Fed Up With Overtourism In Thailand
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- Video Description
For many years, I've taken my family to Krabi for short breaks. However, with so much overtourism these days in Thailand's well-known resorts, I couldn't face hordes of tourists.
Instead, I decided to take them to Sichon in Nakhon Sri Thammarat.
It's a lovely, quiet place, reminiscent of Thailand 30 years ago. I was keen to visit before it goes the same way as the other resorts.
We stayed at the Sichon Cabana. I always book my hotels through Agoda in order to get the best deal. Agoda have never given me any problems and their customer service has been good on the occasions I have run into problems elsewhere.
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Sichon Cabana: maps.app.goo.g...
Wat Chedi (Ai Kai) Temple: maps.app.goo.g...
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Having lived in Thailand since 2003, I have booked many hotels while travelling around the country. Occasionally, I have spent an enormous amount of time trying to find the best deal. However, I almost invariably end up booking through Agoda. Not only are Agoda rates almost always the lowest, but it is a company I have learnt to trust over the years. In 2023 there were stories about another large online hotel Booking company (whose name I won't mention) who failed to pay accommodation hosts and whose customers turned up at hotels to find that they did not have a reservation. I have never had any such problems with Agoda, and the few minor issues I've had have been dealt with efficiently by their customer service representatives.
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Being able to read enough basic Thai so that you can negotiate menus and read signs is incredibly useful, and it's not that difficult. It's not like Japanese or Chinese, where you have to remember thousands of characters. Like English, it's just consonants and vowels. Yes, there are more characters than English, but phonetically Thai is a lot more consistent. English vowels and vowel combinations change sound in different words (cough, rough, through, thought, bough, etc). In many ways, Thais is actually easier to learn than English. If you are interested, try the tutorials on my other CZcams channel. With some effort and dedication, you will be able to read quite well after around six months.
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Loved this. Many thanks for taking us along. Sichon looks lovely. Best wishes.
Thank you! Best wishes to you, too 🙏🙏🙏
Great video. Krabi is only crowded at Ao Nang/Railay/ main hot springs etc and Phi Phi. Elsewhere there are few tourists at all.
That's right. The vast majority of tourists only go to a limited number of locations, which get very crowded. The government is trying to promote secondary destinations in order to spread them out.
Thanks for the video. I love Sichon ! It is definitely going to get developed down there quick though. Maybe another couple of years
My thoughts, too. When I talk to the locals, they can't wait because of the money it will bring in. I understand, but since I first visited Thailand 37 years ago I have seen so many lovely places like this turned into overtouristed ghettos. I guess just get to these places before they get ruined.
Good evening Sir, nice to see you again, have a great weekend.
Thanks, you too!
Appreciate the years of boots on ground experience shared
Thanks!
Hi Phil, Its a good time to go on a retreat in Nakhon Si Thammarat with family having said that the Chicken Temple is of great historical value I was there last year while in Hatyai talking about Tourism Thailand depends very much on tourism but it is quite difficult to consolidate the numbers of tourists unless you have a Quota system limited to a certain amount of tourism in popular places like Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Krabi still I am not in favor of control quotas of tourists as it is also helping to boost the economy as well.🙏🙏🙏
Hello Francis. It's a difficult issue for the Thais. Tourism brings in a huge amount of money. To the Thai way of thinking, there can never be enough money, thus, there can never be too many tourists. However, overtourism is not good for the environment, and it puts a strain on the local infrastructure. Phuket's roads are constantly clogged, and there are water supply issues.
The Thais don't want quotas because this would reduce the number of tourists, and therefore reduce tourist income. What they are trying to do is promote secondary destinations, such as Nakhon Sri Thammarat. Thailand understands the problem with overtourism, but instead of trying to reduce tourist numbers, they want to spread tourism to more places. This may be tricky. I read the other day that Chinese tourists won't go off the beaten path, and Russians adore Phuket. They just keep going to the same old places, and it is these places that have the biggest problem with overtourism.
