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If I had to choose between those two, I would choose Chiang Mai, it is certainly a more "normal" liveable city. However, the pollution can be quite severe in the early months of the year and of course there's no beach, if that is a consideration. Pattaya is grand for a few days but I think it would be quite boring after a while. Have you considered Hua Hin?  You may already know this, but there is a convenient flight between Chiang Mai and Hua Hin. Personally, especially with a vietnamese wife, I would settle in Vietnam, I find Southern Thailand can be very hot..

Thank you for the input. I lived in Vietnam from 2005-2007, in District 12 in Saigon. I saw way more than I wanted to. It's not that I dislike VN, but I just don't want to spend my money there. And of course, Thai food is way better. (My wife agrees with me) But I digress...

I've been to Hua Hin but never stayed long enough to form an opinion. I didn't know about the flight. I understand your thinking on Pattaya as well. (It does get old after a while) Southern Thailand can be unbearably hot. Thank you for the information. I'll keep  your words in mind.

American retiree. Lived in Thailand before and taught English for 6-7 years total so I also speak a little Thai. Married a Vietnamese girl in 1995. Thailand left a lasting impression on both of us and now we would rather here than even my wife's home country. We're trying to decide between Pattaya and Chiang Mai. We will be traveling to Thailand in May of 2025 to visit both places to decide. - @DSieg

I'd also suggest you look beyond this limited choice. Both of these places are *major* tourist destinations so during high season, they are *packed*. Plus, Pattaya is not really a place to live with your wife. It's full of bar-hopping single guys and massage parlors. Search for "pattaya" videos on YT and you'll see what I mean,

Having said that, I do have friends that live there but away from the main area. One buddy of mine is in Jomtien, which is just south of Pattaya but more normal and suitable for expats staying long-term. Also, I know an American couple (retired) who live in Bang Sare (or "Saray"), which is about 15 miles down the coast. They've been there 2 years so they seem to like it.

With regard to Hua Hin, it's quite similar (I've heard, haven't been there in decades myself), a lot of single expats and bars, although not everywhere. However, the very next province south, Prachuap Khiri Kan, was recommended to me by that American couple, who are considering the possibility of moving there.

Anywayz, wherever you are thinking about moving/living/traveling, there are videos that people have made and posted online that you can watch and see the world in your own home. Of course, your plan to visit and see for yourself is the best thing that you can do after you have narrowed down your options.

I really like that you guys are suggesting alternate place to check out. Yes, I also check YouTube when I have the chance. But YouTube doesn't give me the "Down and dirty" like walking the street does, the smell of Thai street food. When I said Pattaya, I pretty much meant Jomtien. When I was there I really liked it. the other aspect of Pattaya I like I can get certain foods there I can't find in other places, like New York Bagels and French Croissants. Thank you both for your input.

Hello

I live in south Pattaya (Najomtien) for ten years with my french wife. I have not lived in Chang Mai but went there several times in different seasons. I don't dislike the city in itself but after a while found it boring. The pollution is unbearable for some months.

Pattaya is not nice at all in terms of architecture and organization but you can find whatever you want there. Highly touristic (as Chang Mai is)  with all the problems linked to the situation. Yes there are thousands of bars and massage parlors but nobody is obliged to go to them. I found good massage centers where hygiene was second to none and nothing more than a good massage happened. The great advantage of South Pattaya is that you have all the advantages of being close to the big city for shopping and administration ( immigration) but much less inconvenient than when you live downtown. East Pattaya so called dark side is also enjoyable and peaceful although farer from the beach. We still have some real Thai life here with local markets and very fresh products directly from the producers.

One thing which i find convenient is that its about an hour and a half from Swampy airport and pretty close to Bangkok in case of serious health problems or need for central administration only available in this city.

So in summary my wife and I don't regret our choice.  Then you will have to make your own decision based upon your own criteria.

Good luck to you

@DSieg

i have lived in Chiang mai, to be more precise in a small village , doi saket  ten km outside chiangmai.. Loved Chiang mai.

Mountains, chiang mai itself is great, like a village in a city.

Later moved to hua Jay not far from jomtien. For personal reasons.

