Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for decent living abroad in the globe. It is a land of extremes. While most people associate Thailand with smooth sandy beaches and days in the sun, this island paradise is also home to urban cities. For pennies on the dollar, you may enjoy a tropical temperature all year long as well as modern amenities and amenities.
There is something unique about this part of the planet. There is no mistake about it: this is a soulful country. And the Thai people are among the friendliest in the world. This is a spot where old traditions and vibrant culture collide, allowing you to immerse yourself in another country while yet experiencing the comforts of home.
Thailand’s Most Popular Cities
⭐Bangkok
It is a thriving metropolis with metal and glass skyscrapers coexisting with millennia temples. It is situated on the grounds of the Grand Palace, which serves as the royal palace of the Kings of Siam. Bangkok is equipped with several big shopping malls, as well as the world’s largest open weekend bazaar.
The introduction of Western ideals and material commodities, which have been accepted and integrated to varying degrees with Thai values by its citizens. This is most seen in the increasing middle class’s lives.
⭐Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a laid-back city that is simple to explore and is regarded as the ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Hill tribe hiking is another popular activity in this area, where people may walk through the local mountains to reach tribal villages.
While many Thai towns offer unethical elephant tours, Chiang Mai is home to a large number of elephant shelters nestled deep in the hillside, where tourists may engage with saved elephants in their natural surroundings.
Chiang Mai has typical tropical weather that is moderated by its low latitude and elevation. During the summer months, nighttime temperatures can be cold and significantly lower than daytime temperatures.
⭐Phuket
Most visitors to Phuket Town are on their way to one of the many white sandy beaches nearby, but the city itself is worth a visit for its wonderful heritage. Phuket Town, a combination of Sino-Portuguese grandeur and 19th-century shophouses, is usually humming with activity yet hasn’t lost its ancient appeal.
The Phuket Town Bazaar is only open on weekends, yet it is the greatest destination in the area. You’ll find it all from souvenirs to clothing to gadgets, as well as some of Phuket’s greatest street cuisine.
Phuket is a region in southern Thailand. It is Thailand’s largest island and is located in the Andaman Sea. Phang-nga is the closest province to the north, while Phang-nga and Krabi are the closest provinces to the east.
⭐Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is most known as the location of the “Bridge over the River Kwai.” Located about two hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is easily reachable or train, with the latter offering scenic day excursions on weekends and public holidays. It is picturesque and worth a visit in and of itself, and it is commonly used as a staging ground for exploring the various cultural, ecological, and historical treasures in the surrounding region.
The city itself is a place to unwind, whether from the water’s banks, on the inside of a raft boat, or from a riverside restaurant. Many guests like relaxing near the river with a refreshing drink and a nice book. Many of them arrive for a few days but stay for weeks to take in all of the sights in the surrounding region.
⭐Sukhothai
In the 13th and 14th centuries, Sukhothai was the center of the first Kingdom of Siam. It includes a variety of beautiful monuments that show the origins of Thai construction. The Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Cities is a serial property comprising of three geographically close-related ancient towns in Thailand’s lower northern area. Sukhothai receives fewer tourists than its more popular cousin Ayutthaya because of its location.
Sukhothai’s historical sites, on the other hand, are no less spectacular. The majority of the historically important temple remains are located within the Sukhothai Historical Park and the neighboring Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Apart from seeing historical landmarks, Sukhothai is a peaceful rural city where you may still enjoy the rustic attractions of Thailand.
⭐Chiang Rai
Chian Rai, a big city on the borders of Laos and Myanmar, does not see as much activity as the other northern cities. Visitors that make it here will have the opportunity to explore breathtaking surroundings and witness the dawn at the Phu Chi Fa national forest park.
There is a lot of fantastic cuisine in Chiang Rai, although most tourists choose to dine at the Night Bazaar. The one operated by the Night Market Restaurant features pleasant hardwood furnishings, whereas the food court has quite unappealing yellow metal tables and chairs.
⭐Ayutthaya
The historic city of Ayutthaya is one of the most popular day excursions from Bangkok. Ayutthaya served as Thailand’s capital from its founding in 1351 until it was sacked and destroyed by the Burmese Army in 1767. Even though many of the structures have been destroyed and numerous things taken throughout the years, the towering temples and stucco towers that survive are still impressive.
⭐Pattaya
Pattaya is more renowned for its wild nightlife, but the city has a lot more to offer in terms of water sports. Visitors may also trek up Pratumnak Hill for a panoramic view of the bay and sea. The Sanctuary of Truth, a teak hall constructed as a center of art and spirituality, is a breathtaking sight just north of Wongamat Beach for visitors looking for something unique.
