My move from the 'darkside'

[InternationalTraveler 282]

Once i had decided on the permanent move to Pattaya my first apartment was on the 'darkside' down Soi Nern Plubwan, the other side of Sukhumvit and more than 4- kilometres from town.

The rent was 6,000 baht a month for a 1-bedroom apartment + electric and water but included free cable and Wi-Fi.

This was picked at random from the Pattaya People or some other newspaper purely because of the price and it was somewhere to lay my hat while I evaluated my finances, established my relationship and worked out some sort of daily routine.

The few bars around had very few punters and the price of beer a little more expensive than in town. Even fewer catered for food and a few that did a Sunday lunch were very reasonable and the pricing of the food was good.

The outskirts were less chaotic and I used the motorbike to venture around the Mabprachan reservoir, Soi Khaonoi, and Soi Khatalo areas and on a good day it took around 15-minutes to venture into town.

I love riding the bike and used to go out on a daily basis to explore and find my way around Pattaya and the surrounding areas.

 

After 18-months the daily grind of commuting into town once or twice a day became tedious to say the least and after a few beers at night even more so.

My love for golf soon had me participating from a number of venues and would carry the clubs on the back of the bike.

After a long day on the course, a beer some food and the presentation it would sometimes be getting dark and this made the ride back even more dangerous.

After a few close calls I ended up buying a car which I thought would increase my life expectancy as anyone who crosses the Sukhumvit race track knows is a test of survival.

 

The tenants of the apartment were always changing and a vast number came and went especially during the Bangkok floods.

The noise from above and each side used to be irritating but gradually as time went by became more and more unbearable.

What with the shouting, screaming, crying, the breaking and smashing of pots and furniture, banging on doors I must have heard it all in my 18-months.

 

I was on the lookout for something central but the closer the beach, the smaller the room and the higher the prices and during the run up to Christmas all the available accommodation was taken.

Eventually at the end of February I stumbled upon what I was looking for and was told I was lucky as it was always full and some of the residents had been there for more than 20-years.

Although it’s more than 3-times the rent of my first apartment, this detached house is tucked away in a small little compound close to the centre of town and is worth every single baht.

Now I can walk to the beach the supermarket and the bars in 10-minutes and I do not need to use my bike.

I have only been in the city 6-months but am definitely a ‘townie’ and like all that Pattaya has to offer on my doorstep.

I have talked to a few guys who have had enough of the Pattaya scene, the chaos and the noise and made the move out of town in the other direction.

Am I one of the exceptions to this rule?

 

[teelack 9,340]

Thanks for the posting. Its a good primer for anyone looking to move to Pattaya.

[atlas2 4,329]

Absolutely........ An interesting perspective.

[bratpack 91]

Been c entral Pattaya for nearly 10 years and love the place.Close to everything,and no drink driving is a must.

 

Enjoy your new freedom,worth every baht

[Nightrider 340]

Some can handle it and some can not , i lived in south patts for 3 years before finally giving up and leaving to go to work in Taiwan and it was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya city , now when i come back a few times a year for a short holiday it feels nice knowing that i can leave anytime i want to , and get away from the insanity that is Pattaya City , only time will tell if you can handle it......!

[Odense 489]

Where in Pattaya is your new place - and what does it cost?

 

Sent from my TAC-70061 using Tapatalk 2

 

 

[jacko 8,776]

Am I one of the exceptions to this rule?

No, I think it is just the 'grass is greener syndrome'.....

I live well out of town and often hanker after the points you made....

Now I can walk to the beach the supermarket and the bars in 10-minutes and I do not need to use my bike.

And perhaps more importantly can be back 'home' quite quickly.

 

I think living central can be entertaining, like being at a chimps tea party, but after a while you may tire of it, although it sounds like you have found a good place. The neighbours can be a major factor as you found out in your first place...... and you may find those undesirables both in and out of town. Let us see how you feel after a year or two, and a karaoke opens on each side of you!

How old are you..... ?

Edited August 20, 2013 by jacko

[InternationalTraveler 282]

My new place is just off Central road oposite Soi Buakhao and it costs 20,000 baht /month +electric/ water and cable.

Yes maybe as another few years roll on i may tire of this central location eventually but at the present time i am still 'back in the candy shop' enjoying every minute.

 

I am 58 years old manage to get out of Pattaya 4 or 5-times a year, so it gives me a break and i cannot wait to come back.

[jacko 8,776]

My new place is just off Central road oposite Soi Buakhao and it costs 20,000 baht /month +electric/ water and cable.

Yes maybe as another few years roll on i may tire of this central location eventually but at the present time i am still 'back in the candy shop' enjoying every minute.

 

I am 58 years old manage to get out of Pattaya 4 or 5-times a year, so it gives me a break and i cannot wait to come back.

I can't think of any-place in that area but I know there are some new ones set further back....northwards.

There is supposed to be some construction planned as the old buildings on Saisong 5 are empty now.

As you say central. and no major bar complexes/ discos Thai pubs nearby.