Originally Posted by DWB

It's a totally different experience than Bangkok or Phuket. It's slower, in the mountains, 100s of ancient temples everywhere, very friendly locals, 5 or 6 universities (hot girls everywhere), dirt cheap, and lots of people speak English.

It's a very charming place.

You'd do just fine. Lots of people retire there who don't speak the language. You'll learn some as you go. Lots of Thais there speak English. Maybe the largest amount of English [/IMG]