Moving

Living in Samut Prakan: BTS into Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi on the doorstep, strong international schools, and rents well below the city. A full expat guide from a resident since 2014.

Chiang Rai is the quieter, cheaper alternative to Chiang Mai: smooth traffic, great nature, and living costs about 20 to 30 percent below Chiang Mai (roughly 40 to 50 percent below Bangkok). The catch is the same smog season, late February to April.

Bangkok or Chiang Mai? Discover how these two Thai cities compare in cost, lifestyle, jobs, and expat living from someone who’s lived in both.

Chiang Mai is the default northern Thailand pick for good reason: a developed city at roughly 25 to 30 percent below Bangkok costs, with great food, real cafe and coworking culture, and mountains within an easy drive. The catch is burning season, roughly February to April.

Protect your online activity and use your favorite streaming services with no restrictions.

Bangkok is a safe city overall, with traffic and scams being bigger everyday concerns than crime. This guide covers which neighborhoods are safest, how to avoid common scams, and who to call if something goes wrong.

Hua Hin is the long-running favorite for retirees and families: a walkable beach town three hours from Bangkok, with good golf, a big expat community, and lower costs than Phuket or Samui. It’s quiet on weekdays and busy when Bangkok visits on weekends.