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What are the preferred locations in Thailand among expats and why?
Thailandexpatspreferred locationsUdon ThaniBangkokPattayaPhuketKoh SamuiHua HinChiang MaiKrabiKoh Phangan
Sep 22, 2023
3 years ago
José *******
ORIGINAL POSTERWhich one continues to be your preferred location in Thailand to go and why?
Udon Tani, Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui?
Udon Tani, Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Expats in Thailand have diverse preferences when it comes to their favorite locations. Popular choices among expats include Bangkok for its vibrant city life and amenities, Pattaya for its lively atmosphere and nightlife, and Hua Hin for its quieter beach experience. Some expats prefer Chiang Mai for its cooler climate and cultural richness, while others enjoy Krabi and Koh Samui for their beautiful beaches. There are also discussions about Udon Thani and other less touristy areas as appealing options for a more relaxed lifestyle.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
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Martin ********
Khon Kaen
Wolfgang *******
PATTAYA
Why? EXCELLENT infrastructure:
* great entertainment, night life, beaches,
* great choice of Restaurants, Shopping Malls, Schools, Markets, Hospitals, etc
* nice islands nearby
* close to Bangkok, close to airports
Why? EXCELLENT infrastructure:
* great entertainment, night life, beaches,
* great choice of Restaurants, Shopping Malls, Schools, Markets, Hospitals, etc
* nice islands nearby
* close to Bangkok, close to airports
Kung ********
Koh Lanta Krabi😍😍😍
Steven ******
I loved the country feel of Buriram. Did have a mate their but no longer. Easy drive from BKK. Love the country folks...
Artur *************
Ah, yes, Udon Thani, the world-renowned travel destination 😂 I actually kinda like Udon tho so jk
Terry ******
Jomtien, Pattaya because its a small quiet beach town that has everything I need and the prices there are very reasonable. Not to mention the beautiful beach
Yodha ********
Bangkok- the city has my heart ❤️
Sabrina *****************
Koh chang 🌿 so green
Anton ********
U named exactly places, I pretend they not exist in Thailand and is not part of it. Places I hate the most 😃
Nick **********
Chiang Mai
Pascal *****
Udon 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
Bee *****
Krabi ❤️ it is such a beautiful location, loads of natural wonders, it’s peaceful, the people are lovely and I just feel like I’m in paradise every single day.
Kieran *****
Koh tao
David *********
Yala
Steve **********
@David ********
ikkkes !Was there and Narathawat ( sp? ) 15 years ago, was shocked to see robed monks battling.
Islam and Bhudda get along, it's always politics. Taksin was in at the time.
Reply to
Steve **********
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Sabine *********
Bangkok! Always Bangkok:-))
Ann *************
Phuket
David ******************
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are also nice destinations
Adrian ******
Buriram
Bev **********
None of the above - my choice is Krabi
Robert ************
Pattaya… trannies
เดวิด *******
Koh mak is fantastic.
Sheikh *************
kis hawalay sa?
baat mukamal nahi. as a tourist or other?
baat mukamal nahi. as a tourist or other?
Sheikh *************
purpose of visit?
Franz *****
Sawakalok sukhotha bin their for 34 years
Kat *****
Banphe Rayong small town near beaches and only 1 hr from Pattaya and airport
Sandeep *******
Bangkok ....for the public transport, food options & buzz ! Second would be Jomtien..not Pattaya.
Max ***********
Pattaya. If you love golf like me there are 19 champion courses to choose from.
Kurt ********
Ban Tham, went there 15 years ago and never left ;)
Cimi ******
Koh Phangan ❤️🌈🌟
Chainie ******
Phuket
Allen *****
Of course is papaya. Lol
Amihan *********
None
Lars **********
Pattaya 💕🇹🇭
Mjamil *******
Nakhon pathom
Jacob ********
None of them.
Jacob ********
They are all the same crap, over priced very limited Thai food, scams, massage shops, tattoo shops, girly bars , over priced dodgy tours, etc. So many superior places to go you just have to be brave otherwise its all phony crap.
