Retire In CAMBODIA Not in THAILAND - The reasons

[@dj_ath]

I'm visiting both. When I retire I'm gonna move around a bit 6 months here 6 months there. Cambodia and Thailand are top on my list 👌

[@jamesncooper]

Best of luck!

[@macdaddymgiarc]

I am a couple years away from full retirement and loving finding new channels from wise folk around the world. Loved this video! Thank you so much and I appreciate your insight. I will keep an eye on your channel - thank you 🙂

[@jamesncooper]

Welcome aboard!

[@bigmikessenioradventures]

I live in Jomtien, Thailand for less than 1k USD per month. My condo The Gallery, is only is only $195 a month, pool, gym, sauna, 2 blocks from beach/beach road, open air market, night market and 100s of bars and ladies.

[@poonlikka6174]

The cheapest condo at the Gallery is now 10000 baht.

[@bigmikessenioradventures]

@@poonlikka6174 Not sure where you got that information but I live here and that’s not what I’m hearing

[@benrawson007]

Yer Cambodia is expensive on some things, particularly rent and it's a dump.

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

That is a nice price for Pattaya. One of my friends lives by Ekamai in Bangkok and is paying $219/month for her brand new 1 bedroom apartment with a gym and pool. She loves it!! Nice and close to walk to the train station!

[@kobebryant33824]

Exactly what i was thinking, Thailand has way more to offer and its at least 25% cheaper, specifically on rent In Cambodia $300 gets you a basic small old school room, $200 in Thailand gets you a much nicer room (white and modern, not old and brown like in Cambodia for that price range) and much more amenities It surprises me at how expensive Cambodia is for what it has to offer, its ridiculous

[@ThailandDantotherescue]

Great video but I prefer Thailand. Better, more reliable infrastructure, great prices on the stuff I need. I don't drink, smoke or have a sex addiction. Buying a condo on jomtien for under 40k so I don't have to worry about rent. 1000$ usd a month in jomtien leaves plenty for a gym membership, a few "massages" a month and a great simple life.

[@molonlabe9602]

Once you have your visa deposit requirement met, outside of the main population centers and tourists spots you can live comfortably on $1,000 in Thailand too, and the infrastructure and medical care is far better than in Cambodia. Rent, water, electricity and internet can be done for $250-$300 per month, one-dish nutritious meals about $200/mnth, which leaves about $500 for the miscellaneous. An unlimited 30mbs data with tethering (60 minutes of calls/mnth) simcard can be had for $5/month (paid annually) and can be used in lieu of the apartment internet. You can even find decent $200-$250 monthly hotel rooms in Pattaya/Hua Hin (internet included) if that's your taste. I would recommend having $1,500 per month available, but you don't necessarily need all of it, depending upon your lifestyle of course.

[@nfthero4280]

I manage $1k/month in Chiang mail.

[@travelwithtony5767]

I lived in Thailand for three years and I agree with you in terms of better medical facilities and overall quality of life is better in Thailand than can be found in Cambodia, however I chose to move to Phenom Phen for two primary reasons..I can open a local bank account and under the retirement visa I can get a one year multi entry for just $350, and both of these things with no minimum income or savings requirements.. I am just one hour away from Bangkok if I want to visit friends etc, so have the best of both worlds.

[@Kenny-bj2zq]

Just curious for tourist which is more safe for a foreigner looking to retire?

[@jamesncooper]

thanks for sharing..

[@nfthero4280]

@@Kenny-bj2zq Thailand

[@melregissings]

I'm not near retirement age but the terrible healthcare system alone would scare me from retiring in Cambodia. The people there just aren't as well educated as Thai. Lots of misdiagnosis even at the high end hospitals. All wealthy Khmer folks go to Thailand for healthcare for a reason! Now i will say Cambodia does have a special quality to it especially if you love to explore untouched places. But that's slowly changing too because of Chinese investment. What makes Thailand great is the diversity of investment across all sectors of their economy. Any development in Cambodia today is coming soley from the Chinese. Once beautiful get aways like Sihounikville have become a dump and other places are bound to follow. My advice would be visit Cambodia but live in Thailand.

[@Dan-xx5jq]

I agree with you based on other KZbinrs I have seen. They complain bitterly about the damage China has done to Cambodia in the name of "development". They are pretty much occupiers of Cambodia and the people of Cambodia better wake up fast! Another point I find is always missing with a lot of retired YTers is health care. Everyone neglects it until they get sick. For me, having gotten sick with GBS and now with the chronic version I know first hand how important health care is! What good is a country if you are dead? The older one gets too, the odds are stacked against you, yet I find so many are in denial. Too me it is like a young family buying a house the first thing they want to know, is the kind of schooling their children are going to go to, first, more than anything else! I heard that medical is good in Thailand and cannot be compared to either Cambodia or the Philippines. In fact I still follow American YTers from the Philippines, as I intended to move to the Philippines at one time, and I have seen that many go to Thailand to get their medical done. A lot have horror stories of healthcare in the Philippines. They seem almost regretful that when they first landed in the Philippines in Asia. that they decided to settle in the Philippines before exploring other countries like Thailand and Malaysia. It is almost like, if there were to do it again they would have picked Thailand but since they found their partners in the Philippines they have no choice but to stay in the Philippines. However one American retiree took his Filipina partner with him to Thailand for his medical check-up and she fell in love with Thailand over the Philippines that they are now looking at options to move to Thailand. They said they had lots to do and see in Thailand, better apartments to rent for the same money and better infrastructure than the Philippines. They found the Thai people very friendly and when they were flooded in their motel and needed to leave, a few Thai neighbors picked them up on their backs and carried them out of the flood waters and refused payment of any kind. I also saw a guy conduct a experiment in Thailand where he sat his laptop and cellphone on a table in a coffee shop and walked out. He returned an hour later and there were still on the table where he left it! Unbelievable!

[@stevenhull5025]

and so do a lot of Americans and Brits who can't afford the healthcare in their own countries.

[@BangTaoBeach]

@@Dan-xx5jq 555

[@whatever_it_takes6691]

This sounds like a man who definitely has done his research!

[@les8518]

I have been retired in Thailand 14 years just over the border from Siem Reap . In that time I have found that more Cambodian people speak more english than the Thai's in the provinces. Plus more Cambodians want to learn english more than the provincial Thai's

[@thesummerthatwas76]

Hello old chap. I've been retired in Pattaya since June 2018 and have recently begun to think about relocating to a different SE Asian country because of the abnormal strength of the Baht against the Pound, Dollar, Yen, Euro - you name it! However, the various prices you quoted for living outside of Central Phnom Penh are much higher than here in Pattaya. My rent for a good sized condo, with two large pools, shops, bars and restaurants onsite is 7,000 Baht a month, or USD202. Electricity is around 1,500 Baht or USD43.50. The water bill is neglible at 160 Baht, or USD4.60. Food and drink are as high or low as one wants it to be, depending on quality and appetite, so I won't make a comparison. The only advantage price-wise in Cambodia's favour that I see clearly is the visa. Thailand charges anything between USD600 and 700 a year, which I find offensive as I spend a lot of foreign currency here and I don't appreciate being rogered every January for the privilege. Still, on balance, I think Thailand wins hands down on affordability and for entertainment

[@jamesncooper]

thanks for sharing..

