Retiring In Pattaya Thailand

Pattaya, in Chonburi province of Thailand, is about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. It is probably the most well-known destination in Thailand for foreigner alike. The Pattaya city and its three beaches – Pattaya, Jomtien, and Naklua – grew rapidly during and after the Vietnam War, when the Americans built a naval base and American GIs invaded the town for “Rest and Recreation”

Today Pattaya boasts dozens of Five-star hotels, luxurious resorts, and a vibrant nightlife with hundreds of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

Pattaya has a large foreigner’s community, with Americans and Brits topping the list. There’s a sizeable population of assorted Europeans and Australians, as well. Two foreigners’ Clubs organize a host of activities for the foreigners. There’s a various of activities going on in the Pattaya city every day. There are two daily English-language newspapers-The Pattaya mail and Pattaya Today-and one free bi-weekly magazine which is called EXPAT.

Pattaya is a prime tourist destination for the pleasure-lover, and lies along the gulf of Thailand 150 km southeast of Bangkok. U-tapao airport is nearby. A taxi to bangkok is Bt 1,200 – 1,500. Buses and trains are much cheaper and service is virtually continual.

But a reasonable drive down the coast brings the visitor back into contact with Thailand. Sattaheep, Chantaburi and Trat are much more traditional.

Here are the comparison between benefit and drawback of retiring in Pattaya.

Benefit of Retiring in Pattaya, Thailand

1. Pattaya has foreigners’ clubs that meet every Sunday. They provide an extensive support network. Each club has a host of special interest groups. One of them provides cheaper health insurance for foreigners.

2. Easy access to Bangkok and all its attractions.

3. Three beaches offer a host of water sports for the active resident.

4. The city is one of the most entertainment capitals of Thailand, with hundreds of beer bars and A-go-go bars that are open to the small hours.

5. A heaven for gay residents for foreigners and gay-lovers.

6. Amazing Array of restaurants, especially for sea-food and international cuisine; five-star hotels for comfortable dining and night-life entertainment.

7. Some of the best sailing and yachting in the country; also a big-game fisherman’s paradise.

8. Well over 20 golf courses in the nearly area.

9. Lots of clubs to join: five Rotary Clubs, a Lions Club, a Sportsman’s club and two prominent yacht clubs.

10. Many business centers to take care of financial and property needs.

Drawback of Retiring in Pattaya, Thailand

1. Up to a million tourists during the November to March. There are a lots of people around here.

2. Overcrowding of beaches during the tourist seasons.

3. Inflated prices for foreigners.

4. Pattaya residents usually get mistaken for tourists until the locals get to know you better and see you frequently.

5. Rush-hour traffic can be as suck as other metropolis, especially during holidays and festivals.

6. Although improvement of environment, the beaches are still polluted with garbage all the times.

7. Booming tourism has caused much environmental degradation of the area.

8. High rate of Crimes.

9. Pattaya continues to have the image of being a city of sin and sex.

Thailand – X2 Samui officially opened its doors

Koh Samui, Thailand – June 2008 – After successfully opening X2 Kui Buri in 2007, X2 Resorts (pronounced “Cross To”), Thailand’s first chain of designer resorts, is ready to unveil the latest X2 Resort at Koh Samui on the 15th June 2008.

Koh Samui, Thailand – June 2008 – After successfully opening X2 Kui Buri in 2007, X2 Resorts (pronounced “Cross To”), Thailand’s first chain of designer resorts, finally opened its doors from the latest X2 Resort; Koh Samui.

Koh Samui Island, the 3rd largest island and one of the most famous beach destinations in Thailand, is becoming increasingly popular for luxurious resorts.

The management team and owner; Astudo Hotel & Resort Management; is holding hands with LIFESTYLEHOTELS to deliver a unique experience of “luxury by design”.

Located on the tranquil Beach of Hua Thanon (South of Lamai) on the south-east coast of Koh Samui, X2 Resort overlooks the Gulf of Thailand with 100 meters of private beachfront where 50 year-old trees provide a true X2 atmosphere……designed to satisfy the spirit.

