Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most visited countries. Whether you’re a couple that has been planning for years or spontaneously seeking a new adventure, the perfect place to stay in the Land of Smiles often depends on what you’re looking for.
Chiang Mai
1. Cost-effective Living
Chiang Mai is relatively cheaper than other popular cities in Thailand like Bangkok and other islands in the south of the country.
- Food: What makes Chiang Mai’s cost of living comparatively lower is the availability of food. You can buy a meal as cheap as 30 THB from street stalls. Since most apartments don’t offer a full kitchen, many would choose to purchase street food out of convenience and it is also cheaper than cooking by yourself.
- Grocery: Chiang Mai has plenty of supermarkets for you to shop. Tops, Macro, Big C, and Lotus are some of the stores available in the city. The average grocery cost for a medium-sized family can cost at least 1,000 THB a week or more depending on where you shop.
- Housing: The first thing you and your partner should be asking yourselves is do you want to live in a house, a condo, or an apartment? A house is the most expensive option out of the three with rent starting at 18,000 THB.
2. Pleasant Climate
Chiang Mai, the mountainous province in the north of Thailand is a haven for retirees seeking a peaceful retreat with a pleasant climate. The province offers an escape from the scorching heat of other provinces with an average daily temperature of around 25-30°C, making it the perfect spot to enjoy outdoor activities.
Keep in mind that during the smog season (December-April), the northern region of the kingdom has severe air pollution due to crop burning and weather conditions.
3. Vibrant Culture
Chiang Mai has a vibrant and diverse cultural scene. With traditional markets, ancient temples, and art galleries that cater to every interest.
The city is known for its unique Lanna heritage offering more than 300 intricately designed temples scattered around the province dating back to the 13th and 18th centuries. The Lanna traditions, dance, and music are still widely practiced.
4. Active Expat Community
Chaing Mai has a dynamic and growing expat community. Retirees have tons of interesting activities to indulge in like yoga, meditation, sports, and cooking. These communities offer different workshops and engaging activities that allow you and your partner to have a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere in the province.
Some local social networking communities are Chiang Mai Expat Club, Chiang Mai Digital Nomads, and Farang Communities Chiang Mai.
Hua Hin
1. Beachside Living
Hua Hin is a coastal town along the Gulf of Thailand. It is family-friendly and is a popular holiday retreat for Bangkokers looking for a weekend escape along the beach. The district also has a tropical climate with occasional rain and high humidity.
2. Healthcare Facilities
Despite starting as a fishing village, Hua Hin now has a ton of premium-quality hospitals that are expat-friendly and also offer specialized Medical Care that is important for retirees. The town also boasts numerous accessible pharmacies, health check-up centers, and dental clinics all over town.
The medical services offered in Hua Hin are also comparatively lower than those of Western countries and are often more affordable. Some well-known hospitals in town are Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin and San Paolo Hospital Hua Hin.
3. Golf and Recreational Activities
- The coastal town is known as the ‘golf capital of Thailand’ as it houses some of the most beautiful golf courses with golf communities and many golf tournaments.
- The peaceful waters of the Gulf of Thailand make Hua Hin the perfect spot to enjoy watersports such as Kitesurfing, sailing paddle boarding, and windsurfing.
- There are various tennis clubs and equestrian sports clubs where retirees can enjoy friendly matches as a couple.
4. Peaceful Atmosphere
- The city has a comparatively lower population density than other major cities in the country like Bangkok and Phuket. Hua Hin has a population of 65,983 as of 2019.
- The town is also known for its lower crime rate than other popular tourist destinations like Pattaya and Phuket.
Phuket
1. Tropical Paradise
As Thailand’s biggest island, Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations and retirement spots in Southeast Asia. Famous for its beautiful white sandy beaches, crystal-clear sea waters, and breathtaking sunset, Phuket has earned its nickname as the “Pearl of the Andaman”. Couples can immerse themselves in island-hopping along the Andaman Coast and also explore its underwater beauty.
The province has beaches that cater to every couple’s preferences:
- Karon and Kata beaches provide a relaxed and family-friendly environment.
- Naiharn Beach has a quieter natural setting.
- Freedom and Paradise Beach are hidden gems accessible by boat, offering pristine and secluded spots for retirees to explore.
2. Modern Amenities
- Phuket offers a diverse shopping experience from street stalls to luxurious shopping malls like Phuket Weekend Market and Chillva Market to upscale shopping malls such as Central Festival and Premium Outlet Phuket.
- The province has world-class healthcare that is recognized internationally. Retirees can easily access medical professionals through several hospitals in Phuket.
3. Entertainment Options
Patong Beach, in particular, is well-known for its vibrant nightlife. Live music venues, pubs, and clubs are popular among retirees. The island also has beachside pubs where you may unwind to the sound of the waves if you’d rather spend your evening in a more laid-back mood.
The arts and music culture on the island is thriving. Local culture is enriched by the presence of art galleries, live music venues, and cultural performances. Retirees can interact with the creative community, visit exhibitions, or engage in live music.
4. Diverse Expat Community
- Supportive Network: The expat community in Phuket is diverse and close-knit. Retirees can use this network for assistance, guidance, and companionship. The expat community is a great resource for newcomers, offering anything from helpful tips on how to live in Phuket to planning social gatherings.
- Language Diversity: You may engage with people from different nations thanks to the diversified expat community, which creates a fusion of experiences, languages, and cultures.
Pattaya
1. Coastal Living
Located in Chon Buri province along the coast of Thailand. Pattaya offers a beach lifestyle with proximity to the capital city of Bangkok and also the airport. Pattaya has beaches catered to your preferences.
- Pattaya Beach offers a range of watersports, vibrant nightlife, and dining experience.
- Jomtien Beach offers a more peaceful and family-friendly environment.
- Koh Larn Island offers pristine, white-sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters that are accessible by boat.
2. Entertainment Options
Pattaya is famous for its exciting nightlife, with bars dotted around the city. The famous “Walking Street” has a lot of bars, clubs, and performances, is popular for its lively late-night scene. Retirees can also leisurely enjoy their evening in more tranquil places like eateries and cafes along the shore.
3. Affordable Housing
- Condominiums are a popular and cost-effective housing option for couples retiring. They are offered in a variety of sizes and both beachside and central city areas. Many condominium complexes have a variety of amenities, such as swimming pools, exercise centers, and security services.
- Pattaya has a bustling rental market, so retirees can find fairly priced rental homes and flats. Renting offers flexibility for retiring couples who do not want to commit to buying a home. It also comes with the benefit of not having to worry about property maintenance or taxes.
- Pattaya has gated communities and housing developments with inexpensive residences and shared amenities like swimming pools, clubhouses, and landscaped gardens.
- While central Pattaya offers a lively lifestyle, residence rates are frequently higher. For less expensive alternatives, retirees can visit surrounding towns and areas such as Jomtien or Naklua.
4. Diverse Dining Choices
Pattaya’s culinary scene caters to all tastes, from local markets offering budget-friendly options to an array of international restaurants. Indulge in Japanese, Italian, and Indian cuisine, fresh seafood, and delicious Thai dishes.
Conclusion
These destinations provide varied experiences that match your tastes if you are looking for the finest spot to retire in Thailand as a couple. Thailand offers a wonderful retirement destination for every couple, whether it’s the calm charm of Chiang Mai, the seaside serenity of Hua Hin, the tropical paradise of Phuket, or the coastal charm of Pattaya. Enjoy the adventure, culture, and fellowship that retirement in Thailand offers.
