14 Best Places To Live In Thailand 2024

Have you ever wondered what the best places to live in Thailand for foreigners are? Yes, me too! Thus in today’s article, we will be exploring the best places to live in Thailand for foreigners and going through a quick introduction to the best places to live in Thailand.

Table of Contents

14 best places to live in Thailand For Foreigners

1. Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani is classed as a province and a city as it has had many developments over the last few years. Some experts believe that the population is around 300,000 residents, but this may have changed slightly due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Ubon Ratchathani may not be the first suggestion for many foreigners; it is not a heavy tourist area compared to others on our list of best places to live in Thailand for foreigners; however, it does offer a unique experience for those who are looking to live in Thailand on a budget.

2. Rangsit

Rangsit is a beautiful area north of Bangkok and is approximately 20 kilometers away from Bangkok’s International Airport. There are many ways to get to Rangsit from Bangkok and vice versa.

Rangsit may become more popular in the near future due to the growing number of international schools opening across the area.

The cost of living in Rangsit can be considerably lower than Bangkok central; however, if transportation costs to and from Bangkok are considered, the cost may be similar, so it may not be a suitable option for those who must work in Bangkok.

3. Phuket

Phuket is perhaps one of the most popular and well-known islands in Thailand. When looking at the best places for foreigners in Thailand, it’s essential to look at the overall cost of living as this is one factor that is always important.

Phuket is not the cheapest area in Thailand for foreigners; however, it offers a unique experience that includes impressive and beautiful scenery, networking and business possibilities, and of course, that unique Thailand experience.

4. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is a growing area in Thailand located approximately 80 kilometers north of Bangkok. The city has some fantastic historical landmarks and was a trading port for international affairs for many years.

One of the reasons that many foreigners visit Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is its historical presents. Still, the area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya offers so much more for those who are looking to live entire land long term.

Understandably due to their location, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is not a high tourist area. Still, another option on our list of best places to live in Thailand for foreigners is perhaps one of the most touristy areas of Thailand.

5. Pattaya

Pattaya is one of those areas you have most likely heard of as it’s a fascinating and famous area for many foreigners to visit and live in. Due to the high number of ex-pats living in the area, it can be one of the best places to live in Thailand for some.

The city itself offers a unique experience for those looking for city life and those who love the beach life. Costs can be pretty expensive, especially during high season, but bargains and budget-friendly options are available for long-term living.

Pattaya is well known for its adult entertainment. However, the city offers so much more than this and is the home of many international expats.

6. Pai

Pai is a minimal but budget-friendly option for those looking to live in Thailand cheaply. One of the reasons it has made our list of best places to live in Thailand for foreigners is because it offers a unique experience that includes more traditional Thai culture.

Pai, for many, is a great place to retire in Thailand as it offers a pretty unique experience. Additionally, Pai is well known for being a very laidback and quiet lifestyle. Even though there can be foreigners living in the area at times, it’s a very safe area in Thailand for the most part.

7. Krabi

Krabi is a large area in Thailand that offers foreigners looking to live an option of a beautiful town situated close to some of the most famous beaches in Thailand. One of the great things about this area is that a quick boat ride can reach many islands and beaches.

Historically speaking, certain areas in Krabi have been used for movies and TV series. But the area of Krabi offers much more.

Living costs will depend on the exact area you live in, but prices can be incredibly steep during high season, but this is currently not a big issue due to post-pandemic times. But many believe high prices will soon return during the next few years, which may impact some foreigners living in Thailand long term.

8. Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a small island that is most well known for its beautiful diving hotspots. Some of the best sea life and underwater experiences can be had off the shores of Koh Tao.

It is estimated that there are anywhere between 1000 to 2000 residents on the island; thus, this is often a great advantage or disadvantage for some foreigners looking to live in Thailand long term.

9. Koh Phi Phi

Is Koh Phi Phi a party island? Traditionally, Koh Phi Phi and similar islands such as Koh Samui have been incredibly popular with party goers and the youth of Thailand’s tourism.

One of the advantages of living on this island in Thailand is that it is located near several other islands that are easily accessible. Many foreigners decide to live on Koh Phi Phi long term but travel to other islands during their spare time.

10. Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan Is a beautiful island that is most well known for its legendary monthly full moon parties. The island itself is more diverse than other local islands and has a lot more to offer aside from the full moon party.

Most parts of the island are highly accessible and especially in the north of the island include some well-known areas such as the beautiful white sandy beaches of Koh Phangan

One of the reasons it makes a great place they live for foreigners in Thailand is that outside of the tourist areas, there are some budget-friendly options for those looking to save.

11. Hua Hin

Many years ago, Hua Hin was known to be a quiet fishing village; however, as tourism grew and those living in Bangkok discovered the beauties Hua Hin holds, it quickly transformed into a beach resort.

Hua Hin is well known for its water activities, traditional and western delicacies, parties, and offering a unique living experience for those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

Hua Hin can be a relatively cheap place to live, especially in the current times; however, as the town has grown in recent years, more and more tourists have decided to move and visit the area, which has slowly increased the prices across the board. But again, this is not too much of a concern when writing this due to the ongoing pandemic.

12. Chaing Rai

Chiang Rai is located in the north of Thailand and is known for many different reasons. One of the best reasons that many foreigners live in this area in Thailand is that it offers a super friendly experience at an incredibly low price.

it is not uncommon to find a small condominium for 6,500 – 10,000 Baht a month, and many foreigners living in Thailand do not need to earn too much money each month to live comfortably in Chiang Rai

13. Chaing Mai

Chiang Mai may be the most suitable alternative. Chiang Mai a slightly bigger and slightly more expensive than Chiang Rai on average; however, the price difference is very similar on most parts.

Chiang Mai is well known for many different reasons, but it offers foreigners looking to live in a city a unique way of life as a growing city.

I’ve attached some extra resources on how much living in Chiang Mai costs foreigners, including some of the most important and most significant categories when living in Thailand.

14. Bangkok

Last but not least is the capital itself, Bangkok. For those looking for the best places to live in Thailand for foreigners, Bangkok may either be a dream or a nightmare.

Bangkok is a bustling and hectic city. and it’s important to remember that it is the capital city. Thus, there will always be pros, cons, safety concerns, and many other topics to consider when deciding where to live in Thailand.

Sukhumvit Road is perhaps one of the most popular areas and well-known roads in Bangkok. This area has easy access to the BTS service and features many gyms, parks, restaurants, and many other conveniences.