Finding Your Perfect Fit in Thailand: Three Distinct Expat Experiences

Whenever someone asks me, “Where’s the best place to live in Thailand?” I reflexively give them the same answer that a Thai person would: “Up to you.”

Don’t get the wrong idea; this answer isn’t out of laziness or apathy. Thailand offers such a diversity of choices that matching a lifestyle to a location can be pleasantly complex.

Here are some examples of what places might fit which types of expats. The people are fictional, but the situations are typical of those I’ve seen coming to the Land of Smiles.

Retired Rick & Rita

A relaxed lifestyle in Chiang Mai: affordable living, rich culture, and a welcoming expat community.|©iStock/Javier Dall

Rick and Rita are empty nesters in their mid-50s, looking to start a “second chapter” while they’re still relatively young. They’re tired of shoveling snow in winter, raking leaves in fall, and would prefer a “shorts and sandals” kind of lifestyle.

Rick just retired from his job as an electrical engineer, and Rita from teaching in the public school system. Together, they enjoy a little over $4,800 per month in pensions and passive income from investments. They’re hoping to find a place where their money stretches further and affords them a higher standard of living.

Rita, who was a history teacher for over 20 years, is excited about exploring a new culture. She’s heard it’s possible to get a good teaching job in Thailand or online. Whether it’s part-time or full-time doesn’t matter—she wants to stay active and engage with the community.

Rick likes to play golf, hike nature trails, and has a stack of books he’s eager to dig into, preferably while relaxing in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree. He’s even considering trying his hand at writing novels.

The northern city of Chiang Mai could be an ideal fit for Rick and Rita. With a well-established expat community, an educational hub, and some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in Thailand, it checks all their boxes.

Chiang Mai is located in mountainous northern Thailand, near the border with Myanmar. It’s the country’s second-largest city, with a population of 1.2 million and growing. It’s home to Chiang Mai University, one of the most prestigious schools in Southeast Asia. In total, there are nine universities in Chiang Mai, along with numerous international schools. This would be Rita’s best chance at landing a teaching gig.

With a vibrant expat community of 25,000 to 30,000 working or retired expats, Chiang Mai has long been an attractive spot for retirees due to its affordability, relaxed lifestyle, safe environment, and world-class medical care.

There are ten national parks, twelve golf courses, more than a dozen waterfalls, and an international airport that handles 130 flights per week. "The Old City" is the historic district at the center of Chiang Mai, surrounded by a deep moat that stretches over six kilometers. More than 300 temples, some of the most ornate in Thailand, populate this district.

Chiang Mai offers golf, historic sites, and teaching opportunities in a vibrant expat-friendly city.|©iStock/only_fabrizio

Chiang Mai attracts many tourists, yet it doesn’t feel like a tourist town. I can imagine Rita wandering among the ruins, snapping photos, and soaking in the vibe of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Meanwhile, Rick would likely be found enjoying a coffee in one of Chiang Mai’s famous cafes or perusing a bookstore.

Rick and Rita can save or reinvest much of their income because Chiang Mai is more affordable than other expat-popular areas in Thailand. A spacious one-bedroom in an upscale condo with a pool and gym, close to shopping and entertainment, rents for under $500 per month, and a two-bedroom bungalow for under $700.

Residents of Chiang Mai are spoiled for food choices, and the couple could dine like royalty for $300 per month or less. Entertainment here leans toward the quieter side, but they might be pleasantly surprised by the local jazz and blues scene. It’s easy to have a night out for under $50.

Chiang Mai offers Rick and Rita a relaxed lifestyle with just enough intellectual stimulation to keep them from getting bored. The artistic and academic community, coupled with the stunning natural backdrop, should be a great place for Rick to start his first novel, and the expat community—full of teachers, NGO workers, and volunteers—is sure to embrace Rita.

Single Sixty-Something Sam

Pattaya's vibrant expat scene and water sports make it ideal for Sam’s active retirement.|©iStock/fokkebok

Sam is recently retired and is excited to put stamps in his new passport. He wants a dynamic location with good infrastructure to connect him to the rest of Asia. He’s wallet-conscious but not pathologically frugal. He likes to work out and spend time near the water—sailing, snorkeling, fishing, jet skiing... Sam enjoys it all. He’s even considering learning to kiteboard!