[@scambodia147]

Cambodia compared to Lieland is a bit rough around the edges,try Kampot maybe with a couple of islands nearby,koh Rong and koh R9ng Saloem.

[@thesummerthatwas76]

@@TheHeinrichSymposium No comment

[@benrawson007]

Cambodia is not as cheap as everyone thinks, it's for somethings. Rent in Cambodia is expensive. And lets be honest, the place is a dump.

[@scambodia147]

@@benrawson007 take your blinkers off!

[@EasternDreamer615]

I’ve spent some time in both and I prefer Cambodia. It feels like more of an undiscovered, unexplored frontier than Thailand in some ways. Both are excellent choices.

[@jamesncooper]

Thanks for sharing!

[@OShackHennessy]

So $1000 for Cambodia and $1500 for Thailand, thanks. The health insurance cost is confusing, I can’t seem to get a real number on an older guy (55-65?) with a few medical problems. I’m wondering if anyone here has it and if they can share costs. I’d like to be fully insured and not have to worry about needing emergency surgery or something.

[@martinherald6492]

@@OShackHennessy Thailand has better hospitals. Thailand has better roads and street foods. I live in Cambodia, where everything else is better. Most expats leave Thailand just because of the visa issues. When you hear descriptions of the visa process, it may sound the similar to Cambodia. But in Thailand, you have to talk to immigration officials yearly and for some every month. Rarely do I hear they are happy and pleased to see you. This has nothing to do, with how long your visa lasts and they can throw you out of the country at any time. Leaving all your friends, house and Thai family behind. The only time in the last 10 years I've had to physically deal with immigration officials in Cambodia, is when I'm entering or leaving the country. Then I just showed them my working visa, now a retirement visa. They check the dates, photo and I walk off. I've had more trouble with my entry into Australia on my Australian passport. Thai/Cambodia visa issues? There's no comparison. Your biggest problem with health insurance, is not the cost. Will they pay out when you really need it? I'm not insured & I don't know which are the good and bad companies. I've had health concerns and I'd recommend Dr Gloria for referrals when you need serious work. Note, she isn't a medical Dr, but was trained as a registered nurse. Anyone can call themselves a Dr here. Her referrals are gold. Medical costs are cheap here and so far my largest medical costs have been for operations for my wife's family. I don't think you can get insurance enough to cover your entire extended family here. As I don't want to have a few regular girlfriends or live in a cave myself. I can recommend Cho Ray as a good budget hospital. Calamette is also cheap with some well trained physicians. But the rooms go back to the stone age and the management there scare me. The Russian/Khmer hospital is a cheap one your extended family might like to use. But if they are in need of some treatment, you may have to show up before they will take your obviously poor family seriously (Oh... a barang is involved! We'll get paid!) Which brings me to another consideration. be careful in Asia. If you are a saint, places like this will take everything you can give, bleed you dry and leave you emotionally and financially bankrupt. Don't be a saint.

[@TOMTOM-nh3nl]

@@martinherald6492 Thank You

[@OShackHennessy]

@@martinherald6492 thank you for the info

[@mrbbkk]

I can easily live in Bangkok or Pattaya on $1000 a month I don't find Cambodia any cheaper but it is a lot filthier and the infrastructure is not nearly as good.The shopping centers are way better in Bangkok. I don't drink alcohol and can easily drink canned or bottled coffee and can cook quite well. I am not really a bar person. I would rather be with a non-bar girl in a restaurant, shopping mall or my home I find many locations in Bangkok or Pattaya are 99% walkable. Bottom line, I much prefer Thailand and for me, the difference in spending is negligible.

[@jamesncooper]

thanking foe sharing

[@stevenhull5025]

Walkable?? Not if you are an amputee like I am

[@Attya-y2y]

You make a very good point when you talk about walkability in Thailand. In that regard, Cambodia is still light years behind. Apart from maybe Siem Reap, being a pedestrian in Cambodia sucks. Cambodians themselves rarely walk, they make even the tiniest of trips on motorbikes. There are no pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in most of Cambodia, especially Phnom Penh. They need to wake up fast in that regard if they want to catch up to Thailand. By comparison, Bangkok has tons of clean, walkable sidewalks, huge parks, tons of little pedestrian-only zones, and a pretty good mass transit system. Very pedestrian-friendly (still not as much as European cities though, but that goes without saying), at least in the city centre and tourist areas

[@زفتموفت]

@@stevenhull5025 deal with it

[@fredziffle1991]

You can get a retirement visa in Thailand, if your married to a Thai you need £10k in a Thai bank in your name, you can run a large house with internet/ TV, car and motor bike for £500/month. We live in Northern Thailand and I transfer £750/month from the UK and we save in a Thai bank after all our expenses including my son's school fees.....

[@jamesncooper]

thanks for sharing

[@simbiotik8480]

You still need to put $10k in the bank even if you are married to a Thai national?

[@oceanearth2243]

Siem Reap is a truly exotic region and mega bang for the buck. I wished to stay longer. Blows Bangkok out of the water in my opinion for overall vibe.

[@benrawson007]

Bangkok is the most visited city in the world along with London and Paris, has a population of 12million, recently voted the best food city in the world. Siem Reap has a population of 250K and is a tourist town full of Chinese. How or why are you comparing the two?

[@dovygoodguy1296]

​@@benrawson007After living in NYC I stay away from the large metropolitan cities! That works in favor of Sirm Reap and even Phnom Penh and maybe Dang, Phuket and Nha Trang.....

[@melregissings]

Cambodia is cheaper but the quality you'll get in Thailand is unmatched. Traveling throughout Cambodia actually got really expensive due to lack of infrastructure. It might take a whole day to reach your destination at much higher cost than Thailand. When i lived in Cambodia i would fly to Thailand for less money than driving from Battambang to Phnom Penh in a private taxi. That's ridiculous. Hotel quality has suffered in Cambodia too. For 20$ you'll get a old dusty room whereas in Thai they have some good options for budget rooms. 100$ room in Cambodia will get you great quality room but in Thai it's going to be outstanding. So yeah definitely cheaper, but when you consider quality your not actually winning by going to Cambodia.

[@jglee6721]

Good point. Also do not get seriously sick and count on getting a good medical care in some of these places. Even in Thailand you would be better off with access to medical care in Bangkok. Out in the provinces can be questionable.

[@-whackd]

Is the street food similar in Cambodia? I used to eat very affordable and healthy meals full of protein and fresh veg with rice for around 30b in Chiang Mai.

[@Mark-dk4fe]

Think baguettes.

[@melregissings]

@@-whackd have to be more careful eating on the street in Cambodia. Their are some good places though.

[@neonboy99]

Actually Thailand is a lot cheaper then Cambodia as we use the USD. Here in Siem Reap you can hardly find any Street food under $1usd. Electricity fees are also way higher then Babgkok but Siem Reap has a small town vibe n a lot less pollution.

