Are you thinking about moving to Thailand but still unsure which part of the country suits you best? Thailand is quite large, with a variety of unique places to call home. Each city has its own charm, offering different vibes, along with distinct pros and cons.
For instance, Bangkok is a bustling metropolis that never sleeps, perfect for those who thrive in a fast-paced city environment. In contrast, Chiang Mai offers a more relaxed pace of life, surrounded by mountainous terrain ideal for outdoor adventures.
Phuket, known for its stunning beaches and countless activities, is a paradise for beach lovers. Meanwhile, Hua Hin provides a quieter coastal experience with a laid-back, easy-going lifestyle.
To help you narrow down your choices, let’s explore the five best places to live in Thailand as an expat.
Bangkok
Bangkok is Thailand’s capital and the largest multinational city in the country. It’s also a major business hub with millions of residents. In fact, hundreds of thousands of expats have called Bangkok home.
There are many reasons why expats in a great option for expats in Thailand:
- Facilities: Bangkok has everything, from excellent medical care, mega shopping malls, and a variety of food in almost every neighborhood.
- Getting Around: Being the center of Thailand, it’s very easy to travel around the country. You can also get around the city quickly. Bangkok has an extensive network of mass transportation systems, including the BTS and MRT, taxis, and public buses.
- Job Opportunities: There are plenty of job opportunities in Bangkok. The city is home to multinational companies including Google and Agoda. Not to mention all the local companies, too. You can find all types of work here, such as IT, teaching, marketing, and hospitality.
- Very Convenient to Live: It’s very convenient to live in Bangkok. If you need to take a taxi, you can use an app and they will pick you up right where you are. If you need food, you can use an app to have food delivered to your door. If you do online shopping, purchases will arrive within a day or two.
- Low Cost of Living: Bangkok also has a low cost of living compared to the world’s standards. Many expats live here comfortably on around THB30,000 to THB70,000 a month.
On the other hand, traffic in Bangkok is pretty heavy all day. There’s also a lack of green space. It’s a hectic city. And the cost of living is still higher than many other parts of Thailand.
Bangkok is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a vibrant city lifestyle, offering everything you could possibly need.
Find out more:
- What Does THB50,000 (US$1,350) Monthly Budget Get You in Bangkok?
- What Does a 50,000 Baht (US$1,350) Monthly Budget Get You in Bangkok Suburbs
- The Big On Nut Guide: Living in Bangkok’s Fastest Growing Neighbourhood
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the hub of Thailand’s northern region and widely considered Thailand’s second largest city. The city is famous for hiking, its distinctive Lanna culture and plenty of cheap and delicious Northern Thai food.
Because of its laid-back atmosphere, Chiang Mai is a popular destination for
- Digital nomads
- Retirees
- Expat families.
That’s not all. Let’s look at some other reasons why Chiang Mai is a good place to live in Thailand.
- A Good Combination of a Big and Small City: Chiang Mai is a mix between a big and small city. You get access to all the amenities and healthcare facilities you would expect from a big city. There are a lot of shopping malls, dental clinics, and international hospitals in Chiang Mai. At the same time, you also get the small-town charm with a slower pace of life, which can be hard to find anywhere else in the country.
- Mountainous Landscape: Since Chiang Mai is surrounded by beautiful mountainous landscapes, there are plenty of trekking and outdoor activities available here. In fact, the highest mountain in Thailand can also be found here.
- Digital Nomads Community: Chiang Mai has long been one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads worldwide. Cozy co-working spaces and fast internet are readily available throughout the city. Additionally, there has been a recent surge in networking events for digital nomads in Chiang Mai.
- Polite and Friendly People: People from Chiang Mai are known for being polite and friendly. There’s also a great expat community in Chiang Mai, meaning you’ll be able to make friends and join local groups.
- Family Friendly: Chiang Mai is also family friendly. It has sixteen international schools and tons of places and festivals for kids to partake in. You can take them to enjoy the city life or take them outdoors for an adventure.
- Low Cost of Living: The cost of living is also relatively low compared to other big cities in Thailand.
On the downside, air pollution becomes hazardous during the burning season, which lasts from January to April each year, discouraging many from living here. Additionally, job opportunities are limited, primarily focused on tourism and teaching, and the city is quite far from the beach.
Find out more:
- What Does THB 50,000 (USD$1,350) a Month Get You in Chiang Mai?
- How to Become a Digital Nomad in Chiang Mai
- The Ultimate Travel Guide to Chiang Mai
Phuket
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and has crystal clear waters and gorgeous tropical beaches. No wonder why it’s one of the world’s most visited destinations. Many expats also call Phuket home, living out their dreams in this beachside paradise.
