13 Best Places To Live In Thailand

Relocating to a new country can be stressful and you’ll want to be sure that your new home is as well suited for you as possible. Most expats move to Thailand to enjoy the beautiful scenery and low cost of living.

We’ll take a look at some of the best places to live in Thailand for immigrants, families, singles, and more.

Let’s start by taking a look at the best places to live in Thailand.

Sections

Best Places To Live In Thailand

City	Reason
Bangkok	Best for work
Chiang Mai	Best for affordability
Phuket	Best for families
Bangkok, Sukhumvit Road	Best for immigrants
Chiang Mai, Nimmanhaemin	Best for retirement
Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)	Best for young adults
Phuket, Phuket Town	Best for students
Bangkok and Pattaya	Best for food and nightlife
Krabi	Best for singles
Bangkok	Best for the LGBT+ community
Ko Pha Ngan	Best for weather
Hua Hin	Best for beaches
Chiang Mai	Best for mountains

Best Places To Live In Thailand for Work

Finding work in Thailand is said to be relatively straightforward if you take enough time to prepare. One of the best cities for on-site and remote workers is Bangkok.

Bangkok is Thailand’s capital and is one of the most well-developed cities in Thailand. It is one of the most expensive (though still affordable) cities in Thailand and has good public transportation.

The main industries operating in Bangkok are tourism, agriculture and textile and garment processing. One of the largest career pathways in Thailand is teaching English as a foreign language, as well as many opportunities for those working in web development or marketing fields.

Chiang Ma is another excellent location for expats looking for work. The landlocked city is located in north Thailand and has lots of opportunities for remote workers and is a favoured spot for digital nomads.

Cheapest Places To Live In Thailand

Thailand is an affordable destination all around, but for those working with a low budget, the city of Chiang Mai is a great location. The city has a good reputation with expats, particularly digital nomads, as well as a rich history and beautiful views.

It’s estimated that you can happily get by each month on $1,000 which is more affordable than the capital, Bangkok. Despite the lower costs, Chiang Mai is also known as the ‘second city’ of Thailand due to its developed nature.

It is slower-paced than Bangkok, so is a great option for those who crave city living but still want some peace and quiet. The mountains surrounding Chiang Mai offer beautiful views and the historic culture of the city offers much to explore.

Hua Hin is another good option for those who are hoping to live in an affordable location. The coastal town has easy access to Bangkok and a reasonably sized international community which is fantastic for those hoping to find a new community.

Best Places To Live In Thailand for Families

Thailand is a good country for families due to the outstanding views across the country and the low living costs. Phuket City is located on Phuket Island and is one of the best cities in Thailand for raising a family.

As the largest island in Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is known for its good education system and good healthcare facilities. It is also near Bangkok and has lots of impressive cultural sites that are great for families to explore.

If you’re hoping to secure work in Phuket there are good opportunities available, especially for digital nomads. It’s also known for its cafe culture – despite the business of the city there are plenty of places to settle with families or without.

Bangkok is another good choice for families as there is plenty to do in the city, and the well-developed nature of it means that all the necessary amenities are conveniently close to hand.

Best Places To Live In Thailand for Immigrants

The bustling metropolis of Bangkok is the best city in Thailand for immigrants. There is a large existing international community in Bangkok full of digital nomads and expats who work remotely and need coworking spaces.

As well as having plenty of job opportunities, Bangkok also had a tremendous number of attractions and a well-recognised nightlife scene. This means that newcomers will find lots to explore during the day and can easily slip into the busy nighttime crowd and let their hair down.

Costs of living in Bangkok are higher than in other cities in Thailand due to the modern nature of the city, but the benefits of having close access to restaurants, shops, medical facilities and businesses balance this out.

For single expats settling in central Bangkok, the most popular locations are alongside Sukhumvit Road while more expat families tend to settle in southern district of Bang Na or the eastern district of Bang Kapi.

Pattaya is another good city option for immigrants looking for fast-paced city living and is only a two-hour drive from Bangkok. The city is also known for its party culture and is a great choice for immigrants who are hoping to dive into the party scene.

Best Places To Live In Bangkok for Retirement

While there are several beautiful islands that one could easily retire to in Thailand, the most popular location for a slower pace of life is Chiang Mai. There are plenty of historic spots throughout Chiang Mai to explore, comprising temples, markets, elephant sanctuaries and, of course, outstanding natural views.

Chiang Mai has a quieter atmosphere than Bangkok with hundreds of cafes located throughout the city. It’s also a more affordable option, which could work well for those retiring with a smaller budget.

The healthcare in Chiang Mai is reported to be of a high standard and there are several modern and well-maintained hospitals throughout the city.

Some of the most popular areas in Chiang Mai for expats are the Old City, Nimmanhaemin, and Hang Dong.

Krabi is located on Thailand’s west coast and is a great destination choice for those who are hoping for a more rural retirement that includes easy access to some of Thailand’s most stunning beaches. Tourism is a large aspect of Krabi’s culture but it doesn’t derail the natural relaxed atmosphere.

Best Places To Live In Thailand for Young Adults

Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) is one of the largest provinces and cities in Thailand. For young adults who may want to experience the hustle and bustle of a big city but at a lesser cost, Korat is a great option.

Despite being quite a developed and modern city Korat maintains its cultural heritage and has a wealth of natural beauty to discover. It’s therefore a great city for young adults who enjoy spending as much time in nature as they do in modern living.

There are also lots of teaching opportunities in Korat, which is ideal for any young adult who is hoping to follow this career path and set down roots in Thailand.

