Thailand, or the Land of Smiles as it is affectionately referred to, is one of the most naturally stunning locations in the world. Its gorgeous tropical climate coupled with a rich cultural tapestry are just a few of the reasons why so many investors from all over the world flock to Thailand to invest in property (not to mention the unbeatable affordability in comparison to many Western countries). But of course, Thailand is a big country, so, what are the best areas to buy a villa in Thailand? In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.

Important notes regarding buying a villa in Thailand
Before we get started with some of the finest areas to invest in Thailand, first we must draw light to the fact that foreigners are unable to buy a villa outright in Thailand. This is due to restrictions on foreigners owning land. However, that’s not to say that you are out of luck or that you cannot enjoy a villa of your own, it’s just a slightly different approach that is required. As foreigners cannot own a villa outright your only option will be to purchase a leasehold agreement. Certainly, it’s not quite the same as owning your villa outright, however, it does allow you to enjoy living in luxury accommodation in paradise. The process is straightforward enough so you shouldn’t have any issues getting an offer of a 30-year lease agreement on a villa (which is the maximum duration of any property leasehold in Thailand).

Other important things to consider before buying property in Thailand include:

You must seek proper legal advice: The legal system in Thailand is complicated for foreigners and thus should not be navigated alone. In order to protect your investment and ensure that you are not breaking any laws (or indeed that you are not being taken advantage of), then you must ensure that you have the proper legal representation.
Land Code of Thailand exceptions: While a foreigner is unable to own land in Thailand, the rule has some exceptions provided that the following rules are followed (again, with proper legal representation): A. in the case of a foreigner buying real estate in Thailand, the ownership of a villa can be registered and transferred separately from the land itself where the house was built; B. The transfer procedure will have to be handled in accordance with Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code; C. The transfer has to be in writing (both in Thai and English is recommended); and D. The transfer must also be registered accordingly with Thailand’s relevant Land Department’s branch or provincial office (which will vary depending on what region you are looking to invest in).
Find a reputable real estate agent: Just as you need a reputable lawyer to represent you in this process, you should also find a reputable and well-respected real estate agency. Their knowledge and expertise will ensure that you get the very best deals and help to protect your interests while acquiring high-quality real estate.
You can own property through a Thai company: There is a legal loophole of sorts that will enable you to buy land and property in Thailand. If you own a registered Thai company, then the company itself can own the villa. There are however, certain business registration criteria to be aware of: A. it must be a limited company; B. a foreigner can only own 49% of a Thai limited company; and most important of all C. the company must carry out legitimate business activities in order to pursue this course otherwise you will be at risk of losing your property.

The best areas to buy a villa in Thailand
Now that we have all of the boring legalities out of the way we can focus on the main purpose of this article: where as the best areas to buy villas in Thailand? First of all, the important thing is to determine what kind of lifestyle you are after. In any case, we will share the best places to live in Thailand, but you should decide what sort of environment you’d like to live in before making any final decisions. If you aren’t quite sure then be certain to travel around Thailand and get a taste for everything: the city life, the countryside, and the tropical island vibes – the perfect excuse for a much needed vacation.

Villa in Bangkok
Where better a place to start than Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok? Bangkok is renowned the world over as being one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in all of South-East Asia. If you love the big city vibes and want to be close to the action, then owning a villa in Bangkok would be highly recommended.

Unlimited shopping opportunities
Boundless bars
Countless delicious restaurants and eateries
Plenty of bustling night clubs
Bright lights and upbeat antics
Excellent public transport
Spoiled for choice when it comes to cinemas, galleries, and libraries etc.
Plenty of premium quality health care facilities
And much, much more!

Buying a villa in Chiang Mai
If the busy metropolis lifestyle isn’t quite for you then perhaps the mountain air in Northern Thailand is more to your taste? Whilst Chiang Mai is the second largest city in all of Thailand, despite its size it is actually a rather spacious, charming, and friendly place to live.

You’ll find no shortage of things to do in Chiang Mai, with shopping malls, hospitals, clubs, pubs, and an airport to boot. However, if you like being close to nature then with a short 30-minute bike ride you can be up in the mountains hiking and exploring through some of the most spectacular natural views.

Plenty of shopping malls
Lots of bars and cafés
A great nightlife
The mountains on your doorstep
Quality health care
Plenty of opportunity for teachers

Chiang Rai Villas
Chiang Rai is close to Chiang Mai but is better suited to those who want to get away from the big city vibes and be as close to nature as possible. If you would sooner be closer to waterfalls and quiet villages than you would “the action”, then Chiang Rai is the place for you.

Whilst Chiang Rai is much quieter it is certainly developing. You’ll find a larger supermarket that sells Western supplies, including plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.

If, however, you love going to the beach or want a hectic nightlife – Chiang Rai might not be the best place for you to settle down and buy a villa.

Close to nature
Plenty of waterfalls and stunning natural sights
Some quality restaurants and bars
Supermarket with all of the essentials
Close to Chiang Mai

Krabi Town and the Krabi Province villas
The Krabi province is world-renowned for its glorious beaches and emerald-green hills. It’s a small enough area but for what it lacks in size it makes up for with things to do. Buying a villa in Krabi puts you in a fairly central position in the South, allowing you to travel between the countless tropical islands that are nearby with relative ease.

If you are a massive beach goer and favour a slower pace of life over the big-city vibes, then Krabi is the place to be.

Close proximity to many of Thailand’s most famous tropical islands
Gorgeous natural views (rocky-emerald hills, rolling rice paddies, white-sand beaches)
A relatively developed town with bars and restaurants
Supermarkets with the essentials
A local airport giving easy access to the rest of Thailand

Villas in Phuket
Phuket is the ideal place for those who want to live on a tropical island in Thailand while also being close enough to the action. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and has a seemingly endless supply of gorgeous tropical beaches. You’ll also be a relatively short drive away from Phuket Town and the world-renowned Patong beach, providing you with all of the local amenities that one could want – including a bustling nightlife.

Getting around the island however can be tricky. The public transport isn’t as good as it is in other areas of Thailand so unless you buy a villa in Patong or Phuket Town, getting to and fro on your nights out on the town can be costly.

Plenty of gorgeous white-sand beaches
Glorious green hills
Bustling nightlife
Shopping malls and supermarkets with essentials
Quality restaurants

Buying a Villa in Koh Samui
For the ultimate tropical island paradise vibes then you really cannot beat Koh Samui. Certainly, it is one of the more developed islands and doesn’t quite offer that “remote paradise” experience, but you do get the ideal blend of local amenities and tropical escape. That being said, as many advantages as Koh Samui offers, it is one of the most expensive places to live in all of Thailand. A small price to pay for paradise.

Big shopping centres such as Tesco Lotus and Big C
Great healthcare including pharmacies and dentists
Plenty of bars and delicious restaurants
5-Star resorts
White-sand beaches
Close proximity to other famous islands such as Koh Tao and Koh Phangan

Conclusion
To be honest, no matter where you buy a villa in Thailand, you’ll find no shortage of beauty. However, you must decide on what is most important to you before rushing in and making any final decisions.

There are many tropical islands to choose from, some quieter than others. You might think that the quiet island vibe is for you, however, after a month or so of living in relative isolation, you may begin craving the nightlife or wish that there were more cinemas / shopping malls nearby.

Find the perfect balance and settle on an area that offers a rich cultural tapestry, plenty of local amenities, and all of the tropical paradise you desire.

We hope that this article has been helpful for you. If you’d like to explore the villas that we have available throughout Thailand, then please feel free to contact us today.