Reply to
Jacob ********
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Mark *******
Phuket
Apichaya ***********
Koh chang.
Paul ********
Kanchanaburi. Beautiful waterfalls nearby, the rivers, the quiet places, the war museum, the railway, Hellfire Pass... and still has some great little bars and restaurants.
Ruth *******
@Paul *******
;thank you for such a thorough answerReply to
Ruth *******
Reply
Michael *******
Pratchuap....😁
José *******
ORIGINAL POSTERPhuket
Josh ********
I go to Sri Lanka to escape Thailand
Jeanette ********
NO NO NO to Pattaya unless you a man of any age to age 90. Its awful & beach not all that either !
Steve **********
Chiangmai and Maesalong up by Santikiri.
Been everywhere else,have friends there, but like CM and North
Been everywhere else,have friends there, but like CM and North
Karim ***************
@Steve *********
if you want peaceful and relaxed living, the north west is the place to go 👍Reply to
Karim ***************
Reply
Ginette *****************
Bangkok
Ruth *******
Lots of people are stating their favorites without stating why. That’s not useful to anyone.
Edd ********
Cha Am.
Naravadee **************
Koh Yor, Koh Lanta
Nick ******
Bang Tao Phuket. Very chilled out and very clean. Lovely bars and restaurants. Also the people I meet wether they are farang or Thai everyone seems to get along.
Rob *************
Following
Mark ********
None of the above. Get off the ranch and explore more of Thailand. The last three are overblown, and boring. Bangkok has its charms, but Thailand has much better than all these.
Colin ***************
Phuket. I here.
Michael ***********
I live in Bangkok and I love it, but I prefer Koh Samui out of that list of places.
Fernando ***********
Ao nang 😏
Tore *********
Out of these, Bangkok! (Excluding lower Sukhumvit and Khaosan Road obviously). Due to the endless Photography, exploration and food options. As well as easy to avoid raunchy tourists. (Bangkok is huge)
But my favorite area is Kanchanaburi, due to the Waterfalls, historical spots and the City itself is nice and small.
And favorite Island Koh Kood, amazing beaches and very few tourists. And not a single 7 on the entire Island.
And Ubon for best food. (Only Isaan city ive visited)
But my favorite area is Kanchanaburi, due to the Waterfalls, historical spots and the City itself is nice and small.
And favorite Island Koh Kood, amazing beaches and very few tourists. And not a single 7 on the entire Island.
And Ubon for best food. (Only Isaan city ive visited)
Ruth *******
@Tore *****************
and now, to drill down, where are your favorite areas of Bangkok? No, it’s not my post 🙂, but I’ve been to Thailand numerous times and I’m about to return. I’m looking for ideas.Tore *********
@Ruth ******
I wrote down a list but cant find now. But this reddit post has great information. I stayed at Sitara place by Rama 9 for 5 months. Great and affordable Serviced Apartments. So many areas and places.
Best night markets for me was Talat Phlu (old and authentic). And although a bit farcfrom center, Rod Fai Srinakarin is absolutely amazing. Owl nightmarket also nice. I cant stand Jodd Fairs, but there is a new one now I think
Although touristy, Yaowarat (Chinatown) is a must.
In daytime Wang Lang market is nice. Ruam Sab is great for lunch. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market was the only of the floating markets i liked.
“Original Pad Kra Pao 1993” restaurant has amazing kra pao. Polo fried chicken for amazingly fried chicken and somtum
Head to Baiyoke Tower II for amazing view. Explore talat noi in Chinatown (daytime)
I could go on but check this post:
**************************************************
Reply to
Tore *********
Reply
Dave **********
CHIANGMAI :) 😀 😃 🙂 🙃 😊 😇 😀
Peter ***********
Country side Phuket, very quiet and good people everywhere!