Personally, I don't like crowds, and I don't like the commercialism and tackiness of the big tourist resorts. Fortunately, there are still some quiet places left, but I fear this will change, especially as the government wants tourists to go to these places. We shall see!
Interesting as always!
Thanks!
Great video 😁 I’m the same when my wife goes to Temple. I will let her do her thing. I tend to wait outside. I was recently in Hat Yai just before Thai New Year. I also stayed one night near old Songkhla Town. To my surprise I found an Irish pub. Old fella said he had been in the South for 23 years. Food was good 😁I did get in trouble from my wife because I walked back to my hotel at 10:30pm 😀only 800m
Thanks! At first, I tried to follow the Thais, and I've seen many other farangs doing the same. It just looks (and feels) fake, so I stopped doing it. I was in Songkhla old town a couple of weeks ago. Apart from the traffic, and not being able to walk on the sidewalks because of parked cars, it's a nice place. My wife complains if I park my car and she has to walk more than 50m.
Temples vary a lot don't they. Some are very commercially oriented.
I am Buddhist but from the Tibetan school. What a fascinating spot.
Re assimilating, I think that would take 20 lifetimes rather than 20 years!
They are! This one was very commercial because of the cult that has grown up around Ai Kai. But at least some of the money is donated to good causes.
My thinking before I moved to Thailand that I would eventually assimilate was down to complete ignorance. At the time, like most people who had only experienced Thailand as a tourist, I knew nothing. I have learnt a lot since then!
Hi Phi, thanks for your informative video. Have been wondering what's the background of the cockerel & the temple. In my opinion Malaysian simply loves thai, chinese and muslim foods, shopping as well as the vibes in Hatyai (eventhough with the current weaker exchange). Probably they are bored travelling around their own country so frequently and Hatyai (southern Thailand) offer something different. Singapore is too expensive to visit. Sabah and Sarawak is too far for them. Sorry, I too is guilty of contributing to the number of overtourism in Hatyai occasionally (hahaha).
Last November when I was in Hatyai somewhere near Kim Yong Market, I have witnessed an accident at night, it seems one the motor cyclist beat the traffic and crash in the another motor cyclist (pray that victims are okay). The incident at times still linger in mind. We really have to be careful when crossing traffic lights, green doesn't mean you can go, it's safer to pause for a moment look around before moving on.
Bye for now, take care. Cheers!!!
Hello Xunde! The Malaysian tourism in Hat Yai isn't too bad, and it's not like Phuket for a few reasons. Firstly, it's only Malaysians and Singaporeans. Secondly, it's not all the time. We did our monthly shop at Makro today (mid week) and it was very quiet. The Malaysian tourism only affects weekends and holidays. Thirdly, it's really only an issue in downtown Hat Yai. Other places outside the downtown area don't get crowded. It's also good for the Hat Yai economy.
Occasionally, I need to go into central Hat Yai when there are a lot of Malaysian tourists and it's inconvenient, but it's not a major issue. There are other locations in Thailand where overtourism is a much bigger problem. It's also a personal issue for me as I have never liked crowded places or traffic jams. Sichon last week, where it is really quiet, was great. Unfortunately, little places like Sichon don't have all the facilities that me and my kids need. That's why we live in busy Hat Yai, where there are lots of schools, hospitals, shops, etc. It's a bit of a dilemma.
I read an article a little while ago about why Malaysians prefer Hat Yai to Langkawi. It seems to be more convenient (no boats involved) and it's cheaper.
The driving in Thailand isn't great, I'm afraid. Running red lights is a Thai national pastime. Traffic laws are neither followed or enforced most of the time. Most accidents involve motorbikes and because motorcyclists have so little protection, the consequences are often serious.
A number of years ago I saw a serious accident involving two young lads on a bike who had gone through red lights at very high speed and collided with a pickup truck. They were both unconscious on the road and there was lots of blood. I have photos, but CZcams wouldn't like the images.
