Best beach towns in Thailand for long-term living
Thailand’s beach towns are not just for holidays. Many are great places to live long-term, with strong expat communities, good healthcare, and modern facilities. This guide looks at five beach destinations, Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Krabi, that suit expats who want to settle down, work remotely, retire, or enjoy a relaxed life by the sea.
On this page
| Section | Short summary |
|---|---|
| What makes a beach town suitable | Look at the practical factors expats prioritise for long-term living, from healthcare and housing to connectivity and community. |
| Phuket (Patong & Kata) | A high-energy beach destination offering strong infrastructure, healthcare, and international services at a higher cost. |
| Koh Samui (Chaweng) | An island lifestyle with modern conveniences, wellness culture, and solid healthcare, suited to long-term stays. |
| Pattaya (Jomtien) | A budget-friendly beach area with easy access to Bangkok, popular among retirees and long-stay expats. |
| Hua Hin | A calm, residential beach town known for routine, community, and reliable healthcare rather than nightlife. |
| Krabi (Ao Nang & Railay) | A nature-focused option with lower costs, fewer crowds, and a slower pace of life. |
| Choosing the right beach town | Brings together lifestyle, cost, and healthcare considerations to help expats find their best long-term fit. |
What makes a beach town suitable for long-term living
Before choosing a beach town for long-term living in Thailand, expats usually focus on everyday needs, not holiday appeal. Comfort, safety, and ease of living matter most when settling down in places like Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Hua Hin, or Krabi.
Healthcare access
Good hospitals and clinics are a top priority. Expats look for English-speaking doctors and private hospitals that meet international standards. Larger beach towns have reliable medical facilities, and many residents use international health insurance such as Cigna to access private care, private rooms, and direct billing when needed.
Infrastructure essentials
Reliable internet, stable electricity, and clean water are important for daily life and remote work. Towns with airports and strong infrastructure tend to offer fewer disruptions. Access to supermarkets, waste management, and modern services also makes long-term living easier.
Housing variety
Expats prefer places with real long-term rental options, not just short stays. Beach towns with condos, houses, and gated communities offer more stability. Prices vary by location and lifestyle, but towns like Pattaya and Hua Hin are known for good value and furnished rentals near the beach.
Expat communities
Living long-term is easier when there is a strong expat presence. Active social groups, meetups, and online communities help people connect and avoid isolation. Popular areas often have co-working spaces, wellness centres, and regular events.
Connectivity
Easy travel matters for visa runs, family visits, and city access. Towns close to Bangkok or with airports make life more convenient. Good road, ferry, or flight connections are a big advantage for long-term residents.
By focusing on these practical factors, expats can choose a beach town that supports daily life, not just a short escape.
Phuket (Patong and Kata)
Phuket offers strong beach living with city-level convenience, making it a popular long-term choice for expats. Areas like Patong and Kata suit different lifestyles while sharing access to quality healthcare, shopping, and easy travel through Phuket International Airport.
Why it works
Phuket has reliable infrastructure that supports daily life and remote work:
- Fast, stable internet and reliable electricity
- Good transport options, including taxis, ride-hailing, and ferries
- Major facilities like Bangkok Hospital Phuket and shopping centres such as Jungceylon
Patong is lively, with nightlife, street food, and convenience stores everywhere. Kata is quieter, with beaches, cafes, yoga studios, and gyms, making it better for a calm, wellness-focused routine.
Good for
- Remote workers who need reliable Wi-Fi and co-working spaces
- Active expats interested in surfing, fitness, or outdoor activities
- Families who want international schools and full city services
Living notes
Living costs are higher than in many beach towns. A comfortable monthly budget often ranges from 40,000 to 100,000 Thai baht. One-bedroom rentals in Patong or Kata usually fall between 18,000 and 40,000 Thai baht, depending on the season. While prices rise during peak months, strong healthcare, transport links, and amenities make Phuket a solid long-term option.
Koh Samui (Chaweng)
Koh Samui offers relaxed island living with the services needed for long-term stays, making Chaweng a popular choice for expats. The island has its own airport with regular flights, and healthcare is well covered by facilities such as Bangkok Hospital Samui, where English-speaking staff are available.
Why it works
Chaweng combines beach life with everyday convenience:
- Long sandy beaches and calm sea
- Gyms, yoga studios, and wellness centres
- Cafes, restaurants, and local markets are within easy reach
Wellness-focused resorts and spas, including places like Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, add to the island’s health and lifestyle appeal. International schools are also available, making Samui suitable for families.
Good for
- Digital nomads who need stable internet and co-working spaces
- Wellness-focused expats interested in fitness and healthy living
- Those who want island life without giving up modern services
Living notes
Koh Samui often avoids the worst monsoon weather, especially towards the end of the year, which helps keep beach life consistent. In Chaweng, modern condos or villas usually rent for around 40,000 to 80,000 Thai baht per month. While costs are higher than on the mainland, many expats feel the lifestyle and convenience make it worthwhile for long-term living as a beach town in Thailand.
