I feel like I'm on vacation when I watch your videos.

I spent 2 months on Koh Phangan about 30 years ago as a rest after 6 months of travelling - we did one visa run to Malaysia. I was paying 40 baht a night for a hut on the beach. My travelling partner and I simply drank beer and ate local food while staying with a local family and no one else was there. we then realised that maybe Paradise was ephemeral so we had to move on. I returned with my family a couple of years ago, older and wiser, but still eased in to the tranquility.

This is the real place, relaxing Thailand, far away of the stardust of 5 stars hotels.

Koh Phangan is a gem. To me it felt like a place that has been hit with the right amount of tourism. Not too much, but enough to have a lot of available options in terms of accommodation and food while still feeling some authenticity on your stay.

Super bungalows. Modern yet rustic and beaten and somehow looking quality at the same time. Real character.

L'alcove looks exactly like my kinda place with my kinda music. When Thailand opens up I think I'm gonna head straight to ko phagnan and be a regular at that place 😁

Oh Yeah. We definitely will have to check this out after Delta.

Lowering your voice because your neighbor is sleeping is class mate!

Another great vid. keep them coming

Love your style of videos sidetriplife... Not only did they help me with getting through cold rainy weather... Also mapping out side trip destinations once things really open up again. Keep up great content!

Another beautiful day, loving the new room.

Your films always make us feel like we are there with you. Thank you Cath and Kevs x

Loved this video. Castaway place looked amazing. Such a beautiful beach will definitely go there as soon as we can. Cath and Kevs x

Wow those bungalows are amazing and right next to freeway bar. I loved that place beautiful sunset with a sandbar. Absolutely beautiful. Always awaiting your contents.

Hat tip for ending with a repeat of that sunset clip with Esther Phillips' cover of The Beetles' "And I Love Her"...that was perfect.

Just fantastic sunset, can't wait to be there. Keep up the videos, I enjoy them so much.

Always great content. Have a blessed week and weekend

We all need this right now - thanks for taking us along 😎👍👌🙏🍺

(Isobel Jobe) you just always show me the kinda places that we love to stay in. Yes five star Hotels have all the bells and whistles, but,if you want the true Thailand, then you can’t beat a place in the beach! PS your breakfast looked delicious, don’t apologise for liking a bit of bacon, it’s a must have in our house!

@metahduh4003

2 жыл бұрын

Five Star Hotels have a hughe Carbon Footprint.

Love this. This is the life I am working towards. Thank you for sharing.

Another great video,The place looked lovely.

I was looking for Ginger and Maryann ! LOL Thank you for the video ... Enjoy.

You have a knack of finding good places man keep these videos coming and the quality of videos is definitely increasing day by day just keep doing this good work man and ignore the naysayers you are doing a great work !! not like typical youtubers showing everything flashy but no real content I am really hoping that pandemic wavers and i plan a trip there again and will definitely have a catchup with you over some beer !! Cheers

Love your show! Definitely go back to Paradise!

Yeahhh😃, another great movie,ful of good memories. 😃🙏

i do miss those amazing Thai island sunsets!!

Tourism in Thailand was like this 20 year ago. I absolutely understand why we need a return to less complicated travel, I’m also very jealous you can experience Koh Phangan this way.

Nice video! You are so lucky you live in paradise. Me , I’m still in NY. Maybe next year , me and my wife will travel to Thailand for a well deserved vacation. Thanks for the video!

keep 'em coming, brother!

You are one of the best vloggers in Thailand(travel video) , yes I have wait for awesome vlogs for lelaxing , searching for the vibes of travellers..( thanks for the nice place anyway..)

Nice video! I've never been to Koh Phangan yet, but have visited Koh Tao. 🌴☀️⛱️🌊

My 10 year dream to live in Thailand is close to happening. Just applying for my O-A long term visa. Hopefully first week in October I'll be beginning my AQ and then down to Samui to start. I feel it's a very unique time to be there without a flood of tourists and I look forward to being able to support some local businesses. The quality of life, cost of living and culture blows away modern day Canada where I live.

