Once heralded as the undisputed digital nomad mecca, the tropical, exotic call of Thailand has in recent years gone mostly unanswered, as most potential expats to the Southeast Asian region as a whole have been turned off by the draconian lock-downs, mask requirements, and overall sense of media medical panic that still permeates the region as we enter the final quarter of 2022. However, slowly but surely, various nations in the ASEAN confederation are beginning to see the light, as is the case with Vietnam and Malaysia, one of the best places to live anywhere on Earth, and I recently wrote more about the best cities to live in that country in an article here.
Thailand is also among the nations slowly opening up its borders again for tourism and immigration, and it goes without saying that for those looking at the opportunity to begin again in a nation ready to re-embrace the world, then this Southeast Asian titan is once again looking like a pretty good option to consider as we edge ever closer to the new year. Of course, a lot has changed in a few years, from demographics, to safety, to tourist facilities and more – all of which beg the question, which are still the best cities for expats in Thailand to consider, when planning a move out to the Southeast Asian region?
The good news is that as was the case prior to the global shutdowns beginning in 2020, Thailand’s core cities remain well-positioned for even greater growth and revitalization then ever before – and you too can be a part of that growth! So wonder no further – here are your top 5 best cities for expats in Thailand to think about re-locating to for the foreseeable future.
#1: Bangkok
It would be remiss of me not to mention Thailand’s capital city, as any list of best cities for expats in Thailand would be incomplete without placing Bangkok firmly as one of the top destinations to consider for any digital nomad, retiree, or anyone else looking to move to this Southeast Asian nation. One of the biggest cities in the region, Bangkok has everything – and yes, I mean everything.
From some of the best and most exotic food on earth, to world class architecture and shopping districts, to fantastic entertainment options of both the family friendly and adult variations, to some of the best nightlife anywhere on the planet, if you can think of it existing, Bangkok has you covered.
Despite being one of the most chaotic cities in the region, due to its size and overall traffic congestion, Bangkok is best suited for younger or middle aged expats who don’t mind the hustle, bustle, and non-stop energy that a global city like Bangkok can offer. Although despite Bangkok certainly being one of the best cities for expats in Thailand, it is not for the faint of heart.
Despite Bangkok certainly fitting its bill as a world class city, the overall daily explosion to your senses it promises to provide may not be the most relaxing way to live for many, and I’ll even admit that for those looking at a big city option to base ones self out of in Southeast Asia, cities like Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia are probably better for longer-term stays, for both lifestyle adjustment and comfort.
Regardless of its chaotic nature, Bangkok remains one of the biggest travel hubs in Asia, and one of the most popular places to visit on Earth – truly ensuring that it remains one of the best cities for expats in Thailand to consider re-locating to for work, for business, and for pleasure.
#2: Chiang Mai
Although Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, it must go without saying that the capital of digital nomad life not only in the country, but perhaps in all of Southeast Asia, as well as one of the best cities for expats in Thailand, remains the leafy, northern city of Chiang Mai.
Having long been established as one of the best places to network and do business with like-minded expats choosing to base themselves out of one of the most exotic and beautiful places on the planet, Chiang Mai has already begun bringing back digital nomads in droves, looking to bring back the glory days of this very desirable town.
Having some of the best food options in Thailand, as well as a cooler climate than the sweltering southern tier, Chiang Mai also possesses of some of the fastest internet speeds in the entire country, helping it to truly be considered one of the best cities for expats in Thailand, and for only about 900 baht (approx. $30 USD) monthly you too can have a dedicated Fiber Optic line that has 200mbps download, and 50 Mbps upload speeds – which you can find out more about here.
Although it is true that Chiang Mai can suffer from environmental pollution from time to time, especially during the burning season, when local farmers set fire to sugar cane to harvest, as well as the fact that sometimes Chiang Mai can also feel like just another western city – with the huge proliferation of foreign expats calling the city their temporary or permanent home, this northern Thai staple remains one of the best cities for expats in Thailand for all the great lifestyle options it offers.
After all, its no wonder many have decided to call Chiang Mai their new home – having all the convenience of Bangkok, with none of the edging-on-psychotic chaos that the capital city is sure to inflict on the daily. It goes without saying that despite its perhaps over popularity at times, Chaing Mai is still one of the best cities for expats in Thailand, and remains one of the most lovely places to be a digital nomad anywhere on Earth.
#3: Phuket
However, for those looking longingly to live in a Thai tropical paradise, and need to add some island life flavor to their daily routine, then look no further than Phuket – one of best cities for expats in Thailand! Offering amazing, drop-dead gorgeous views of the coast, as well as some of the best water sports in the country, Phuket is a sun-lovers paradise.
Phuket also offers very modern infrastructure, and major development continues to build this city into a more picturesque, and airy combination of Bangkok and Chiang Mai – offering many big cities amenities, along with a more relaxed atmosphere, all set on the coast of the lovely Sea of Thailand. And for those trying to escape the city, and get away from it all, Phuket offers lovely tropical seclusion as well – after all, Phuket isn’t just one of the best cities for expats in Thailand, its also an island unto itself!