Bangkok is another great option for young adults, due in large part to the size and opportunity of the city, but also because of the existing expat community who are welcoming to newcomers and would be a great resource for a new relocator hoping to find their footing.

Best Places To Live In Thailand for Students

As well as being renowned for its vibrant nightlife, Phuket is one of the best cities in Thailand for international students. Students in the city can enjoy the affordable cost of living, the naturally beautiful views and beaches and receive a quality education.

Some notable schools available in Phuket are the British International School, UWC Thailand, Buds International School Phuket and QSI International School of Phuket.

While Thailand is one of the more affordable Asian countries, it’s worth mentioning that standard school fees apply so make sure to bear this in mind before applying.

With its international airport, travelling in and out of Phuket is easy which is great for students who may want to take breaks or visit family in other parts of the world.

There’s also a strong cafe culture in Phuket which is ideal for students hoping to spend their time studying outside of their homes. Most international students choose accommodation located in downtown Phuket Town.

The province and city of Chonburi is another good option for students hoping to study in Thailand. Chonburi has some blooming educational systems, with more than 9 universities and many more schools.

Best Places To Live In Thailand for Food and Nightlife

Bangkok is indisputably Thailand’s food capital. Thailand is known for its distinctive cuisine which includes boiled dishes, spicy salads, pounded foods and curries.

Western and Eastern influences inspire Thai cuisine and you can expect to find dishes that include spicy, sweet, sour, salty and bitter flavours. Bangkok is well known for its outstanding street food where you can purchases dishes such as satay, som tum (spicy salad) and Khao pad (fried rice).

Bangkok also has a vibrant nightlife, but the city of Pattaya is often recommended as Thailand’s must-visit destination for nightlife lovers. This coastal city has been referred to as the ‘Vegas of Thailand’ and you can enjoy plenty of bars and clubs within the inner-city or even venture onto the sea with private yacht parties.

Best Places To Live In Thailand for Singles

There are plenty of great cities in Thailand for singles to choose from, but making sure you have a solid idea of what you want from your new city is very important before making any final decisions.

Thailand’s variety of landscape, atmosphere and modernity means that some cities will be great for those looking for peace and quiet, who may be online workers, whereas others will have a more vibrant and fast-paced atmosphere.

Krabi is a good choice for those who love being close to the beach and want to experience Thailand’s natural beauty. There is a diverse community here, made up of international expats, which could be brilliant for single relocators looking to form new communities.

Krabi is also great for island-hopping and attracts many tourists each year while maintaining its authentic culture and showcasing its amazing food scene.

Phuket is another great option for singles due to the low cost of living and slightly slower pace of living than in Bangkok. Phuket has a large existing expat community as well as plenty of job opportunities for onsite and remote workers.

Best Places To Live In Thailand for the LGBT+ Community

Bangkok is one of the best cities in Asia for the gay community, with a large nightlife scene dedicated to the LGBT+ community. Thailand is considered a safe destination for the LGBT+ community, as homosexuality has been decriminalised for many years.

There are many bars, nightclubs and saunas in Bangkok for gay visitors, and most people refer to the Silom as the main nightlife hub for gay nightlife. Suriwong and Patpong districts are also noted for those who are hoping for something a little more adventurous.

Phuket and Pattaya also have a welcoming attitude to members of the LGBT+ community; Phuket has the largest Pride parade in the country which is celebrated annually.

Best Places To Live In Thailand for the Weather

Thailand has a tropical climate and is regularly influenced by monsoon winds; it’s best to keep this in mind when deciding to relocate as the Eastern islands and the Andaman Sea often have frequent storms.

Thailand has three official weather seasons – hot, cool and wet. The hot season runs from March until June with the hottest months usually as April or May.

The island of Ko Pha Ngan is known to have some of the best weather in Thailand. Ko Pha Ngan is a mountainous island with a large tourism and hospitality industry. It is also famous for its Full Moon beach parties which do attract lots of tourists each year.

Ko Samui is another good choice for those who are hoping to enjoy the hot weather in Thailand as the average temperature ranges from the high twenties to low thirties during the hottest months.

Best Places To Live In Thailand Near Beaches

Hua Hin is one of the most famous cities in Thailand, known for its attractive beaches. Hua Hin may be considered a smaller town than Bangkok or Phuket, with a more relaxed atmosphere, but it has the same convenient amenities as most modern cities.

Hua Hin is slightly more expensive than some other Thai cities but is the perfect spot for people who are looking to find a beach lifestyle and community.

As well as its outstanding beaches, there are beautiful natural views to take in, night markets to explore and stunning temples to visit. Many of the beaches have nearby restaurants and cafes that are perfect for a spot for lunch or dinner.

Koh Samui is a resort town that is also renowned for its beautiful beaches. There are many luxury hotels and apartments available in Koh Samui as well as more affordable ones for those on a budget.

Best Places To Live In Thailand Near Mountains

Chiang Mai is one of the best cities in Thailand for mountain lovers, though there are many regions across the country which will also fit the bill well. Some of Thailand’s largest mountains are located in Chiang Mai and there are plenty of mountain resorts.

Those wanting to explore the natural sights should consider visiting the Doi Inthanon National Park which contains mountains, forests and waterfalls. The summit of the park’s namesake mountain, Doi Inthanon, (reaching an elevation of 2,565 metres) can be reached by foot or car.

There are other sites across the city which can be visited by those eager to take in natural beauty or outdoor activities, but the city is also modern and developed.