Sam was a bit of a social butterfly back home, so he wants to find an expat community of like-minded individuals and make new friends. He enjoys golf, pool, darts, and witty banter at the local pub.

Pattaya City on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard is the perfect match for Sam’s energy and interests. The Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area is a sprawling network of neighborhoods and villages that stretch down the coast for over 50 kilometers.

Only a two-hour drive from Bangkok, Pattaya has undergone a renaissance over the past decade. Once known as a party town, Pattaya has reinvented itself as a world-class seaside resort.

With a population of up to 1.5 million (depending on the areas counted), Pattaya boasts Thailand’s largest expat community, at 200,000. Here, Sam would have plenty of opportunities to expand his social network and get back to his butterfly ways.

For a self-proclaimed “water dog” like Sam, Pattaya is ideal. The golden beaches along the Gulf of Thailand form a scalloped pattern, each cove offering a unique adventure. From windsurfing events at Jomtien Beach to kite surfing at Na Jomtien Beach (where a champion kite surfer runs a school), Pattaya’s coastal lifestyle is unmatched.

In Pattaya, Sam finds affordable beach living, outdoor fun, and a lively social scene.|©iStock/fokkebok

With a $2,500 monthly budget, Sam could comfortably settle in. A high-rise studio in Central Pattaya Beach might cost around $600 per month but could go as low as $400 further from the beach. In quieter areas like Jomtien Beach, a one-bedroom with amenities like a gym and pool might range from $300 to $400.

Sam would likely enjoy Pratumnak Hill, a cosmopolitan neighborhood between Pattaya Beach and Jomtien. A studio here rents for about $350 per month, and a two-bedroom pool villa for $700. The area offers a blend of expats, snowbirds, and seasonal tourists, along with stunning views.

Pattaya offers Sam the flexibility to find his niche. Whether it’s moving to Ban Amphur or Bang Sare for a more local vibe or East Pattaya for golf, Sam will enjoy the vibrant expat life along this coastal metropolis.

Nomad Ned & Nancy

Koh Samui: perfect for Ned’s remote work and Nancy’s vegan café dreams, with stunning beaches.|©iStock/dzika_mrowka

In their 40s, Ned and Nancy are ready to escape the American rat race. Ned is a remote-working data analyst, while Nancy, a successful caterer, dreams of opening a vegan café.

They met in college while backpacking through Peru and share a love of outdoor activities. With a $3,000 monthly budget, they’re looking for a tropical paradise with good internet, natural beauty, and a friendly expat community.

The post-pandemic boom of “nomad nests” has expanded options, and for Ned and Nancy, one of the islands in the Chumphon Archipelago—Koh Samui or Koh Phangan—would be ideal.

Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island, with over 70,000 inhabitants and 12,000 expats. The island has white sand beaches, lush jungles, and a unique “boutique” international airport. Baan Taling Ngam, on the quieter sunset side, offers bungalows with pools for under $500 monthly.

Koh Phangan offers Ned and Nancy a laid-back vibe, affordable rentals, and nomad-friendly spots.|©iStock/bloodua

Koh Phangan, smaller and less developed, is famous for its Full Moon parties at Haad Rin Beach but offers plenty of peaceful beaches and a younger, nomadic expat community. Beach bungalows with minimal amenities go for less than $300 monthly and often include motorbike rentals.

Both islands have high-speed internet, co-working spaces, wellness retreats, and vegan dining options. While Koh Samui has better infrastructure, Koh Phangan’s laid-back vibe may be the ultimate draw for Ned and Nancy.

Find the Right Fit

Matching a location to a desired lifestyle can be tricky. Just because you enjoyed a two-week holiday somewhere doesn’t mean you’d like living there. Finding the right spot requires carefully considering the expat community; that idyllic island could feel isolating without a social network.

Having a clear vision of your desired lifestyle and activities is crucial. After the thrill of moving wears off, it’s essential to focus on living day-to-day in your new home.

The most important thing to remember during your search is not to be swept away by a location’s allure. Don’t just consider how nice it is—think about how well it fits.