AxMdob *******
Palawan
Benny *****
Pai
Brown ********
@Benny ****
probably the best Thai food in paiBenny *****
@Brown *******
Shan Lisu Lahu thai issarn indian pizza steaks moo kataa been here 26Reply to
Benny *****
Reply
Johanna ********
Bangkok my daughter lives there and Krabi
Hajra *********
Phuket
Durrant ********
Just go strait to Isaan is easier
Scott *********
None of the above
Eilidh ***************
Phuket and Krabi.
Ryan ********
I'm deeply concerned that you didn't include Chiang Mai on this list
Karim ***************
@Ryan *******
lots of people who include Pattaya in their list of preferred locations, don’t venture up to Chiang Mai. I was visiting Thailand for ***
years before I ventured up to Chiang Mai. Instantly fell in love with it and moved there.Ryan ********
@Karim **************
I'm glad you finally made it up here. Chiang Mai was my first destination and it's become my last, unless I head to Japan.Reply to
Ryan ********
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Matthew ********
None of the above. Country for me.
Bob *******
Koh Samui
Simon **********
It’s a secret 😎
Charles **********
Hua Hin and specifically
@Black *********************
Stéfan ********
Of that selection I prefer Bangkok by a long shot, as it's a very interesting city and I find popular beach towns cringy, but my favorite in Thailand is Chiang Mai.
Luc ************
Buriram.
Mat *********
KOH Phayam in November, because it's rainy season on Samui and the Dry Season has already started there; plus no cars, only motorbikes and the occasional tractor, plus one of only two permanent surf breaks in Thailand, so surfing all year round.
Bruce *************
@Mat ********
how’s the break Feb thru May?Bruce *************
Thanks 🙏
Mat *********
@Bruce ************
******************************
Koh Phayam, the perfect surf spot for beginners and intermediates alike.
The beach is open to south western swell, making it surfable most of the year. The waves breakes on a gentle sand bottom, making it a safe and easy environment for learning.
Intermediates can enjoy swells occasionallyreaching a maximum height of 5-6ft, with fun left and rights breaking along the entire 3km stretch of Ao Yai beach.
Brown ********
@Mat ********
there's actually surf in Thailand? Far out I thought you had to go to Indonesia for that. Cheers for the pointerMat *********
@Brown *******
***********************
these guys are Swedish and rent out boards they are a great family
Reply to
Mat *********
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Prince ************
The South, Phuket and Krabi
Dieter *******
Jomtien…relaxed great beach …excellent nightlife ….
Edward *******
I love phuket because of fitness street
John ****
@Edw***
I enjoyed Phuket when I lived thereReply to
John ****
Reply
Nico *********
Jomtien beach
Stephen *********
chiang mai
Grant *******
Cha am
Della ********
Khao Lak
Michael *************
Hua Hin
Soeren **********
if you can just udon !
then there is also khon kaen or Buri ram where there are also quite a few foreigners
then there is also khon kaen or Buri ram where there are also quite a few foreigners
Billy *******
If i tell you everyone will go there. And it'll go to shite. So it's a secret.
Lynda ***********
In the north Chiang Rai, Pai, in the south Krabi ❤️
Brad ********
I'm a Bangkok guy for retirement because of its location and so much to do. I am not much of a beach guy so Chaing Mai would be second.
Rana ************
Pai /Koh Samui/Mae Sai
John-Paul ******
Not BKK....
Napalak **********
Udon ?
Joseph **************
Trat
Aaron *******
Great no one mentioned my favorite place. Nor shall I.
Angela *****
Krabi, smaller quiet version of Phuket
Ronnie ******
Pattaya 🥸
Stefan *******
Chiang mai because there is my wife living
Wyn **********
Pattaya because it has all of Thailand in one place .
