I moved to Phuket almost 2 years ago. I work online and I’ve been practicing Muay Thai regularly in order to get a couple of fights before I get too old (I’m nearly 40).
During those 2 years, I lived in Chalong and did not travel other than one yearly vacation (Koh Samui year 1 and Chiang Mai a few weeks ago).
It was not my first trip to Chiang Mai but after almost 2 years in Phuket, Chiang Mai felt like a breath of fresh air. I am now considering exploring other parts of Thailand for the following reasons:
1. I realized how much more expensive Phuket could be. The range of accommodation you can get in Chiang Mai for my budget (15-20K) is much better. Likewise, things like barbershops, massage places, etc are significantly cheaper.
2. I feel like CM attracts “classier” tourists (for lack of a better term). I’m not going to name countries but overall, I felt that the tourists over there are more interested in culture, temples, and Thai traditions. I was only there for a week but I don’t recall seeing any sexpats or hookers for that matter.
3. It’s hard to explain but I basically felt like I was really in Thailand when I was in Chiang Mai. I only realized this when I got there. It might be because I spend 90% of my time between Chalong, Rawai, and Kata, but most Thai people I have met here are not from Phuket and it feels like the city lacks a sense of identity.
4. When I initially moved to Phuket, my plan was to start surfing regularly and make the most of the beautiful beaches. However, over the last year or so, I went to the beach maybe twice a month at most and I only went in the water maybe 3-4 times.
5. I dislike Patong and everything that it represents. I only go there to watch Muay Thai fights and I’m creeped out by the old farangs hanging out in bars and the sexpat scenes. Unfortunately, that scene also exists in Rawai. Even though it’s less “in your face”, you cannot not see it. Over time, I have made some friends who are into the nightlife and I am not judging them but again, it felt refreshing being somewhere for a week and not seeing a masseuse trying to lure me into her shop.
6. When I was in Chiang Mai, I rented a raggedy 125 cc scooter, I could not drive past 60km/h and yet I was overtaking nearly everyone at that speed. They’re taking sabai sabai to a whole other level in the North.
My girlfriend is Thai. She’s from Buriram and came to Phuket around the same time I did. She works as a receptionist in a gym. Recently, my online business has been slow, and I’m looking at the pros and cons of staying in Phuket. The way I see it, if we were to move out of Phuket, she might make 2 or 3K Baht less but that’s nothing compared to what we could save. I’m looking for advice from expats who considered leaving Phuket at some point. Could you elaborate on why you ended up staying or leaving? Thanks a lot!