[@rogerparis]

Well said and quite accurate.

[@JohnMitch]

The one major thing that put me off retiring Cambodia, is the poor quality of medical service

[@jamesncooper]

They have really good private hospitals here run by Royal Thai Hospitals ..

[@melregissings]

@@jamesncooper i wouldn't chance it. I know people who've gone into those hospitals with minor issues and never came back out. A mild stroke misdiagnosed as meningitis.

[@Dime7378]

Haha,can't get worse than the United Kingdom

[@stevenhull5025]

what put me off was having to pay to live in a sh*t hole.

[@nysonavy100]

@@jamesncooper If you don't know clear about Cambodia, you don't say like this 🤷‍♀️

[@Mikomido5]

It would be nice if more people moved to Cambodia. Thailand would be so much nicer if it become less crowded and less commercialized.

[@EndlessTravels]

ha ha, so leave? Thailand is a very well developed country that attracts a lot, if you want farm town stuff Try Laos, it shares similar culture, almost language and it is rather empty no matter where you go there. Comparing about to many people while in a massive productive country just sounds like crying over being productive

[@pekkaastrom7346]

I agree. Thailand is way too commercial, nowadays. I live in Vietnam, and occasionally visit Cambodia. These two countries are cheaper and more relaxed.

[@Mikomido5]

@@pekkaastrom7346 yes, sad that it is selling out to western culture and appeasing too much to westernization. Thailand needs to preserve its’ roots and culture. That is what makes it so special in the first place.

[@aleks1203]

Thank-you, Buzz. Enjoyed the video. Liked and subscribed. 😊👍

[@Dylan-Blok]

Living in Cambodia now and it is a great place when you're young and bustling and have a hunger for adventure, but in terms of comfort it can be questionable. And $1000 won't really do if you're from the West and like to indulge occasionally.

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

Did you get yourself one of the apartments for $50-$180/month rent???

[@mrbutch308]

Thank you for posting this - it's very informative. I've been to Thailand 3 times and Cambodia once. My impression is that Thailand is more developed, more affluent, better infrastructure. However I was impressed with the fact that Cambodia is cheaper - indeed! - than Thailand. I am now retired, in my sixties, and I will be making my decisions soon. My question: why are you dead set against Phnom Penh?

[@rogermichaelwillis6425]

I lived in Phnom Penh for nine years. I loved it. I'm thinking about going back.

[@jamesncooper]

Not really my cup of tea

[@Attya-y2y]

@Mr Butch : If you like walking around and doing stuff on foot, I would advise against Phnom Penh in its current state. It really isn’t a pedestrian-friendly city at all. No real sidewalks, and when there is one, most of the time there will be huge cars parked on it all the way, and you’ll have to walk on the street with the countless motorbikes and cars that you can expect in a big SE Asian city. No real actual public park like we have in western cities or the Lumpini park in Bangkok for example. No fast transit public transportation. If we compare capitals, living in Bangkok is much more confortable than in Phnom Penh for example, at least for someone who likes walking around. I would guess that could be a reason why many retirees prefer Siem Reap over Phnom Penh

[@KB3TLE]

Siem Reap is cheaper than the capital from what I hear. That's important to many who want or need to stretch their budgets ?

[@Dan-xx5jq]

One big deciding factor too between say the Philippines and Thailand/Cambodia is Natural disasters. Nobody thinks of them until they experience one. I currently live in the South in the US and know first hand how damaging the hurricanes are. I can say, leaving politics aside, that the storms are getting stronger and more frequent after living in the same location for 30 years. The last 12 years have been the worst ever!! Another reason why I want to leave, as each year one lives in fear with each hurricane season when another big one is going to hit. And even for a very developed nation like the US those storms can bring you to your knees. One has to experience it to know. The older one gets the harder it is to get on that roof to put down a tarp to stop any more rainwater doing any damage and that's if you still have a roof. I have gone through 6weeks without electricity in the US in the middle of hot humid summer where you can't even run a fan. .

[@jamesncooper]

thanks dan

[@karenreaves3650]

I have lived in Florida since I was 10 years old, the storms are manufactured most of the Cabal toys have been taken away. They can only produce them from the Oceans. Our military has taken them over for very good reasons. Ian took out 3 Cemex Operations in Ft Myers, this is a very sickening thing that I am grateful for.

[@bigmikessenioradventures]

I lived in Houston Texas for 40 years. I’ve been through four hurricanes, including hurricane Harvey of 2018 said to be the worst hurricane in American history. If you live in Paradise resort was going to be a trade-off and a risk there is no perfect place to live in a planet live in the tropics you have poisonous snakes, crime weather. 50 people in New York just died from a blizzard so pick your poison

[@thesummerthatwas76]

True that Thailand doesn't get the hurricanes that, say, Florida does. I've visited Florida three times now and the snooker table flatness of the state leaves nowhere to hide when a hurricane hits. I have a close American friend in Florida and he repairs roofs and installs storm windows for a living (a good living!) Thailand gets some very heavy downpours every year during the latter third of the year and there is commonly waste deep flooding in many places (i was marooned in a motel room in Koh Samui for a week in 2018 when the COAST ROAD, of all places, flooded and no vehicles could access me. I have seen similar in Karon Beach, Phuket but the damage and fear is nothing like that what I see on TV when a hurricane strikes.

[@thesummerthatwas76]

@@karenreaves3650 What's that you're saying??

[@arnemcradu6499]

If you are into good wine it’s much cheaper in Cambodia. And some excellent wine shops in pp. Ridiculous tax on wine in Cambodia.

[@stevenhull5025]

Wine??? You had better move to France

[@cddc9310]

Renewal of Thai retirement visa each year cost about $65, do it yourself.

[@BuzzKill67]

Thanks for giving the actual cost per Kwh for electric.. most other channels just give a round about number for a monthly cost but that can vary huge amounts depending on who is controlling the thermostat..

[@jamesncooper]

Great point!

[@shinmira4241]

If I have to would choose to live in Cambodia. I mean Siem Reap is the most affordable and clean place I have ever see in Cambodia. Everything is great foods, clothes, rentals etc.

[@truesouth4784]

Cambodia is great. It's cheap but the healthcare system is lacking. This is where Thailand shines with its world-class healthcare system. The overall infrastructure of Thailand exceeds that of Cambodia by a long way.

[@jamesncooper]

There is Thai healthcare private hospitals here.

[@ben-ow4of]

@@jamesncooper Getting affordable international health insurance is recommended there , ask me how.

[@dexterspeights3484]

Thailand gives you more bang for the buck compared with Cambodia for medical care!

[@stevenhull5025]

and no doubt you would need healthcare once you break both legs falling into those open sewage holes littering the pavement.

[@truesouth4784]

@@stevenhull5025 If you're stupid enough to fall into the holes, then I guess some healthcare would be beneficial. I think for most people, it is a manageable risk.

[@AlainLafond]

As usual with youtubers: They say they have a girlfriend. But it's never included in the account. I am in Thailand, I have to pay 15,000 bahts more for girlfriend. But expat never talk about this. I wounder why? Also, you don't have to go to an agency for visa purposes, if you satisfy the requisite. Only 1,900 bahts.

