thailand
Ask question

What are the best family-friendly places in Thailand for digital nomads with young children?

digital nomadsfamily living in ThailandThailand expat lifebest cities for expats in ThailandThai visa requirementsinternational schools in Thailandcost of living in Thailandmedical facilities in Thailandchild-friendly citiesHua HinChiang MaiBangkokUdon ThaniPhuketKo Lanta
Jun 4, 2024
6 months ago
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone 😀 Where is Thailand's best place to live(with kids ages 4 and 2) for digital nomads? Considering good schooling, cost of living, medical facilities, entertainment with restaurants and movie theaters, access to an airport, etc.
8,382
views
17
likes
243
all likes
107
replies
2
images
31
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion covers various locations in Thailand suitable for digital nomads with young children, focusing on factors like schooling, cost of living, medical facilities, and entertainment options. Recommendations include Hua Hin for its good infrastructure and international kindergartens, Chiang Mai for its community of families and activities, and Udon Thani for affordability and access to international schools in nearby Vientiane. Other mentioned areas include Bangkok, albeit with concerns about pollution, and Ko Lanta, known for its peaceful environment. Participants emphasize the importance of considering individual family needs and visiting prior to making long-term decisions.
Jo **********
Chiang Rai minimaal tourists peaceful and quiet
4 months ago
Like
Reply
Carsten **********
Chiang Mai
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Georg *********
Im living with my son in Khon Kaen. I love the peaceful vibe without all the Tourists. Everything here what you need. It also has an international school. (California Curriculum). Also some bilingual schools available. Huge University. All the good Hospitals. Beautiful Markets, Lakes and Parks. Beautiful people
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Georg ********
 been there. Didn't know it has so many options for international and bilingual schools.great to know.Thank you 🙏
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Georg *********
@Flukie *****
 Your most welcome, i would also recommend you Chiang Mai if there wouldnt be the smokey season. Bjt with smokey season for me uliveable with kids. Would be a good option if you would bave a second home somewhere in the south for example so you could escape for some months. But with kids, visiting a school, nearly Impossible.
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Georg *********
Reply
Kylie ********
Pattaya… lots of families and good schools, reasonable prices n close to beach n airport. Check out Pattaya International ladies club (PILC) or Pattaya little Monkeys FB pages for more info.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Jo **********
@Kylie *******
 sounds like a bunch of expats that want nothing to do with integrating into Thai life.
4 months ago
Like
Reply
Aga *******
@Kylie *******
 can I ask what is the monthly price for schools please? Just so I know roughly what to expect please? Thank you :) 🤩
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Kylie ********
@Aga ******
 prices vary a lot, best to contact a few of them and ask for up to date prices.
4 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kylie ********
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kylie *******
 thank you 🙏
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Andy *********
dIgiTaL nOmAdS
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Manfred **********
Betong
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Glenn ********
Laguna Phuket. Close to airport. Good international schools
6 months ago
Like
Reply
John ********
Frist thing is finding out what is the best visa for you, then come to see bkk and how everything works out with immigration and the schools in Thailand for the kids as its very expensive for a good school here, it's ok to asking people on here but I think that it's much better for you to come over and stay for a few months frist. As what you may find that you don't like the same place as some other people recommend
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
 right. Just hoping for general ideas to get us going. Will definitely do more research for sure. Thanks.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Laetitia ******
Best place ever is Chiang Rai. We are living here since 6 years. Good schools, good environment, quiet and affordable.

