Thailand is a beautiful country with a growing economy. I am half Thai and half Indian, and I grew up in the Bronx. I am fluent in English, Thai, and Tamil, so when I got the chance to immigrate to Thailand to become an English professor, I went for it.

Thailand is also known as Siam and the Land of the Smiles. If you are planning on moving or immigrating here, then you found the right blog to learn more on the matter. So, without further ado, let’s learn some of the things you ought to know before you migrate to the Land of the Smiles and which city will best fit your lifestyle.

Cost of Living

Before you think about migrating to any country, the first question you need to ask yourself is if you can afford to live there and what’s the cost of living like. If you grew up in the Global North like me, specifically New York, you would find that life in Thailand is much more affordable.

Though it is relatively inexpensive to like a comfortable life in Thailand, you should know that it has a booming economy, which is why more and more people are immigrating there. If you are looking for the cheapest alternative, then you might want to look into Northern Thailand.

If you want to like in the capital Bangkok, then you ought to know that life there is more expensive than in the rest of the country, but that is a given if you live in a city. However, you will also earn more money there because it is where most blooming businesses are.

Before you start planning your move there, create a budget and look into the cost of living. The cost of living and where you stay will depend on your lifestyle. I personally live in the capital as I grew up in a city as this felt the most like home for me. But where you live will depend on you and your budget.

So, let’s learn more about the 4 places you might want to look into if you want to move to Thailand.

1. Bangkok

For me, this is the first choice, but Bangkok is not for everyone. Bangkok, if you didn’t know id the capital of Thailand. It is a metropolis that blends modern architecture alongside traditional ones. It is the place where skyscrapers meet the traditional market and temples.

Bangkok has everything you can imagine, and it is also the place where most foreigners come to implant themselves. Here you can find anything from Michelin star restaurants to night markets, temples, and even colossal shopping malls.

Bangkok has it all, and most people here can speak and understand English, so even if you know just basic Thai, you can get by here. Bangkok reminds me of New York, especially when it comes to the public transport system, which is the city’s lifeline and makes moving from one place to the other pretty easy.

If you are a fan of nightlife, bars, drag queens, and marvelous architecture, then Bangkok was made for you. If you love the urban lifestyle, this is the place for you. It is also the center of the country’s economy. This is why many people implant here.

2. Chiang Mai

This is a beloved place by digital nomads. It is one of the profoundly religious areas of the island, but today it coexists with co-working spaces and cafes and is the perfect place to immigrate to, especially if you love living in a peaceful and serene area.

Chiang Mai is situated in Northern Thailand, and mountainous areas surround it. What is life like there? It is more relaxed and slow-pace when compared to a city like Bangkok or even Phuket. Personally, I wouldn’t move there because it is too peaceful, but it is the perfect area for a yoga retreat if you ask me.

Because it is surrounded by mountains, you have access to a lot of outdoor activities here, and it is the perfect place for an adventurous area. You can go hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting and even camping there. It is the perfect area for adventurous people.

3. Hua Hin

It is another prominent place on our list that ex-pats love to migrate to. It is a popular destination in Thailand because it is not far from Bangkok. Hua Hin is a 2 ½ hours drive from the city of the Land of Smiles, and this is why many people decide to live there.

Some people want peace but still want to be close to the country’s epicenter, and this is why Hua Hin is a popular destination for ex-pats. On top of that, it is also extremely close to the sea and has fabulous sandy beaches. You can enjoy a plethora of water sports activities there, and this is why it is also a popular tourist destination.

It is also home to international standard hotels and even more than exquisite vacations homes, but it has inexpensive locations, dining options, and even shopping. Hua Hin is often considered as a more affordable version of Phuket which is the next place on our list.

4. Phuket

This is where my dad is from, and I visit my paternal grandparents and family there once every 2 months or so. I think if I have to retire somewhere, it will be Phuket. Not only is it where my dad hails from, but it is also surrounded by sandy beaches and is the place where I told Sunset About You, my favorite bl, was shot. For me, this is the place to be, but for more, I’m content with Bangkok.

On top of that, Phuket is also home to more than 100 000 ex-pats worldwide, which means that you are bound to find someone who comes from where you are from. If you want and are looking for a more chill and relaxed place, then this is the place to be.

Phuket is known for its fabulous beaches, and you be there while enjoying the best that the modern world has to offer. Like Bangkok, Phuket has a lot of offers and has everything from traditional markets to fancy dining restaurants, historic areas, and even shopping malls. The nightlife there can also rival Bangkok if you ask me.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us if you want to immigrate to Thailand.