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

North Vancouver is my hometown and yes, cost of living in Thailand is easily 50%+ less overall, 75%+ less for rent. Mind you I do miss rollerblading thru Stanley Park, along the seawall, English Bay & Kits, hiking North Shore Mtns and especially skiing at Whistler...

@mikeyboy3054

2 жыл бұрын

@@SideTripLife Similar memories of Vancouver I share with you. But time to move on. You're lifestyle over there is what I look for. You're videos are getting me through the wait until I get there

@GvanDorst

2 жыл бұрын

@@SideTripLife rollerblading is for kids :-)

@sandramore7021

10 ай бұрын

Did you succeed in acquiring your OA VISA?

I love that you speak soft and quiet.

The beaches and house areas look awesome good for those who loved the beaches.

Love your vids !!!

That sunset 🌅 Amazing 👍✅🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭

Great video 👍. It went by so fast I thought it was only a few minutes long.

These places look wonderful!

Epic. What a amazing place.

You are my inspiration! from a Bangkokian planning the seaside retirement

I was here in 2018, love l’alcove, had several great nights there. Enjoy yourself on KP, a magical island, so want to return in 2022/23. Lucky you ! Love from Ireland 🇮🇪

Amazing this is still available.....what a great place to stay.....outline a book .....or just read 10🥳🤗

Simply Wonderful.... Wish I was there to buy you a Beer.... :-)))))

I love LAcove! Great to see it’s open and busy

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

It really was and will be again but from today takeaway rule in effect on KPG/Tao.

Excellent just love it are u able to do more clips on accommodation from standard to superior if possible ATMS in all areas.👍

Thanks for the upload it looks amazing. We’ve been lockdown for 10 weeks already in Vietnam. No exercise what so ever . We need a Holliday, as soon as this virus is sorted out we’re having one , I feel I never want to be inside ever again . Take care

@GvanDorst

2 жыл бұрын

No exercise what so ever? You can do push-ups, sit-ups and squats everywhere.

Thanks For the video i been there 2019 at same location and i take my dinner at same restaurant , i know them very nice peoples and good food . there is life so far . good improve for Thailand , waiting to open again . thanks and stay safe .

I really like that you list the price of your lodging and items that you purchases. The maps and the routes screen shots are very cool too, feels like I am cruising along with you from one point of interest to another. Links to your previous videos are very cool too, in case viewers want to follow you from trip to trip. Thanks for all the info, I am taking notes.

@SideTripLife

Жыл бұрын

Mike, keep in mind these were 'rona prices. I noted the price in normal times was 1500 Baht/$45 kzread.info/dash/bejne/pmWCm7WpiajPm5s.html Still not bad considering 45 bucks for a tropical beach room (vs $100+ for a crappy motel back in my home;)

Wonderful. Thank you

Hello from Khanom! Always a pleasure to watch your videos!

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Nadinnnnnne:):):) I was just thinking about you and Khanom! I still plan on coming back. Meanwhile, any who have not seen lovely Khanom and Nadine (the Serpent catcher;) please see this vid: kzread.info/dash/bejne/lKuK1peudqjfgrA.html

@nadinegires2375

2 жыл бұрын

@@SideTripLife Good! l thought you had forgotten about lovely Khanom! Koh Phangan looks nice, l should try it... and l have a couple of Swiss friends there in Tong sala. They have a special jewelry shop "Beaton". lf you have a chance to find them, please say hey for me (Bea and Toni) lovely couple

A new vid. I spoke too soon (-: I could look at those huts all day long. Idyllic. Too short. I had my first vac today. Step One to returning to my beloved Thailand .. Good luck with your side project and living there forever.

have loved all your videos as its really helping me to were im going to stay in samuiu and im phangan in march 2023 never been there always went tp puhket but thing this will be some much beter just to sort a nice beach place to pick from both island so a big thanks

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Christian, enjoy your trip! STL

Thank you for sharing 🙏🙏🙏

You need your rhythm for sure. Take your time, we can wait for some great videos.