Top Reasons that will Make you Move to Thailand
Among the millions of visitors visiting Thailand each year, some are so enthralled by the country’s allure that they decide to extend their stay. After reading these arguments, you may consider relocating to the nation.
✔️The Beautiful Weather
As enticing as it is to awaken in the extremely cold night and go to work, it is too much for others. There’s no reason to be concerned about the weather in Thailand.
Sure, there is a rainy season, but more often than not, a little rainfall is succeeded by days of scorching weather, with no sign of a snowman in sight. Every day is a paradise on earth, which is one of the nicest aspects of living in Thailand.
✔️The Friendly Locals
Other than requesting for your meal not to be too hot, travelers in Thailand may find it difficult to engage in meaningful relationships with the locals. However, the more time you spend there, the more relaxed the inhabitants become.
Relationships grow, connections flourish, and life suddenly becomes simpler and a bit less lonely so far away from home. Thai people are exceedingly friendly, optimistic, and kind, and the ties you build with them while living here are truly priceless.
✔️The Colorful Festivals
Most visitors will only be able to attend one or two of the big festivals, but those of us fortunate enough to live here will be able to attend all of them. Chinese New Year in February, Songkran in April, Veggie Festival in October, Loy Krathong in November, and even the Thai edition of Christmas in December – people who live in the country get to feel each of these happenings, which are truly windows into Thailand’s culture and people and are deeply satisfying memories.
✔️Their Affordable Massages
Massages are rather costly in the Western world. But in Thailand, you could have many in a week and not think about how much you’re paying. Thai masseurs have magical hands, and even if you’re not a fan of the conventional, often painful Thai massages, there are typically a plethora of different massage choices to enjoy.
Stress dissipates, knots are relieved, and you’re ready to begin another day in paradise.
✔️The Delicious Food
Making the transition from visitor to ex-pat opens up a whole new world of gastronomy. Gone are the tourist trap eateries and the same old pad Thai, and you begin to become acquainted with local establishments and regional specialties, not to mention the delectably fresh fruits and vegetables.
Sure, you’ll miss your family’s Sunday roast, but it’s difficult to miss it when you’ve just spent a few dollars on a complete feast of properly cooked delicacies.
✔️The Unique Getaways
Being in Thailand does not imply your travel days are over; rather, they have only just begun. Thailand’s many holidays and long weekends give sufficient opportunity to stretch your wings and explore. Whether you’re working here, retired, or a digital nomad.
Acquaintances who live here also serve as a useful network, providing ideas on what to do, where to go, and where to stay, transforming a decent trip into a wonderful one. One of the best parts about living here is that you’re never far from a beautiful beach or a lovely natural park.
Essential Things to have When Living in Thailand
👍Get a Lifestraw
The tap water in Thailand isn’t filtered enough for Foreigners to drink without becoming ill. So staying hydrated is essential in a tropical environment. Bottled water is easily accessible, but if you’re venturing off the main path, the LifeStraw is a true lifesaver. It filters the water as you sip through it. It’s also compact, light, and affordable.
👍Grab some Activated Charcoal
If you’re cautious about your food and water, you shouldn’t have too many health issues in Thailand. Having said that, many tourists become ill at least once, so bring some activated charcoal with you just in case. These pills immediately absorb any contaminants in your system. This will prevent terrible diarrhea associated with consuming contaminated food in a poor nation.
👍Buy some Electrolytes
Electrolytes are particularly useful if you become sick in Thailand, as diarrhea may dehydrate you severely, which is very harmful in a hot, humid environment. If you become ill, place one of these pills in a jug of water to restore the electrolytes you’ve lost.
Even if you aren’t sick, adequate hydration in Thailand’s environment is difficult. So consuming electrolytes daily is a good idea, particularly if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
👍Sport a Neck Wallet
Pickpockets are sadly fairly widespread in areas like Bangkok and other large crowds you may visit in Thailand. The best option is to put things like cash, credit cards, passports, and phones in a hidden neck wallet. This makes it nearly hard for pickpockets to steal from you. This will also keep your most vital travel goods close at hand.
👍Get a Travel Backpack
Having a backpack is one of the handiest since it frees up my hands for other things and doubles as a tote when traveling. An excellent pack is small in size yet has a large storage capacity. When not in use, it folds up neatly into its own zipped pocket.
👍Buy an Underwater Camera
Get an excellent small camera that won’t break the budget and won’t get broken quickly. It captures stunning images both on land and underwater. In addition, many beautiful things to shoot in Thailand are near water, such as coastlines, cascades, and tropical rainforests.
