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Since I last updated this blog, it’s been a crazy 12 days or so. I fractured my rib, got man flu and my notebook died on me, hence infrequent updates recently.

Along with working my arse off and moving into a new apartment, I’m also trying to live a healthy lifestyle, with regular exercise and keeping an eye on my diet. It’s not been easy with a fractured rib, but with dedication it seems to be working as I lost 6kg over the last 6 weeks! So all in all, I’m feeling on top of the world at the moment.

Anyway, here’s a quick video tour of the small apartment I have rented here in Mukdahan (North East Thailand) for a couple of months. I wanted you guys can get an idea of what you can get for a measly $70 per month, in one of the coolest places in South East Asia!

24 Comments »

Comment by Andy
2010-07-13 01:32:30

HAHA

I was inspired and thought I would do a quick search and see what apartments are available there and you came up at the top of Google for Mukdahan Apartment :)

Do you have any tips on finding apartments?

Comment by Chris
2010-07-13 02:13:45

Best bet is to just drive around and ask locals. There are around 20 apartment blocks in Mukdahan, all around the same price range.

Although, unless you know people here, your probably best checking out Khon Kaen, Ubon or Udon first as the infrastructure in these cities would suit most foreigners better.

 
 
Comment by Dan
2010-07-13 01:32:50

This is freaking way too cool! Loved the vid gets me thinking about hardcore baseline/startup scenarios, got a lot of fat on my lifestyle right now!

Comment by Chris
2010-07-13 02:15:20

Fat on the lifestyle or fat around the waist? :)

 
 
Comment by Deano
2010-07-13 02:04:44

Damn i feel ripped off for paying b2300 (£46) a month for my pad in hat yai!

How are you for an internet connection up there?

Comment by Chris
2010-07-13 02:16:54

From my experience, net speeds in Isaan are the fastest in Thailand. I guess this is due to low net penetration in the region.

 
 
Comment by Matt
2010-07-13 02:20:12

Cool video. Shame you didn’t make it to Koh Tao you slacker! Let’s look at some houses on our tour de Isaan. See if we can find a sweet pad with 3 bedrooms, a gym, pool and internet. Will be cheap as chips! Oh… need a big garden for the goat too.

Comment by Chris
2010-07-13 02:25:12

At these prices, it’s possible to get an apartment in every province in Isaan lol

Gutted about Koh Tao… I’ll try and visit soon!

When you coming up to Isaan for some work, healthy living, adventure and FUN then?

 
 
Comment by Ian B.
2010-07-13 10:34:33

How far is it from Chiang Mai / Pai? Been here almost a year…looking into other places relocate for a bit.

Comment by Chris
2010-07-14 06:18:58

Hi Ian,

By Bus it must be 15 plus hours, although I believe there is a connecting flight from Udon (about 5/6 hours away from Mukdahan) to Chiang Mai. Nok air are supposed to launch a flight route from Ubon (about 3 hours away from Mukdahan) to Chiang Mai.

Maybe looking to the Udon area would be a better option for you if you wanted to travel back and forth to Chiang Mai on a regular basis.

 
 
Comment by Sorada
2010-07-16 03:17:08

I am so glad that I found your blog here. You are doing hell of a job documenting your travel and benefiting everyone who is interesting in traveling to asia, especially my birth country of Thailand. I am now in Florida grew up in here in the states. I do speak thai in 5th grade level. We just got back from Thailand last week (Bangkok and Krabi). Although, the weather was not on our side we had a blast. Didn’t make it to Koi Phi Phi, but enjoyed reading yours adventure there. We are planning coming back to next year for 2 weeks. Maybe the northern part like Chain Rai or Chain Mai. Any suggestion? In June 2011. Thanks and be safe.

Comment by Chris
2010-07-18 22:12:44

thanks for the kind words!

As for suggestions, it’s easy to have a good time in any art of Thailand :)

 
 
Comment by Gary Davies
2010-07-18 12:32:08

Such a bargain. I might have to consider renting monthly so I can stay out there longer. What are the gyms and swimming pools like in Mukdahan? How much do you rate Ubon?
Hope you’re well sounds like you are!

Comment by Chris
2010-07-18 22:15:48

I haven’t checked out any Gum’s in Mukdahan, although there is a great swimming pool here. I’m sure there are plenty of pool’s + gym’s in Ubon though.

Ubon is a cool city. Although it’s the biggest city in Isaan, to me, it actually feels smaller than Udon and KK. Some excellent restaurants, nightlife, bars and shopping malls. I’d recommend spending a month in KK and a month in Ubon to get a feel of what you like best.

 
 
Comment by David
2010-07-20 03:19:52

What about your motorbike? Can you tell us more about that?
Do you buy and sell a motorbike every time you relocate?

Comment by Chris
2010-08-02 07:41:15

Nope… As my GF is from Mukdahan, it made sense as even if we didn’t live here (and we are only staying here short term), we would visit often and use the bike. Plus, bikes here are cheap.

 
 
Comment by park
2010-07-20 08:39:02

hi i was born in mukdahan thanks for promoting my city. your a nice guy. my dad and mum building a guest house at this moment so if you like i send you some photos when im back in thailand

Comment by Chris
2010-08-02 07:41:34

Please do!

 
 
Comment by Lynn
2010-07-20 20:08:56

Just popped in to see what you’ve been up to lately and, as usual, you didn’t disappoint. LOL I’m sorry to hear you hurt yourself AND got sick but your apartment is a STEAL at that rate! Thanks for the video!

Comment by Chris
2010-08-02 07:41:58

Thanks Lynn!

 
 
Comment by Keith
2010-07-25 04:54:03

Incredible! What would you estimate your total monthly living costs to be?

Comment by Chris
2010-08-02 07:42:53

Excluding drink and partying, you could have a great lifestyle here on 40-50k a month.

 
 
Comment by tikitravel
2010-07-30 17:22:49

Great post! I still can’t believe how cheap it is to live in Thailand. I’m thinking of moving there next year and want to rent monthly but would still like to move around a bit, maybe every couple months or so. Are the renters ok with giving you a rate like that if it will only be a month or two?

Comment by Chris
2010-08-02 07:43:42

We are renting on a per month basis, but it’s a little different in Bangkok as most apartments want you to commit to a 6 month lease agreement there.

 
 
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