Thai handicrafts, jewelry, handmade paper, ceramics, a plethora of textiles and handbags galore…you can find it all and more at Bangkok’s Weekend Market, known as Chatuchak or “JJ” for short. No trip to the Thai capital is complete without a visit to this massive 35-acre market located north of the city, where you can get your shopping fix as well as a big dose of Thai culture. Just don’t forget to bargain!
When it comes to the ideal beach lifestyle abroad, many expats look to Koh Samui, in southern Thailand, where the palm-lined beaches, azure ocean, year-round tropical weather, and affordable costs make for ultra-easy living. Just an hour-and-a-half flight from the Thai capital of Bangkok, Koh Samui offers something for everyone, whether you dream of a tranquil seaside retreat or prefer frequent nights out on the town.
Upon arriving in Koh Samui, Thailand, on vacation in 2003, Jacqui Ashley knew she’d found the ideal location to raise her children abroad. “As soon as I landed, I had an overwhelming feeling of being home,” she says. “We were greeted with smiles from the Thai staff at the airport, and during the holiday we were overwhelmed by the friendliness of the people.”
With its warm weather, low-cost living, and welcoming locals, Thailand is easily one of Southeast Asia’s most popular spots for entrepreneurs looking to launch a new business. Startup costs are affordable, there are fewer regulatory hurdles, and paying for necessities such as construction and manual labor won’t break the bank.
When it comes to an enjoyable, affordable lifestyle abroad, many expats agree—it’s hard to beat Thailand. With its tropical weather, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals, “the Land of Smiles” is an expat dream, whether you choose laidback mountain living, a cosmopolitan life in the big city, or a peaceful escape by the sea.
Thailand easily ranks as one of Southeast Asia’s most liveable countries. From modern amenities and top-notch medical care to affordable costs and a year-round tropical climate, expats in “the land of smiles” enjoy a lifestyle they’d only dream about back in their home countries.
There’s no shortage of natural beauty in northern Thailand. There are dozens of rivers like the Mae Ping, which originates in the forest-clad Daen Lao mountain range and flows down through the temple-laden city of Chiang Mai. Waterfalls gush into fertile valleys like Mae Sa, where you’ll find elephant camps, orchid farms, and miles of lush jungle.
Bangkok tops the list as one of the world’s most-visited cities, with its gilded temples, vibrant nightlife, and world-famous cuisine. And that dash of the exotic is complemented by affordability and modern comforts. In Bangkok you can eat spicy Thai food from a street-side stall for a couple of bucks or take your pick from hundreds of upscale restaurants offering multi-course meals that won’t break the bank.
Thai cuisine is known the world over for its delicious, distinctive flavors. In fact, the phrase “Have you eaten yet?” is a typical friendly greeting among Thais. It’s no surprise, then, that Thailand’s urban capital of Bangkok is known as a foodie paradise, especially when it comes to regional and national cuisine prepared and sold from stalls lining the city streets.
The organic food industry is growing steadily each year, as consumers across the globe demand access to healthy and pesticide-free produce, meat, and other foods. Thailand is no exception to this growing trend, especially in the country’s urban, high-population areas of Bangkok and Chiang Mai.