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Anyone Ever Lived In/Visited Pattaya, Thailand? We Need To Talk :)

by Scott Murdaugh
4 replies
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Hey guys,

Here's the deal... I haven't left the US in like 6 years.

I'm in need of an extended working vacation.

After some research I think I want to travel to Thailand... More specifically Pattaya, and stay there for about 3 months.

I've never been there, but it should be an adventure.

I plan on taking a laptop and a netbook, and probably working 20 hours a week or so while I'm there, and living it up the rest of the time.

I make enough money to live comfortably there... I've already found a few places that look really nice for between $400-$700 a month, and on Craigslist there are some places that look nice for $200-$300 a month.

I've read that meals cost as little as $1, and $4-$7 for gourmet western food.

I'm thinking that even though I'm on "vacation" I'll actually save a lot of money while I'm there.

Anyway, anyone done this before? Recommend it?

I've heard it's best to visit first to make sure I like it, that's not really how I roll. I'll buy a round trip plane ticket, and if for whatever reason I don't like it/lose everything I own/whatever I'll just come back early.

I plan on leaving in early August.

I feel like this is something I really need to do, I'm 26 and not getting any younger. I'm single at the moment, and I work online, so it seems like a no brainer.

So what I'm looking for is people who've been there and can give me some advice... You know, stuff like how to not get robbed, how to not end up in a Thai prison for life, the basics.

Is there a certain part of town that I should stay in?

Should I book up an apartment/condo before I leave or stay in a hotel for a few days before deciding where to settle in for the long haul?

Is it best to just fly into Bangkok and take a taxi into Pattaya? Maybe stay in Bangkok for a few days before heading down?

Another thing I'd be worried about is money... What happens if I get my wallet stolen and lose my credit cards? Bring travelers checks?

Any other advice?

I'd love to hear about any experiences here.

I'm planning on learning some Thai before I leave and trying to really learn it (the language) and absorb the culture while I'm there.

I may also take up Muay Thai or something... Never been into martial arts but I'm guessing there's no better place to get started.

Sorry this post is turning into a ramble, I'm excited.

Another question, I'm a pretty avid poker player, any experience with the local casinos/poker rooms?

Anyone here living over there right now?

I'll cut this short, I have a million questions but I'll wait to hear some replies before I ask them.

Thanks guys!

Peace,

-Scott
  • Profile picture of the author gotbangkok
    Hey man, so did you ever make it over here? I've been living here in Bkk for the past 3 years, and 1st tip, dont believe anything everyone says about "gourmet western food for $4-7 LOL" if that's true, it's not everywhere, and $1 meals is definately eating like a super poor Thai hehe

    The retarded stereotype of southeast Asia to Americans (I'm proud to be American btw but this is totally true) is that:
    1. child labor, "isnt this where child labor and prostitution is?"
    2. cant you **** a girl for $5 bucks
    3. isnt it like cheap cheap cheap!?!?!?!

    1. it's everywhere, TONS in USA especially
    2. $5 bang, must be aiming for like 85yo nasty
    3. cheap depending on how you live, i'm from Midwest USA, and living in BKK is about 2x's more expensive than my hometown living in USA (fyi, Pattaya is much cheaper than BKK btw)

    Hope it helps man
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  • Profile picture of the author gotbangkok
    btw, i think a lot of the info we hear about it being "cheap" in southeast asia, is mostly trickled down from our elders, who were here for R&R during vietnam, back when things were cheap like that, times changed, the US Dollar is in the crapper here, etc
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Murdaugh
    Never made it, still might.

    The allure to me is just seeing that part of the world. Not a fan of prostitutes.

    Would like to experience a different culture. I've been thinking Philippines lately, maybe with some excursions into Thailand and other places while I'm there.

    Not sure yet. Right now I've got a girl I recently met who may end up keeping me around here, so we'll see.

    Didn't go in August because of the same reason.

    Thanks for the feedback though. Good to know things aren't quite as cheap as I've heard.

    I also heard some horror stories about crooked cops extorting/imprisoning tourists at the Bangkok airport... I realize that's HIGHLY unlikely but the thought of spending any time in a Thai prison is pretty scary.

    Thanks,

    -Scott
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  • Profile picture of the author gotbangkok
    Hey Scott, yea, well just so you know, Pattaya is probably the prostitute capitol of the world, you can barely go anywhere there without getting haggled by ladyboys and girls "I go wit you!!!"
    It's still a great city for partying though, and the beach sucks (you cant relax, too many old ppl coming trying to sell you thinks), if you want a nice beach should try Phuket imo
    Anyways, anything you need man, just ask and I'll let you know, and if I dont know I can find out for you
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