Thailand’s city Chiang Mai was recently rated by the Travel and Leisure readers as their third top city in the world, indicating the global growing appreciation for Southeast Asia as a region to reside in. Thailand is one of the world’s popular countries for good living aboard – offering a year-round tropical climate, quality medical care, and a good exchange rate for most countries.

If you’re thinking of relocating to Thailand – these five cities are regarded as the most popular destinations for expats.

Popular Thailand destinations for expats

1. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is situated in the foothills of Northern Thailand and is renowned for its easy pace of life and temperate climate. It’s just an hour’s flight from Bangkok and positioned in the centre of northern Thai culture. Home to hundreds of Buddhist temples it has a rich historic side and an ancient moat still surrounds it. Chiang Mai blends the past with all the modern amenities and conveniences the western world is used to, including great shopping malls and quality affordable medical care. Expats tend to live near the city centre and many reveal they can live comfortably on as little as USD $1000 a month.

2. Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the ideal location for expats looking for a beach lifestyle all year round. Famous for its palm-lined beaches and tropical weather, it has everything you need including quality healthcare and plenty of entertainment. Its affordable laidback lifestyle is a big attraction and tourism and fishing form a major part of its economy. Its affordability is well known and International Living correspondent Steve LePoideven is reported to have said that, “Even with eating out every day, you could live on less than USD 1 120 a month and be comfortable”.

3. Bangkok

If you’re looking for an exciting, cosmopolitan city with impressive skyscrapers and world-class amenities, then Bangkok is the city for you. Expats adore its multicultural vibe, job opportunities and affordable lifestyle. Not surprisingly, Bangkok has a high concentration of expats who have created many social clubs, making it an easy city for foreigners to feel comfortable in. Bangkok is also home to Thailand’s top doctors and private hospitals – which offer very affordable top-quality care. Most of the expats live in the centre of the city – along the public transportation routes. Others choose to settle in the suburbs of Bang Na and Nonthaburi – which are close to the city centre.

4. Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a seaside town, just two-and-a-half hour’s drive from Bangkok. Expats enjoy its easy living and lively seaside life, which includes many restaurants and even a night market in town. It’s also home to an annual beachfront jazz festival, which hosts many local and international musicians and has recently opened a local winery.

5. Phuket

Phuket’s beauty is famous and many expats describe it as a paradise combining azure waters and lush jungle-covered mountains. Known as the “Pearl of the Andaman” it combines a laidback lifestyle with a busy entertainment industry – which includes everything from nightclubs to cabaret. Expats who stay in this region speak highly of its convenient, affordable lifestyle, wonderful food and the plethora of expat clubs, which make all newcomers feel very welcome.

If you’re thinking of heading abroad to the Thailand to enjoy the excellent quality of life on offer, contact us today and we’ll help you with financial emigration and moving your money abroad.