After having a wonderful time during my stay in Thailand a few weeks ago, I have decided to return for a more extended stay, 2 months (March and April 2008). As much as I loved BKK, the lack of beach takes it out of the choices. So, I have decided that it will be either Phuket which I adored for its beaches, or possibly Hua Hin which has been recommended but I have not been there. I am not interested in Pattaya because it is just not my cup of tea for various reasons.

I would love to hear what other members have to say, I am looking for a tropical place, does not have to be close to BKK, must have warm ocean water and not too expensive.

My reason this time for wanting to return is to finish healing from a car accident I had in January 2007 that left me in bad shape, multiple broken body parts thanks to a 16 year old drunk driver who fell asleep at the wheel and hit me head on doing around 100mph. I had bad arthritis before the accident, and bad psoriasis as well (skin condition), and the short time I spent in Phuket healed me so well, I want to finish the recovery. The combination of sun and salt water did wonders for my joints and my skin and I felt better than I had in 10 years. Plus getting my daily Thai massage worked wonders and gave me long forgotten flexibility.

Ok, as far as short term apartments, so far I have found a possible place in Phuket for around 16000 bhat per month near the beach, and a place in Hua Hin for around the same price, I found these using the internet. I think I should probably go to Hua Hin first and check it out... any thoughts?

I am so sorry for this epoch length posting, I hope someone can help me out with a plan!

Bes New Years greeting to everyone.

Very sorry to hear about your accident and glad to hear the sea sand sun helped you regain your felxibility :)

I think Hua Hin will be a fantastic choice since you just got back from Phuket. It's less than 3 hours drive from BKK and if you can try to avoid the public holiday weekends, you will feel like you have the whole town to yourself. The local is friendly, food is amazing and living cost is cheaper than some other tourist places. Its quiet enough to relax by the beach but I must warn you the water is not as clear as what you experienced in Phuket. The beach is not dirty at all but it's just the nature of the water on the gulf of thailand which is not exactly as crytal clear as on the Andaman side. All in all, I think Hua Hin will meet your requirements.

The beach in Hua Hin is more a "city" beach and it lacks the palm fringed tropical feel of Phuket beaches. It is not as bad a Pattaya and the water is still swimmable but if you want to stand in waste deep water and count the hairs on your toes, you will be dissapointed. Having said that, the sand is still nice and the beachfont gets better the further south you go. The town is very charming and friendly and there is plenty of cheap massage opportunities as wll as some up-market spa's.

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I love Thailand this much

Thanks Shanek, I think it's going to be Phuket after all. When in doubt, I go with a sure thing and Phuket was wonderful. I found some nice properties on in internet search, so when I get there I will check them out. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

If you go such a long time, I would sugest that you do not only do Phuket!

There is so much to see in Thailand!

Visit Krabi, which has that "paradise feeling". Go a few days more south, and visit Koh Lanta, nice voyage with the boat! From there you can take a longtail to more remoted islands, like Koh Hai, or other Trang islands!

Koh Lanta is a bit less in beach, but "Long beach" has a nice tropical vibe, with restaurants and pubs, right on the beach! Much less people then Phuket! I would not suggest this, if you were only staying two weeks, but with two months, it will be a very nice change!

Although that Hua Hin has his own charms, it is not the best for a beach holiday! Lot of yelleyfish, sun dissapears early in the afternoon! Old center is nice though.

phuket is a winner. i like hua hin and stop in couple times a year, but i wouldn't consider it a swimming beach. have not been in water for couple years now, but nice town to hang out in.

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LA
http://www.geocities.com/laphanphon/hp.html