Pattaya (Jomtien)
Jomtien is a quieter area of Pattaya, offering beachfront living without the crowds of central Pattaya. With wide beaches, low-rise condos, and easy access to Bangkok by road or airport bus in under two hours, Jomtien works well for long-term stays.
Why it works
Jomtien is known for its affordability and simple lifestyle:
- Sea-view condos from around 20,000–35,000 Thai baht per month
- Low daily living costs, with local meals often under 100 Thai baht
- Strong English-speaking expat communities and active social groups
Markets, cafes, and beachside walks make daily life easy and relaxed.
Good for
- Budget-conscious expats and retirees
- Long-stay residents who want a calm, practical base
- Those who enjoy golf, walking, and a slower pace of life
Living notes
Healthcare access is reliable, with facilities such as Pattaya International Hospital nearby. Many residents use private health insurance like Cigna to cover private treatment or transfers to Bangkok hospitals if needed. A comfortable monthly budget in Jomtien usually ranges from 30,000 to 60,000 Thai baht, making it one of the more affordable beach towns for long-term living in Thailand.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is known for its calm beaches, royal history, and well-established expat community. Located about three hours south of Bangkok, it feels more like a lived-in town than a tourist resort. Clean beaches, golf courses such as Black Mountain Golf Club, and markets like Cicada Market make it easy to settle in long-term.
Why it works
Hua Hin offers a slower pace that suits everyday living:
- Reliable healthcare at Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin and BDMS Wellness Clinic Hua Hin
- Active expat groups with regular social events
- Walkable areas, local markets, and quiet neighbourhoods
Good for
- Retirees who want a relaxed lifestyle
- Families looking for safety and routine
- Expats who prefer calm living over nightlife
Living notes
Hua Hin feels residential and is easy to adjust to. Beachside condos often rent for around 15,000 to 30,000 Thai baht per month, while total monthly living costs usually fall between 35,000 and 55,000 Thai baht. It is a strong choice for expats who value stability, comfort, and community over fast-paced resort life.
Krabi (Ao Nang and Railay)
Krabi attracts expats who want natural beauty and a slower pace of life. With limestone cliffs, clear water, and quiet beaches, it feels calmer and less commercial than Phuket or Koh Samui. Ao Nang works as the main hub, while Railay offers a more peaceful setting, reachable only by boat. Ferries to Phuket make travel easy when needed.
Why it works
Krabi supports long-term living without high costs:
- A growing number of cafes and simple co-working spaces
- Clinics such as Krabi Nakarin International Hospital for everyday care
- Affordable rentals, usually around 15,000 to 30,000 Thai baht per month
- Local markets that keep food costs low
Outdoor activities like rock climbing, kayaking, and island trips are part of daily life.
Good for
- Adventure lovers who enjoy hiking, snorkelling, and nature
- Creatives who want inspiring scenery and quiet routines
- Expats who prefer eco-friendly living and fewer crowds
Living notes
Krabi has good clinics for routine treatment, but more complex care may require travel to Phuket or Bangkok. Many long-term residents use international health insurance like Cigna for added security. Monthly living costs often range from 35,000 to 50,000 Thai baht, making Krabi a solid choice for expats who value nature and simplicity over nightlife.
Choosing the right beach town for you
Each of the best beach towns in Thailand offers a different mix of lifestyle, cost, and convenience. The best choice depends on how you live day to day, your budget, and how important things like healthcare and transport are to you. Planning health cover early, such as with Cigna, also helps provide peace of mind wherever you settle.
Lifestyle fit
Different towns suit different ways of living:
- Phuket and Koh Samui suit active lifestyles with beaches, fitness, co-working spaces, and nightlife.
- Jomtien and Hua Hin appeal to retirees and long-stay expats who prefer a slower pace.
- Krabi attracts those who enjoy nature, outdoor activities, and eco-focused living.
Cost overview
Monthly living costs vary by location:
- Jomtien: around 30,000 to 60,000 Thai baht
- Krabi: around 35,000 to 50,000 Thai baht
- Hua Hin: around 35,000 to 55,000 Thai baht
- Phuket and Koh Samui: around 40,000 to 100,000 Thai baht
Lower-cost towns stretch budgets further, while higher-cost areas offer more services and facilities.
Healthcare and connectivity
Larger beach towns have international hospitals, while smaller ones rely on clinics with easy access to bigger cities. The internet is generally reliable everywhere, but places with airports are more convenient for frequent travel.
Finding your best fit
Remote workers often choose Phuket or Koh Samui for infrastructure. Families and retirees tend to prefer Hua Hin or Jomtien for comfort and routine. Those on a tighter budget or seeking nature often choose Krabi. With the right location and solid health coverage, long-term beach living in Thailand can be comfortable and worry-free.
Thailand’s best beach towns can work well for long-term living when expats focus on daily life, not just the beach. Phuket, Koh Samui, Jomtien, Hua Hin, and Krabi each offer different mixes of cost, lifestyle, healthcare, and convenience, making them suitable for remote workers, retirees, families, or nature lovers.
Choosing the right place depends on how you live and what you need day to day. For a broader picture of expat life, read What expats in Thailand wish they knew before moving here to understand what living in Thailand is really like.
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