SIHANOUKVILLE OR PATTAYA ?

So at 53 I'm looking to relocate to either of the two above locations for a year or two. I did a three year stint in Sosua in the DR and a one year stint in Cabarete. So, I am quite familiar with "unique" living in tropical places. I am curious if many people on this forum have had experiences in both locales I indicated above for extended periods of time. My questions, thoughts, concerns are as follows:

Weather:
I have the ability to locate myself anywhere in SE Asia. With that, Has anyone ever chose to move north for the summer months where the weather had more sun and less rain. Has anyone ever experienced the dreaded summer months in both Thailand and Cambodia. What are the comparisons?

Transportation:
I am looking at either renting or purchasing a motorbike. I had one in the DR both times I was there... and it was very worth while. I understand there is a difference in licensing between the 2 countries. Comments? Dealerships?..."Im looking at a 250cc to 400cc enduro style.

Long Term Apt Rental Costs/Amenities: Budget 300.00 to 500.00 USD a month

With a motorbike, I dont need to be in the "Heart" of either of the two towns. A mile or 2 away from the "Hub" of the nightlife is fine by me. If "Im waterfront/beachfront, even better though. Suggestions?

A studio or 1 bedroom is adequate for me. A/C is an option, but a couple good ceiling/floor fans do wonders as well, in the living room and bedroom. I just need a simple kitchen and a queen bed. Second floor or higher would be preferred as security is always on our minds. The same goes for a secure location for my motorbike. It would be great to have abeach, market, grocery store or two close by, as well as a couple of restaurants/bars where a few expats hang out.

Cable/Internet/Consistant Electricity/Inverters: An Absolute Must ! !

"High Speed" wifi would be nice, but I understand those challenges. "Im a sports/news nut so the access to American channels is pretty important. My budget is 50.00 USD plus for these two important elements.

NIGHTLIFE:

If theres a couple of "Beer Bars" locally that would be a bonus. I do understand that I would have to venture into the main town for a better variety and some good times. I would probably want to bring back some "company" once in a while. The thought of dating a "goodgirl" also has seriously crossed my mind.

Any thoughts, ideas and comments on this ?

Employment/Business:

To kill some boredom, I would look at some part time or full time employment. I also have had many successful bars in Canada and also had a very busy one in the DR. I've made money in all of them.

I know the old saying of "how to make a million in a foreign country" ?..Bring 2 million ...lol

Thank you all for your time, comments and wisdom. Maybe we will have a beer together one day.

Will

The fact that nobody has answered yet is a bit strange...

The fact that those are your top two pics for places to move is also a bit strange...

Hi there.

I"m curious as to why those picks would be considered "strange". I've done a fair bit of reading on both locations and from what I"ve absorbed, Cambodia and S'ville would be a cheaper, less hectic version than that of Pattaya.

They are both ocean front and are a far distance from their respective capital cities that dont have ocean views.

Am I missing the boat here ?

If I am...let me know why?

Will

SV is currently a bulldozed construction site with sewage running down main streets,

frank lee bent wrote: ↑Thu Mar 22, 2018 6:02 am SV is currently a bulldozed construction site with sewage running down main streets,

Ant that is the simplified, albeit accurate assessment of what's wrong with shitsville. I would suggest looking at Central or South America

ya, dont go there. it is fucked
you can scroll down here to see how fucked it is
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sihanoukvilleexpats/

It's bad when it's a no-contest and Pattaya is the winner.

Try Jomtien, a few km south of Pattaya, or Bang Saen beach, a little further north of Pattaya, maybe 20km?

Thank you all for your responses to date.

It already looks like my mind is made up.

Next step........apt hunting.

I was looking for a place within a shorter radius of 1 to 3 miles from the heart of pattaya night life.

With a motor bike doing 40 mph perhaps 5 miles plus could also make sense.???

Is anyone staying in such a complex that fits the criteria?,,,,,

Cheers

Will