If you need anything I can help 🤗
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Jo **********
@Laetitia *****
 agreed
4 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Laetitia *****
 thank you so much🙏 just afraid of smoke with the little lungs or is that only Chiangmai?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Austin *********
Why not Pattaya?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Jo **********
@Austin ********
 just a tourist trap
4 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Austin ********
 not sure
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Kritthiyaporn **********
Chiang mai
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Jo **********
Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Marta *****
Ko Lanta - quiet, peaceful, lots of families, international school, airport 1,5h away in Krabi, a few clinics, worldschooling community in high season. We love it here
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marta ****
 will check that out, thanks 🙏
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Terary **********
6 - 12 months.... Home school and live many places.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Stelios *********
Koh samui has all you need
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Ian **********
Chiang mai
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Goi *************
Out of Bangkok along BTS route still will be convenient to everywhere. A lot of good schools; international and bilingual.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Goi ************
 thank you 🙏
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Marjolaine ********
Chiang Mai but not from mid Feb to mid May. Tons of schools, playgroups & activities, good hospitals, a lot of worldschooling homeschooling nomad families.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marjolaine *******
 thank you 🙏
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Christopher ********
Huahin - lots of YouTube videos on it very chill very safe very calm good schools and infrastructure. It’s a wonderful town.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Kace *******
@Christopher *******
 i’m thinking of hua hin as a hub for travel through thailand and rest of the world 🌍. close to everywhere and beautiful while you’re there. cheap enough and safe enough to leave your belongings there and travel lightly.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher *******
 one of my best options 🙏
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Stuart ***********
@Flukie *****
 we live in the Hua Hin area and my Thai wife's children attend school here. I would say it's the best location for your family and has what you require. Our children love it here and it's completely safe. The airport doesn't go to many places, but Bangkok is only a couple of hours away. Our children go to Sethavidhya school, which is not fully international, but they teach in English and is very nice.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Aga *******
@Stuart **********
 we are thinking to relocate to Hua Hin as well, what is monthly cost for school please? Thank you :)
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Stuart ***********
@Aga ******
 it is about 90,000 baht per year at Sethavidyha(if I remember correctly).
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Aga *******
@Stuart **********
 that’s good price comparing to other schools :) Thank you
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart **********
 That is great. Thank you for the recommendation on the school. We will check it out. 🙏
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Christopher ********
@Flukie *****
 it is the best place to be and where I plan on buying soon. Close enough to Bangkok,

Has an airport, all services you could want and need. Love it
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher *******
, can I ask where you are looking for a house/condo to buy and in which area? I know I need to do my own homework but a little advice could set us off to a good start 🙏
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Bonnie *********
Best?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bonnie ********
 most suitable
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Phil ******
@Flukie *****
 bangkok
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Jo **********
@Phil *****
 terrible pollution and overcrowding
4 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Jo *********
 not now in Phrakanong but up north and Northeast worse. Chiang Mai was the worlds most polluted many times this year.
4 months ago
Like
Reply
Jo **********
@Phil *****
 yes true. I have lived in the Chiang Mai area for 10 years. March and April are the worst. For the rest of the year the air quality is much better than Bangkok
4 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Jo *********
 May was bad too but our area wasn't as bad Jo
4 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Chris *********
@Phil *****
 Hi Phil I’m back to Bangkok very soon maybe we can grab that beer( no pun intended) went to the English pub twice missed you but hey ho mate hope you’re all good?
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Chris ********
 im back hopefully 9th July and yes Beer sounds good
5 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 got all the good schools…
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Flukie *****
 yes satisfies all your requirements
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Frank-Steven ***********
I never had the chance to check out Hat Yai (other than passing through, really). On paper it looks like it could be the "better" Chiang Mai. Not sure about the state of infrastructure and good schools, though. Google suggests one, though:
*****************************************
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Andreas *********
If I take into account all the requirements and especially the cost of living, I will definitely not choose any of the metropolises or tourist hotspots. Then I'll see myself in Isan . Udon Thani easily meets all requirements .

******************************************
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andreas ********
 what about korat or konkaen?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Andreas *********
@Flukie *****
 I think it's a matter of personal taste. All 3 cities certainly have their own advantages. I love Udon Thani because of its accessibility, a nice vibrant city with a very large foreign population.excellent hospitals, I think the cheapest of the cities mentioned, everything very central, whether markets, restaurants......the proximity to Vientiane, the Mekong, very good schools and universities, a lot of agricultural area in the surrounding area. The distances between these 3 cities are not that big. I think you can visit them all to get a personal impression.For me personally Udon Thani
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andreas ********
 thank you for your advice🙏
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Frank-Steven ***********
@Andreas ********
 True for cost of living. True for not being exposed to the overtourism negative side effects. But lack of good education (international schools) and some western comfort infrastructure might be an adverse effect. Also, even the Isaan is affected by periodical unhealthy weather and pollution conditions.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Dianne *****
@Frank-Steven **********
 I remember an expat telling me, who lives in Nongkhai (near enough to Udon Thani when you need a city vibe), that his kids travelled across the border daily to one of the many good international schools in Vientiane
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dianne *****
Reply
Nongnuch ********
Hua Hin got some international kindergardens and schools. It is a nice family location with a good infrastructure
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
, do you have any recommendations for kindergartens?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you 🙏
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Flukie *****
 I suggest one of you visits Hua Hin for a 2-3 weeks holiday, and a thoughrough check on what is available, Kindergarden- and School-wise
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Flukie *****
 sorry, no. Last time I spend in Hua Hin was 2008. My friend's son and daugther were attending an international school, with English teachers. The infrastructure should be even better by now than it was those years back
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Rusty ********
BKK
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rusty *******
 Where would be a good area that is not overly crowded and good access to schools?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Rusty ********
@Flukie *****
 I lived in Bangna for several years. It was close enough to the BTS . Made it easy for short Taxi rides or walking to mall or grocery stores. Several private schools in the area. As well as hospitals.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rusty ********
Reply
Robert *********
Samui
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Frank-Steven ***********
@Robert ********
 Was beautiful and paradise during Covid. Now hopelessly overcrowded and overpriced again.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Bjorn ********
@Frank-Steven **********
 not a bad suggestion. Some tourism but probably not as overwhelming as some other islands.

