10 reasons to spend the winter in Thailand
A country that you may not immediately think of, but that has everything to offer for winter visitors, is Thailand.
But why is hibernate in Thailand a good choice? What makes Thailand an excellent winter sun destination? In this article we discuss the benefits that Thailand offers for winter visitors.
1. Excellent medical care
An important aspect for winter visitors is the medical facilities in the country of destination. Most hibernators are elderly and want to be able to rely on professional medical care in case of health problems.
- The medical facilities in Thailand are particularly good, many doctors have been trained in Europe or the US. Most Thai hospitals have access to the most modern equipment. Sufficient hospitals and well-trained doctors are available, especially in the major cities and tourist areas. The doctors speak English. There are no waiting times for medical care.
2. The climate
You go hibernate to escape the harsh climate in the Netherlands. What about the weather conditions in Thailand?
- Thailand has warm winters. You can hardly speak of a winter with daytime temperatures of between 25 and 30 degrees. The average lowest (day) temperature is 20°C, the average highest temperature is 37°C. April is the hottest month. Do you want it a little cooler? Then wintering in the north of Thailand (Chiang Mai) is a good choice. At beach it is lovely and the sea water is warm. Regular swimming (in the sea or the pool) at an advanced age is good to keep the muscles flexible.
3. The low price level
Not every hibernator has a large budget. Sometimes there is only a benefit. Because housing costs also continue in your own country, it is important that you spend the winter in a country where the price level is lower. That way you have more to spend.
- Despite the strong Baht, it is still dirt cheap in Thailand. Eating and drinking costs almost nothing. When you ignore the large shopping centers and visit the local markets, you can easily live on a modest budget.
4. Huge choice of accommodations
During the winter, there is double housing costs. A hibernator would like a neat, easily accessible accommodation at a low price.
- Hardly anywhere in the world will you have so much choice hotels and apartments than in Thailand. Many condo and apartment owners rent out their property to tourists. Substantial discounts are available for longer stays. You can already rent a neat fully furnished condo for about € 400 per month
5. The famous Thai cuisine
When you spend the winter abroad for a few months, you want to be able to eat a varied diet. Also Dutch food. This must also be affordable.
- Thai cuisine is world famous. Tasteful and varied. Not a fan of Thai food? In the tourist places you stumble across European restaurants. A cup of chowder, minced meat ball or peanut butter sandwich is no problem in Thailand.
6. Transport
During the winter, you want to see some of the country and make trips. Transport Public transport must also be safe, cheap and accessible.
- In Thailand you can go wherever you want. Both public transport and taxis are readily available. Even the furthest corners of the country can be reached by public transport. Thailand has many airports. A domestic flight is inexpensive, safe and efficient.
7. Golf courses
Overwintering becomes a lot more fun when there are opportunities to relax and recreate. Many winter visitors meet on the golf course and like to hit a ball.
- That is fine in Thailand. There is a wide choice of beautiful courses, laid out in a tropical environment. Wonderful weather, attractive green fees and excellent caddies make for excellent conditions. Golf is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Thailand. The country now has more than 200 golf courses, many of which are also open to visitors. Many luxury resorts have their own golf course, so you can easily play a round from the hotel.
8. Safety
The country where you stay during the winter must certainly be safe for the hibernator. Crime is the last thing you want.
- Thailand is known as a safe country for tourists. That does not alter the fact that you also have to exercise normal caution as a hibernator.
9. Friendly locals
When you enjoy your old age and leave for an exotic country to spend the winter, you certainly want to feel comfortable there
- Most tourists choose Thailand because of the friendly people. In addition, Thai people have a lot of respect for older people. Seniors who decide to spend the winter in Thailand will certainly be enthusiastic about the hospitality, friendliness and respectful approach of Thai people.
10. Flora and Fauna
Due to the wonderful climate, you will spend a lot of time outside as a winter resident. You want to enjoy nature or beaches.
- Thailand has a beautiful nature that is known all over the world. Mangrove forests, pine forests and the evergreen jungles in the south appeal to the imagination. The impressive amount of wildlife is worth mentioning. In the wild there are tigers, elephants, bears, monkeys, tapirs, deer, gibbons and even leopards. There are more than 300 species of mammals in the national parks. Thailand has 79 national parks, 89 game reserves and 35 nature reserves. Thailand also has many islands and beaches that are among the most beautiful in the world.
Tips for snowbirds
1. Learn the Art of Negotiation
- Tip:: Bargaining is an art in Thailand, especially at markets and when booking tours. However, many foreigners are not adept at this. Take the time to observe how the locals negotiate and try it yourself in a respectful manner.
2. Integration into local communities
- Tip:: Participate in community activities that are not aimed at tourists. This could be volunteering, taking part in a local cooking class, or participating in a neighborhood party. This offers a more authentic experience of Thai culture.
3. Discover traditional Thai medicine
- Tip:: Thailand has a rich history of traditional medicine. Consider taking a course in traditional Thai massage or learning more about herbal medicine, which can be an interesting and unique experience.
4. Long-term accommodation options
- Tip:: For a longer stay, consider renting an apartment or house outside the tourist areas. This is often cheaper and offers a deeper dive into the daily lives of the locals.
