What’s the best area in Thailand for expats to settle for long-term living?

[freedomnow]

The answer is of course 'Luang Prabang'.

[GypsyT]

2 hours ago, freedomnow said:

The answer is of course 'Luang Prabang'.

Close but not quite. The answer is Vang Vieng 😉

 

[simon43]

26 minutes ago, GypsyT said:

Close but not quite. The answer is Vang Vieng 😉

 

I've recently lived in both towns.  Luang Prabang is still as beautiful as before, but the numbers of 'locust' tourists in increasing rapidly since the train line opened.  Plus the burning season pollution gets worse every year (and that is what finally drove me to leave..).

 

Vang Vieng might be OK for a short holiday, but as a long-term stay it is definitely not! Thinking of relocating from Luang Prabang, I stayed in VV for 2 weeks, riding around by motorbike to seek out houses to rent.  The choice was abysmal - everything was targeted at short-stay tourists.  Plus eateries were expensive and 'useful' shops (supermarkets etc) almost non-existant.

[BigStar]

10 hours ago, Hummin said:

Also visiting and use all venues as well travelling with motorbikes in the near area, I would choose Hua Hin over Pattaya any day if I had to. 

 

You would.. But the OP and other interested parties must consider that despite your vast travels you know nothing more about Pattaya than does any typically ignorant monger. It's rather like Thais who travel to Paris but never really leave Udon Thani. Serious inquirers should listen to residents such as @newnativeand see whether Pattaya can't fit most lifestyles pretty well. Many members here have stated their preference for Pattaya over Hua Hin, BTW, based on a number of factors.