On one occasion I was in the back of a sawng-thaew just in front of Gim Yong and I was thrown forward violently when the driver slammed on his brakes. Two middle-aged farang women had decided to cross the road on a pedestrian crossing and they obviously didn't realise that Thais don't stop for pedestrians. As you say, you have to be very careful!
@@expatlivinginthailand Yup, agreed that it is on weekend and national or neigbouring states public holiday where it is jam packed in Hatyai especially Lee Garden Plaza area. Mostly arrive by bus, train or fly in, that's why traffic is not really that bad. Ease of transportation too make it easy for Malaysian to travel to Hatyai. For about RM120 we can travel by bus to Hatyai City from KL.
The areas mostly travellers would go to is Gim Yong market, Lee Garden Plaza, Odean Mall, Central Festival mall, temple, Nanyuan Noodle, Chok De Dim Sum, Inter Pork Leg, restaurant Gotea, Makro, Floating market, Songkhla old town and etc.
Langkawi is too 'dry' for my liking and it does not have the attraction Hatyai has to offer. Been there once and it is enough for me. As for Hatyai, we can go there every 6 month. The feeling is good when we arrived there, is like going back your 'kampung', don't know whether other would agree with me. Last year June, I went there with my family by flight and in November, I drove there with my wife. I like to drive in there but the journey from KL to Hatyai is quite taxing. Once there, I have the freedom to drive around if I like to otherwise just take Grab to move around depending on the Hotel parking lots available. Road safety is number one priority every time and every where.
@@xundestravelfood7055 I've seen a few reports about improved train services from Malaysia to Hat Yai, including a special KTMB train from KL for RM95. On one trip to Malaysia, I saw package trips to Hat Yai advertised for RM300 - transport, accommodation, and a bit of sightseeing. That's very cheap.
I find it strange why Malaysians always go to the same places when they are here. They seem very stuck in their ways. Chok Dee dim sum is always packed with Malaysian tourists, but I think that certain other dim sum restaurants are better. There's a place called Nora Plaza that sells tourist trinkets, and there are always lots of Malaysian tour buses outside. I would imagine that the drivers get a commission from the shop for taking tourists there. We do our monthly grocery shopping at Makro and there are always lots of Malaysian vehicles in the car park.
Judging by the number of cars in Hat Yai with Malaysian plates, a lot of Malaysians drive up. My son got quite excited this morning on the way to Makro. There were three Malaysian cars travelling together - a BMW M4, and two Porsche 911s, one was a GT3 RS. Thai 911s are almost non-existent in Hat Yai, but we see them occasionally from Malaysia. A few weeks ago I saw a Rolls Royce Cullinan (SUV) with Malaysian plates - the first (and only) one I have seen. The economy is struggling, but there are still some Malaysians who are obviously doing OK!
Anyway, thanks for your insights. I've been here 21 years now and everything is so familiar to me that I can't really see the attraction. It baffles me why the town is so popular with Malaysians, but you have given me a different perspective.
@@expatlivinginthailand Since the 80s till todate, I have been there for many hunting times but can't master their language except some simple vocabulary and some road direction. I am amazed how you could master (read and speak) the language so well. By driving around, I could at least able to learn some road directions.
Malaysian rich are getting richer (better business) but the poor are getting poorer (due to more costly living now).
Yup, there has been some special offer from the Malaysian Railway Co. to go directly into Hatyai from KL somewhere end of May 2024. I am sure it will be fully taken up into no time, it is real cheap.
To tell you frankly, some of the things at Makro are not that cheap as compared to Malaysia supermart prices, for them it is the 'good feeling' to purchase such items there eventhough it is probably cheaper by a few cents or even more expensive (due to weaker exchange, it use to be RM1 to 10 baht). They would then go back home to distribute to their relatives, friends or colleagues as gifts or purchase on behalf. Most popular items is the Siang Pure Oil (mentol) or Snake Power, the travellers would purchase in dozens, it's crazy. That's why, Odean Mall supermarket can still survive even going through Covid. With the good feeling, they are not bother of the hassle of the weight items they are carrying. Anyway so long they are happy with things, it's fine with that.