The resort occupies 5 acres (12 Rais / 20,235 sqm) of land embracing 27 unique designer villas:
- 1 Owner’s Villa
- 1 Suite Pool Villa
- 21 Pool Villas
- 4 Garden Bungalows

The villas range from 110 to 225 sqm with pools of approximately 30 sqm.

Each designer styled private villa features a spacious private terrace, a garden patio, entertainment including a home theatre/ DVD/ LCD with satellite TV, a movie and music library, a selection of magazines and of course free high speed WiFi internet access throughout the resort.

X2 Samui is also equipped with its popular X2 Spa and an impressive outdoor massage pavilion to deliver a combination of traditional massages and spa treatments.

As well as in every other X2 Resort, the well known 4K restaurant and bar (pronounced “fork”) which provides a ‘mix & match’ of eastern and western dishes and the best of fusion, will ensure that every single guest never gets bored. Local products in season and organic ingredients do dominate the menu.

According to Astudo CEO and co-owner Anthony McDonald X2 Samui is truly a totally unique resort. “It is the kind of resort that guests do not want to leave. The service is of course 5-star and the private villas are a sublime relaxing oasis. The peaceful and spacious atmosphere of the resort provides a feeling akin to a 21st century temple experience alike”.

For reservations please telephone +66 2696 8239 or email reservations.samui@X2resorts.com.

For media enquiries please contact:
Piangporn Chaiphet (Ms.)
PR & Events Manager
Phone: +66 2696 8239
E-mail: pr@astudo.com
Web: www.astudo.com / www.X2resorts.com

Guide To A Sailing Holiday In Thailand

The numbers of destination awaiting you within Thailand’s borders is outdone only by the incredible variety. This country offers dramatic scenery, world class diving and great sailing all year-round. Thailand has more than 1,000 miles of mainland coastline bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. With thousands of islands, there are even more miles of beaches, creeks and headlands meeting the sea.

The Kingdom of Thailand is world renowned for its great history. Formerly called Siam, it has seen many conquerors coming from neighboring Asian countries and European explorers. They sought to colonize the island, but Thais were able to defeat them and remained the only country to have evaded colonization in all of Asia. Today Thailand has grown into one huge economic country, with its king as head of state. It is also one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world because of its magnificent sunsets and beautiful beaches that are ideal for even just a one-day sailing in Thailand.

The Andaman Sea, with Phuket as its centre, is a great place for a sailing holiday. Here we find some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in the region, crystal clear waters and stunning geography. The diversity of this geography is also a powerful attraction.

Sailing in Koh Phi Phi Don means taking a chartered boat or yacht into the its clear-blue waters and enjoying its limestone cliffs. You can also choose to dock ashore and dine into luxurious meals prepared by several seafood restaurants. There are also souvenir shops where you can absolutely find a great souvenir on your way home. Koh Phi Phi Lee, on the other hand, becomes a perfect setting for the movie The Beach. It is situated 20 miles on the east side of Phuket. The marvelous sight of the bay is truly a sight to behold for anyone who wishes to see brilliant sunset and sunrise. It also provides a great backdrop for photographs.

Cruising in Thailand in your yacht will not be complete without taking a chance on the Similan Island. It is located 55 miles northwest of Phuket. There are nine islands and small islets that make up this archipelago. Besides sailing, you can enjoy Thailand underwater marine life through snorkeling or diving. You can also experience the marvelous irregular formations of the boulders. Surin Islands, meanwhile, is sacred with lush virgin rain forests and deserted beaches, which are ideal for those who seek privacy while they are in the yacht or chartered catamaran. The Ko Phra Thong is an ultimate holiday paradise because of its unspoiled beauty and great beaches. The island also holds a very big reservoir of fresh water.

Kam, which is found along the Gulf of Thailand, is a haven for travelers. Aside from its white sandy beaches and pristine crystal clear, which appear to be lifted from postcards, black lava stones surface on top of the shallow waters.

Phuket is more developed than any other island in Thailand. But it does not mean there isn’t anything left to be explored. Sailing in Thailand will make you realize that there’s still more than meets the eye.