Here’s why.
- World-class beaches: There’s no need to explain it further—beaches in Phuket are among the best in the world.
- Convenient Living: When living in Phuket, you can enjoy beach-side living without sacrificing the essential amenities you get from a big city. This means you can enjoy sunsets and sunrises by the beach but be able to shoot into town for everything you need.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Phuket also has a vibrant nightlife. But it’s not only about pubs and bars. No matter where you live in Phuket, you can find a place that suits you to enjoy at night.
- Tons of food: If you are a food lover, you’ll love to live here. Phuket has food from all around the world. Not just fresh seafood but Chinese food, French food, Italian food, Spanish food, Georgian cuisine, and much more.
- Good Schools: Although Phuket is a small island, there are a lot of good international schools for kids to study at and places for them to have fun. This means you can bring your entire family and enjoy life here.
- No Air Pollution: This is becoming increasingly important every day. The air quality in Phuket is good all year round.
But Phuket isn’t perfect. It’s hot all year round and experiences heavy rains from May to October. Traffic in Phuket can be bad. The cost of living is also the highest in the country. And you might not get to live near a beach unless you can afford to.
Therefore, if you have the budget and want to live in a true beach paradise, look no further than Phuket.
Pattaya
Pattaya is a coastal town located on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard and known for its nightlife. However, it’s also a popular day-trip destination for many Thais and boasts a number of family-friendly attractions.
Many retirees, digital nomads, and expat families call Pattaya home for many reasons:
- Quality Healthcare: Pattaya’s beach may not be the nicest in Thailand, but the city offers access to a number of high-quality healthcare facilities like Pattaya’s branch of Bangkok Hospital and Pattaya International Hospital.
- Convenient Living: It’s very easy to find things you need in Pattaya. There are many supermarkets and shopping malls in the city, too, including Central Festival Pattaya and Terminal 21 Pattaya. Pattaya also has a Thai immigration office and 12 international schools.
- Proximity to Bangkok: It takes an easy two hours drive to and from Bangkok.
- Cost of Living: Pattaya’s cost of living is also relatively low. It’s much more affordable to live by the beach in Pattaya than in Phuket. You can live here comfortably on about 30,000 baht a month. For a family of four, it could cost around 60,000 baht a month.
Because of this, Pattaya is especially popular for retirees and families.
If you decide to live in Pattaya, be extra careful when you drive at night because of the many drunk drivers. Food costs here can also be high. And Pattaya doesn’t have a good reputation with nightlife.
Enter the water at your own risk.
Find out more: What Does a THB50,000 (US$1,350) Monthly Budget Get You in Pattaya?
Hua Hin
Compared to Pattaya and Phuket, Hua Hin has more of an old-school family-friendly resort town feel. Think less “discos and flashing lights” and more “golf courses and spa weekends.”
This is what makes Hua Hin a good place to live.
- Peaceful Beach Living: Hua Hin is a quiet beach town that offers a relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal location for expats, families, and retirees who want to live near the sea without the loud nightlife.
- Good Weather: Weather in Hua Hin is mild all year around. It’s not as hot as in the north during summer or rainy as in the South of Thailand.
- Activities: Hua Hin offers plenty of activities, especially for families, ranging from water parks to zoos. For those looking for nightlife, there’s also a fair share of partying—if you know where to look.
- Facilities: Although Hua Hin is a small and quiet town, it has everything you need for daily life, including several shopping malls, an international school, and a reputable private hospital.
However, Hua Hin may feel too sleepy if you are an outgoing person with a dynamic lifestyle. Additionally, it’s a bit remote—about a three-hour drive from Bangkok. While Hua Hin does have an international airport, it’s small with limited flights, and many people are unaware of its existence.
If you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere with beautiful beaches, Hua Hin could be the perfect fit. However, its slower pace may not appeal to everyone, particularly younger expats.
Find out more: What Does A THB50,000 (US$1,350) Monthly Budget Get You in Hua Hin?
Now, on to You
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Hua Hin are widely regarded as the five best places to live in Thailand for expats. They also rank among the most popular destinations for expats. Of course, everyone’s preferences may vary, and Thailand offers many other ideal places, each with its own unique charm.
If you’re new to Thailand, we recommend starting with these cities. They are expat-friendly and offer a great introduction to life in the country. Once you’re more familiar with Thailand, you can explore other options that might suit your lifestyle even better.