Personally, I prefer Ama Dim Sum than Chok Dee. The tom yum gong, khao kha moo, chicken rice, wan tan mee, fried chicken, mango sticky rice to name a few are one class above of those in KL. That's why when are craving for it (hahaha), we don't mind bearing 8 hours journey and spending travelling and accommodation costs to go there.
@@xundestravelfood7055 The language is tough. Thais never expect a foreigner to speak Thai, so they don't bother listening when I speak. But I can understand a lot of what they say, and being able to read is very useful.
The rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer is a global phenomenon. I've watched videos about how Malaysians dipped into their EPF when they were short of money during Covid, and now they will never have enough pension to retire. On the other hand, I see many very expensive cars in Hat Yai being driven up from Malaysia.
I find it interesting what Malaysians buy here and what Thais buy in Malaysia. Kids' toys, Lego and bicycles are cheaper in Malaysia. We have friends who lived in KL for three years and whenever they came home they would buy furniture, fruit and seafood because these things were expensive in Malaysia. I know that Malaysians like to buy Zebra and Seagull pots and pans in Hat Yai.
I've never seen household bleach sold in Thai supermarkets. A lot of Depex from Malaysia is brought over the border and sold here in small shops. A lot of stuff in Gim Yong market comes from Malaysia.
This merit making thing is also very similar to malays as well, we use the word pahala which is pali/sanskrit of origin however being muslims now the meaning is more towards making good works.
Thanks for the info! Merit making is fine. We should all do things to help others. The Thai form is often done in a very conspicuous fashion at temples, and it is often done with the expectation that there will be a reward of some kind. I think it can be done inconspicuously, and there shouldn't be any expectation of a reward. Anyway, they are just my views.
@@expatlivinginthailand it's the same thing for most Malay Muslims the merit making is to enter heaven (surga - another Buddhist word which has been islamicised) and to avoid neraka (hell - reislamicized Buddhist word as well), and for other worldly favours. Malays may resort to animistic practices as well using magic, making offerings and use of amulets, but this is against islamic teachings and is related to witchcraft and paganism. It used to be okay to do this things, but religion changes, extreme ideas comes in and all these animistic practices have remained hidden. The Southern Thai - Malay movie khon kaek highlights some of these practices.
@shahesfelazi8549 An excellent analysis. If you read about Buddhism, there is nothing about magical amulets or tattoos, either. Some famous Buddhist monks in the past have spoken out about these practiced that have nothing to do with Buddhism. However, the old animist practices continue. I haven't seen that movie. Kaek means 'guest' and is a derogatory term for Indians, Arabs, etc. Khon, I guess, just means people. Thanks for your interesting comments.
As a regular(ish) tourist to Thailand, I complain often about overtourism there.. which makes me such a hypocrite, cos I guess I contribute to the problem! In my defence, I do try to go on weekdays when tourist numbers are lower. My next trip to Hat Yai though is next month on a weekend (I registered for the 10K of the Hat Yai Marathon).. so, sorry in advance for adding to the crowds 🥴
That bit about the mischievous spirit reminds me of an episode I once had while staying at a budget hotel (not sure if I should name the hotel) near the Hat Yai railway station. Make of this what you will.. but it felt like someone or something (perhaps a small kid?) was jumping up and down on the bed 🤔 and the water bottle I left on the TV looked like it was rocking side to side. I'm hardly superstitious.. but that's how it was 🤷♂
For what it's worth.. I enjoy your videos exactly because you are honest with your opinions, rather than whitewashing things to appease feelings.. so don't worry about sounding cynical. And I couldn't agree more about the West's pronouns and gender nonsense! 😆
It's not hypocritical. I have issues with the current UK immigration policy and get comments about hypocrisy or not understanding irony because I am an immigrant/expat. It's completely different. I didn't arrive in Thailand in a dinghy without any money with an expectation that the Thai government would give me everything. Tourism is fine, but overtourism has an adverse effect on the environment, it overloads the local infrastructure, and it disrupts the lives of local people. It needs to be managed. In an attempt to do this, the Thai government is trying to promote secondary destinations (such as Nakhon) in order to reduce tourism numbers elsewhere. I don't have any statistics, but probably 95% of tourists only go to half a dozen destinations in Thailand.