[@kbird529]

I agree, it’s expected to give your gf an allowance, I had the same experience with 2 different women , and these were normal girls with office jobs. I now prefer to stay single and travel where and when I want, that’s the main reason I came to SE Asia, I keep Chiang Mai as a home base and take 2-5 day trips a couple times of month to others regions of Thailand. Next phase will be venturing to Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Vietnam

[@AlainLafond]

@@chandlerbingbong Isn't it a business. But I'm sure you're an expert on Thailand. Then you must know...

[@chandlerbingbong]

@@AlainLafond You sound hurt by my comment. No I'm not an expert. If I was I'd of bought a bar in a Thai persons name, and lost all my money over a sick buffalo.

[@-whackd]

@@kbird529 It's only expected if you're a really fat wrinkly old guy (allowances). That was never my experience in Thailand when I lived there to train boxing.

[@chandlerbingbong]

@@kbird529 Are Thai guy's expected to give their gf an allowance also?

[@edwardhindseh]

I have a house in Siem Reap. I am in the USA now for medical. Prices are very reasanble.

[@LJ-jq8og]

How are you doing ? DO you rent or own ?

[@stevenhull5025]

$1000 would be enough for a single guy who does not mind a basic lifestyle in either country. However, one goes to these countries to enjoy life not just to exist. You can do that by staying where you currently are. In reality, around $2000 per month would be an ideal amount to live a decent lifestyle.

[@Attya-y2y]

That comment would make sense if everyone had the same needs to consider themselves « enjoying life » Some people can enjoy life while spending less, some people need to spend more. Not judging if it is a good thing or a bad thing, but that’s just how it is. For some people, even 2000/mnth would still not be enough to « enjoy life », and for some others, 1000 or even less can be enough. Everyone enjoys life in their own way

[@bryanbrown8079]

No thanks….but enjoy buddy. Thailand all the way!

[@jamesncooper]

No worries

[@chacmool2581]

I've lived, worked and studied in SEAsia since 2001. I've been to all its countries (save for Brunei), several times in many instances. Where would I retire? My picks are: * Songkhla, Thailand * Bali, Indonesia * Penang, Malaysia

[@briancuthbert4508]

Bali?? You’d need to be a millionaire

[@chacmool2581]

@@briancuthbert4508 Really? We, my wife, son and I, live on USD25,000/year and that includes international school fees. Of course, we don't live in the tourist haunts.

[@gsomethingsomething2658]

Very interesting! I've never been to Songkhla and had never even considered it. May I ask why you rate it so highly? It's certainly on my list to check out now. - Thanks.

[@chacmool2581]

@@gsomethingsomething2658 It's chill, laid back and friendly. Great seafood, not touristy, not expensive. The other plus of that northern Malaysia, southern Thailand area is the relative proximity of Hat Yai, Penang, Alor Setar, Taiping. All reachable in a day or half a day. My top pick is, of course, Georgetown, Penang, but the Malaysia My Second Home visa is now out of reach for anyone but the really wealthy.

[@gsomethingsomething2658]

@@chacmool2581 Again, very interesting. Cheers!

[@fazbell]

Very good advice video. Cambodia seems doable for all of us.

[@jamesncooper]

Yes, true

[@jamestravis1037]

Appreciate your informative video! Planning my first trip to Siem Reap next year....Can;t wait to be there !

[@jamesncooper]

Have fun!

[@carlin1864]

I've lived in both countries. Five years in Phnom Penh. Seven here in Chiangmai. I can't even begin to list the many reasons why I'd never live in Cambodia again - I'd need to write a book. There are so many outdated cliches about Cambodia being quoted in the comments here. Presumably by people who've never been there or have visited briefly as a tourist. Cambodia is cheaper than Thailand ? Complete and utter BS. Try renting a property in Phnom Penh. The greedy Chinese who own the country seem to think its Paris, not the third-world dump it actually is.

[@Vanpaths]

So we were just in Siam Reap, my question is about money. Why do they only want brand new USD dollars. Being an US citizen, we don’t even have that condition of currency in circulation here in the states. We tried to pay a breakfast tab of $5.25 with a $10 USD note. The bill was not ripped it was flat, but it wasn’t crisp and I had fully intended. I’m just leaving the change as a tip however, they would not accept the bill. Then we had gone to an exchange location for Currency and when I gave them a $20 bill there was a small tear into one of the edges of the dollar and they only gave me credit for $19 instead of $20. Why is this country so hell-bent on having only brand new USD dollars in circulation. But the Cambodian currency itself is just like any other paper currency is beat up torn and dirty.

[@Bemath_kh]

@@Vanpaths as a Cambodian, i agree with you. I don't understand why people take care of and value foreign note but not our Khmer riel note. This mindset is hard to change. Even 1$ USD note, recently, some don't accept that note. I'm so confused.

[@Attya-y2y]

Thailand is cheaper for some things, more expensive for others. Overall I would say it is easier to find western standard apartments for cheap in Thailand, due to the large offer and the sheer number of units that have been built during the last decades. In Cambodia, when they renovate apartments to western standard, or have newly built high rise condominiums, they probably will list it for more expensive that it should be (compared to Thailand) because the competition is still way smaller by comparison. Especially in terms of high rise condominium units, which are very numerous in Thailand and still very few in Cambodia. For the food, I would say you can find cheaper food in Cambodia if you only purchase locally produced groceries and cook yourself. If you consider imported products, it will probably be more expensive in Cambodia, because a lot of stuff go through Thailand first, or are actually produced in Thailand itself. Especially fruits for example. If you consider only khmer produced fruits and veggies, it’s going to be cheap, but the choice might be small. The rest is actually imported from Thailand. I would guess that, as far as western standard lifestyles are concerned, it’s easier and cheaper in Thailand at the moment, but Cambodia is going to get cheaper and cheaper when the real estate industry and building projects grow more and more (more offer = cheaper prices) If you live more like a local though, I would say you could probably live for cheaper in Cambodia than you do Thailand, although that is more a personal guess than an actual fact

[@carnivorechronicles]

It’s not the people that are particular about the greenbacks notes being perfect, it is the banks that are sticklers. The banks probably turn them over the the central bank or government and could be the cause of the problems.

[@btkindonesia137]

@@Vanpaths shame, all bent like a 9-bob note, usual nonsense they give.

[@willrols1847]

I live in pattaya The cost of living is roughly the same as in siam reap

[@jamesncooper]

cheers Will

[@Kikiyayazengardens]

I lived in India and Thailand for 11 years. Went back home to take care of mother but now that she is gone I want to retire in Asia. Will it be Krabi, Chiang Rai, Prachuap, Chumphon or Siem Reap? I think I might opt for Cambodia and travel to Thailand on holidays. Update. I moved to Cambodia. Today has been 1 year. Very happy.

[@jamesncooper]

good bbq

[@earlgreco8636]

Thanks for sharing your experience, very useful.

[@jamesncooper]

So nice of you

[@robertnew4568]

I pay 1900B for my retirement visa every year! Your estimates of Thai prices are way off!