You cook some good eggs bro - a very underrated skill!!

Paradise.

Totally Awesome as usual ...(TX) Thank You* AGAIN

Good to see busier times👍 Hopefully I'll be arriving Oct/Nov for the sandbox scheme

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Just a heads-up Nigel, KPG/Tao went into takeaway only mode for restaurants yesterday but hopefully by the time you sandbox in they'll be clear. Either way, KPG still gorgeous.

@nigelgarner3913

2 жыл бұрын

@@SideTripLife Thanks for the heads up👍

@cryptocrusader6078

2 жыл бұрын

@@SideTripLife What a joke for a Island

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

@Crypto Crusader I get that any restrictions are frustrating and but I also get that KPG IS indeed just a small Island, with equally small resources - ie just a few ICU beds and very limited resources (which are at capacity already). So this is a precautionary move and as they get a handle on the recent uptick no doubt the restrictions will be lifted soon. Going fwd as Thailand ramps up vax, incoming travel restrictions should also be eased in phases. Let's leave it there Thanks

Great setting, looked wonderful… tbh haven’t been able to watch the walk about videos of Thai resorts and beaches for a while now - as they really bring the memories back. Easier watching the vloggers fools 🤣 but as things seem to be improving this way I felt I could - and glad I did 😎🙏👍🏻 I’ll be bad watching them all now 🇹🇭❤️

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Simo. I feel super grateful and downright LUCKY to be here. Hope you can get back after the coming vax ramp up here. Sure there'll be annual boosters etc but we'll get through this, hang in there.

@SimosThailand

2 жыл бұрын

@@SideTripLife 🤞🙏

And now I'm going ,that is well nice

I keep expecting/hoping to see Anh from Eat Pray Blog pop up in one of your island videos.

Hi sideline good decision moveing upstairs the room/balcony much better have fun fella.

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Thx Tony. Loved the bungalow too just less mozzies/mosquitos upstairs on the balcony at night and brighter room.

@tonytottenham9872

2 жыл бұрын

@@SideTripLife hi sidetriplife sorry about my spelling. this morning had just woke up, nice relaxing music with your sundown dinner.

Love your videos

@beaudelairepeck6804

2 жыл бұрын

Me I really like your style 💯♥️

@beaudelairepeck6804

2 жыл бұрын

I live in Thailand Bangkok I waiting you

Thanks for the memories - I loved this part of Koh Phangan when I stayed there 2+ years ago. My two favorites along that strip were Chana Masala (Indian - not Mexican per vid) and Romanzo Tropicale (Italian). I kept going back to those two so never got to try all the others 😁 The Fruitarian Experience (I'm occasional vegetarian but no man bun 😁) was very cool but map seems to suggest it's permanently closed now - sad if truly so. My only negative about Koh Phangan was the water level on beaches on west side - always too low to swim (and be careful walking as sometimes sea urchins). I gather this changes in winter?

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your fond memories Basil. My previous visit before this one was in December 2020 and tides were indeed higher. As you know first hand West side is typically shallower due to reefs ringing most beaches along an elongated shelf (Hin Kong bay in this vid a good example). During SW Monsoon season (Jun-Oct) diurnal tides are most common with high tide often at night. November kicks off NE monsoon and higher tides. My bad on the 'Mexican' miscue (laughing at myself at this gaffe;) Have eaten at Chana Masala vegetarian INDIAN and agree it really was fantastic, also the the entire atmosphere as you could attest. Don't recall seeing the Fruitarian, hopefully just a temp closure.

@BrokerBasil

2 жыл бұрын

@@SideTripLife Thanks for response. This all makes sense as I'd often hear the waves lapping at my beach hut (OK Bungalows - southern end of Hin Kong) at night. And late one night the Aussie owner (Michael) took his low-powered boat out from shore and towed me and others on an inflatable. Oh and - very relevant for your channel - the resort had a rescued myna bird called Lucky.

