The Best Place to Retire in Thailand

Retirement in Pattaya

Pattaya is quite possibly the best place to retire in Thailand especially for those wishing to enjoy a convenient city-like experience that still has beaches and a tropical vibe.

The city center is approximately a 2-hour drive from Bangkok and is nestled on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard perched on the Gulf of Thailand.

A vast selection of bars, international restaurants, beaches and the largest selection of golf courses in Thailand will surely entertain. This amazing city has a massive foreign expat community, it is not surprising why so many retirees opt to live in Pattaya.

Pattaya is great for retirees because everything you could possibly need is within close proximity.

Retirement in Koh Samui

Another tropical island that has a fantastic reputation as the best place to retire in Thailand is Koh Samui.

The island is located in the Gulf of Siam and offers a more laidback tropical island option when compared to Phuket, while still retaining some modern lifestyle comforts.

This dreamy paradise island was once known as a backpackers retreat, but over the past 15-years has enjoyed a revamp in terms of modern amenities and facilities.

Although the beaches are still amazing, Samui is a comfortable and relaxing retirement destination and home to bars and international restaurants, alongside a great choice of accommodation options.

Retirement in Chiang Mai

One of the more unique places in our category of the best place to retire in Thailand is the stunning city of Chiang Mai.

Located in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is home to some of the oldest culture in Thai history. A cosmopolitan city that is popular with artists and creative people alike. Chiang Mai’s one of the more affordable places to live in Thailand, especially when compared to more expensive tropical islands.

The city is home to quant bars, cool markets, and also a varied amount of restaurants that appeal to both locals and foreigners alike.

The stunning countryside surroundings is what makes Chiang Mai one of the most beautiful areas in Thailand. The Doi Inthanon mountain range is a 45-minute drive outside the city and is home to the highest peaks in Thailand.

Retirement in Phuket

One of the best parts about living or retiring in Thailand are the Kingdom’s jaw-dropping tropical island destinations. And no other Thai island merges the same amount tropical brilliance with modern living amenities quite like Phuket.

Located in Southern Thailand nestled against the Andaman Ocean, Phuket is a popular retirement destination.

Although the island focuses on a more family style ambience, it does have some fantastic seaside destinations. The most popular would be Patong, Karon and Kata. These hot spots have lots of bars and international eateries, creating a perennial holiday style environment all year round.

Retirement in Hua Hin

One of the most laidback, interesting places also regocnised as the best place to retire in Thailand is the quaint coastal town of Hua Hin.

Located a 3-hour drive south of Bangkok on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is predominantly known as a Thai seaside town that is popular with Bangkok residents looking for a weekend getaway from the metropolis.

The town is a very interesting retirement option when compared to Thailand’s more developed and commercial holiday destinations such as Pattaya and Phuket. Hua Hin also has a small foreign and affluent expat community that is friendly.

Hua Hin is home to a number of bars and Western style restaurants, shopping malls, quality beaches, lots of modern amenities and a number of Thailand’s best golf courses. The seaside town is a retirement location you need to take seriously.