[@bikerdash27]

Thank you. Great video.

[@jamesncooper]

Thank you too!

[@JohnSmith-xw4yb]

Thank you Mate, Excellent upload, Cheers and Best wishes...

[@jamesncooper]

Many thanks

[@valerieann8007]

One of my favorite House Hunters International shows was 2 sisters who got a gorgeous 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment of very high quality, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia each bedroom with it's own beautiful long balcony, furnished, for $700/mo, and a gorgeous pool on the rooftop. Now when you say a 1 bedroom w/balcony & pool for $300/mo is that in Siem Reap? Could you please do a video tour of a really nice such apt. for rent in Cambodia?

[@jamesncooper]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3LVmHtqhtqGiM0 Here is my old apartment ..

[@dj_ath]

Wow 👌

[@gsomethingsomething2658]

Siem Reap is about half price for accommodation compared to Phnom Penh.

[@richiemochi]

Cambodia is still very undeveloped. Most westerners will have to live in Phnom Penh or Siem Riep

[@stevenhull5025]

a bit like some areas in America then?

[@pathkris2984]

Wouldn't another major drawback with Cambodia be taxation? I understand Cambodia taxes residents on worldwide income which is a big problem if you have income or investments outside Cambodia. In Thailand, most of the worldwide income is not taxed if it is not brought into the country in the year in which it was earned. This pretty much means you can keep your foreign income/investments from being taxed in Thailand. I would think you don't even have to file a tax return in Thailand if you don't have locally sourced income.

[@skeptical_sorcerer]

But he wasn't talking about taking out residency. If you are on an annual, renewable visa you wouldn't be classed as residing in Cambodia for the purposes of taxation.

[@TheSumo294]

Great question great answer

[@pathkris2984]

@@skeptical_sorcerer Cambodia decides residency by the number of days of presence of anyone within their country. It doesn't matter if you are on a visa, if you stayed inside Cambodia for 182 days or more in a year, you are classified as a resident and subject to worldwide taxation on income.

[@thegoldcoastvibe]

Well done. Very informative.

[@shyamdevadas6099]

Great video. I've heard that Cambodia is up and coming, in terms of retirement. This video was very useful. Thanks!

[@jamesncooper]

You are welcome!

[@therehastobesomethingmoore]

I think someone has to be a hot weather lover to retire in SE Asia, unless you choose Dalat or Baguio city. We are living in our 3rd country in Central America, currently in Xela, Guatemala. We are at almost 8000 feet in elevation so every day high temps are low 70s and lows are 45-50. My wife and I , without budgeting, spend about $1100-$1200/month. We are busy in the day but home in the evenings…we have two senior dogs that cost another $200-$300/month. We will eventually check out lots of spots in South America as well. Temps here are perfect for us…no sweating and our electric bill…almost $0….no air con or heat needed.

[@Vanpaths]

So we were just in Siam Reap, my question is about money. Why do they only want brand new USD dollars. Being an US citizen, we don’t even have that condition of currency in circulation here in the states. We tried to pay a breakfast tab of $5.25 with a $10 USD note. The bill was not ripped it was flat, but it wasn’t crisp and I had fully intended. I’m just leaving the change as a tip however, they would not accept the bill. Then we had gone to an exchange location for Currency and when I gave them a $20 bill there was a small tear into one of the edges of the dollar and they only gave me credit for $19 instead of $20. Why is this country so hell-bent on having only brand new USD dollars in circulation. But the Cambodian currency itself is just like any other paper currency is beat up torn and dirty.

[@EfficientRVer]

I was visiting New Jersey in January 2024, one of the only states where you are not allowed to pump your own gasoline. It came to $15 to top up my Prius for the trip home. The $5 bill I gave them was the new style, but the $10 was Series 1988, before the coloring and so forth. They refused it! I had a new one on me, so it wasn't a problem, but I decided to deposit it in my bank rather than carry it for spending. The times they are a changing, regarding cash. On the other side of the coin, I have various UK Pound notes in various denominations which I found impossible to exchange for USD, even at a casino in Las Vegas. They all use software to display fairly recent notes for the cashier to check the notes against. So I was only able to exchange maybe 60% of the British Pounds and Canadian Dollars I had. I'm tempted to go hang out at an airport terminal with flights to London, and exchange money with people returning to London, giving them the proper price for their dollars and vice versa, instead of both of us taking a hit. It used to be easy to exchange currency at any bank, large or small, any casino....plus any airport for a small loss.

[@BoomerLim]

That is very useful information, thank you for sharing sir.

[@jamesncooper]

You are welcome

[@davidheyes4771]

Thanks for sharing, whilst I've been looking into retiring in either the Caribbean (Dominica) or the canaries (tenerife or Lanzarotte), I've been watching videos from Thailand with the cost of living, condos etc etc, never really seen any from Cambodia to be honest, regards from England 🍺🍺👍

[@thesummerthatwas76]

Hi David. I have lived in Thailand for nearly 5 years now but previously visited Tenerife at least 14 times and Lanzarote 3 times. In fact, just before I retired 5 years ago and came to Thailand to live, I spent 3 months in Playa de Las Americas. I must say that I regret choosing Thailand as I have experienced some very dark aspects of the country which I never saw in the Canaries - things involving corruption, dishonesty, poor education/ignorance and discrimination. I won't say by whom and towards whom for reasons of personal safety. If I could turn back the clock I would choose Tenerife.

[@davidheyes4771]

@@thesummerthatwas76 really appreciate your honest/valuable input, tbh, tenerife is only a

[@davidheyes4771]

@@thesummerthatwas76 four and a half hours away, whilst Thailand is how many?? I think I need to experience both options, thanks again Tom. regards from England 🍺🍺👍

[@thesummerthatwas76]

@@davidheyes4771 Glad to help, David. Good luck with your search.

[@Basman59]

If 1 gallon of water only lasts a week you are not drinking nearly enough even conservatively lets assume non imperial litres to water at 3.8 and 1.5 litres of water a day, so 10.5 a week you are gonna need best part of 3 gallons. In any case $3 is a bargain. Not seeing how you can get an extended visa there per their website. Chiang Mai is considerably a better option. Ecuador and Argentina too cheaper.

[@YourMomTastesGreat]

Argentina is excellent

[@tk4c415]

he said 5 gallons of water will last a week

[@YourMomTastesGreat]

😂😂😂..hamsters worried about how much water a guy drinks...😂😂😂

[@simonbaillieu7976]

thanks for a very entertaining and useful waffle session , really enjoyed

[@jamesncooper]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stevenhull5025]

and that is all it was - waffle

[@HairyPixels]

I visited Cambodia twice for a total of about 30 days and I must say the place is a total dump. I appreciated the foreign owned restaurants which Thailand basically has none but everything else was markedly worse than Thailand. Road conditions were basically unusable outside the city center and extremely dangerous. People who like the feeling on the old impoverished and rundown South East Asia will love Cambodia but for the rest of people Thailand makes far more sense (if you can afford it).

