It's quite a hassle to move to Thailand. The decision to settle in the Land Of Smiles is not that straightforward as there are many interesting locations to choose from. 

Thailand is a big country with tropical paradise islands, mountains, and bustling beach towns. Bangkok being the most attractive to foreigners despite its size, comes with all the comforts and setbacks of a big international city.

Many people don't want to live in the capital of Thailand and find it difficult to pick the right place to stay long term. As Thailand rapidly grows its infrastructure, with new highways, airports, and high-speed 5G Internet, there are now more places than ever to live comfortably.

It's not just fast-paced Bangkok that offers quality life. Perhaps you like the more laid back life of Chiang Mai? Or live right by a white sand beach? This guide will help you decide what is the right place for you. We picked 10 top locations ranging from the capital of Bangkok, paradise islands, beach towns, as well as the mountains of the North.

Beach, city or countryside?

We often get asked "Is it better to live in a city or countryside?" Well, it depends.

There are a few key factors worth considering when trying to decide on your dream home location.

• Convenience

• Living costs

• Peace and quiet

• School and healthcare

• Transportation

If you are a young career-driven expat, Bangkok might be your best bet. There are many foreign companies and entrepreneurs here. This makes it easy to build your business network and develop new skills.

If you have a family, Bangkok makes it super easy to move around. The BTS Sky Train, and underground MRT trains are a god-send if you need to rush to the hospital with your kids. If trains are not your thing you can take advantage of other modes of transportation such as motorbike taxis, tuk-tuks, songthaews (big red passenger pick-up truck-taxi), or regular taxis.

Want quality education for your kids? There are international schools spread all over the country. Obviously, Bangkok has the most to choose from. That being said, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai also feature some high-level international schools for aspiring students. Depending on which school you choose, you will have the option to follow US, UK, Australian or Singaporean curriculums. There is something for everybody.

Keep in mind that if you live on an island, transportation can get a bit tricky. There are no trains on the islands and traffic can get heavy in high season. Also, a taxi ride from the Phuket airport can get quite pricey (around 1000 THB) if you live in the southern part of the island. Time to hop on that scooter!

Smaller Thai cities can be charming, but can get quite limited in terms of schools and entertainment. Many individuals prefer this kind of slow life. What you will also notice that in the lesser known cities and towns Thai people don't speak English very well. You might want to brush up on your Thai speaking skills fast.

Thai food in rural parts of Thailand is usually very cheap and very delicious. However, being out in the Thai countryside can limit your choices of Western cuisine. You never know when you get hit with that pizza craving only to find out that the nearest pizzeria is miles away from your house.

So you need to ask yourself. Do I want to live without the stresses of the big city? Can I live comfortably with limited entertainment and food options? Do I like the laid-back Thai countryside life? If you answered yes, then it might be for you.

Bangkok

Bangkok is Thailand's capital and largest expat city with almost 3.5 million expatriates residing in it. Today, this multicultural city is considered as Thailand's top city to live in for expats as well as for Thais.

From monumental temples spread out all over the city, mouth watering street food, immense green parks, a hidden jungle, sky and underground trains, to canals and floating markets. 

Feel like going on a shopping spree? Well, you are in luck! There are a multitude of shopping malls with every major brand imaginable. Fancy a late night drink with some of the most epic views of the city? There is a variety of chic rooftops to choose from. You can never get bored in this city.

The central location of Bangkok makes it very convenient to move around. The BTS Sky Train and the underground MRT metro are a godsend if you want to skip traffic. It's the cheapest form of transportation available and it can save you a lot of time if you are in a hurry.

Bangkok also has two airports - one domestic (Don Mueang Airport) and international - Suvarnabhumi Airport. Suvarnabhumi Airport is connected with the city via Airport Link.

The bustling city of Bangkok never sleeps. You can get street food at any time of day or night. 7-11s are around every corner with taxis ready and waiting to take you to the nearest Thai massage parlor.

There is a reason why Bangkok is called the city of Angels. The night life in this city is simply unmatched. Bars and nightclubs boast an international crowd with a mix of everything.

Phuket - A Paradise Island City

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand located on the Andaman Sea. For many expatriates it is considered the best of both worlds. 

Rawai and Nai Harn are tiny villages situated on ocean beaches and boast a strong ‘farang' population (e.g. foreigners). This seaside beach of Nai Harn is enchanting and is a great place to enjoy a relaxing time with friends and family.

Phuket also features an international airport. This makes it easy to get in and out of the island. As far as activities go, there are many fitness facilities here. 

From well-equipped weightlifting gyms to world-class Muay Thai fitness centers. Many professional fighters come to train here so you can be sure you are getting the best treatment in the world. 

If you like water sports, you can enjoy a fun day at some of the largest waterparks in all of Thailand. Looking for a quick getaway from the city? 

There are also plenty of day trips available to nearby islands of Koh Phi Phi. Don't forget the idyllic James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay.

Chiang Mai - A Mountain City

Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand. Surrounded by endless mountains, Chiang Mai has a different feel than the rest of Thailand. Life goes on at a slower pace than most tourist places in Thailand. A friendly local crowd creates a magical ambiance of a peaceful life in the mountain region.

The mountain of Doi Suthep overlooks the city with some of the most breathtaking views. Many hill tribes live there and are very welcoming to anyone visiting them. You can learn a lot of their culture by going up the mountain.

The Nimman Road is the home of expats and digital nomads. There are a lot of cozy cafes and restaurants here with Western and Thai food for very affordable prices. Needless to say, food and other necessities are much cheaper than in other parts of Thailand. This is another reason why many choose to stay here.

