Hua Hin
The town of Hua Hin is a popular destination for retirees in Thailand. If you are looking to enjoy the quiet life in Thailand then this is the place for you. Lots of people move here after living elsewhere in Thailand when they start to yearn for a more relaxed pace of life.
One of the main attractions is the number of quality restaurants here. Not only Thai food but cuisine from all over the world is catered for and served at a high standard. The city of Hua Hin is on the coast where you can find lots of delicious fresh fish and seafood.
Hua Hin has modern hospitals including two private hospitals and several private clinics for other health care treatments. The town itself is safe with a low crime rate. Because it’s rural, you’ll need to purchase a car or motorbike to get around. Buying a vehicle is a straightforward process, and you should be able to pay for it and drive off within a couple of hours.
One benefit of living in Hua Hin is that it’s close to the border of Myanmar. This means you can cross the border to get the 90-day renewal stamp on your passport.
Hua Hin is one of the more expensive Thai towns. This is the area where the Thai royal family come to holiday, and it’s also favored by Thailand’s wealthy. The prices in the town for supermarket goods can be expensive, and lots of the locals drive to the nearby towns to do their shopping.
Chiang Mai
The ancient city of Chiang Mai is one of the cheapest places to live in Thailand and where many expats choose to settle. Digital nomads like this area for the prices and also fast, reliable internet available. During the day you will see plenty of these digital nomads in the coffee shops, tapping away at their laptops.
Unlike other areas of Thailand where English-speaking expats are in the majority, Chiang Mai is popular with Koreans, Japanese, and Chinese expats. Don’t worry though; you’ll still be able to get by speaking English.
Chiang Mai is cooler than many other parts of Thailand but does also receive the highest amount of rainfall.
Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s cultural treasures. In fact, over 100 Buddhist monasteries, also known as wats, can be found in the city. Numerous other temples and ruins dating back hundreds of years give the city a real sense of identity. Chiang Mai also has a moat, dug to protect the city against attack. Some of the gates and walls that were used as defense are still standing as well.
As well as having a variety of Thai markets, street food stalls, and shops, all of your favorite western goods can be procured in Chiang Mai. This includes department stores as well as fast food joints.
The housing market here is varied and has something to suit every need. Renting a property is refreshingly easy and comes without all the paperwork and references you’re used to filing. In most cases, handing over the deposit is enough to secure a property.
Phuket Province
Phuket has been voted as the best place in the world for expats to live and retire by esteemed publications like the Wall Street Journal. Also known as the “Pearl of the Andaman Sea,” it is Thailand’s biggest island.
Phuket is also something of a luxury destination and prices reflect this. Although not expensive by western standards, the costs here are higher than elsewhere in Thailand. With turquoise seas, beautiful beaches, jungles, and mountains, it’s difficult to argue Phuket doesn’t still offer value for money.
The price of houses is, again, more expensive than elsewhere, but you are guaranteed to be near to expat communities. It’s a good idea to look out for houses when you arrive in Thailand rather relying on internet research; many of the best deals are found by asking around and chatting with locals. These deals seldom make it online.
As a popular expat destination, Phuket has everything you need to make an easy transition overseas. Phuket also makes for a gentle first move into Thailand. Westerners find Phuket to be an easier place to adapt to. Once settled in Phuket you can consider moving further afield in Thailand.
Chiang Rai
If you are looking for a city retaining a quiet and peaceful feel, then consider Chiang Rai. The expat numbers are lower here than most other Thai towns. Karaoke bars and other tourist traps are likewise fewer here. This gives you a better feel of what authentic Thai life is like as well as making the streets more peaceful to navigate at night.
The temperatures here are also cooler than much of Thailand. You may even need a jacket during the winter months, which is unheard of elsewhere. An average temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit is as cold as it is likely to get.
Chiang Rai has an international airport, which means the visa runs can be completed in a hurry. It also provides you with easy access to the rest of Thailand and neighboring countries.
The health care in Chiang Rai is modern and more than suitable for day-to-day life. If for some reason you require specialist treatment, you may need to go Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai is landlocked; if you are looking for somewhere with a beach then this isn’t for you. It does make a great base for exploring further afield though. Laos and Burma are both easy to reach from here, and the airport will take you to other nearby countries.
. '
. '
. '
. '
. '
Social Life In Thailand