Martin **************
Phuket for the diversity of expats living here (not only 75yo + like lots of places) and for the fitness lifestyle on the idland
Greg ********
Pattaya, the conveniences of big city, and then a beach area, which is completely walkable and affordable
Timothy ****************
Chiang Rai is my favourite place , has everything plenty of adventures from temples to the mountains , a river and lots of venues to drink and watch all sports
Ruth *******
@Timothy ***************
I'm hoping to get there in my next trip (which starts next month)Rajeev ********
@Timothy ***************
For the same reasons multiplied several times, Chiang Mai is my favourite. Will be back in CM on Sep 29th.Todd *********
@Rajeev *******
Chiang Rai is admittedly a 💩 holeReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Hank ************
Hua Hin
Todd *********
@Hank ***********
have to be over 75 to enjoyReply to
Todd *********
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David ***********
Udon Thani, Hua Hin and Krabi
Ling *****
Pattaya for sure. Been coming to Thailand for 33 years and have seen 90% of the country but I chose to live/stay/visit Pattaya the most. The reason is that it has everything I need here. I walk everywhere, no need for transport. Everything is cheaper here compared to any of the islands. I can still rent a long term serviced room for 8,500 baht a month and can still buy a beer in a bar for 50 baht. Plenty of street food vendors and several decent restaurants around at reasonable prices. When I buy a whole fish dinner you pay a standard fixed price per whole fish, not like the swanky BS pay by gram rip off restaurants on the islands. And for exercise I have a 2 kilometre long promenade to walk on Everyday, no cars or motorcycles. I love Pattaya for these reasons.
Todd *********
@Ling ****
everything in Pattaya is cheaper for good reason. It’s not the islands…Ling *****
@Todd ********
up to you, I lived on the islands too but I prefer Pattaya for the reasons mentioned.Todd *********
@Ling ****
who doesn’t love a big city jammed against a small beach full of hookers and aging louts of all breeds with annual flooding. It’s a pretty fun city overall!Ling *****
@Todd ********
actually Koh Samui is my second favourite place. It's just that I travel a lot and I like being near Suvarnabhumi Airport for my get aways. When I first started coming to Thailand I was a young guy, when you get older you tend to slow down and like things easy and nearby.Todd *********
@Ling ****
I’m with ya. Samui and all of the smaller islands are not as easy (or cheap) to get off and travel. And BKK is one fantastic airport for accessing the world. Even PHuket has more and more direct international flights. On Samui, I don’t have much trouble travel (we travel a good 5 months a year), as it’s 10 mins to airport and an hour to BKK or PHuket. Or 2 hours to Singapore. But it adds an extra layer. I usually spend some time in HKT or BKK before or after as they are fun cities. In all honesty, there are so many fantastic places in Thailand, it almost doesn’t matter. Suvarnabhumi is pretty accessible from anywhere and the whole country is pretty amazingReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Lee ******
If you like bad roads, your tap water muddy and the meanest immigration office in all the land - Samui is for you.
Todd *********
@Lee *****
you can find all of those quite easily in Thailand on a budget lol. But if you want tranquility, fab beaches, best luxury accoms in Thailand and endless selection of great restaurants, without the traffic and towers; Samui is also for youLee ******
@Todd ********
thanks for the laugh!Todd *********
@Lee *****
no problem. it’s good for you to take a little reality break. It’s clear you wouldn’t know Samui if she slapped you in the face. 😂Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Stig **************
Maesot
José *******
ORIGINAL POSTERPhuket
Matt ********
Pran Buri, mountains, sea, quiet. Easy to get to.
Jeffrey **********
Chiang mai is the perfect balance for me
Brad **********
Koh Samui
Alistair ********
Pattaya beach road. It's exciting as hell!
Carl *********
Khanom Beach - the undiscovered gem of Thailand's southern beaches.
Deanna *******
@Carl ********
SHHHH!Reply to
Deanna *******
Reply
Marty *********
Bangkok. I currently live in Sisaket province but I used to live in Bangkok and visit frequently.
Carl ***********
Sakon Nakhon can't be bad it's the Kings favourite place ;-)
David ********
Bangkok - everything I need and great public transportation
Warren ***********
Kanchanaburi.