Wow, you had a real life poltergeist experience! How interesting, but I don't think I'd go back to the same hotel. Maybe I am TOO cynical about these things, and these things really do exist. I always appreciate the balanced views in your comments. Thanks!
Immigrants just want the government to give them everything they- says the guy that comes from the lands that were built on the back of immigrant labor. lol. Stick to what you know, not blinkered politically driven views on immigration.
Over tourism in Hatyai from Malaysians only on certain days ie. long public and school holidays, averaging the most twice or thrice monthly..compare with more popular places like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pattaya, almost year round. Personally I will always avoid visiting Hatyai during holidays season unless it clash with an event, eg next month Hatyai Marathon on 25th May which is also Malaysia school holidays...😃😃.
Yes, there's a difference. There's no high season in Hat Yai, as such, but every weekend is busy these days, and during Malaysian holidays it gets very busy. I think the recent Songkran festival coincided with the end of Ramadan, so it was very busy. There has been far more Malaysian tourism since the end of Covid compared to before Covid.
How is the weekend there or long weekend local holidays???
It's mainly Thai tourists. The hotel told me 20% foreigners, but I only saw a couple of other farangs. I went midweek. I would suspect busier at weekends and Thai holidays, but still not too busy.
I'm very thankful for places like phuket and pattaya where alcohol fueled wild people can go in Thailand to party their brains out. That way, they stay away from the less popular places. Personally, I stay far away from both those places as I just feel they're just completed saturated with tourists.
Bingo! It's great that all the trouble occurs in a few places and that these places are easy to avoid. I've avoided Pattaya (apart from once, briefly) since 1992 and Phuket since 1996. My brother now lives in North Phuket, so I do go there occasionally for family reunions, but not by choice. Phuket seems to have gotten a lot worse since the Russian invasion.
@expatlivinginthailand I've heard similar grumblings from hua hin as well about Russians taking over. My opinion is that aside from prices going up as a result, I've found Russian people keep to themselves. The ones I've been around are not friendly, but as I said, more so keep to themselves. I have no animosity towards them or anyone else as long as they don't bother me, I suppose.
Hi! Im win the boy that talk to you
Hello Win, good to hear from you! I was very impressed with your English today. ประทับใจมาก ! Hope you had fun today at the football competition. Keep studying hard. ตั้งใจเรียนครับ
The spirit offerings are not making merit in a Buddhist way. They pre date Buddhism to earlier spiritual beleifs that have become interwoven into Thai Buddhist practice, sure, just like some Hindu deities and beliefs have as well.
The belief system is basically Animism, which predates Buddhism. Spirits everywhere and lots of superstition!
Just back from Phuket
Never again
Thought i was in Russia
It was horrible
Hello Gangsom! Do you think Luton will avoid the drop this year? We play you soon on the 11th. West Ham have nothing to play for now, so hopefully Luton will pick up a few points and escape relegation. No European games for the Hammers next year - just more mid-table mediocrity. I think Moyes will be going soon.
I only went to Phuket at Christmas to see my brother, who has a house there. I wouldn't have gone otherwise. The traffic is a nightmare and, as you point out, it's not like being in Thailand. It's also expensive.
I can't believe how many stories I've read this year about farangs behaving badly - mostly in Phuket. The last one I read was about two Russians who went to a hospital in Phuket. The fella needing treatment refused to pay his bill and the woman he was with threatened the staff with a baseball bat! Crazy. This sort of stuff, along with all the other incidents, doesn't give us a good name.
Hope you're well and managing to avoid the heat.
Over-tourism?
As a Canadian I am tired of over immigration.lol
Brits and Americans, too! The Great Replacement.
Ah, the great replacement. A solid racist trope. It’s funny to think of a racist touring Thailand feeling superior, and railing against tourism. What a roiling ball of ignorance! lol