STRANDED IN PHUKET | DIGITAL NOMAD VLOG 22

[@dericksozo1135]

I really like this vlog because you showed a lot of the things that can go wrong while traveling and being a digital nomad and still kept a very positive attitude throughout. Thanks Chris looking forward to more!

[@Holetsgo]

Hey Chris We went to Patong in January for 20 days (which was about 19 days more than we wanted to stay there!), and we had the same problem with bike rentals wanting to keep our passport. I don't know if you're still in Patong, but if you are, we found a place called "Panda Motorbike for rent" which would let us rent a bike without us having to give away our passports. We had to pay a 2500 baht deposit, but we got it all back when we returned the bike :) Hope the weather improves! Our best day in Phuket was when we jumped on the bike and went North to see the Bang Pae Waterfall (I have a vlog from that day on my channel), so if you're still there and you're getting a bit Bangla-crazy - go North :)

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Shame that we've already left. Would have helped to have this insider knowledge!

[@SeanHendy]

Thoroughly confused. In the first few minutes you say you've got your room with a bed at stash? Then shortly thereafter another hotel?

[@josefl.a.productions8018]

Sean H I think it just didn't work out....

[@ChristheFreelancer]

@Sean H: yeah, Stash wasn't quite what we were expecting

[@bobbrown9079]

The price for lodging at Stash is incredibly inexpensive. Did you leave because the quality was not adequate to your needs or?

[@nik_playsgames3533]

Chris the Freelancer is Denise your friend or girl friend ? I'm sorry I'm new to your channel

[@reachtrita]

Your channel has been really helpful. I'm glad I found you. Your videos are easy to watch, not too much noise, clear, organized and informative. We are a Thai family in the US who wants to relocate back to Thailand.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Thank you!

[@becomelocationindependent1374]

People including myself first thought of Patong when they went to Phuket. Ive been going to Phuket for summer break from Bangkok and found most of the other areas are much nicer and cheaper and cleaner beaches then Patong. You can get a pocket Wifi for 1500 baht then pay about 500 baht per month then get unlimited internet from AIS. Try staying in Kamala, or Rawai or Naiyang and rent a car for a week and check out all the beaches and see where you like to stay. When you find a good cheap place rent a scooter for village travel and take public for further away cause it can be dangerous on narrow roads with scooter. Rainy season expect intermittent tropical rains, dry season expect mostly sunshine. For shopping go to the malls on the east side of the island away from the tourist places and the prices are generally typical thai cheap prices. If you stay at a beach tourist place price is 2 or 3 times higher, if you go 10 minutes from the beach prices are much cheaper. Just wanted to share local knowledge I picked up and encourage people to try non touristic prices of Phuket. We live there part time now and with a car it is cheap living! Just need to know where to go and what to do local style! For more info see updates on my channel: kzbin.info/door/tjK4tMaMnNpY-PX1-Mu9gw

[@SachinSharma-uz2yp]

Loving the videos as usual Chris it's so amazing to see how you're documenting your journey - hope all is well

[@arthurwatts1680]

I don't know how many coffees I'd have to buy to make it viable for a cafe owner to let me use his table+wi-fi all morning, but it would seem that they're up for it. The public libraries here in Oz are a gift to travellers - they can recharge their electronics / work online / apply for jobs etc - but a concept like that seems to be alien in 'user-pays' countries throughout Asia.

[@clivekingshott4323]

It is nice to see you experience and share working conditions in other parts of Thailand. I get the impression you'll be looking forward to getting back to Chiang Mai!

[@TheBudgeteers]

whats up dude! congrats on the 20k...will you be in Thailand from the 4th? if so....beers?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Cheers guys. Still in CM on the 4th. Let me know if you swing by!

[@luvinmysailor]

I like this video. I need to put "don't stay in patong in my notes". We'll be staying in Phuket for a month before heading to Chiang Mai. I'm glad you mentioned not giving up your passport to rent bikes.

[@roadlessandy5393]

Dude, why would you ever stay in Patong? Go to Kamala, Rawai or Chalong

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Wanted to check out both Garage Society and Hatch. Hatch is in Phuket Town and Garage is in Patong. Hence, we choose between the two.

[@poetry-n-motion5563]

@Chris the Freelancer : Hey Chris, you inspire me. Keep up the great work. What model is your laptop ? Having a great day.