5. Explore by bike
- Tip:: Many areas in Thailand are beautiful to explore by bike. Cycling in rural areas or even in cities like Chiang Mai can give you a completely different perspective.
6. Learn Thai Cuisine from local experts
- Tip:: Instead of taking a cooking course from a tourist provider, look for a local who invites you home to teach you how to cook. This can be done via social networks or local contacts.
7. Use public transportation
- Tip:: Most tourists rely on taxis or rented vehicles, but using public transportation such as local buses or trains provides not only a cheap way to travel but also an in-depth local experience.
8. Explore local markets in the early morning
- Tip:: Local markets are most lively in the early morning hours. This is a great time to observe local culture and enjoy the freshest produce.
9. Join Meditation or Yoga retreats
- Tip:: Thailand is home to many spiritual retreats that focus on meditation and yoga. These retreats can range from luxury resorts to more authentic monastic experiences.
10. Explore local arts and crafts
- Tip:: Visit local artists and craftsmen in their studios. Many regions in Thailand are known for their unique arts and crafts, such as silk weaving, ceramics, or painting.
By exploring these unique and less conventional approaches, you can have a deeper and more personal experience of Thailand during your winter stay. It's about more than just enjoying the warm weather; it's an opportunity to really integrate into and learn from the rich Thai culture.
We have also been wintering in Thailand for years. Always in changmai in an apartment. Friendly people, nice weather, we always feel safe. As long as we can, we will certainly do that. Never any bad experiences. something to look forward to again.
Do the mall, ignore the markets! Reason you don't want to be scammed with copy. Eg. pants, pockets that tear easily, I know a few of them the cheap charles, and then complain. I only go to markets to look around for example to buy a plant or nothing more. For food friendship, foodland, big C, if you buy at the market or stalls, the outside temperature is light there.
Safety, I feel safer than in Belgium, the traffic is a bit different there, so you have to pay attention every day! Condo rental 250 to 400 euros do you have a good decent studio 34 m, with swimming pool in the complex, everything has a price, do you want to be in the center out of the center, the price also depends on that.
For example, if you buy a t-shirt on the market for 100 bath or less (2.5 euros), you can hardly expect to get a real Adidas or Nike. If it gives up the ghost after a year, so what. Btw, I have ones that have lasted much longer and are still in good condition.
Indeed, medical care in Thailand is very good.
But no money no care, I was admitted to bkk- pattaya hospital last year with severe food poisoning!!!!! after the necessary problems at the counter regarding the insurance, I was admitted.
6 days cost almost 400.000 Bht, an acquaintance of mine got an appendix infection, who was allowed to wait until his acquaintance came with the credit card, a few hours later. so everything is not pink for 1 box of antibiotics
which costs about 40-50 bht in a pharmacy, more than 10.000 bht was charged. There is also no agreement between Belgian health insurance funds and the Thai most travel insurance policies only cover 3 months. So I think a little caution is required.
michael c
had a similar experience 5 years ago with BKK INt Phuket, had a fairly acute cyst between the vertebrae, could be helped 3 days later, despite world coverage, an amount was offered from NL that covered 50%, being the costs of treatment in NL
The treating neurologist here was amazed at both the amount BBB Int charged and the amount Ohra offered
repatriated via travel insurance and only helped in NL 4 months later (before corona).
had a very good experience with the same hospital before (10 years).
Hans
Hans, I also have world coverage on my health care policy (Univé), but the reimbursement is standard at the maximum NL rate. That's why I added an extra module. Then, even if you are in Thailand, everything will be reimbursed. Maybe that's how it works at OHRA too.
It is also best to have good insurance with worldwide coverage. And good travel insurance. It may cost a little more, but we have arranged everything well in terms of medical costs. Even if 1 of us dies, the body will be brought to the Netherlands. have unfortunately had to visit a hospital a few times, but everything has been properly reimbursed.
It's a very rose colored spectacle. So just some nuance here.
10 reasons NOT to spend the winter in Thailand:
1. Medical care: expensive and hassle with insurance before treatment;
2. Climate: temperatures can drop to 5 degrees and there is no heating anywhere; it rains every day during the rainy season and more than in the Netherlands and Belgium
3. lack of quality: cheap means poor quality in almost all cases
4. accommodations are sometimes 'occupied' by foreign guests from China and/or Russia
5. Thai cuisine: way too spicy and often unhygienic so that you get a stomach ache or worse
6. Transport: Thailand is the second most dangerous country in the world in terms of road deaths
7. Golf Courses: Overrun by Japanese and caddies eager to strike up a relationship with a foreign man
8. security: daily assassinations in the south, in the north the drug mafia and the other mafia in Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya (foreign mafia and Thai) not to mention all the scams (mopeds, water scooters, taxis). Don't count on police help.
9. population that has a short fuse due to excessive alcohol and drug use. Lots of fights and stabbings in the nightlife. (to be seen daily on TV)
10. flora and fauna: Thais produce a huge amount of plastic waste, throw it everywhere on the streets and the environmental problems are gigantic.
