Overview of Phuket Locations
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, with a total area of only 543 square kilometers, 60% of which are national parks and reserves where construction is prohibited by law. There is also a ban on the construction of high-rise buildings, which guarantees not only limited land availability but also a finite number of possible apartments.
Now let's take a look at the island's main infrastructure: Phuket stretches for 51 kilometers in length, and all the best and most popular beaches are located on the west coast, where the main infrastructure is concentrated. Therefore, when talking about the island's districts and considering where to buy real estate, the west coast with a slight slope towards the central part of the island is automatically implied.
The main locations in Phuket can be classified in a classic way: dividing them into beaches and proximity to attractions. This option is well-suited for those who come to relax for a week or two and do not want to stay in one place for too long.
However, if we consider the island from the perspective of a real estate buyer, Phuket can be divided into two main parts: northwest and southwest. The northwest and southwest areas of the island offer everything for a comfortable life, such as schools, kindergartens, shopping centers, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, attractions, entertainment events, and sports sections.
What is the difference?
Southwest: Rawai, Nai Harn, Karon, Kata.
Let's start with the southwest part of Phuket. This area was the first to be developed, which is why it's now practically impossible to find land for sale, and the remaining plots are much more expensive per rai (1,600 sq.m) than in the north of the island, where there is still plenty of available land. Due to the limited amount of land in the south, new projects mostly consist of condominiums that were fortunate enough to secure remaining free space.
The south is conveniently located in the center of the island, just 25 minutes away from the farthest point. One notable area is Rawai, which also includes the beaches of Nai Harn, Ao Sane, and Ya Nui. Expats have been buying property here for some time, and even during the pandemic, life did not come to a halt. You can stroll along the promenade, witness mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets from famous viewpoints, head to one of Asia's most popular beaches, Nai Harn, or stop by Ya Nui Beach for kayaking. There's also the well-known Rawai Park for kids on the island and an evening sea market where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere of tropical jungles.
The location is convenient, with hypermarkets like Makro, Tesco, and VillaMarket offering everything from European cheeses to sour cream, as well as a vast number of cafes and restaurants, schools, nurseries, and sporting events. The downside may be the dense building and narrow roads, but some people still love it because everything is close by.
Northwest: Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao, Nai Yang, Nai Thon, Mai Khao.The development of the northwest part of the island is rapidly progressing, attracting a large number of people interested in purchasing real estate here.
The main development stretches from Kamala Beach to Nai Thon Beach. The most popular areas are Cherng Talay, Bang Tao Beach, and Layan Beach, which are conveniently located about 35 minutes away from both Phuket airport and the central part of the island. In addition, they are in close proximity to the tourist mini-city of Laguna, which is renowned for its 5-star hotels, award-winning golf course, cafes, restaurants, and spas.
Boat Avenue is a favorite shopping destination, with numerous shops and the Porto de Phuket mall in addition to cafes and restaurants in a European-style atmosphere. Moreover, a new mall, Robinson, opened in August 2022, adding another undeniable advantage to the area.
The real estate market in the north of Thailand has seen significant growth, with a large number of residential complexes now being built. Thanks to its developed infrastructure and high demand, the number of new projects is rapidly increasing. However, the main challenge when purchasing property in the north is buying a ready-made villa. After the pandemic, buyers' priorities have shifted towards spacious 3-4 bedroom villas, which are quickly sold out during the construction phase, making it difficult to purchase a finished villa.
As mentioned earlier, land in the north is cheaper than land in the south. Even if identical villa complexes were offered on the islands in the south, the cost would undoubtedly be higher. The formula remains unchanged: land area equals price.
Located in the northwest of Phuket, you'll find some of the island's best schools, such as UWC and the premium British International School. Sports sections, entertainment events, and the Blue Tree water park are the hallmarks of the northwest coast, as well as a vast selection of beachfront restaurants, including the renowned Cafe Del Mar and the Catch beach club.
Unlike the southern part of the island, the northwest boasts wide roads and sidewalks, which will delight those who love strolling and outdoor sports.
Have questions? Doubting where it's best to buy an apartment or villa?
Write or call us on social media, and we will be happy to advise you for free on any issues ⬇️
✔️ E-mail: victoria@apart-homes.com
✔️ Т: +66 83 870 0998
✔️ WhatsApp: +66 83 870 0998
✔️ Telegram: +66 83 870 0998