[@LEObondTraveller]

Nice one Chris. Discovered you through Paddy Doyle before he was "Paddy Doyle" (-: I lived at the "Cesspool of Tourism" for several years and loved it. Yes not for everyone. Particularly if in a relationship. Otherwise great continuos excitement. I see in your latest vids you're back in Aus at my birthplace the Gold Coast. No 6000 baht per month accommodation there )-: Great to see you living the digital nomad life.

[@JimKackley]

I'd really like to learn more about what Denise does to work remotely. Do you have any plans to do a video on her work? Thanks for the awesome content.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Planning to interview her on my blog. Stay tuned!

[@ltr695]

Chris, why leave CM in the first place? When first went to Thailand headed straight to Patong. Like Bali to Aussies, all head straight there. Once gained a greater understanding of the country. The thought of going there sends shivers down my spine. Enjoying your VLOGS all the same. Good work mate.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

I went down there for research basically. You'll see what I mean in an upcoming video ;)

[@Telluwide]

A totally Pink room. That would drive me nuts!

[@Lucas-og1xq]

Hi Chris, great video. Fellow digital nomad here. Where are you getting the music for your videos?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Epidemic Sounds. Check them out at goo.gl/L0rbfV

[@Lucas-og1xq]

How do you know when it's ok to use a song from SoundCloud in a KZbin video?

[@nitinsampathi]

I'm loving the intro and the more narrative style.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Good to know! Thanks Nitin

[@OMGITSNOTREAL1]

i was in patong one month ago and its reminisce I have walked down the same roads paths as they have.

[@OleksandrPolyeno]

Check out the Sunday walking street in Phuket Town tomorrow. And motorbikes, had you asked about it on Phuket expats/digital nomads groups on fb?

[@blorg8206]

Chris, just as a tip as you mentioned only having 5GB on your phone to tether, you can top up AIS data very cheaply- adding 5GB (valid 7 days) is only 99B. Same price for 4GB valid 15 days or 3GB for a month. Codes here as AIS don't advertise these offers but I have used them for years: www.prothaidd.com/ais-internet-speed-topping/ You need to be on a monthly data plan for these to work but can still be prepaid. I pay them 199/month for the cheapest (1GB) "unlimited" data plan and then just top up using these codes if I need to tether or use more data.

[@dklvch]

Hi Chris! I want to become a digital nomad and I think that college is not a right choice for it, but... What If in age of 30-40 I want more stable life and want to move to USA or Canada (for example). I think many countries don't give working visa for people without degree. What do you think about this?

[@journey_boundYT]

you dont need a degree if your savvy .

[@thezentrader]

Really enjoy your channel!! I was curious to know how the shipping 'system' works in Chiang Mai. If I want to order a large quantity of products will they arrive and if I ship a package is it guaranteed that it will arrive at destination? Looking forward to another 'office of the day!' Thanks again for all this great info!

[@blorg8206]

The postal system is reliable in Thailand, I have always got everything sent from abroad and anything I have posted got to its destination.

[@thezentrader]

Thank you!

[@williamlynd9045]

Chris, I always enjoy your videos, and you obviously put a lot of work into creating good visuals by careful editing, etc. You make the task look easy, but I am sure it is not! I last visited Phuket/Patong about 10 years ago, and planned to go back there with a new friend in April or May 2018, purely for a relaxing holiday, to enjoy the nightlife, etc. - not for working. In view of your comments, do you think I will be disappointed with how the area has developed over the last few years, or were you mainly talking about the digital work environment?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

hmm, it's hard to comment as it depends on what you're after. I'm not a big fan of all that tacy tourism. If you're the same, I definitely would avoid Patong (and even Karon or Kata). There are so many beautiful islands in Thailand other than Phuket, I don't see the need for it.

[@sesskie]

Great video Chris, of all the DN content on youtube I like yours the best - you do a crack up job on tight and tasteful editing coupled with great music! Im a Graphic Designer myself, about to go Nomad within some months, hope to catch you sometime somewhere, I'll buy ya a beer. :) Best of luck in Phuket!