Never (again) go to Thailand, Chris.
hahahahahah
I have been living in Thailand for 16 years.
16 years in Thailand, you wouldn't say it. You are already wrong in your first 'nuance'. When the hibernators come, the rainy season is already over….
hahahahaha
Ever heard of climate change? It also rains here in Thailand when the rainy season is over. I have learned and experienced in those 16 years.
It will depend on the region where you stay. I have been living in Bangsaray for 8 years now and during the rainy season it occasionally rains here, like in the summer in Belgium or the Netherlands. There may be heavy downpours.
Wow, you must be unhappy there!
If I had to think about it that way, I would immediately look for other places…
Ever heard of sarcasm?
Life, also in Thailand, is neither pink nor black.
If you spend the winter here you are more or less a tourist (and probably in tourist areas such as Hua Hin, Cha-am, Chiang Mai, Pattaya or Phuket) and you only experience a part of Thai society.
Have spoken to few people who spend the winter in Trat, Nan, Chumporn, Chayaphum or Ubon.
Completely understand Chris.
Point seven no idea, the rest of the points recognizable through news or work experience.
The Thai community has a tendency to hide the reality from the tourist.
A healthy bit of distrust can't hurt if you don't want to go home cheated and robbed.
With us in Nongprue, the dark site of Pattaya about 8 kilometers from the beach, the prices of condos are even cheaper. For an average of 35 square meters, so with a living room and a bedroom, bathroom and balcony, large swimming pool, fitness room, etc., the rental prices for longer stays vary between 6.900 bath (177,40 euros) and 8000 bath (205,68 euros). euros) per month. For example CC condo 1 on Soi Siam country road. All shops and markets and banks next door. Ideal location.
See you tube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts8mz94t5GU en http://amzn.to/2jAJrcW
Vlogger: Kevin Thailand and vlog 133.
Nice piece, but I have something to say about points 3 and 5. Point 3: The low price level and the quality of the food. Thailand is dirt cheap, it says. I laughed so hard that I choked on my homemade Tom Yam Kung. I don't think 175 baht for a beer (4,75 euros) is dirt cheap, even if it is a large lager. 250 baht (6,75) for a small dry tough piece of beef with 10 soggy fries and half a tomato and cucumber.
You can also get dirt cheap on the street, for about a euro you can fill your stomach with pad thai, a handful of noodles with 2 chips of vegetables and 2 shrimps of dubious quality in a sauce of monosodium glutamate. Personally I prefer a hamburger from Febo in Amsterdam for that money.
The only thing dirt cheap in Thailand is labor, because 90 percent of the population earns too little to live a normal life.
Just about point 3.
I was there yesterday with wife, her friend and her daughter
here in Pakthongchai in an ice cream parlor .
4 people ate delicious ice cream and paid 60 baht.
In my hotel in Hua Hin I pay 10 baht for a bottle of coke.
You can eat well around that corner of Binthabaht at Onon
I usually get and pay with drinks for 2 people
around 250 baht .
Yes , you also have more expensive restaurant and when you go to the Hilton ,
Don't be surprised that it is a bit more expensive.
Even at the airport you can get food downstairs from 45 baht.
I wonder where you are going to drink that 175 THB beer…. that must be in a bar with 'garnish'. N, today here in Chumphon we pay 40THB for a small bottle and 65 for a large bottle. At the beach it is between 902 and 100THB for a large bottle, but nowhere 175THB!!! That is what in an establishment WITHOUT GARNISH.
I can agree with most things, although apparently it has a different price level here on Phuket than elsewhere
I have been renting a house here on an annual basis for 10 years and that saves a lot, especially if you assume a stay of 7 months and my Thai girlfriend just stays here
I also have a few tips
the car is suspended in NL from tax and insurance, have been doing this for many years
no euro over 2 euros
at home the gas heating at 10* and my solar cells on the roof give me so much that my advance is now 0 despite the financial misery
I am not a Zeeuw, but I am still an old-fashioned teacher who can count
Hans
Also our idea Hans 3mnd car suspend shipping / tax, + no energy costs gas / electricity then we almost play quiet, we too as long as health allows 90 days from Dec. to Hua Hin.
We call them energy refugees these days.
There are not only in Thailand but also in Spain and Portugal, and Greece.
Chris, with the exception of 2 corona years, we have been going to Thailand for 12 years in winters, but this year it also makes a nice difference in the wallet.
On December 17, you are most welcome at the Christmas gala of the Dutch association in the Centara in Hua Hin. You can book through me. The program is unique!
Hello Hans, can we exchange e-mail / address information?
Evie, you can book through [email protected] You will then receive an invoice from treasurer Thomas Voerman and after payment you will receive your access card at the entrance of the Centara.
I'm curious what the commenters think about it now (2024).
Thailand is still not too expensive, compared to the Netherlands and Belgium, for example, what makes it expensive here is the health insurance (long term and especially if you are older, then you pay the main price).
Food and housing, clothing (on the market) remain cheap, in the Randstad (NL) you can't even rent a garage for 150 eu/pm, while in Pattaya, for example, you can rent a smaller condo (26m2).