Winter is finally over in Europe.
Spring has officially begun.
I used to live in Berlin in Germany. Berlin being situated further inland to the East and winters there are pretty severe . In Frankfurt, where I also used to live, we had some protection from the Taunus mountains on the northern edge of the city, and there are vineyards to be found in the Rhine valley over to the west. In Berlin by contrast, I used to say winter lasts a full month longer than in the western part of Germany and Europe.
For the last two years I’ve been living in Antwerp in Belgium. Antwerp’s winter is also relatively mild, being closer to the North Sea than Germany. Cold crisp days with sunshine and blue sky are pleasant and make you feel alive. But on the whole, the winter months tend to be bleak. And it’s flat and windy here, which doesn’t help. What I need is some southern hemisphere sun and warmth.
I used to travel to Asia for a month or so every year in the winter. I’ve been to Thailand several times, as well as to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and India.
Now I’m working on my online business I have the opportunity to do this again. It occurred to me that I’m already effectively location independent.
Why not winter over in South East Asia? There’s no reason why I shouldn’t in future spend the whole winter period each year over in South East Asia. Fly out at the beginning of November and return at the end of March.
As long as you stick to the low cost countries, it doesn’t cost any more – apart from the flight ticket, to go to the Far East than it does to stay at home for the whole season. The main costs you save on are “heating and eating”.
If you’re in South-East Asia, it’s tropical and so you don’t need any heating (though you might air conditioning). And eating out over there is far cheaper than eating in back home.
Plus if I sublet my apartment for the duration then it need hardly cost much more than the flight ticket. So what am I doing hanging around here in cold Europe? If you’re location independent, then there’s no need for it. Leave it to the commuters and the nine to fivers.
The big question is where to go. One place I really like is Taiwan – but it’s expensive and out of the question for a five month stay. In any case, they only permit you a visa for 2 months at most.
Next preference is Thailand. The problem with Thailand is the visa issue. They only let you stay one month. I think you can obtain a 2 month tourist visa, like I had for Taiwan. As for visa border runs, the Thais have changed the rules and you can now only get a 2 weeks extension if you do this at a land border crossing point (though you can obtain another 1 month if you fly out and back again).
I like Thailand as a visitor, but I’m not sure it’s the best place to live as a foreigner. The people are all smiles it is true. But there’s a lot of racism and superiority attitude there – towards other Asians as well as westerners, who tend to be seen as walking wallets. Some of the types of westerners who go there don’t help in tackling this attitude.
Foreigners aren’t allowed to own property in Thailand either. I’m always amazed by westerners who try to buy property there, businesses, shops, houses or apartments, and who put them in the names of their Thai girlfriends, wives or Thai business partners. I’d never invest any money there and I’d keep my money in banks outside of Thailand. The regulations and attitudes that prevail there would be unacceptable in an EU country. But, it’s their country, so they can do as they like.
A post by a long stay expat on a forum about Thailand said that the problem with the Thai government is that you never know what they’re going to do next. Regulations change continually and unexpectedly, sometimes in contradictory ways.
Thailand is great as a tourist visitor destination. It’s my favourite location in Asia. Delicious food, friendly easy going people, great weather, exotic temples, great Thai massages (the legitimate kind that is). It’s fine if you want to go there and work unofficially on your online business from your laptop.
But I wouldn’t attempt to stay in Thailand longer term. Unless you’re going to teach English, or get married there (or retire there – but beware the regulations regarding minimum capital and where it has to be deposited – and the rules regarding foreigners owning property) – then there’s little chance of doing it legitimately. But if you’re staying there for a month or two then all this stuff doesn’t really need to bother you.
My fav place in Thailand, next to Bangkok is Hua Hin, the King’s seaside resort on the south-east coast. It’s about 5 hours away by train from Bangkok. It’s a smallish place, but growing fast. It’s a mix of smaller guesthouses and large upmarket hotels. But the fact that it’s the Royal Residence by the sea may keep the development in check.
Pattaya on the other hand, almost opposite across the Gulf of Thailand on the other coast, is my least favoured location and about the seediest place in Thailand outside of the Patpong district in Bangkok. Apart from Khao San Road that is, which I think resembles a zoo more than anything else.
Indonesia and especially Bali is a popular location with many online entrepreneurs. I haven’t been there yet, but I think they only allow 1 or 2 month stays.
There’s also the Philippines. Dan Andrews of the Lifestyle Business Podcast is a big fan of the Philippines. I heard the Filipino government modified the visa rules and that you can now get a 6 month visa. I’m not sure of the exact situation here, but it could make the Philippines a more attractive destination than Thailand, at least from the visa regulations point of view. English is also an official language there which is another plus.
Another alternative could be India. For example South India, Goa… I haven’t heard of many online entrepreneurs wintering in India. But India grants you a 6 month visa with no problems. Plus the language is English. Plenty of veggie food as well and also low prices.
But the dirt and poverty is more extreme in India than elsewhere. Plus the general hassle level is higher. I found it pretty hard going when I was there. India’s a vast and fascinating country, but given the choice, I think I’d opt for the Far East.
Another option would be to spend a month or two here and there and maybe visit 3 or 4 different countries during a winter period. I just don’t want to blow a load of money on flights, hotels and so on.
At least winter in Europe is now over for this year. But I’m starting to think about making plans and preparations and decide where to go next winter.
So, any ideas on good locations for wintering in Asia? I’d be especially interested to hear if you’ve had first-hand experience of wintering over in southern India.
Anyway here’s a video from YouTube with some random street scenes from the centre of Bangkok that reminds me of my visits there. The video doesn’t show any major tourist sights, just street scenes of life in the city, or at least in the city centre. I can almost smell the mix of tropical herbs, chili curries, incense and the hot tropical air. Great music soundtrack too.
The video is by Phrakanong and it’s about 9 minutes in duration…
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM6QbzBwJvs
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Written by kevin
Topics: Travel Adventure