Although there has been some growing criticism of Phuket as being in danger of over-development, as well as for being perhaps too popular with expats, and thus making the culture of the place feel less and less authentic as the years go on, this tide may have been stemmed somewhat by the overall travel restrictions and entry requirements that Thailand maintained for the greater part of the last two years, ensuring a possible reset of the island city’s demographics.
And yet, as is the case with everywhere in Thailand, popularity cannot be avoided – especially on an island like Phuket that plays host to some of the most famous, and most beautiful beaches on earth, as well as a gorgeous and colorful old-town with call-backs to Georgetown in Malaysia’s Penang for some.
Long story short, if you would like to live the expat or digital nomad lifestyle in Thailand, don’t let the haters fool you. If looking out at the endless stretch of white-sanded beaches, crystal clear neon-blue waters, with a cocktail in your hand appeals to you, then look no further – Phuket should be the top of your list for best cities for expats in Thailand to relocate to!
#4: Krabi
Continuing on with the tropical island flavor, as well as moving further south down Thailand’s western coast, lies the gorgeous little city of Krabi, which is not only one of the best cities for expats in Thailand, but also a quieter, more local-flavored alternative to the more popular, and occasionally overcrowded beaches of Phuket.
Being one of my favorite places in Thailand for not only a beach holiday, but also to base myself out of as a tropical locale, Krabi offers all of the beautiful beaches, and huge and almost alien massive stone structures jutting out of the sea, that are near synonymous with this nation – yet with far more authentic Thai flavor and culture still intact as well, helping to make this place one of the best cities for expats in Thailand who want a true taste of all that Thailand has to offer.
Being a very close ferry ride to other neighboring islands, like the gorgeous Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta, as well as paying host to a major, regional airport, Krabi, like Phuket, is a major hub for island hoppers in the region, and for digital nomads looking to really immersive themselves into true Thai culture, while also enjoying their new beach-going lifestyle, then Krabi certainly should be near the top of your list for best cities for expats in Thailand to consider relocating to.
Although certainly not offering the same level of infrastructure, amenities, and overall diversity of choices for food and shopping that perhaps Phuket across the way offers, the trade off for a truly relaxed, local vibe, with more friendly, authentic people then can be found in perhaps other, more touristy parts of Thailand, ensure that Krabi is definitely worth the sacrifice – and after all, Phuket is only a 2 ½ drive away!
It really must go without saying that Krabi is my personal favorite spot for a beach town to base ones self out of in Thailand, and for any digital nomad looking at the best cities for expats in Thailand to consider, Krabi should certainly be given serious consideration for any and all who love to wake up to the salty, smell of the ocean, and the sweet flavor of a Thai iced tea!
#5: Udon Thani
Last, but certainly not least, on my list of the best cities for expats in Thailand to consider, is actually so tiny, it can almost hardly be considered a city at all – but rather a peaceful, quiet, village, set deep in the nation’s beautiful, and rarely traversed northern heartlands. For those looking to just escape civilization, or for those just wanting to get away from it all, Udon Thani is certainly one of the best options to consider to give you a remote, and very local Thai lifestyle, but without sacrificing any of the charm.
Being both very local, and very rural, Udon Thani is certainly not for the city-loving expat, nor for those in love with the coast. Rather, for those wishing to find peace, quiet, and the true ‘land of smiles’ that Thailand oft advertises (but rarely delivers upon authentically), then this agricultural village promises to be one of the best cities for expats in Thailand for you!
Of course, being so remote does have its disadvantages, as internet speeds aren’t the fastest, and most conveniences to be had and found in the other more populated (and popular) cities on this list, would certainly be far less easily accessible in this township located close to the Laotian border. As such, a destination such as this for relocation is far better suited to independently wealthy expats, pensioners, or retirees looking to settle down, and not so much for the younger digital nomad.
But for the adventurous soul looking to make their next home in one of the most enchanting, and exotic places not only in Thailand, but also on Earth, then Udon Thani should certainly remain atop your list of the best cities for expats in Thailand to consider moving to!
Destination: Thailand, A Land of Renewed Hopes, Dreams, & Smiles
Despite having hidden its face from the world, along with most of Southeast Asia, over the better part of the last two years, Thailand’s re-emergence into the global travel scene is sure to bring back many of the tourists, digital nomads, and expats alike who helped make the country one of the most popular places to travel to on the planet.
And although this writer in particular does rate some nations like Malaysia and Indonesia above Thailand on my personal list of best places to live in Southeast Asia – a list of information, stats, and helpful tips I acquired and wrote about here, Thailand remains one of the best places to live in Southeast Asia for any expat wanting an exotic taste of adventure, and some of the best flavors and natural beauty to be had anywhere on Earth.
If you would like to do more research on the best cities for expats in Thailand to move to, then feel free to read my article on my top pros and cons to living in Thailand here – I’m sure it’ll help you on your way to building your best life, as you start your exciting new chapter of your personal story overseas!