Dang ***********
Dang ***********
Reply to
Dang ***********
Reply
Peter ********
Udon, from there 45min my house
Wayne *****************
Wang Nam Yen
Nicholas ************
Kon kean
Nicolas ********
Or * ( or koh samui )
Steffen ********
Krabi
Di ********
Chaing Mai, it’s quieter, cooler, greener….
Sam *******
Hua hin. Not too many idiots. Very safe for kids
Bill *******
Pattaya, many options on what i like to do to occupy my time
Jae *******
Anywhere that isn't a tourist destination, basically.
Only exception would be BKK.
Only exception would be BKK.
Ken *********
None of the above guess again
Ken *********
@Chris ********
good. Some places need to be kept a secret. I have a few myself.😂Chris *********
@เคน *********
I'm not posting mine. It's still secret 😁Reply to
Chris *********
Reply
Alex *******
Pattaya for me...plenty of life... Never dull, never boring..
Blade ********
@Alex ******
Plenty of Syphilis!Pete ********
@Blade *******
from yo momAlex *******
@Blade *******
I wouldn't know...Reply to
Alex *******
Reply
Sheree *********
Kao lak
Gerry ********
Prefer Koh Samed or Khanom.
Ruth *******
@Gerry *******
can you share why? I'm currently planning my tour of Thailand beyond the obvious spots.Gerry ********
@Ruth ******
just google it. Plenty of photos. Agoda will show you places to stay. Not crowded.Reply to
Gerry ********
Reply
Scott *********
@Gerry *******
khanom is the go to place for thais to holiday and i can see why. #lovekhanomSam *********
@Gerry *******
yes, that whole coast of Nakhon Sri Thammarat is greatLincoln *******
@Gerry *******
same, nice and quiet compared to the places listedReply to
Lincoln *******
Reply
Mark **********
Pattaya. I've spent 10 weeks there on 2 different trips and know the area and I've made friends. I spent a week in Hua Hin and enjoyed that as well.
Sheikh *************
pattaya and phukket is only beach and little areas so what you want to see
Sheikh *************
@Mark *********
nakhonratchacima (korat) very beautiful.
also South area,chiang mai and many areas beautiful, krabi too
up to you
how much you have funds
Mark **********
@Sheikh ************
Yes, I want to go to Krabi on my next trip.Reply to
Mark **********
Reply
Barry ***********
Pattaya is a huge girlie bar, very tacky filled with dirty old men, been once never go back. Hua Hin is a very relaxed town in the Gulf about 3 hours from Bangkok , the others are too touristy for us .
Bill *******
Hmmm so Pattaya isnt on yhe gulf?
Mike *****
@Bill ******
Pattaya is on the gulfReply to
Mike *****
Reply
Bill *******
@Barry **********
so pattaya isnt on the gulf???Barry ***********
@Bill ******
what the freaking hell are you talking about my wife’s name is not Karen . Most the slim Thai girls are not what I call very nice but hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, everyone to there own. You enjoy, Pattaya is for the single man not for families and couples.Marc ********
David *******
@Barry **********
You are talking rubbish, I personally know of several families with young children who live in Pattaya, and there are areas within 20 to 30 minutes, that are comparable to cities any where in Australia, I personally live only 20 minutes away from a major private hospital, and have all the amenities, and know of some great entertainment venues. Your problem is you try to stereo type all people who live in the areaBarry ***********
@Bill ******
yep great , everyone to your own , had we had know how bad the beach area was like in Pattaya we should have stayed up about 20 or 30 minutes outside that area which , I’m sure as you say is great. Anyway you enjoy, not for us.Reply to
Barry ***********
Reply
Barry ***********
@Bill ******
please read my comment Hua Hin is on the gulf and if Pattaya is not on the Gulf what body of water is it onBill *******
@Barry **********
barry you are stupid and being dragged around by your Karen wifeRuth *******
@Bill ******
Have you met his wife? Why do you have any opinion of her? Why are you even dragging her into your absurd fight with him? Just curious...how old are you? You sound like a child.Bill *******
Ruth you mist be a fat pig Karen slso you sound like it
Reply to
Bill *******
Reply
Alex *******
@Barry **********
mmmm... You seem the type to bring a sandwich to a feast..... Jog on opinionated glasshouse...So your answer should have been HUA HIN.....