Nice song

Love from Sweden

I miss koh pha ngan so much😭

Great breakfast! Thanks for the Guacamole recipe?

Nice 🤗

Could easily spend a couple of months there, the price is right as is the food. I like the quiet life so I would ask for a bungalow away from a ' farang ' and a Thai girl.

Love Koh Phangnan

Thx for taking me virtually to my personal paradise. Isn't castaway a little noisy though due to the road running directly behind it? Didn't sound so but i was always wondering while i was driving past before the pandemic started and ceased my KPG vacations. Thx again and keep up your wonderful videos

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment and for coming along. There's a long high bamboo fence separating the roadway which seems to help, didn't notice much traffic noise.

Lookie Lookie Great Place to Let Your Hair Grow Lap Top and Bucket & Spade Brigade

3:40 that's very consid.......consed......Canadian of you 😁👍

This is so lovely. Your videos are amazing. I wonder if this would still be same price in 2024

@SideTripLife

Ай бұрын

Unfortunately KPG was overrun after 'rona, now so many long stayers rent has gone way up (and it's mainly foreigners who are charging crazy prices driving up costs)

@Thailand-mt9op

Ай бұрын

@@SideTripLife how sad. Glad you got to spend time when it was at its best. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your fascinating life

Hello So nice i see i think you good work now Thailand very very nice sea So nice people like Thailand sea nice i thanks for you to see

Who was that doing the Beatles cover of And I love Her at 14:58? Sounded a bit like Billy Holiday. Perfect mood setter.

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Well spotted MDD. Lesser known but equally amazing Esther Philips: kzread.info/dash/bejne/mZ13yJevpZucfqg.html

The second room, the one upstairs, can you remember the actual rooms number? I'd like to stay there! Thanks for the clips, always so inspiring, I'm just getting ready to book my way over and have an adventure.

@SideTripLife

Ай бұрын

I don't recall the room number but if you say 'same one as sidetriplife' they may remember lol

❤️

Wow Amazing video and perfect trip travel you shoot video very well thank you for sharing 👍I’m from Thailand Pattaya city Do you know? 18:33

Great video mate. What camera do you use?

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I use 1 device, this one: kzread.info/dash/bejne/c6yO0cylgJTUg9Y.html

The vegans will be drooling over the bacon smell dude, you may even convert 1or 2

that's my Evolve gym....great owner and Muay Thai trainers...

@7:32 the name of that popular Mexican restaurant "Channa Massala" sounds like Indian or Pakistani. Great video to watch.

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Damn, I really DID say 'Mexican' lmao! Well spotted and yes, it's a very popular INDIAN Vegetarian restaurant lol

Great videos. BTW, your Australian AUD quotes are waaaaaay off!!! hahaha

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. For sure FX rates always in a state of flux but according to Google FX 7000 THB = 288 AUD today and I quoted 285 a few weeks ago: kzread.info/dash/bejne/pmWCm7WpiajPm5s.html Regardless, great to see the Aussie $ climb back from around 19 to over 24, & similar gains for my Canuck loonie/northern peso;)

Phangan Minigolf is 5 minutes from you , please go there and tell the owner that a follower to you has been there many years ago and remember the dog who name was "Ruter"

I love your channel! I am on my way to KP from Samu prakan, After living here 1 year and teaching I thought I should relocate and I am staying at KP Hut for 2 weeks. What are your recommendations for longer term life and accommodation in KP?

@SideTripLife

10 ай бұрын

Hi, since the time this was filmed, Thailand reopened fully and KPG tourism went well, berserk. There were already foreigners leasing multiple houses and then sub-letting at much higher prices and this has just increased. Also with the huge influx of long stayers it's been tougher to find great value accommodation. But there's still gems to be found, esp in low season so have a look on local FB groups. The largest expat group is Koh Phangan 'Conscious Community' (despite the name, best be wary on there;). Last, as a female also be aware there's many phony 'gurus', life coaches and new age posers who's top priority is feeling more than your energy. Other than that, I love KPG and will return to do a proper follow-up soon. STL

@sandramore7021

10 ай бұрын

@@SideTripLife Oh my God I have seen how much prices have escalated! It is insane! And I don't want any guru's touchy Feeley haha ha I'm just hopeful that I find somewhere quiet that I can read drink good coffee walk on the beach even in the rainy season which apparently I'm going to head in 2 and I welcome any advice you have and are you coming to the island anytime soon? I would love to meet you!

