Opinions, Kanchaburi As An Alternative Place To Live....

[Aussie_Al]

Not really a Hua Hin matter, and appologies if should not be asked; so moderators delete if deemed necessary.

But I was wondering others opinions regarding Kanchanaburi as an alternative place to live....

Given I have spent a bit of time there, on several trips, and note a few things.

Such as although a lot of tourists, there seem to be less farang living there.
As most seem to be bus trips to see the bridge, and Hell fire pass etc; maybe stay a couple of days, then gone.

Hence prices are considerably cheaper for all things, including accommodation/places to rent/buy.

As it is believed rightly, or wrongly; the relatively large number of foreigners living here in Hua Hin, has had an inflationary impact on most prices here.

Therefore I was curious as to others opinions on these issues generally, and Kanchanaburi specifically.

Cheers Allan

[crazy88]

I like Kan and visit quite often as I have friends who live there. Their business involves a lot of travel and much of it in Bangkok so Kan is a convenient base where they also do business. I could not live there retired personally but perhaps my mind will change on that in 25 years. There is simply not enough to do for me. The infrastructure is very good and constantly improving. Land prices are low compared to equivalent in Hua Hin and that of course means that properties are at the kind of prices you would have paid in HH 7-8 years ago. There is no beach and not, as yet, the variety of shopping and activities you have available in HH. If they open the border crossing that will change rapidly.

Regarding costs. Fixed costs are the same such as fuel, food, electric and water. Rents are lower on paper as are purchases of property but that, as everywhere, is relative to location. A beer on the strip by the river will cost you the same as it does outside of the hotels here. Once you have got over the tourist trap phase then I really do not think you would find much difference in general expenses to maintain the same lifestyle. Holiday cheaper for sure.

Crazy 88

[Homer]

Looked at Kanchaburi last year because my closest childhood friend lives there with his Thai wife. Majority of ESL forum posts about quality of life there are positive, except for the heat. According to one climate site it's the second hottest place in Thailand for which there are accurate records: http://www.climate-charts.com/Locations/t/TH48450.php

[barrys]

Looked at Kanchaburi last year... According to one climate site it's the second hottest place in Thailand for which there are accurate records: http://www.climate-charts.com/Locations/t/TH48450.php

Sounds just like the place for hhfarang then

[hhfarang]

Sounds just like the place for hhfarang then

No Barry, the place for me is Alaska, Canada, Scotland, Scandinavia, or maybe Siberia. Ask Perry of Fajitas. I came in there for lunch today after nine holes of golf and there wasn't a dry patch anywhere on my body... seriously, ask him! I looked like I had gone swimming in my clothes! Miserably humid weather at the moment.

[johnnyk]

Is this bar still operating in Kanch?

[Aussie_Al]

Did not see that one, but seriously, I'm not looking much either.
As was a bit busy getting pics of step daughter with "baby" leopard drinking a bottle, in her arms, upside down like a human child.
Baby yea, like the size of a not overweight full grown Labrador.

Although there was one funny one, my wife spotted and pointed out, in Thai and English, the lady bar owner wants to marry a farang.
Very small, hole in the wall bar, on the strip like about 2km down river from the bridge.

[Aussie_Al]

Oh and price wise.

I was speaking of not only rent/buy accommodation stuff.

But also fresh food in the markets, and the smaller cafes/restaurants, even on the strip i referred to above.

[Aussie_Al]

Also like about 130 km upriver from Kan (about 30 km short of the dam/hydro), is a town (can't remember the name but) where the brother in law is a very senior cop, and wife's sis a senior nurse in the small hospital.

So could be a big fish, in a very small pond, type of place, where it doesn't heat up until after noonish time.

The river fishing, and bow hunting the jungle, would be awesome.

But being shown off, and boasted about, as the wealthy farang in the family (so not the real case about wealth); for me got real boring, real quick.

Although on the other hand prices, and perks, may make it worth thinking about.

[PeteC]

The real question is not the prices or perks, but if you really want to go native. It's not for everyone but I know some who would live no other way here. Others hated it and didn't last a month without their 'conveniences'. Perhaps a 6 month trial is the way to go. Truthfully speaking, I think the older one gets the harder it is to adapt to that kind of lifestyle. Pete

[Aussie_Al]

Guess it depends upon the conveniences you are seeking, and ones need for them.
Along with basic leadership stuff, of needs, wants, & desires.

As a young 53, used to the hardships of military life.

I need very little beyond a roof over my head, 3 square meals a day, and a few drinks.

Fun is hunting and fishing, swimming up river in the river Kwaii (usually dammed hard bloody work, done for some degree of fitness), and the family.

And as I am so not a golfer, as many seem to be; that is not an issue I even consider.

Don't know about going native, as much of the same stuff here, can be had there.

[Aussie_Al]

However, I vaguely recall seeing a post somewhere about the few farang living in Kan.

Something about them supposedly being the rejects kicked out of other places, or something along those lines.

Which is a bit of a concern if true.

Although like alot of things in life, it is what one makes it, good, or bad.

[PeteC]

Here's a site you may want to look at if not already. There is also a sub-blog site within. Pete

http://www.pbase.com/win13/muang_kan

[Aussie_Al]

Thanks Pete, some absolutely great pics.

[Huahinian]

I returned yesterday from Kanchanaburi. I can confirm that it is hot = 39C with 85% humidity.

Inspected six golf courses and three hotels during my visit. Hotel prices are much lower than in Hua Hin. Green fees range from Baht 500 to 1,200 but, with the exception of Nichigo, the conditions of the courses was poor to moderate. There is no shortage of water and the poorer conditions seem to be the result of a lack of maintenance and necessary fertilizers. Most courses cater for the Korean market and that appears to be their main market.

We visited the Mida Resort but were surprised to find the Mida Golf course some 30 kilometers away from the hotel. The Mida Golf Club also has accommodation. Confusing!

Kanchanaburi now has an excellent 5-star hotel - Dheva Mantra. Almost next to the Felix Hotel.