[@vintageexcellence]

That’s what the honest vloggers are saying, trash everywhere, smells like human waste 😮

[@HairyPixels]

@@vintageexcellence Yeah they throw trash everywhere for sure. Taking what would be a pleasant drive in the countryside looked like a baron wasteland with trash dirt and dust everywhere. Bokor mountain was really nice though so there's that.

[@gsomethingsomething2658]

Siem Reap is lovely, cheap, and all the roads were redone over Covid. However, Phnom Penh is an over-priced dump.

[@HairyPixels]

@@gsomethingsomething2658 I only went to Kom Pot (sp?) which had its charms but it went to hell fast outside of a tiny tourist area. I only passed through Phnom Penh a few times but the traffic was insanity and nothing about it looked nice save a few little shops here and there. Miserable weather too btw.

[@gsomethingsomething2658]

@@HairyPixels Well, I've spent 18 years in SE Asia so far, including 12 in Thailand, and I rate Siem Reap highly for long term living.

[@kbird529]

I live in Chiang Mai, total cost last month for me was $950 USD, including scooter rental, 3bd/2bth house, cell service and food. since I dumped my last 2 G/F’s I’ve cut my costs from 2500k per month to 1k or less. GF’s are expensive here in Thailand . What are the girls like in Cambodia, do they have black hearts like the Thai girls. This alone is wanting me to find someplace else to live, I’ll stay single rather than dealing with the Thai women attitudes. Ohhh, but weeds not legal in Cambodia, that’s a big drawback for some of us 😮

[@jglee6721]

They are similar just like their languages and culture.

[@kbird529]

@@jglee6721 thanks

[@davidwilliams-wg9xo]

You're hanging out with the wrong Thailand women. My Thailand girl saves me money. My friends have girlfriends and wives no one is overly expensive for crying out loud. Look for the good one next time oh 555

[@kbird529]

@@davidwilliams-wg9xo Thanks for words or wisdom, the issue is I’m having a difficult time finding the good ones, I don’t hang out in bars, and the ones on dating app’s don’t seem sincere

[@stevenhull5025]

Philippines beckons my friend

[@italogiardina8183]

India, or parts of the sub continent is also relatively affordable and there's a plethora of activities even for the half retired.

[@franciscusjohannesburger3720]

Thank for this video , with good info !

[@jamesncooper]

So nice of you

[@pizzazombie7373]

On my way from Thailand 🇹🇭 great information thanks

[@jamesncooper]

Welcome!

[@Rafi-Tzur]

Thanks for the information. Happy New Year

[@jamesncooper]

Happy new year!

[@sousettyofficial]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@jamesncooper]

Thanks for watching!

[@HemiChrysler]

I disagree with you upon PP. I love the city, especially the riverside, where I can run along the banks of the Tongle Sap river. PP is one of my favourite cities.

[@jamesncooper]

ok

[@BU5TER288]

It's cheaper for a reason! And the food is crap compared to Thailand.

[@BU5TER288]

When I first visited seam reap in the hotel bar I was the only customer to 3 staff. When I asked for ice they just said no have and continued watching TV!!!!

[@btkindonesia137]

@@BU5TER288 lol, did you say '"is that a no then""

[@nathanrains9292]

I have traveled to both and for me I wouldn't choose to move to either. I am guessing that moving in retirement is solely based on cost of living, but for me the areas are only places to visit. Between the 2 I much enjoyed thailand, while Siem Reap Cambodia was fantastic I did not enjoy the rest of the spaces I visited as much. Also, Cambodia was more expensive than thailand. But again to each their own

[@jamesncooper]

Good point!

[@Saul.Goodman99]

Thanks for sharing information ℹ️ 😊

[@jamesncooper]

No problem 👍

[@marialangley5528]

I must say i pay alot less than your estimates in pattaya including my english wife but with your budget people cant go wrong. Even in siem reap cambodia it can be alot cheaper than your estimate but like i said people wont go wrong. Maria and Col

[@Assertiveman]

I love your content I hope you enjoy the rest of your retirement brotha

[@Kosalsom]

Good morning from Phnom Penh, Cambodia 🇰🇭, I am new friend

[@jamesncooper]

Thanks and welcome

[@sanyasuk.8003]

Yes , I agree with you. I'm Thai. The Thai Immigration is horrible. The Visa law is horrible as well.

[@stevenhull5025]

At least you have a visa law unlike the UK where you arrive on rubber boats and get housed in 4 and 5 star hotels for free.

[@jdshemp]

@@stevenhull5025 Same same Merica...

[@guido3771]

What is horrible about it?

[@simbiotik8480]

​@@stevenhull5025So why not do that to save on accommodation?

[@ruthp448]

Thanks for sharing

[@jamesncooper]

My pleasure

[@zandig666]

Thanks bud, I'm pulling the trigger in 2.5 yrs phills is off my list . thailand, cambodia or vietnam interests me. Night life no interest really.

[@GreenGibbon]

Good presentation, helpful, appreciated! :)

[@jamesncooper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ben-ow4of]

Very important is a good but affordable international medical insurance. From experience I know many retired people just cant manage to find coverage and the demand for that is very high! However now its possible to enroll at any age. Ask me how.

[@iloveschicken6527]

I've never thought of seriously moving out of the USA. Thought about the UK and Netherlands over 30 yrs ago. Sounds great where you are but even with the madness going on, I think I'll stay put. I own my property and my bills are super low. My beer is 20.00 per 30 pk. 😎

[@malin5468]

I just retired to Arkansas. I bought a 3 bedroom townhouse near a lake for $160k. The monthly fees are somewhat high $200 per month, then there are property taxes, Medicare payments around $400 per month, car and house insurance, phone and internet. Food and gas are not too bad at the moment, but eating out is three times the price of Thailand or Cambodia. Lack of affordable health insurance rules them out for me. Looking forward to visiting though.

[@JordanShackelford]

USA sucks lol I'm 27 and been in indonesia for 4 months now

[@Jimbo895-y3s]

Thanks Buzz great video!, Unfortunately Thailand changed using monthly income to qualify for retirement and you can no longer use it. So has to be the 800K.

[@jamesncooper]

Thanks for the info

[@guido3771]

Not true.

[@KC-in9px]

$56.75 for a 12 month Thai Non Immigrant Type O Retirement Visa. No travel agent required.

[@risquecat]

I want to live in the countryside , rent a house , and buy a tuk tuk to get around

[@Jodyrides]

$.25 per kilowatt for electric is about double what I pay here in the US.. how much difficulty is it with the language barrier? can you buy a house there if you are not a citizen? are the banks a safe place to put your money? can you just use a credit card everywhere? do they have homeless people panhandling in the big cities? do you have to get tropical disease vaccines annually? What about malaria, is it pretty much wiped out or is it always a risk? is fresh caught seafood readily available?

[@marcvanbrabant3439]

I live Samui for less 200dollars 2 bedroom visa 60dollar retirement i am hère 30 years

[@ratnoinamaew7822]

Go to Jomtien night market excellent Russian home cooked food for next to nothing. I hate restos they add on VAT and Service charge = 17% but not all do.

