Where to Buy Property in Thailand: A Guide to Today’s Top Investment Hotspots

If you’ve ever considered buying property in Thailand, whether for investment, retirement, or just a tropical bolthole, you’re far from alone. The Thai market has been buzzing in 2025, with new infrastructure rolling out, policies shifting in favour of foreign buyers, and a steady stream of tourists (and digital nomads) rediscovering the country’s charm. But with so many regions and projects on offer, where exactly should you look?

Let’s take a tour through Thailand’s key property hotspots and weigh the pros, cons, costs, and returns you can realistically expect.

Bangkok: The Tried-and-True Choice

Bangkok has always been the go-to for international investors. It's modern, well-connected, and full of life, plus there’s constant rental demand from expats, corporate tenants, and increasingly, short-stay visitors on platforms like Airbnb. Condos in central locations like Sukhumvit, Silom, or Ari are still in demand, though supply is catching up.

A decent unit in a prime area might run you ฿120,000 to ฿200,000 per square metre. Rental yields hover between 4% and 6%, with newer buildings and better locations commanding a premium. What’s especially exciting this year is that foreign ownership rules have relaxed slightly, condo quotas have increased, and leaseholds can stretch up to 99 years.

The flip side? Bangkok’s not cheap by Thai standards, and traffic can be brutal. Air quality is also an issue during certain months. Still, if you're after liquidity, steady tenants, and capital appreciation, it’s a solid long-term bet.

Getting there: Two international airports (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang), extensive BTS/MRT systems, plus intercity trains and expressways make Bangkok Thailand’s connectivity king.

Pattaya & Jomtien: The Infrastructure Boomtown

Once known mostly for its party scene, Pattaya is quickly maturing into an investment-worthy destination. Thanks to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), you’ve now got a cocktail of government spending, logistics hubs, and transport links fuelling property values. A high-speed rail connecting Pattaya to Bangkok is in the works, and U-Tapao Airport is undergoing major expansion.

This area's real charm is affordability—condos inland can go for as little as ฿50,000 to ฿80,000/m², while beachfront units are more premium. Rental yields can stretch to 6% or 7%, especially for short-term holiday lets.

That said, there’s still a “love it or hate it” vibe around Pattaya. While some investors are embracing its rebirth, others are cautious about oversupply and inconsistent tourist demand.

Getting there: Just 90 minutes from Bangkok via highway, plus airport and rail links.

Phuket & Koh Samui: High-End, High-Risk?

If you’re drawn to sea views and luxury villas, Phuket and Samui are where many deep-pocketed investors are heading. These islands have long been hotspots for tourism and demand for stylish, well-managed holiday homes is only climbing.

A good sea-view condo in Phuket might start at ฿100,000/m², with villas fetching far more. Gross yields tend to sit in the 4–7% range, especially strong during peak seasons. There’s also been a trend toward buying for personal use, with a side income from Airbnb or management companies.

What to watch out for? These islands can swing between boom and bust. Competition is stiff, and the market’s highly seasonal. Costs of ownership (especially for imported goods or luxury maintenance) are higher here too.

Getting there: Phuket’s airport is expanding with a new terminal due by 2029. Koh Samui has regular regional flights and ferry access.

Chiang Mai: Cool Weather, Smart City Vibes

Head north and you’ll find Chiang Mai, a favourite among retirees, artists, and remote workers. It's scenic, laid-back, and becoming more tech-savvy with its inclusion in Thailand’s Northern Economic Corridor (NEC).

Condos here are relatively affordable, ranging from ฿60,000 to ฿120,000/m². Yields aren't spectacular, typically 3% to 5%, but capital appreciation is on the rise, especially around trendy neighbourhoods like Nimmanhaemin.

Downsides? Chiang Mai lacks a mass transit system and faces seasonal pollution issues (especially during the February–April “burning season”). Still, if you’re looking for charm and lifestyle over hard returns, this could be your spot.

Getting there: The international airport handles dozens of daily flights, and the city is well-connected by road and rail.

Koh Chang: Eco-Luxury at the Edge

Koh Chang, Thailand’s "Elephant Island," offers a more tranquil, low-density alternative to better-known islands. It's part of a marine national park, meaning development is carefully controlled, great news for eco-conscious investors.

Property here is still relatively affordable. Studio condos typically start around ฿87,000/m², while larger 2-bedroom duplexes, though higher in total cost, can sometimes be priced lower per square metre, around ฿49,000/m². Land with Chanote title starts near ฿3,600/m², and beachfront villas run anywhere from ฿10m to ฿20m+. Holiday rentals typically generate yields of 5–7% annually.

The catch? Koh Chang has no airport, so you’ll fly into Trat and take a 30-minute ferry. It’s about a five-hour journey from Bangkok, and development rules are strict to protect the island's character. But for those seeking a sustainable investment with long-term upside, it’s a sleeper hit.

Getting there: Fly to Trat Airport, taxi to the pier, then a ferry to Koh Chang. Scooters or cars are a must on-island.

Final Thoughts: Where Should You Buy?

If you’re looking for stability and ease of resale, Bangkok remains the safest bet. For higher yields and upside from infrastructure growth, Pattaya and the EEC region offer strong potential. Love luxury and lifestyle? Head for the islands. And if you’re chasing value or planning for retirement, Chiang Mai and the emerging towns might surprise you.

Thailand’s property market has its quirks, foreign ownership rules, lease structures, and seasonal trends, but get those right, and you’ve got access to one of Asia’s most livable (and investable) countries.

Want to find out more? Contact our expert team for a free consultation on property investments across Southeast Asia at info@alestriaproperty.co.uk.