Best places to live in Thailand
Many are quickly enticed after a simple taste of Thailand during vacation. But Thailand is much more complex than the paradise of nature and hospitality you might catch a glimpse of while on holiday. Even so, it’s a place that is filled with wonders to discover and conveniences to enjoy for those who understand its unique intricacies.
From cost of living to the myriad experiences available in each region, we’ll tell you why these are our picks of some of the best places to live in Thailand.
– Bangkok & Central Thailand –
There is no doubt that Bangkok is one of the best places to live in Thailand. Bangkok and central Thailand are among some of the most developed cities in the world. The conveniences that Bangkok offers are equal to, if not better than, what some of the most developed cities in the world offer. And all these, at a cost of living that is a fraction of her peers.
If that appeals to you, our full guide to Bangkok’s diverse neighbourhoods is here.
Be warned, however, once you start wandering outside of Bangkok, you will need a personal vehicle – be it a car or a motorbike.
– Bangkok –
Asok
Image credit: Chainwit via Wikimedia Commons
Asok is one of the most central locations in Bangkok – with access to both BTS and MRT stations without having to change lines. However, it’s also home to some of the most notorious traffic that has earned its spot as one of the most congested in the world.
It is filled with offices and malls, meaning that anyone who lives here has everything they need within walking distance. Terminal 21, one of the trendier malls in Bangkok, is also located here.
Studio condos that are around a 10-minute walk from the nearest station are about ฿8,000 per month to rent. A fully furnished midrange condo with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms is around ฿30,000-฿40,000 per month to rent.
We’d recommend Asok for those who are new to Bangkok and are looking to explore the city on the weekends due to its location.
Bang Na
Image credit: tourismthailand.org
If you’re looking for a house in suburban Bangkok to start a new family, Bang Na is one of your best options.
Despite having a couple of BTS stations in the area, you will most likely need a car to get around. However, there are tons of malls around including Mega Bangna which has a massive IKEA.
The area is also home to a lot of Thailand’s most recognized international schools like Bangkok Patana School.
Studios can go for as low as ฿5,500. Midrange 1 bedroom condos that are a 10-minute walk away from the nearest BTS station are only around ฿15,000-฿20,000. Empty detached houses are around ฿30,000 per month, but prime locations can go for even higher.
Phrom Phong & Thonglor
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These two areas combined could be considered a “Little Japan” within Bangkok. This is a very hip location and it’s only getting trendier.
This area is home to the trio of malls – Emporium, EmQuartier, and EmSphere. EmSphere even has its very own IKEA right in the middle of the city.
One of the more popular hangout spots in Thonglor, or Thong Lo, is theCOMMONs – a community mall with plenty of open-air green spaces and high-quality food you’d struggle to find elsewhere.
The area is also beginning to develop its own trendy nightlife in spots like Beer Belly or Thaipioka.
Studios start at upwards of ฿10,000 per month, and midrange condos are upwards of ฿30,000 per month. This is quite pricey, but there is no question about the convenience and quality of the area.
Thonburi
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Bangkok’s west side of the Chao Phraya is called Thonburi. Although it is quickly becoming littered with condos reaching for the sky, it is often seen as the less developed part of Bangkok.
Despite that, it has a unique historic charm to it due the fact that this is where the old capital used to be before it was relocated. Some of the most famous attractions of Bangkok are here like the ever-popular Wat Arun or the community market Talat Phlu which is well-known for its delicious street food.
There are relatively few foreigners living in this area, so if you’re looking for a more local experience while remaining in the city, this is a good spot that is also good for those on a budget.
If you’re looking for places in Thonburi, there are few places better than the Bang Wa area since it’s a spot that has both BTS and MRT stations. Fully furnished condos that are a mere 5-minute walk here can go for as low as ฿10,000.
– Other cities in Central Thailand –
Pattaya
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Pattaya needs no introduction. This beach city is around an hour away from Bangkok with entertainment and nightlife options that’ll make even Vegas look tame, without breaking the bank. If that’s your cup of tea, then for you, Pattaya will be one of the best places to live in Thailand.
If you’re in Pattaya, you’re probably looking to enjoy the beach so why not shell out a bit more for a good view of the beach? Beachfront condos go from ฿40,000-฿60,000 per month or even higher if you’re looking for luxury options. We recommend the Jomtien area.
Rayong
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Rayong is a quieter alternative to Pattaya. This is for those who are really looking for that quiet beach life in Thailand, but still within a 1-hour drive to Pattaya or a 2-hour drive from Bangkok for some city fun.
Luxury condos are available for prices that barely scratch ฿10,000 per month. Houses are also available for around ฿35,000, and some even include pools.
– Isaan –
Northeastern Thailand, much more well-known as Isaan or Esan, is a fairly rural area of Thailand. Many have an impression that the lifestyle here is of an idyllic village, but there are a lot of cities with modern conveniences here too.
One thing’s for sure though: the Isaan region is much more communal. People often say that in general, people are much friendlier and kinder here. There are also plenty of temple fairs too.
You’ll want a car or motorbike for sure because you’ll want to explore the nature here.
Khon Kaen
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Khon Kaen is one of the more populous cities in the region. It has its own airport, so you won’t have to worry about how to do long-distance travel.
