have a small business and never (?) want to leave.
Come and have a look…..good luck.
Scared Sarah? We have been coming / came to Pattaya for about 6 years now and unfortunately have never heard of Bang Saray, we wanted to skip Pattaya as a place to stay next year, if possible we can visit Bang Saray instead? especially we also have to be in Sattahip {Tyga industry}, can be nice in combination. The beautiful beaches you mentioned also appeal to us, in Pattaya it is deteriorating and the water quality is not to mention.
Would we agree? please more info.
If you send us an email, we can discuss this in due course. to communicate.
Our E-mail address is: [email protected]
m.grt; Egbert & Alisa Pleyter, Holland
.
For example, if you have four or five places on your list, don't you just go to all those places for three weeks? I am a Pattaya fan and I hate Bangkok, but it could be the other way around for someone else. Phuket is indeed very expensive. Here in Pattaya I only know of a few places where many Dutch people come. But that's about the last thing I need. And that is also very personal.
The nice thing about this series is that I see names that I did not know after 12 years, such as Bang Saray, I am a sailor, is there room for sailing boats in Bang Sarsay or are they rented out?
I am at all interested in info about the sailing world in Thailand, maybe a separate question on the forum?
Dear people, I would like to point out that there are very few Russians in Pattaya and you should have known this from the media and well again I am a Phuket and Pattaya Fan but have many colleagues who like to stay in Hua Hin with a Dutch woman. so Arnold many choices to make but I say just go there and try the different cities and you will soon find out what your heart desires.