Job Discussion Forums

[Manner of Speaking]

I teach in Korea and I will have 2-4 months off starting soon. I would like to spend some time (2-3 months) somewhere in Thailand, close to a beach and a health club.

Can anyone recommend a place in Thailand with reasonably priced off-season guesthouses or serviced apartments? I've visited Thailand several times, and was thinking of someplace like either Phuket, Pattaya area or somewhere near Ko Samet. Is it possible to find a place beginning around March for around 7000-10000 baht a month?

[tedkarma]

I vote for Phuket. But, then, uh . . . I live here.

Your money will go a lot further if you stay just a bit out of the tourist zones of Patong/Karon/Kata and stay in areas like Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao Beaches - or to the south like Nai Harn and Rawaii. AND, they are much nicer areas. Certainly more mellow - but a party person will still find plenty to keep them busy.

For Kamala, Surin and Bang Tao Beaches try:

www.PhuketGoldCoast.com with LOTS of details about that area.

For all of the island try: www.PhuketDelight.com

You should be able to rent a small house or studio apartment very close to the beach for your budget.

Pattaya s*cks. Koh Samet I am not so familiar with - it is in Bangkok's back yard.

[Matt_22]

Though I do like Kata, I'd also suggest Rawai and Nai Harn. Those areas are gorgeous in general and Nai Harn is probably my favorite beach on the island. As Ted said, they are laid back areas, but they're also cheaper and have a lot more character than a place like Patong. I'm not sure about health clubs in the area, though.

If I were in your position, I'd probably just check into a cheaper guesthouse near Kata and rent a motorbike to explore the coast. It's pretty easy, and you can explore all your options in a day or two until you find the perfect place. For 7-10k per month, you shouldn't have much of a problem finding something nice.

[Matt_22]

Though I do like Kata, I'd also suggest Rawai and Nai Harn. Those areas are gorgeous in general and Nai Harn is probably my favorite beach on the island. As Ted said, they are laid back areas, but they're also cheaper and have a lot more character than a place like Patong. I'm not sure about health clubs in the area, though.

If I were in your position, I'd probably just check into a cheaper guesthouse near Kata and rent a motorbike to explore the coast. It's pretty easy, and you can explore all your options in a day or two until you find the perfect place. For 7-10k per month, you shouldn't have much of a problem finding something nice.