One issue with Chiang Mai is the "burning season". Burning season takes place between January and April every year. It is usually over by around April. The timing of the burning season can vary from year to year.

What is the Burning Season?

One of the main contributors to this phenomenon is the burning of fields for crops by mountain farmers. The air quality tends to deteriorate around January and February.

This time of the year is good to spend on traveling to the islands and getting some beach time.

Hua Hin — A Quiet Thai Beach Resort Town

Hua Hin's proximity to Thailand's coastline has brought together multi generational expatriate communities. In contrast to its past in being the chosen destination for the Bangkok Royal Houses Hotel summer palace and annual international jazz festival, the district remains a quiet area.

Being relatively low-cost, many retirees prefer a relaxed scene of this gorgeous coastal town.

Hua Hin is only a 3-hour drive from Bangkok. Hop on a highway and enjoy a spectacular drive with beaches, mountains and temples along the way.

Not only is Hua Hin filled with beautiful beaches, it is also surrounded by mountain parks - the most popular being Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park - with the secret temple hidden inside of a mountain - an absolute must see!

Krabi — Thailand's Best-Kept Secret

Krabi remains one of Thailand's best hidden secrets. The southern treasure of a town is situated near limestone caves and cliffs. There are also mesmerizing parks in the vicinity.

This charming beach town is unlike the super-touristy Phuket. That being said, Krai is close enough to necessities such as airports, hospitals and shopping malls..

The area has an old-world charm that complements adventurous attractions such as the climbing spots of Railay Beach and the lure of island hopping through the archipelago. 

This appeal attracts a niche kind of traveler, which keeps the area from becoming overrun with tourists, but is enough to forge a viable local economy, driven by a mix of local- and immigrant-owned businesses.

Koh Tao - World's No. 1 Scuba Diving Site

The coconut-rich island of Koh Tao ("Turtle Island" in English) lies in the Gulf of Thailand and has a reputation for being the no. 1 destination for diving enthusiasts. The island once served as a hiding place for pirates.

Boasting world-class scuba diving, Koh Tao enjoys some of the world's most stunning coral reefs and an abundance of diverse marine life in clear, warm water.

The relaxed atmosphere attracts many visitors from around the world who like to enjoy a serene quality of life. The local expat scene is well-connected. It comprises a thriving community of friendly locals as well as foreigners alike.

Pattaya - A Bustling Coastal Town

Many veteran residents in Thailand may see Pattaya as the home for prostitution. But the truth is far from reality. The city of Pattaya has much more to offer than its infamous walking street.

Pattaya has been rapidly changing with the introduction of world-class cuisine, massive beach hotels as well family-friendly parks. If you are looking to retire in Pattaya with a family, you can take full advantage of waterparks and gardens. Pattaya Nong Nooch Garden & Resort is considered as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Well worth a visit with the family and kids.

This gem of a town is going through a renaissance period with new restaurants and a more family-friendly feel. It is also home to Fairtex Training Center where top Muay Thai fighters are born. 

Pattaya is also welcoming people of all shapes, colors and sizes as it has one of the largest LGBTQ communities in Thailand.

 

Koh Samui - Jungles and White Sand Beaches

Koh Samui features some of the most beautiful and scenic beaches in Thailand. Many swear by its crystal clear waters and serene atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing time. This is in contrast to Phuket where adventurers prefer the thrills of surfing.

One of the most popular places for your dream home in Koh Samui are the mountains. 

Here, you can get a stunning pool villa with mesmerizing views of the ocean and mountains unseen anywhere else.

Koh Samui also has an award-winning open-air airport that makes it very convenient to hop a flight to Bangkok.

Koh Phangan - A Spiritual Vegan Party Island

Koh Phangan, known as the party island is more than a party place.

Many people choose this island because of the strong spiritual scene here. The number of vegan restaurants, yoga schools, and meditation centers is unmatched. The thriving community of expats gets along very well together.

You can find many many spiritual retreats, meditation centers as well as business meet ups. But that's not all. 

Koh Phangan is also very popular among crypto enthusiasts - traders, exchange owners and entrepreneurs. A truly one-of-a-kind place for anyone who wishes to build a business and build a network of like-minded people.

This island is now the hub of yoga lovers, spiritual seekers and digital nomads working online and helping each other move forward.

Chiang Rai - A Hidden Mountain Town

Chiang Rai is yet another favorite place to stay for expats. It is home of the famous White Temple - an iconic structure hand-carved by a world-famous Thai artist.

The small town of Chiang Rai has experienced a much slower but steady growth. Being considerably smaller than Chiang Mai, it has a much less touristy atmosphere.

Many expats love this place due to the fact that it is so close to many waterfalls, and hill tribes of Pai. Adventure seekers can enjoy rock climbing, zip-lines as well as trips up mountain tops to visit remote hill tribes of Karen, Akha, and Hmong People.

If you like motorbike trips, Chiang Rai is the perfect place to live in Thailand. Rent a bike and enjoy panoramic views of the most epic mountains while stopping at a local coffee shop for some fresh mountain coffee. Or tea if you prefer. There are also many strawberry plantations spread out on hills. It is a truly unforgettable experience.

One drawback of living in Chiang Rai is that it has no access to the sea. That being said, if you need to get some beach time, Chiang Mai is just a short drive away. Take a quick flight to the south with Air Asia airlines to Phuket or Koh Samui via Bangkok.

Living in Chiang Rai is unlike anything else. People who enjoy peace and quiet with spectacular surroundings of nature and mountains will absolutely love this hidden mountain town.