Loei, Thailand

The population of 638,736 may seem like a comfortable size, but the reality is that Loei is a sparsely populated province in northeastern Thailand. While the region boasts natural beauty with its mountainous terrain and national parks, the bureaucratic headaches and environmental disputes surrounding the local gold mining operations are a persistent concern. Loei's ecotourism appeal is undercut by the heavy tax burden and challenges of navigating the local government.

This remote corner of Thailand is best suited for adventurous souls who can tolerate a certain degree of friction and isolation in exchange for stunning natural scenery. For the average expat, Loei may prove too rugged and bureaucratic to be an ideal long-term destination.