A year-round tropical clime, cheap healthcare, and a higher standard of living for pennies on the dollar make Thailand an extremely popular destination for us expats to settle down. If you’re thinking of relocating to the Land of Smiles, we’ve got our resident expats to give us all the tips you need to make a smooth transition.
Whether you’re looking for a destination with a party vibe, a good work destination, or a more laidback beach lifestyle we’ve got the scoop on the best spots to live in Thailand! Image Credit: Pexels
Bangkok
Although Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, it still retains that small-town charm that is prominent in many south-east Asian countries! Although Bangkok might be famous for its traffic jams, it’s also home to a well-connected public transportation system (including the skytrain), to make your commute to and from work much easier.
Enjoy heading out? You’ll be spoiled for choice with their bustling nightlife, and vibrant culinary scene no matter what time you get your foodie cravings! Another plus, is that the healthcare here is affordable and of an extremely high standard. If you have kids, there are numerous international schools offering up both IB (International Baccalaureate), and IGCSE and A Levels. While Thai property laws prohibit expats from owning more than 49% of a building, rent is cheap and its not difficult to find one- or two-bedroom condos at a fraction of the price back home.
Phuket
Living in the gorgeous ‘Pearl of the Andaman Sea’ can be an absolute treat, with its fine sand beaches, and exciting nightlife. Phuket is also home to a large expat community, who enjoy soaking in the little luxuries, like affordable help, without breaking the bank. You can also find a wide-range of Thai-style townhouses and condos inland at a moderate price. Head to Patong to experience the nightlife and rub shoulders with the tourists, and take advantage of Phuket’s close proximity to Racha, and Phi Phi Island.
Chiang Mai
Often described as a paradise for digital nomads and those looking for a retirement haven, Chiang Mai also has a rich history with plenty of Buddhist temples in the old city. The low cost of living, comfortable weather, and the mix of western and Thai culture makes relocating to Chiang Mai an attractive option. It’s easy to rent condos throughout the city, and you’ll find a plethora of pubs, and restaurants, with a healthy expat crowd. If you want to take a break from city life, you can take a day trip to the countryside and explore the mountains or waterfalls nearby. One downside is the ‘smoky season’ from March to May where the pollution raises the temperature and can exacerbate respiratory illnesses.
Hua Hin
Famous for housing the Thai king’s summer place, Hua Hin is a beach town situated around three hours south of Bangkok. This tourist hub is home to a burgeoning expat community because of its great climate, world class golf courses, and friendly locals. The local ‘farangs’ have contributed to the restaurant scene with American, Indian, Mediterranean, and Italian restaurants, with plenty of bars and clubs along the waterfront. You can find accommodation at a beachside condo for moderate prices and shop for groceries at Tesco Lotus. Hua Hin is also a kite surfing destination from the months of February to April and October to January.
Koh Samui
If living on a tropical island sounds like your cup of tea, then moving to Koh Samui could be a great option for you! Since it is a popular tourist haunt, most expats are more comfortable living in places like Bohput, instead of more commercialized areas like Cheweng. Accommodation is diverse, you can rent a luxurious beach villa, smaller one-bedroom houses, or a bungalow depending on your budget. Stay fit, make new friends by practicing yoga or heading to one of the traditional gyms or Muay Thai, or MMA training gyms. Koh Samui is also well developed with Tesco supermarkets, an exciting nightlife, and loads of restaurant options – from fine dining in a treehouse, to quaint French fare!
