The lowdown
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island. Just over one hour by air from Bangkok, this well established island has become a popular place to invest or call home for many expatriates. Situated on the Andaman Sea off the south west coast of Thailand, Phuket offers some of the best beaches, but also a host of other activities are on offer including golf, water sports, horse riding, scuba diving and kayaking. One of the most popular islands in Thailand, the infrastructure network makes travelling around the island easy with many people opting to drive. It is also connected to the mainland by a bridge making it easy to visit Phang Nga and Krabi, and is the perfect base to visit Phuket’s neighbouring islands and attractions by boat.
Equidistant from China to Europe, Phuket’s port was a vital trade route in the late 1600s. European influences are still apparent today as the old town is brimming with culture, and Sino-Portuguese architecture is being carefully restored to its former glory with many restaurants and boutiques being housed in these stunning buildings.
Climate
Located in the tropics, Phuket experiences warm and sunny weather most days of the year. Even through the rainy season, during September and October, there are long intervals of sun between the rain. In fact, the monsoon season between December and March is the island’s high season and is generally considered the best time to go to Phuket as the rain takes the humidity out of the air and the cool breezes make everything more comfortable.
Daily life
Often chosen for its comfortable lifestyle, Phuket has an island feeling but with the added benefits that usually come with a city such as culture, employment, shopping and an endless choice in entertainment, restaurants and nightlife – many of which are geared towards Western tastes due to the number of expatriates living on the island. Families are well catered for as there are international schools and countless attractions to keep children happy once they have exhausted beach life including water parks, national parks and animal sanctuaries.
Where to live
Due to the island’s diversity, the options of properties on Phuket are vast. Areas such as Patong, Kamala, Kata, Laguna and Rawai are all in demand depending on individual preferences. Each of these areas have attractive sandy beaches, as well as countless restaurants to choose from and plenty of entertainment to shake a stick at.
The types of property vary across the island. Private villas are situated in the hills with stunning sea views for those seeking a secluded mountain address. Lower end to luxury condominiums are available across the islands suited to residents wanting a home near the island’s action. Either way Phuket’s booming tourist industry ensures that property on the island can be rented for holiday lets, enabling owners to receive a good rental yield on their property when they are not enjoying it for their own use.
Getting to Phuket
Frequent flights operate daily from Phuket to Bangkok with a journey time of just under one and a half hours. Phuket is also a hub for international travel. There are regular direct flights to many international destinations across the region including China, Hong Kong, Singapore as well as further afield to Australia, the Middle East, Russia and some of Europe’s major capitals. This connectivity opens up Phuket to buyers from across the world making it a melting pot for those who recognise the value in accessibility.
Why should I live on Phuket?
1. It is an easy place to reach with frequent flights operating out of the Phuket’s airport to destinations across the world.
2. Beach side or remote hill living? You can live in the thick of the action or the thick of the jungle.
3. Phuket has everything you could possibly need – the best beaches, a choice of sports to partake in, shopping, shopping and more shopping, culture, history, and lots of tasty seafood!