The city is fairly modern with all the conveniences you’d expect. The city is also home to Khon Kaen University, one of the most reputable universities in the region, so you can expect a younger crowd here.
It’s also home to some of the best food you can get in Thailand. If you’ve ever had good Isaan food in Bangkok, you’d be shooting yourself in the foot if you didn’t visit Bib Gourmand restaurants here like Prasit Pochana or Kaen.
Prasit Pochana is a beef specialist who’ll blow you out of the water.
Kaen (แก่น) is a more upscale option that locally sources its ingredients and serves creative spins on local dishes. While we were there, we were surprised that this restaurant hadn’t won its own Michelin star.
Condos in Khon Kaen are around the ฿10,000-฿20,000 range depending on the area.
Korat
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Among the cities we’ve chosen from the Isaan region, Korat is the closest to Bangkok. Also known as Nakhon Ratchasima, the city acts almost like a gateway to the rest of Isaan.
If you’re choosing to live here, it’s because it’s a great spot to use as a hub to explore the greater region of Isaan while remaining within driving distance of Bangkok.
Khao Yai National Park is one of the best spots to begin when it comes to nature, but there are plenty of temples to see as well.
Monthly rent here is around ฿7,500-฿15,000.
Ubon Ratchathani
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Ubon Ratchathani is one of the four major cities in the region and is right on the border with Cambodia and Laos. As a hub for exploring the region, you can’t do much better.
There’s an airport here for easy access to the rest of Thailand, but if you’re willing to drive, and you should be, you can explore the greater Isaan region or even cross over into neighbouring countries to explore.
There’s also a sizable expat community here, so you can expect some Western food options.
There are plenty of local temples that are worth a visit, including Wat Sirindhorn Wararam (วัดสิรินธรวราราม) – a temple that glows in the dark that we’ve featured in our lesser-known temples guide.
– Northern Thailand –
Northern Thailand is one of the most popular and arguably the best places to live in Thailand if you’re looking at retirement destinations, particularly for the locals. It has the slow lifestyle that many urbanites seek after years of city life as well as its close proximity to nature.
The slow life is so pervasive in the north that there’s a stereotype that northerners tend to speak slower compared to the other regions of Thailand.
Plus, in what little we have of winter, the northern mountains come to life with cool weather and beautiful flower blossoms. Do take note that smog tends to get the worst in this area, however.
Chiang Mai
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Chiang Mai is one of the gems of the north. As a hub for exploring the north, you can’t go wrong here with ease of access to popular spots like Pai.
There are plenty of mountain villages worth visiting as well as hiking spots. There’s also the popular Yi Peng floating lantern festival around November.
Chiang Mai is also very popular for glamping. In fact, we have a guide you can check out here with 13 of the best spots.
For other attractions within the city limits, here is our guide to things to do in Chiang Mai.
Life is relatively cheap here despite being one of the bigger cities in Thailand. Compared to prices in Bangkok, both food and rent are more manageable with midrange condo options in the ฿10,000-฿25,000.
Chiang Rai
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Much like Rayong, Chiang Rai is the quieter and more rural alternative to Chiang Mai.
Despite that, there’s still plenty to do, especially if you love temples. Wat Rong Khu (วัดร่องขุ่น), also known as Chiang Rai’s White Temple, is one of the most recognized temples in Thailand, up there with Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew.
There are also plenty of attractions to enjoy nature like this skywalk with views of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. There’s also a cafe where you can see an idyllic herd of sheep while sipping coffee.
Most single-bedroom condos here will be below ฿10,000.
– Southern Thailand –
If you’re looking for beachside or tropical island life, go to Southern Thailand.
Phuket
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Phuket is a huge travel destination, but it comes with huge caveats if you’re looking to make it a place to live.
Much like Bangkok, there are loads of foreigners here so you can get away without learning the local language. However, prices can go as high as Bangkok without a lot of the public transport and other facilities that make Bangkok so convenient.
We have a guide to attractions in Phuket including the Harry Potter-themed Hogs’ Head Cafe. The Old Town alone, which we have a guide of here, will take days to fully explore.
Single-bedroom condos here are in the ฿15,000-฿25,000 range with doubles going for around upwards of ฿30,000.
Krabi
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Krabi Town or Ao Nang are basically beach paradises where you can island hop even during the low season.
It’s also a well-known spot for climbers! Many international climbers even make their home here to help build the climbing community with the locals. We’ve featured one of the more popular spots, Railay Beach, here.
If you are a digital nomad, however, pay heed to the wifi as it can often be quite spotty. Also, pay attention to seasonal flooding as those may cause damage if you’re not prepared.
Make a home in any of the best places to live in Thailand
Thailand is an enticing paradise. While it may be a challenge, many people have chosen to jump those hurdles and make a home here. If you’re one of those people, then be prepared to enjoy some of the best food in the world at some of the best prices along with some of the most beautiful natural wonders.
Keep this list with you for the future. Who knows, you might end up retiring in one of the best places to live in Thailand.
But if you’re just looking to visit then check out our area guides like these for Bangkok street food, the historic Sao Chingcha district of Bangkok, or even Kanchanaburi.
Cover image adapted from: @emporium_emquartier via Instagram, @chiki.chiki.monkey via Instagram, @arw_anchalee via Instagram