Jae *******
@Alex ******
He's entitled to his opinion, too bad if he hurt your feelings. Pattaya IS a dump.Barry ***********
@Jae ******
mate we went there for the first time in 15 years of coming to Thailand a week or so ago, for a week. We never went as it was always billed as the sex capital of Thailand and it really lived up to its reputation. We thought all the girlie bars were contained in Walking Street, not so the are all over the beach front and everywhere else. The streets are tacky and the bars seedy, the only redeeming feature is the 168 Indian restaurants .😂😂😂😂Jae *******
@Barry **********
Too many falangs too 😉Alex *******
@Jae ******
not my feelings... At least they don't pretend to be there for the golf or the great beaches... 😜Reply to
Alex *******
Reply
Ste *******
Pattaya! Because its...Pattaya! 😅
Ian ********
@Ste ******
the only place you can get layed 🙂Jeanette ********
@Ian *******
sad that you have to go all that way to get laid. Must be you!Ian ********
@Jeanette *******
cheaper than a girlfriend and better than a wank sock 🤣🤣🤣🤣Jeanette ********
@Ian *******
disgusting imbocile with no respect for women !Ian ********
@Jeanette *******
and what goes on in your head to think I need to give you any respect for having knickers on 🤣🤣🤣🤣 patheticReply to
Ian ********
Reply
Stevie ********
@Ian *******
trust me you can get laid in any of these destinations easily enough. SmartyJeff *******
@Ian *******
Is that anything like getting laid?Ian ********
dude just download thaifriend finder .com get it without leaving my room 🙂
Ian ********
still ends up a sticky mess ))))
Ian ********
@Jeff ******
yeah but i got irlen syndrome 🙂Reply to
Ian ********
Reply
Kal *********
Hua Hin
Nice clean beaches not too much red light crap ... chill environment
Nice clean beaches not too much red light crap ... chill environment
Steve **********
@Kal ********
used to love, nice village atmosphere, now built up and sprawls too muchTomas *********
@Kal ********
do you have some photo? I check on google but can not find nice beaches there.Kal *********
Go to YouTube .. type in Hua Hin maybe Hua Hin beaches ...
I've been to Jomtien , Pattaya, Rayong , Bang Saen , Sericha ... all have tons of crap ... most Hua Hin beaches looks like they are swept daily with white fine sandy beach ..
I've been to Jomtien , Pattaya, Rayong , Bang Saen , Sericha ... all have tons of crap ... most Hua Hin beaches looks like they are swept daily with white fine sandy beach ..
Reply to
Kal *********
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Jared **********
Other than bangkok and udon those are all largely overpriced tourist traps, better places to go depending on what you’re looking for.
Mark ********
If you prefer the beach..Phuket all day.
Roberto *********
Bangkok easy
Erick ******************
Chiang Mai is a great spot away from the tourist icon beach industry....
Derek ***********
@Erick *****************
How about during the burning season?Nishant ************
@Derek **********
when would be the burning season?Steve **********
@Nishant ***********
Feb thru MayReply to
Steve **********
Reply
Erick ******************
@Derek **********
I would not be around during that period.....Reply to
Erick ******************
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Dave **********
@Erick *****************
agree except in Burning Season!!Jae *******
@Erick *****************
Only downside is air quality at timesSteve **********
@Jae ******
Feb thru May...can't breath, this year ppm 2.5 hit 500.TAT stopped posting.
Rest if year is perfect. Now is great
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Cherayn ********
@Erick *****************
100% agreeReply to
Cherayn ********
Reply
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