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Thanks Dran

[@asialad80]

Chris i need help. Would like to start vlogging but i need like a mic set up. What you are using? i saw one of your recent interviews where you use mic. cheers j big shout to Denise

[@ChristheFreelancer]

I use two Rode SmartLav+'s for interviews and talking head videos but for vlogs I just use the in-built camera. amzn.to/2nPJK8L

[@noelio67]

Haven't watched ya in a few weeks, was in South Africa.......bloody dangerous place, but do-able.....the weather and currency rate was a plus....looking forward to going back to SE Asia Christmas, Vietnam and Cambodia, but Mexico City for the day of the Dead festival around Halloween.....glad to be back in cold and rainy Ireland though

[@platonicforms562]

Great channel and information, brother. Thanks!

[@olliphoto]

They don´t have the option of copy of the passport ? Is that something you do in Chiang mai + 2000THB ?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Chiang Mai is a lot easier. For example, hired from Mango bikes yesterday. Just had to pay 1,000 baht deposit and send them an email copy of my passport.

[@josefl.a.productions8018]

Great vid brother thanks for the heads up regarding this area ...I see what you mean...not the best area for working....

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Cheers!

[@Adrian-S.]

Great video dude!

[@jpp7728]

Maybe you should vlog on what's nice in Patong. What actually are you planning to do here. It's kinda confusing your vlog??

[@ChristheFreelancer]

What's confusing about it?

[@Angelsk007]

i am sure Denise smiles...but would like to see her smile. she is so pretty!!

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Thanks. I just read her your comment :)

[@BodhiSoftMobileApps]

Denise's smile is stunning - if you watch enough of Chris' videos, you'll see.

[@branniganfarnsworth3342]

How long since you started to learn coding before you felt your were proficient enough to get paid for it?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZW2V54

[@juliam5628]

chris are you going to the phi phi island anytime soon?? i want you to vlog there haha :)

[@ChristheFreelancer]

+Julia M already left Thailand I'm afraid but I have been to Phi Phi. Check out my video 'Crazy week at KoHub'

[@juliam5628]

+Chris the Freelancer oh nooo no more thailand?😭😂 ok i will check it out thanks mate

[@xsuccessx]

could have taken the city bus from patong to phuket town for 30B :) Check out the OutRigger resort on Bang Tao beach!

[@ChristheFreelancer]

True! We took it on the way back from Phuket but the walk from the station adds yet another 30mins.

[@thailandheron]

I could tell by your voice you wern't enjoying yourself. It's almost like a different country compared to the north.

[@chang112x]

great video!

[@maorirascal122]

Hatch and Garage society are excellent, try Sentio as well. Whats the deal with stash, why did you leave? My experience on phuket is its fantastic, you don't get the rubbish that comes with remote working like you do in Chiang mai with all the dropshippers, ebayers and amazon shop owners trying to sell you every scheme known to man. Phuket is more expensive, but thats what filters out the sellers i suppose. Kata, Karon, Kamala are far better options to stay. I steer clear of Patong, it's a tourist rat hole, that does not reflect the true island vibe that phuket has to offer.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

I'm being careful about what i say about Stash. Let's just say it wasn't what we were expecting. There are definitely better options than Patong but without our own transport, it might have been tough to get around

[@maorirascal122]

lol Stash is pretty ghetto, when I started watching I nearly spat my lunch out. It was like a car crash I couldn't turn away from. Hahaha

[@modestas2890]

Denise looks so cute tryna keep up with you in the back haha

[@noelio67]

Noticed a lot of Russian signage in the vid...Patong.....must be a big draw for them....Patong wouldn't be my cup of tea either......it's getting a bit harder these days to stay away from the Western hordes....found Luang Prabang in Laos to kind of Still untouched though...few expats, nothing major.....but a lot of peace and tranquillity....not sure about internet speed though....think it's pretty OK though, thinking back

[@brock501]

Chris, Nice video`s.......... if you are a man you should say 'sawadee krap' and if you are a woman, you should say 'sawadee ka'.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Yeah, I know. Thanks for reminding me lol

[@adamclasic]

the music is kinda giving me nervs i didn't like it

[@ThaimachineFilms]

how u earn youre money to life there ?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

christhefreelancer.com/services/

[@myphilosophy6064]

less music, more talk

[@ChristheFreelancer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6nZe5mehNKVo8U read the comments

[@horstjansen8199]

the music was a bit anoying..