My question would be health care for a western couple. I don’t know the answer to that.

However, I would probably care more about that than a school for the two young children.

Physicians generally speak reasonable English most places I. Thailand, but the question would be the quality of hospitals and access to medical tools.

I’ve been to some government run hospitals with apparently good doctors but over crowding and lack of aircon would be a big question for me.

A commercial hospital (an international hospital) would be a must if I had children in Thailand.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Mark ******
@Bjorn *******
 I live on Samui, and although rarely visit a hospital, there are 4-5 private hospitals here and a new one even opened last year (also have the typical government hospital). As far as the crowds/tourists, need to head south to get away from all that. The entire bottom half of Samui has dozens of quiet villages, coconut groves, mountain retreats, with few people and no traffic, yet "the action": is 20-30 minutes away. Fortunately, most people, and tourists, stay in the North and Northeast. Hope it stays that way for another couple decades.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark *****
 Samui used to be so beautiful ❤️
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bjorn *******
 thank you
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank-Steven **********
 we stayed in Samui and had our kids in an International kindergarten and they loved it. The only thing that made us not want to go back there was the crowd😓Samui is suitable for vacation, not to live, in my opinion
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Frank-Steven ***********
@Flukie *****
 Exactly what I said and think. None of those islands are suitable for long term living, imho. I had the option to live on Koh Tao ... and as much as I love diving and an island like that is beautiful ... living there long term is just a no go for so many reasons.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Frank-Steven ***********
Reply
Robert *********
@Frank-Steven **********
 ya ,I agree ,but they need international schools .

I would not subject my children or myself to bkk or Chang Mai pollution .

Hua Hin ,bang saree perhaps
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Bjorn ********
@Robert ********
 it doesn’t look like they need schools at all. Their kids are 2 and 4 and they plan to stay 6-12 months.

