Phuket Guide

Phuket welcomes visitors all year round from across the globe, who travel thousands of miles to enjoy the warm climate, gorgeous beaches, surrounding tropical islands, amazing underwater world, delicious cuisine, and traditional Thai hospitality. With a wide range of international communities residing in Phuket, many facilities and amenities are in place such as international schools, hospitals and shopping. Here we highlight a few popular locations on the island where visitors enjoy to stay.

Rawai / Naiharn
On the most southern part of the island rests the relaxed locations of Rawai and Naiharn. Rawai is a traditional fishing village and popular for locals to gather to eat and drink under the shade of the promenade. It is also a popular launch point for boat trips to surrounding islands. Nai Harn is a low key and private location. Both areas are popular for long term foreign residents who enjoy the peaceful location, pleasant beaches and affordable rents. With the recent introduction of Tesco Lotus and Villa Market stores, residents do not have so far to travel for conveniences.

 

 

Kata / Karon
These popular family resort locations are ideal for beach lovers. Enjoyed by holiday makers and long term expats, Kata and Karon offer a great beach life with many other activities including elephant trekking, mini golf, jet skiing, paragliding and banana boating. There is a wide choice of restauarants, both international and Thai. For shoppers, the large local market on Karon beach offers great bargains for souvenir gifts. There are a number of mini markets in the area for convenience goods and the nearest supermarket is about 15 minutes drive.

 

 

Patong / Kamala
Patong is the most popular beach resort in Phuket. Famous for its soft sand lively beach, buzzing nightlife, variety of entertainment and bargain shopping, Patong has something for everyone. With a large range of accommodation the area attracts all year round visitors looking for anything from a two week holiday to retirement. Kamala a little further along the west coast is a quieter location with an attractive bay and laid back atmosphere. In recent years the area has become popular for long term visitors and is home to a string of high end property developments known as the ”millionaires mile”.

 

 

Chalong / Phuket Town
Many expats chose to live in Chalong because of the access to main roads, shopping centres, schools and offices in the area. As well as a convenient place to live, the asking price for rent is also fairly cheap in comparison to beach resort locations. Chalong has many different types of property available, ranging from small apartments to large detached houses in gated communities. Phuket Town also has some inexpensive rental properties and is home to local markets, restaurants and night life.

 

 

Kathu
Located inland, on the other side of Patong hill, Kathu is home to several golf courses and is another popular area for long term tenants. Residents will enjoy the convenience of living in this area as the Central Department store with cinema, Big C and Tesco Lotus hypermarkets, are just a short journey away. Patong beach is also close by, only a 10 minute drive over the hill.

 

 

 

Thalang
North of the bypass road and Tesco Lotus store, Thalang is perfectly located for the large international schools. It is also easy to access the beautiful beaches of Surin, Bang Tao and Layan on the west and the newly developed area of Cape Yamu to the east. Thalang is recognised by the Heroines Monument and has a number of housing estates with rental properties available at reasonable prices.

 

 

 

Surin / Bangtao
Surin is more like a coastal village than a busy resort town. The coast road and hills which overlook the picturesque beach and Andaman Sea are home to some the islands most luxurious resorts and properties, where celebrities are reported to stay. Bangtao is the less developed neighbour of Surin that also has some luxury resorts and properties. Its just a short journey from Cherng Talay where local Thais live as their ancestors did, making a living from fishing, rubber tapping and farming. Both areas are popular for long term residents that enjoy the more luxurious restaurants and businesses in the area.