Over the past few years, Thailand has been a popular destination for expatriates looking for a place to retire due to its exotic culture and geography, affordable health care and lower cost of living. Known for its beautiful climate and beaches, delicious cuisine as well as a rich heritage, Thailand offers a great lifestyle ranging from a slow pace of life to a busier style of living.
One of the most important decisions you will have to make when retiring in Thailand is where you should settle down. Here we will discuss the five best places you can retire in Thailand.
Chiang Mai
One of the more calm and cultured places to retire in Thailand is the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. Located near the foothills of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is home to some of the oldest culture in Thai history dating back over 700 years.
Chiang Mai is considered one of the more affordable places to live in Thailand as it has a variety of affordable villas and condos, when compared to the other expensive tropical islands. Even though it is an affordable place to live in, you still have access to all of the modern amenities of daily life.
In Chiang Mai, you can find an incredible array of dining options that will appeal to locals and foreigners, markets, movie theatres, western-style malls, and a JCI-accredited hospital providing high-quality medical treatment.
If you are an outdoor person, Chiang Mai has the most stunning countryside surroundings in Thailand, which make it the perfect place to retire. The Doi Inthanon mountain range is a short drive outside the city and is home to some of the highest peaks in Thailand.
Phuket
Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand and is considered a popular retirement destination for many expatriates. Nestled against the Andaman Ocean, it is known as the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’ as it is surrounded by turquoise waters, jungle-topped mountains and white sandy beaches.
Experience the best of both worlds as it offers an easy-going family lifestyle and even an exciting nightlife scene here at Phuket.
Most of the expats that choose to come to Phuket is because of the comfortable and convenient lifestyle. You’ll be able to savour some of the best seafood in the country, buy the latest trends from the many fashion boutiques as well as partake in outdoor activities from cycling to sailing.
Besides that, retirees will not have to worry about living in Phuket as outstanding medical care is accessible at a fraction of the cost.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is another destination you can consider to retire in as it is one of the most laidback and exciting places in Thailand. This quaint coastal fishing village south of Bangkok first became known as a beach getaway in the 1920s.
The Thai royal family loved visiting Hua Hin for their hunting vacations. Now this town is an attractive place for Bangkok residents interested in a weekend getaway from the bustling city.
Hua Hin is a great place to retire if you are looking for a town that has lots of modern amenities, shopping malls, bars and western-style restaurants, breathtaking beaches and some of Thailand’s best golf courses.
Moreover, Hua Hin is the ideal retirement destination if you are looking for some peace during your free time as compared to the more developed holiday destinations such as Pattaya and Phuket.
Koh Samui
Other than Phuket, another tropical island that is known as the best place to retire in Thailand is Koh Samui.
Many expats will put Koh Samui at the top of their retirement destination list due to the laidback and ideal beach lifestyle it has to offer. The pristine beaches, clear oceans, tropical weather, and affordable cost of living make for the perfect location to retire for both locals and foreigners.
Koh Samui is just an hour and a half flight from Bangkok and home to various types of bars and international restaurants, with a vast range of accommodation choices. In addition to this, there is an endless of activities that you can enjoy from pilates to salsa dancing all on the island’s many beaches.
Although Koh Samui is regarded as an island paradise with its relaxed lifestyle, it still has all the modern amenities and facilities you may need. Quality healthcare is within your reach as a doctor’s visit costs as low as $20.
Bangkok
Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is the right choice if you’re looking to retire in a cosmopolitan city. It has everything a modern city has to offer such as luxury hotels, huge shopping malls, boutiques and world-class public transportation.
Expats from all over the world are migrating to Thailand to experience living in an exotic country with a favourable climate, and affordable cost of living and healthcare. Many of the country’s top doctors and hospitals located in Bangkok and the prices for top-quality care are incredibly affordable.
Thailand is known for having one of the best cuisines in the world, Bangkok boasts some of the best restaurants and bars you can find in Asia. Indulge in a luxurious meal at the city’s top restaurants or enjoy the views of the skyline from one of many rooftop bars.
If you’re looking for inexpensive meals, there’s plenty you can find all over the capital. A multitude of markets and street-food stalls are available at almost any time of the day so you won’t ever have to be worried about food in Thailand.
A joint collaboration between IQI and Juwai.asia.
Thailand’s natural beauty and affordable cost of living make it a prime retirement destination for expats all around the world. We hope from this article, you’ll be able to decide on where to settle down.
However, if you still are having doubts about which place is the best for you, our team of professionals will be able to assist you.