Best plan in my opinion would be to get a bilingual “maid” to help with the kids and the household. Cheaper than an international school and the kids might learn a little Thai.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Robert *********
@Bjorn *******
 then Koh kood
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ********
 beautiful island
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Frank-Steven ***********
Best place for that would be Chiang Mai. Unfortunately only
***
th of the year.
***
th is unhealthy due to air pollution and excessive heat. I have given that very question 5 years of thought. And in the end of the day, in Thailand there isn’t one single place / location perfect all year round. Other alternatives: Bangkok: too busy. Phuket: too snobby / unfriendly. Samui: too touristy / crowded. Many other great more local places in Thailand … but with compromises in infrastructure and quality of education.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank-Steven **********
 I last visited Chiangmai (summer of 2019). It was so polluted and dusty that it turned me off. Bangkok is, like you said too crowded, Samui was nice but too touristy, and now we are looking at Huahin.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Frank-Steven ***********
@Flukie *****
 Krabi might be another area to consider.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank-Steven **********
 where in Krabi?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Frank-Steven ***********
@Flukie *****
 I am not sure about that. Just like the whole area around there - especially Koh Lanta. Less touristically destroyed than other parts of the country. But I am not sure about international schools in the Krabi area.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Rich ****
@Frank-Steven **********
 I've heard good things about raising kids there
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rich ****
Reply
Frank-Steven ***********
@Flukie *****
 The whole northern part (everything north of Bangkok) will have that pollution issue during February and May. Not ideal - especially to raise kids. Other than that in my experience Chiang Mai is the best package. Southern Thailand can be over-touristy and overpriced in those touristic areas. But in more rural areas - nice as they are - infrastructure and education would leave to desire. As for Hua Hin … yes … might be a compromise. Mainly known for retirees (and weekend visitors from Bangkok). Not so much for digital nomads. But if there are good international schools it might be an option for you.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Stuart ***********
@Frank-Steven **********
 yes there are good international schools here
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Neil *********
I think I can think of several places “not” to live 555
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Neil ********
 where is that?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Right. We are thinking of Hua Hin, which seems like a good place to live.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Charles ********
@Flukie *****
 still pretty touristy. If you looking for mainland beach, go east. Rayong or further. Quite nice and beautiful.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Charles *******
, are there any international schools in Rayong, though?
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Charles ********
@Flukie *****
 not an expert in schools, but I have noticed there pretty decent international schools in most areas. Maybe not top tier, but good ones. I doubt you would have trouble in Rayong.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Charles *******
 thanks 🙏
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Karim ***************
@Flukie *****
 you’re not getting much good info here. Best international schools will be the places which also have expats.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and Hua Hin. You should pick your location based on your lifestyle. Me personally, I chose Chiang Mai because of the more relaxed way of life, excellent international schools, reliable internet, great restaurants, the mountains are amazing…. And a good expat community. Your money goes further as well! People complain about the burning season, but that’s just holiday time and affects most of Thailand anyway…
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Karim ***************
Reply
Neil *********
@Flukie *****
 Phuket, Pattaya to name a couple.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Neil *********
Reply
Henrik *****
Start by figuring out, which visa is possibel to get, and if you can get a workpermit.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
 We are waiting for DTV. Or some sorts of visa for online workers.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Flukie *****
 well kids with developing lungs don't end 6 monists of high pm 2.5 sothatrules out the north. Bangkok's got 5 months but all the best schools are there. You really need to read up on Thailand
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 will do thanks
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Flukie *****
 lots of kids and old people die every year. Google the reports by professirs
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Neil ******
@Flukie *****
 naive. The government does this every year and never releases a visa for people like you.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Neil *****
 we will see I guess
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Neil ******
@Flukie *****
 I respect you for not just coming here and working illegally like the tons of assholes who have no respect.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Flukie ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Neil *****
 well, I am not sure if you can get away with working illegally anywhere. Always on the run, rather do things by the book.
6 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Flukie ******
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the best places in Thailand for online work without a driving license?
14 comments
2 months ago
What are the best destinations in Thailand for both beautiful beaches and shopping, avoiding tourist traps like Phuket?
45 comments
3 months ago
What are the best family-friendly hotels in Bangkok for a trip with kids, and what attractions should we visit?
16 comments
5 months ago
What are the best visa options for a family planning to send their child to school in Thailand for a couple of years?
14 comments
7 months ago
What are some recommended neighborhoods or communities for retirement living near Bangkok that allow for renting a house with a yard?
12 comments
9 months ago
Which is better for a family: Koh Samui or Chiang Mai in Thailand?
185 comments
a year ago
What are the permanent visa options for relocating to Thailand with a family?
9 comments
a year ago
What are some recommended areas in Thailand for expats seeking a low-cost living with good medical care and a low sex tourism vibe?
99 comments
a year ago
What are the best places to retire peacefully in Thailand?
243 comments
a year ago
What are the challenges and recommendations for a single mother moving to Thailand with children?
64 comments
a year ago
What are the preferred locations in Thailand among expats and why?
216 comments
a year ago
What are some good places in Thailand for expats seeking a quieter, budget-friendly location with amenities?
18 comments
2 years ago
Where are the best places in Thailand to celebrate Christmas with young kids?
15 comments
2 years ago
What are some good options for kindergarten or nursery in Koh Samui for young children?
1 comments
2 years ago
What are some family-friendly places to visit in Thailand for a month-long trip with kids?
22 comments
2 years ago
What are the best areas to stay in Ko Phangan for families with small children?
4 comments
2 years ago
What is the experience of moving to Thailand with children?
30 comments
2 years ago
What are some important considerations for expat families relocating to Thailand?
105 comments
3 years ago
Is it safe and feasible to travel to Thailand with a 1-year-old baby during COVID-19?
22 comments
3 years ago
What are the current travel restrictions and recommendations for a family from Isaan traveling during the pandemic?
5 comments
3 years ago
What are the best ESL job opportunities and family-friendly locations in Thailand for expats?
1 comments
4 years ago
What are the current quarantine requirements for families traveling to Thailand during COVID-19?
4 comments
4 years ago
What are some recommended areas to live in Thailand for a new expat?
54 comments
4 years ago
What are the experiences and opinions of expats regarding international schools in Thailand for their children?
16 comments
4 years ago
Where can I change my visa with kids in a kid-friendly and inexpensive location from Northern Thailand?
12 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.