[@swayp5715]

Thailand still wins hands down and is much better quality all round

[@sbw89]

Nice video my friend! Excellent

[@jamesncooper]

Thanks for the visit

[@AllAboutLifeInThailand]

The Thailand retirement visa is $60 per year, not $400

[@jamesncooper]

oops..

[@riverleigh3251]

Thank you, new channel name? Q - If I wished to work online in Cambodia is that easy to do re visa and tax appreciate any information of yours or others experiences, thank you

[@joobie1000]

Very informative video

[@jamesncooper]

So nice of you

[@peterlinden2634]

Poor air quality seems to plague most SE Asian cities including Siem Reap. I was prepared to move to Chiang Mai but found the air too foul. Wasn't worth sacrificing my health and quality of life to live there.

[@jamesncooper]

thanks for sharing .... i find the air here good ..

[@stevenhull5025]

Maybe Malaysia ?. $200 to $300 per month for a condo outside KL.

[@peterlinden2634]

@@stevenhull5025 Georgetown maybe but KL is very polluted according to the AQI data I read. Besides, Malaysia, is no longer friendly towards expats. Retirement there isn't an option for most.

[@vvdv3444]

Not all cities a lot comes from China. South Thailand and INdonesia is better.

[@peterlinden2634]

@@vvdv3444 Which Thai cities/regions have clean air in your opinion? As far as China causing air pollution in Thailand, that's a bit of a stretch. Just look at a map.

[@stuartbrewster6086]

In pranburi.8.000 baht for a fully furnished house.street food,,40 baht a meal,,me and my wife spend no more than 1000 baht a week on evening meals per week,, motorbike 3.000 baht a month.yes European food more expensive,,,,,,£1000 a month to live not counting health insurance..get out of Pattaya, Bangkok,ect and yes the retirement visa is a night mare

[@stand.6008]

I will probably be staying equally in Cambodia and Pattaya until I need to make a decision on where I want to stay permanently. The Visa situation in Thailand is not good for us falangs...so as long as I don't stay over 180 days in Thailand, I should be fine. Maybe rent a condo for 6 months (leave at day 179) and spend 6+ months in Cambodia. I've been to the Philippines in the 1990's...don't want to live there.

[@alfredkenny7583]

Another great video. I am in the U.K. but looking at retiring in Cambodia. Which has the best medical support Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. If you had a heart attack in either city would there be adequate help to save your life Thanks Alf in

[@guido3771]

1000 USD is okay - with all the features you mentioned - for Thailand when you are under 60 (then health insurance gets expensive - but that is the same everywhere) and don't drink beer regularly. The retirement visa is just about 3500 to 4000 Baht (1900 fee at immigration and a fee for your income confirmation by the embassy). Only those who do not meet the requirements need an "agent" for about 13.000 plus baht to arrange their visa. The great minus to me is the lack of reliability concerning electricity in Cambodia and a lack of good hospitals, the great plus that you can ride small motorbikes without a license. Is the law still existent that prohibits the marriage of foreigners over 55 or so with young women?

[@jamesncooper]

With marriages i don't know the age... I saw before it was un 50..

[@zimben8]

Hi there. This Video is one year old. Im interested to move my retirement place after 18years in Pattaya to PP. I hate the Thai immigration and the 90 day reporting to my "parole officer". Soon this will change here in Thailand. The bad economy and worldwide income taxes, also on pensions. In my case i would have to pay 25%. No way. Then there is the every year about 5months very bad air(90-250 PM2.5). I have enough of Thailand-Thaitanic.

[@Dan-xx5jq]

I have watched quite a few YTers who have visited Cambodia recently and they complain bitterly about the damage China has done to Cambodia in the name of "development". They say the Chinese are pretty much occupiers of Cambodia and the people of Cambodia better wake up fast! Another point I find is always missing with a lot of retired YTers is 'health care'. Everyone neglects it until they get sick. For me, having gotten sick with GBS and now with the chronic version I know first hand how important health care is! What good is a country if you are dead? The older one gets too, the odds are stacked against you, yet I find so many are in denial. Too me it is like a young family buying a house the first thing they want to know, is the kind of schooling their children are going to go to, first, more than anything else! I heard that medical is good in Thailand and cannot be compared to either Cambodia or the Philippines. In fact I still follow American YTers from the Philippines, as I intended to move to the Philippines at one time, and I have seen that many go to Thailand to get their medical done. A lot have horror stories of healthcare in the Philippines. They seem almost regretful that when they first landed in the Philippines in Asia. that they decided to settle in the Philippines before exploring other countries like Thailand and Malaysia. It is almost like, if there were to do it again they would have picked Thailand but since they found their partners in the Philippines they have no choice but to stay in the Philippines. However one American retiree took his Filipina partner with him to Thailand for his medical check-up and she fell in love with Thailand over the Philippines that they are now looking at options to move to Thailand. They said they had lots to do and see in Thailand, better apartments to rent for the same money and better infrastructure than the Philippines. They found the Thai people very friendly and when they were flooded in their motel and needed to leave, a few Thai neighbors picked them up on their backs and carried them out of the flood waters and refused payment of any kind. I also saw a guy conduct a experiment in Thailand where he sat his laptop and cellphone on a table in a coffee shop and walked out. He returned an hour later and there were still on the table where he left it! Unbelievable! I don't know if Cambodia is the same especially since the people are a lot poorer and would be more desperate. Bali seems to offer so much diverse scenery in such a small place! They have developed a lot of tourist locations like waterfalls and parks with mountain views etc. Just incredible for such a small place. They did suffer a lot during the Pandemic as they are completely tourism based. Another island next door is now being developed for tourism which is similar with beautiful beaches. It is more conservative as it is Muslim and not Hindu like Bali. Indonesia has tons of beautiful islands like Bali, none developed. In time they will, as tourism does bring in big money. Tourism does have it's curses. I know that as I visited Goa was a kid some 35 years ago with my parents and recently went back some 5 years ago, and could almost not recognize the place. We spent 6 months in Goa 35 years ago and fell in love with the place, this was before tourism. Now, it has been totally destroyed by tourism. All the natural beauty cut down savagely to build blocks and blocks of flats, second homes for the middle class in India. It is so congested and gets very dirty as they can't keep up with all the domestic people coming in. They say the European tourists no longer go to Goa as they openly lament that the place has been totally destroyed in the name of tourism and greed. The National Geographic which started 30 years ago that Goa was a paradise location now regrets doing so, as they now list it as a perfect example of how a beautiful location can be totally destroyed in name of tourism. I think the Chinese are doing that to Cambodia now from what I have heard. It is sad all these naturally beautiful places around the world get destroyed with tourism not done right! Very sad.

[@jamesncooper]

health care covered in next show ... Chinese influence is in the south .. very littele here..

[@stevenhull5025]

Funny, when I visit Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya they say the same thing about the United States.

[@AskDrAIJames60]

Hello, can you clarify for me, you said you can retire in Thailand with 200.000 bht or monthly income. I was thinking you had to have both. Is it either or?

[@jamesncooper]

800,000bht in the bank or 60,000 per month income.