👍Wear a Sarong
You should absolutely carry a sarong to Thailand. Since it may be used as a blanket, shawl, swimwear cover-up, curtain, skirt, beach towel, scarf, and so on. Sarongs aren’t the best alternative for any of those products, but they’ll do in a pinch. They’re also light and quick to dry.
👍Get a Power Adapter
Thailand has a variety of outlets, so you’ll most likely require a global power adaptor. This will ensure that you can always charge your gadgets. Also, most Southeast Asian nations have significant power surges. Carry some additional fuses for this adapter. There could be an event you burn through the two that come with it.
👍Buy some Packing Cubes
When it comes to remaining prepared on the road, a set of packing cubes is a lifesaver. Instead of fumbling through your backpack for that misplaced sock, simply pull out the cube in which your socks are stored.
👍Store your Phone in a Waterproof Case
This small phone cover is a necessity if you want to safeguard your phone from dust, sand, filth, and water while still being able to shoot underwater photographs and movies.
👍Buy some Quick Dry Towel
Towels are not provided at all hostels and inexpensive guesthouses in Thailand, so carry your own. However, avoid carrying a standard bath towel because they are large and take too long to dry. It is necessary to use a quick-dry towel, which is tiny and compact.
👍Wear some Hiking Shoes
Thailand boasts a plethora of excellent climbing and trekking opportunities, which is strongly advised you to take advantage of. However, some of the routes are rather difficult, and leeches are a regular sight on many of them. So you’ll need to wear safety footwear.
Waterproof shoes may appear to be a smart option, but they are too sticky for Thailand’s heat and humidity, so choose vented shoes instead.
Vital Laws to Remember when Living in Thailand
❕DO NOT Disrespect the Royal Family
Lese Majeste is legislation passed in Thailand in 1908 that makes it a criminal violation to slander, insult, threaten, or degrade any image of the Thai royal family. This involves tampering with Thai cash, so avoid stepping on it. It’s against the law and might land you in jail. Even discussing the Thai monarch and his family is forbidden upon, especially in public. You might be arrested and imprisoned.
❕20 is the Legal Drinking Age
It is in the best interests of bar owners to enforce this, as authorities frequently search facilities seeking underage drinkers and people under the influence of illicit narcotics. The punishment for unlawfully consuming alcohol in one of the above-mentioned areas is six months in jail.
❕DO NOT Take Photos in Temples
Street photography is typically permitted in Thailand, although there are certain areas where it is not permitted. Some temples restrict photography, while others are more lenient but forbid capturing pictures or sculptures of Buddha. Always obtain permission before taking photos with or of locals, particularly monks.
Avoid offering money to youngsters who ask for it if they appear in your images, as this encourages begging. Photographing the Thai royal family, as well as military stations and border crossings, is prohibited.
❕Flying Drones need Permission
Since drones include cameras, you will require approval from the appropriate authorities. In Thailand, whether for leisure or commercial purposes, several restrictions are governing the operation of drones.
❕Gambling is Illegal
Gambling is mainly outlawed in Thailand, except for the government-sponsored National Lottery and horse racing at racetracks. Thailand has no casinos.
❕Smoking is Banned
Smoking is currently prohibited on 24 famous tourist beaches. The Thai government launched this to lessen the impact on the maritime environment and harm to drainage infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible for foreigners to reside in Thailand?
A: Foreigners can get permanent residency and stay in Thailand for as long as they like. You must have a passport given to your current birthplace that was used to get a non-immigrant visa in Thailand for three consecutive years with a one-year renewal before the submission date.
Q: Is Thailand a safe country to live in?
A: Thailand is one of the most popular places in the world to live.
Q: Thailand has how many cities?
A: There are 32 self-governing cities in total. But there are also numerous smaller cities and villages that contribute to the country’s huge population.
Q: Where in Thailand is the wealthiest?
A: Phuket has been designated Thailand’s richest province, whereas Mae Hong Sorn in the north has the greatest poverty rate.
Q: Phuket or Pattaya: which is better?
A: While Phuket is more soothing and calm, Pattaya is a pretty raucous location with a continual, frenetic party vibe.
Final Thoughts
Thailand is unquestionably one of the nicest places to live in Asia. The cost is reasonable, the weather is pleasant, and the culture is diverse. Of course, there are important things to know to live securely and pleasantly.
Whereas locations like Pattaya may have ex-pats you’d prefer to avoid. And most parts of Thailand have their own resident populations that are kind, accessible, and assist to make life here that little bit simpler. Expats bring a sense of comfort and connection in a location so far away and are vital connections for everyone who lives here, from after-work drinks to advice on things to do.