Nice to but totally different. Just start living one year not in chiang mai buut in one of the nice villages outside chiang mai

If you love tranquility and rich cultural beauty, Chiang Mai is the perfect choice. For sea views, ocean breezes, marine sports, and fresh seafood, Pattaya is ideal. Its convenient location also makes it easy to travel to Bangkok and connect to international destinations.

For investment, I recommend Pattaya. The upcoming high-speed rail link connecting Bangkok’s major airports to Chonburi (part of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor project) is expected to be completed within 5 years. If you're looking to invest in property with potential for capital gain, Pattaya is a promising option.

Chiang Mai offers a peaceful lifestyle, though it does face seasonal air quality issues due to PM2.5 levels. Meanwhile, Chonburi—including Pattaya—is experiencing significant growth thanks to its industrial estates and logistical center. This is likely to increase demand for houses and condominiums for rent. If you choose Chiang Mai, you may need to install in-house air-conditioning filters.

See now there you go and touch on the absolute essence of the question. 😂 I prefer the Zen like tranquility of Thailand and I think Chiang Mai would be perfect for me. (I want to meditate in temples) Bangkok is too kinetic. (Although I do like going there for short hops and love the transportation system) As far the air pollution of Chiang Mai goes, if it bothers me that much I'll just spend the time somewhere else. Pattaya as many people have pointed out may be too touristy and trashy. Although the upside is hard to find farang foods. My wife, OTOH, wants the (#1) seafood, potential for appreciation, and the sea breezes. I'm sort of hoping Hua Hin offer a decent compromise. Thanks for the input. Much appreciated.

We split our time between ChaAm and Nonthaburi both of these places are 10 miles from big cities, Cha Am is a sleepy rural farm town it has hidden restaurants you have to find yourself, but it has its own Makro and Lotus stores and has a giant wet market thats open from 3am to 7am mostly restaurants buy direct from the farmers. It has golf courses, winery, lovely temples, lots of seafood restaurants, many empty beaches with nice views, a huge massage health center that does manicure's, haircuts, all kinds of massage and body treatments. We love living there, it’s quiet and easy to get around. We rent an older condo siting right on the beach with a straight on beach view that extends all the way to Hua Hin. And whatever else you may need you can find in Hua Hin only 10 miles away. Then we live in Nonthaburi which is a suburb of Bangkok but has less congestion and noise, we are Nextdoor to 3 private hospitals, a Mall, a huge food stall with produce and clothes, grocery etc. that centered around a pond with ducks & geese and water fountains. Very peaceful and relaxing neighborhood handout.  We Love this living situation.  Good Luck to You.  Patrick

I used to live in both Pakret and bambathong in Nonthaburi. (It's been so long I'm not sure I got the spelling right.) in MooBan Chalida. Those names bring back a lot of memories! That would have been almost 20 years ago. So yeah, I know that area pretty well. Back then traffic congestion was just out of this world. I used to work on Chaingwattana Rd. at the Telephone Authority and can remember the King driving home in his yellow Rolls! You would see him in sitting in back with his pipe.

Anyhoo, I'll have to check out Cha Am. Thanks for bringing back some great memories! Is Mooban Chalida still around?

@DSieg

The best way is to make a test and spend 6 month in both places. At first using a hotel and have time to find a unit in a condominium orca small villa or townhouse.

After Pattaya and Jomtien there are places like Nakluea little north or Ban Amphur on the southern coast or NongPrue a little inside, Pattaya or Jomtien beach roads are all hotels and restaurants, pubs, bars, shops noisy untill late night.

Sure you need to have a car or a motorbike when you there, cause plenty to discovered if you travel arround to Sattahip direction.

Chiangmai don't know, but I hear that farmers burning entire fields of sugar cane is causing such a smoke and air polluting that can be a big health problem.

Also near Bangkok there is the natural area of Bankachau or Bankhunthien talay, the so called Bangkok coastline.

In time you will discovered many more places and solution.

Not to forget that also Phuket has nice places like Phuket town or the south near Rawai beach, aswell Bangtao beach where you can check HillMyna condotel in Bangtao soi 1, quiet place but near to many services.

@boilsjer

Is there public transport from doi saket to Chiang Mai? Sounds ideal if so