Alternatives to Pattaya, Thailand?

newlife · Post by **newlife** » July 5th, 2011, 3:33 am

I've lived in pattaya, thailand for several years. basically, it's not what it used to be. they are hellbent on making the place a mecca for "family tourism". so in came the russians, indians, and iranians en masse. what that has done is ruin the character of the place. everyday i see a new bar being bulldozed and a new condominium complex being erected(courtesy of russian kleptocrat money). the place seems to get more expensive every day and the exchange rate keeps getting worse.

I'm considering moving to cambodia or vietnam somewhere. I need some bars to keep me company, a low cost of living where I can live well on $1,500 monthly. anybody can recommend a good spot? preferably somewhere in asia, but it could be anywhere in the world as long as the cost of living is low.

ladislav · Post by **ladislav** » July 5th, 2011, 6:46 am

Angeles city, Philippines. Only one bar has been bought by the Russians.

Rock · Post by **Rock** » July 5th, 2011, 7:40 am

ladislav wrote:Angeles city, Philippines. Only one bar has been bought by the Russians.

From what I observed, Angeles may be moving in the direction as Patts - more development, more visitors, and higher prices. Maybe there are not Russians (yet) but some of the hole-in-the-wall bars are being replaced by large and glitzy clubs, high-end hotels (ABC, Lewis Grand) are expanding and several new hotels and condos are being constructed in the vicinity of the strip and Perimeter Road. One of PI's top-tier developers (Ayala) has issued a vote of confidence for the area by launching a major condo project near Marque Mall. Seems to be lots of activity now even though is low season. The Koreans have a big foothold. And prices are moving-up in case you haven't noticed. Just compare things to a few years ago or ask longer term expats.