Thailand
has a romantic heritage that always beguiles visitors: from the razzle-dazzle
of Bangkok, to the floating markets and silk emporiums.
Picture white-sand beaches, swaying coconut palms, and an evening chorus
of cicadas. Rising from jade and turquoise waters are myriad islands girdled
by coral gardens ...bizarre limestone outcrops smothered in spinach-green
vegetation. Sunsets are incredible with the slow-burning sun dipping
into the sea like a giant red lantern. Then there’s the coast and islands
with their salt-white sands and translucent blue-green seas. Yes,
Thailand has four-million-dollar properties, but you’ll also find nice
homes for well under $150,000. (And if you’re prepared to go off the beaten
track, you’ll find them for below $25,000.) Even in beach resorts like
Pattaya, you can buy a basic studio for under $17,000. In short, there
are properties to meet most people’s pockets. Eating out, living costs,
health care, spa treatments: everything is so affordable it’s almost ridiculous.
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