[@AskDrAIJames60]

@@jamesncooper Cool I have the Monthly income

[@eicisback]

You lost me with the retirement visa costs comparison. Once you meet the financial requirements (800k in the bank for half of the year or 65.000 Thb monthly income), a retirement visa in Thailand only cost 1.900 Thb ($50) if you do it yourself, which is 6 times cheaper than in Cambodia, or around 13.000 Thb (same price like Cambodia), if you decide to use an agent. The only area where Cambodia is a better deal money wise, is the booze. In Thailand, alcohol is indeed 3 times more expensive than in Cambodia. But if you don't really booze, it won't move you. Absolutely everything else is pretty much the same in terms of costs. The huge pluses of Thailand over Cambodia are: the infrastructure, the variety (in terms of scenery, landscapes, entertainment, activities), the simplicity (in regards to transportation, airports, roads, but also everyday life), the world class medical infrastructure of the country, the SAFETY as Thailand is one of the safest countries on the planet and overall, the plethora of choices you'll always get there regardless of the field. One can live a good life anywhere in Thailand with $1.000 a month. (That's around 37.000 Thb). And with some savings aside (just like anywhere in the world) for stormy days, one wiould be just like cruising on flat water. In my opinion, what will then really make the difference and lead to a choice between the two is: - Which of these two countries you visited and LIKED first. - The culture. - The people. - The scenery.

[@jamesncooper]

Thanks for sharing..

[@Attya-y2y]

Very good points. I would add also that we have to keep an eye on how Cambodia is developing, because it seems to make pretty good steps forward. The first long highway/expressway in Cambodia opened last year, linking Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. Another one from Phnom Penh to the Vietnamese border is already approved, and I think one from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is being planned. A lot of shopping malls and high rise buildings are being built in Phnom Penh. I hope they will start thinking about pedestrian friendly infrastructure, parks and public mass transit systems as well in the near future. What we say now regarding Thailand vs Cambodia may not hold completely true 5 or 10 years from now. But as it currently is, I agree with all your points

[@eicisback]

@@Attya-y2y I hear you about the progress Cambodia is on the path of BUT, In terms of development and compared to Thailand, Cambodia has a good 25 years of delay, and there's absolutely no way the country will fill up this gap in 5/10 or even 15 years from now. Actually, I even think Cambodia will never fill up this gap at all and this for 4 main reasons (I don't see changing in the future): - The country is way too poor. - The tourism is way too sporadic. - The investors are nonexistent, especially international. - The international interest (especially in terms of development) is absent or quasi absent. There are a few more reasons, I just mentioned the main ones I see here. Furthermore, Cambodia has a big problem of safety, due to its culture, history and mentality (so it's deeply rooted and impossible to change). I have visited 147 countries and lived in 7, throughout 5 different continents and I can tell without a doubt, that Thailand is one of the safest counties in the world, if not THE safest (it is actually the safest). It's due to its culture, its mentality, its history, so it's deeply rooted and will never change (unless other countries become safer, which is unlikely to happen, lol). So in terms of safety, Thailand and Cambodia are like night and day and again, that's a gap Cambodia will never be able to fill up. The second thing that will never cease to separate these two countries, is the tranquility, the piece of mind. Thailand is a heaven for tranquility, laid back lifestyle, piece of mind retreat, with a deep respect based culture. Again, it's due to its culture, mentality, history, plus religion (Buddhism), so deeply rooted and well attached to the place. Cambodia is the opposite, it's dusty, dirty, noisy and unsafe (unless you isolate yourself in nature, where you'll then have bigger problems, lol). Again, that's another gap Cambodia will never be able to fill up.

[@Attya-y2y]

@@eicisback ​ For sure man, I agree with Thailand being much better. I’m not saying that Cambodia will catch up to Thailand in 5/10 years, nowhere close to that. What I meant is that Cambodia might not be as bad a place to live in 5/10 years from now, and could later on be viewed as a decent alternative to Thailand (especially if Thailand gets more expensive due to a lot of Chinese trying to move in) Also, saying that Cambodia will never be good ever is a bit weird. I don’t know if you are aware, but the reason Thailand are so many decades ahead is also largely due to having been free of any conflicts and having had stable politics and governance for all this time. Khmer Rouges in Cambodia was not so long ago, and they completely destroyed the country and its elite, so Cambodia literally had to start again from scratch while thailand was already starting to boom their economy and development. It has nothing to do with the khmer culture or people, I don’t know where you get that from. Maybe a bad experience in Cambodia?

[@eicisback]

@@Attya-y2y No real bad experience in Cambodia, I've lived there for almost 2 years. I'm not saying it's a bad country at all. It's just a comparison. I'm saying the things that separate Thailand from Cambodia are not light things, those are not small differences. They are profound, deeply rooted and related to these two countries identities, cultures and mentalities, so not to be expected fading away anytime soon.

[@WendyErivwode-kz5us]

My husband and I want to come over for like a year or more. What type of visa should we get? Not looking for retirement visa. Thanks for your video.

[@jamesncooper]

just a tourist visa

[@boogboog8097]

Only if you can't afford thailand.

[@jamesncooper]

for some.. others it's a choice..

[@robertnicholson1409]

You can't retire in Vietnam !

[@jamesncooper]

ok

[@stevenhull5025]

WHO WOULD WANT TO??

[@robertnicholson1409]

@@stevenhull5025 obviously you've never been to Vietnam. Beautiful country and cheap by Western standards but you can't retire there like Thailand, and other places in South East Asia. It is a Communist Country, I'm not fond of commies .

[@guido3771]

@@stevenhull5025 Amazing countryside in the north, probably the best in SE-Asia.

[@garyt8441]

1000 dollars a month is more than i spend in Pattaya and i eat out most nights.

[@phuketrichard]

Far prefer Thailand over Cambodia I lived in Kep for 16 months ( june 22-nov 23) after 30 years in Thailand Now am back in Thailand living better for less money

[@jamesncooper]

thanks for sharing

[@craigmitcham2619]

ha ha loved ur sumarary at the end,

[@miketzai9209]

If i have cambodia retirement visa can i then gp out and in from cambodia, and how long time i have to stay inside of cambodia, i was thinking about, if its possible to get cambodia visa but stay in Thailand for maybe half year and go back to cambodia.

[@jamesncooper]

visa can be multi entry.

[@chheanvibol802]

😍😍😍

[@kamalapel3510]

I like your V blog and giving me good information about Cambodia. May I ask where are you from?

[@jamesncooper]

Yes, thank you

[@donmcdonald4874]

Under 125cc’s or not more than 125cc’s? What insurance do you recommend? What’s the nightlife like?

[@jamesncooper]

don't need insurance for a bike... but you can get.. Nightlife .. loads of choices...

[@stevenhull5025]

Nightlife?? The same as anywhere else. Sitting in rip off bars watching balding old farts acting out fantasies believing they are still attractive to young ladies. Sad really.

[@tisurmaster]

i'm worried about medical/hospital.

[@btkindonesia137]

Anyone mentioned Sihanoukville - suppose to be good? , Cambodia seems years behind to me and that's only my opinion, after spending 3yr in Jakarta anywhere will do at the moment.