Bacon and egg yummy

Was there air conditioning in the gym?

What time of year was this?

Happiness, more or less It's just a change in me, something in my liberty Oh, my, my Happiness, coming and going I watch you look at me, and watch my fever grow And I know just where I am But I'm a lucky man With fire in my hands

Are there always tourists staying longterm around zen beach bungalows out of fullmoon parties or not ? Plan to stay there 2-3 months but dont want to be alone ) need to meet people to chat too sometimes) locals doesnt like chat alot.

@SideTripLife

6 ай бұрын

Regret to inform you since world travel reopened Koh Phangan has seen the largest influx of long-stayers ever, in fact it has become difficult to find a decent priced bungalow for 2-3 months. Plus foreigners have snapped up many local deals and sublet them to newbie foreigners at exorbitant prices. On the upside (for you, not me;) there's no shortage of people, from wannabe gurus, lost life coaches, phony tantra yoni seekers and on and on... farewell KPG, loved you so much.

what website to use to book these on a month by month basis, or is it better to just arrive in person and browse/book on spot

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Personally almost never book beforehand. I arrive, pay for a night or two, then look around and select a place for longer term. Keep in mind the monthly prices shown in my vid are due to the rona situation. However, can still find monthly prices under 10K/$300 on KPG even in 'normal' times. Again, best pay just a couple nights and look around. A good place to start looking is on Koh Phangan Rentals FB groups.

@tapemamba

2 жыл бұрын

@@SideTripLife great advice. Thx for the quick response. I’m looking to travel with my beagle, are most places dog friendly?

its 3 dollars aus not 16 nice vid mate have a cold one for me

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Danny

If on a retirement visa , if you are staying at a hotel, do you still need to report. Every 90 days , given hotels have to report their guests ? Any gyms on the island ?

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

90 day report for long term visa holders is not the same and separate from TM 30 which the hotel does (or should do). Several great gyms on KPG.

Are you going to Koh Tao next?

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

YES! Stay tuned...

@sebastianruiz4652

2 жыл бұрын

@@SideTripLife always tuned!!! Saludos desde Argentina

oh man need more of you nice Phangan vlogs. But i heard there is something like a lockdown now ... is that right?

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Not a 'lockdown' but from today takeaway only at restaurants, no grouping etc, plus all requested to stay put 9 pm - 4 am unless essential. No matter, this too shall pass, meanwhile, KPG still amazing.

@FINEURBANART

2 жыл бұрын

@@SideTripLife sounds like a proper lockdown for me. fingers crossed not for long

What’s the main entertainment area on the island ? Great channel!

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Thx. The main town on KPG is Thong Sala (will show upcoming) which has several small pubs, etc but there's no 'main' entertainment area on the island other than say infamous Haad Rin/Full Moon Party beach (also upcoming). Each of the idyllic bays and beaches has their own local beach bars, eateries, etc, mostly a chill affair. Will see more of this upcoming and in previous vids: Haad Chao Pao: kzread.info/dash/bejne/nWSnpqxvlKu-ntI.html Haad Yao: kzread.info/dash/bejne/lKN_stKOj7W5oc4.html

@darrenaustralia3623

2 жыл бұрын

@@SideTripLife many thanks any Thai girl bars ?

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Nothing like Pattaya etc (thankfully many would add;). There's a few bars before Ban Tai but that's about it.

Please show more bungalows in this price range , (salad hut 1989 for 2 months)

Can you visit Venus Resort Haadrin?

@SideTripLife

2 жыл бұрын

Haadrin coming up next vid