Guide to the Islands in Thailand: Where to Buy a House?

Guide to the Islands in Thailand: Where to Buy a House?

Thailand is a popular choice for foreign citizens seeking a permanent place of residence. Before renting or purchasing property in the country, potential buyers often weigh the pros and cons of each region. Through careful research, many decide to settle on one of Thailand’s beautiful tropical islands. But which one should you choose? Let's take a look at some of the most popular options.

CONTENT:

• Phuket
• Chang
• Koh Samui
• Tau
• Phangan

PHUKET

Phuket, located in the Andaman Sea, is part of the province of the same name. With an area of 540 km², it is the largest island in Thailand, situated 863 km from Bangkok.

Notably, three bridges connect Phuket to the mainland. The island boasts several large beaches, which are popular among international tourists. Phuket also features luxury resorts, spas, cafes, and restaurants. The majority of residents work in the tourism industry.

Phuket enjoys warm weather year-round, with maximum temperatures reaching around 32°C and minimums around 23°C. Rainy seasons occur from May to November.

Current real estate options on the island include:

• A 46 m² apartment with one bedroom and one bathroom for $185,430.
• A 30 m² studio for $94,750.
• A 42 m² apartment with one bedroom and one bathroom for $208,250.
• A 522 m² villa with five bedrooms and five bathrooms for $574,225.
• A house with a total area of 3,680 m², featuring five bedrooms and four bathrooms, for $6,862,000.
• A 170 m² townhouse with three bedrooms and four bathrooms for $258,500.

CHANG

Chang, covering an area of 217 km², is located in the Gulf of Thailand and belongs to the Trat province. It is situated 350 km from Bangkok.

Among the island’s main attractions are three stunning waterfalls. The temperature remains relatively consistent throughout the year, ranging from 22°C to 32°C. The rainy season spans from June to October.

Real estate options currently available on Chang include:

• A 130 m² house with three bedrooms and four bathrooms for $416,700.
• A 200 m² villa with three bedrooms and four bathrooms for $314,670.
• A 59 m² apartment with one bedroom and one bathroom for $117,800.

KOH SAMUI

Koh Samui is located in Surat Thani Province, in the Gulf of Thailand. The island is 35 km away from Surat Thani city, the province’s capital, and about 700 km from Bangkok.

Interestingly, there are 27 flights from the local airport to Bangkok, with 23 available daily. The airport also offers flights to destinations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, and Pattaya.

Koh Samui spans 229 km² and attracts many foreign tourists thanks to its natural beauty, including coconut groves, coral reefs, and white sandy beaches.

Agriculture and fishing play significant roles in the island’s economy, while tourism has flourished here since the 1980s. Today, most locals are employed in the tourism industry.

Passenger and cargo ferries connect Koh Samui to the mainland from Nathon City and Lipa Noi Beach in Tong Yang Bay. It takes about an hour and a half to reach the mainland, making ferries a popular mode of transport for tourists.

Temperatures on the island are consistently between 25°C and 32°C throughout the year. From April to May, temperatures can rise to 35°C. November sees the most rainfall.

Available real estate on the island includes:

• A 58 m² unit with one bedroom and one bathroom for $45,650.
• An apartment of 118 m² with two bedrooms and two bathrooms for $370,375.
• A duplex of 128 m² with two bedrooms and three bathrooms for $109,000.
• A 113 m² unit with two bedrooms and two bathrooms for $68,620.
• A 308 m² villa with three bedrooms and four bathrooms for $252,660.
• A 130 m² villa with three bedrooms and two bathrooms for $129,300.

TAU

Tau is located in Surat Thani Province, in the Gulf of Thailand. It is relatively small, covering just 21 km². The island is 70 km from the mainland and 65 km from Koh Samui, while Bangkok is 414 km away.

Catamarans and ferries connect Tau to the mainland and nearby islands. Despite its small size, Tau features mountains and wild forests. Its wide beaches with fine white sand and clear, warm waters are a major draw for foreign and local tourists alike. Tau is particularly popular with snorkelers and divers, while hikers are drawn to its numerous ecological trails and scenic viewpoints.

The island enjoys consistent temperatures year-round, with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. The rainy season runs from June to November.

Current real estate offerings include:

• A 200 m² villa with four bedrooms and two bathrooms for $391,000.
• A 300 m² villa with four bedrooms and four bathrooms for $577,000.

PHANGAN

Phangan is part of Surat Thani Province and belongs to the Koh Samui Archipelago, which includes Tau, Koh Samui, and several smaller islands. Phangan is located 55 km from the mainland, 15 km from Koh Samui, and 35 km from Tau.

Phangan covers an area of 125 km² and features mountains, forests, and captivating waterfalls.

Both tourism and agriculture, particularly coconut farming, are well-developed on Phangan. Fishing has also been an important part of the local economy for centuries.

The island is home to several white-sand beaches, with settlements concentrated along the coast due to the hilly terrain. More than half of the island is designated as national parkland, preserving its tropical flora and fauna.

Phangan enjoys a mild climate with no extreme heat or cold. Year-round, temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C. November is the rainiest month.

Current real estate for sale in Surat Thani Province includes:

• A 58 m² flat with one bedroom and one bathroom for $45,702.
• A 31 m² apartment with one bedroom and one bathroom for $31,618.
• A 75 m² unit with one bedroom and one bathroom for $112,000.
• A 126 m² villa with two bedrooms and two bathrooms for $140,845.
• A 120 m² villa with two bedrooms and two bathrooms for $215,600.

Whether you’re looking for a villa, an apartment, or a cozy studio in Thailand, there’s a wide variety of options to suit your needs. Those who have already made one of Thailand’s paradise islands their home often say that moving here is a decision you won’t regret.