The difference between the various View Talays

[jaywalker2]

Among the many View Talays, VT 7 is, from what I've heard, generally considered the best and View Talay 1 the worst (excluding the View Talay Residences, which I don't know much about.) Does anybody know why this would be the case. Is VT 7 really better than VT 5? And nobody seems to like VT 8 -- what would be the reason for that?

 

And what about the VT Residences? How do they compare? Nobody seems to talk about them much either. Just curious

[shdmn]

I would say VT7 is the worst for long term living.  Most people there are short term foreigners as far as I could tell when I walked around the place a few times.  Might be nice in low season when nobody is around.  Only reason anyone would think it's the best is because of location right on the beach in the main Jomtien downtown area.  I think most of the units on the back side are empty.  I think they are just there to fill the Thai quota so they can sell all the front ones to foreigners at a premium.  Could be a bit noisy depending which way you are facing.  I think VT8 has different management and that may be what people are complaining about with that one.  That VT8 area is becoming quite popular so I don't think location is the problem. 

 

Not a fan of VT2A.  Too many punters.  Saw a guy in his 60s with a mohawk dyed orange at the pool.  Lots of drunks and people who have given up and are just running out the clock.  You get the idea.  I haven't considered VT2B.  Too far away from the road, so not sure what that one is like.  My favorite ones are 5D and 3A and B. VT3 is nice for peace and quiet and if you like Pratamnak area and want to be right on the ocean.  You pretty much need your own transportation though.  Don't need your own transportation for VT5, better class of expats hanging around compared to VT2A across the street, the foodmart almost right across the street, and easy keycard access to/from the beach. So VT5 kind of checks all the boxes for me.

Edited July 28 by shdmn

[shdmn]

Not sure why nobody talks about the residences.  They are different construction and probably different management.  They are not high rises so I would think there would be less waiting around for elevators.

Edited July 28 by shdmn

[newnative]

     The first condo my spouse and I bought when we moved to Pattaya from the Rayong beach area in 2010 was at VT3B.  We also owned and lived for periods of about a year at VT5C, VT5D, and VT7.  The VT3 condo was a very large corner unit 1 bedroom and the others were 48sqm studios.

     VT8 was developed by, I believe, another family member and is a separate project and had its own separate sales office on-site.  At one time it had a hotel component; I don't know if that is still the case. 

     We didn't see much difference between VT5C and D.  One was closer to the ocean, the other closer to the street.  We had better seaviews with the 5C units we owned.  All the condos we bought were empty shells, without even a finished floor.  We liked the blank slate to do what we wanted.  I think our favorite renovations were the VT3 and the VT7.

     I think the View Talay company learned a few things with each project.  By the time they got to VT7, they had likely heard a number of complaints about the ratio of elevators to the number of units and entrance doors that weren't the best quality.  So, VT7 has a few more elevators and the condo doors are much better Scorpion-type doors.  The project had a slightly more upscale feel to it, with its materials, different design, and more unit size choices.  But, as with the others, little in the way of amenities other than a pool.  

     We liked the great location of the VT5s and VT7 but our favorite was VT3.  It's beachfront and has a very nice, quieter location.   it's a smaller project than the others with more of a residential feel.  The only drawback for us, as mentioned, was the lack of public transportation, but we did have a car.

[scubascuba3]

A friend didn't like VT7, young gay guys coming and going all the time, maybe it's a hub

[shdmn]

8 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

A friend didn't like VT7, young gay guys coming and going all the time, maybe it's a hub

It's right beside the gay bar area.

Edited July 28 by shdmn

[SGD]

I lived in VT2B on the top floor for 3 or 4 years shortly after construction and the main issues, which were largely avoided in the later developments, were the construction going on for year after year as the condos were empty shells. That is how they all were back then but later developments made life easier by moving to fully fitted out which is way more sensible. That means however that VT2 has almost 1900 potentially different fitting out qualities !

VT2B being set back from the road is annoying if walking that distance day in and day out and in hot and bad weather but with a car or truck it is fine. VT2A being nearer the road is easier I guess.

VT1 was 1 pool between 2 units whereas VT2 is 2 pools. VT1 is smaller by design. VT2 has the most land given to any near modern complex and you'll never get that feeling of open space again.

VT3 is ok if you lke the area but you need transport for sure.

VT4 never materialised - I don't know why. VT Residence 4 is the nearest but that isn't the 4th development. My guess is that it was planned and didn't happen.

VT5C is the start of the 48sqm units which was followed over into VT6. 2 buildings here, seafront and one set back, pool in between.

VT6 is the most abused VT building as the Beach Road location means it is a virtual AirBnB and short time hotel. Location is great, living there is not.

 

VT7 took years to build and was the subject of many a court case as the front building is in breach of the required distance from the shore line, which was "amended". Clearly brown bags were passed and residents who lost their view got shafted.

VT8 is on the moon. No-one even truly knows where it is and no-one cares.

Where would I live ?

Honestly, VT2 carries some memories but from a practical point of view, to have a large pool maintained then you need a lot of condos paying for it so small blocks don't make sense. VT7 is a ghost ship most night with 20 lights on from 1200 condos. VT3 is quite nice but isolated really so perhaps VT5 or back to VT2 where there is a hub of long term residents and the space around the development makes it feel nice.

[newnative]

3 hours ago, SGD said:

I lived in VT2B on the top floor for 3 or 4 years shortly after construction and the main issues, which were largely avoided in the later developments, were the construction going on for year after year as the condos were empty shells. That is how they all were back then but later developments made life easier by moving to fully fitted out which is way more sensible. That means however that VT2 has almost 1900 potentially different fitting out qualities !

VT2B being set back from the road is annoying if walking that distance day in and day out and in hot and bad weather but with a car or truck it is fine. VT2A being nearer the road is easier I guess.

VT1 was 1 pool between 2 units whereas VT2 is 2 pools. VT1 is smaller by design. VT2 has the most land given to any near modern complex and you'll never get that feeling of open space again.

VT3 is ok if you lke the area but you need transport for sure.

VT4 never materialised - I don't know why. VT Residence 4 is the nearest but that isn't the 4th development. My guess is that it was planned and didn't happen.

VT5C is the start of the 48sqm units which was followed over into VT6. 2 buildings here, seafront and one set back, pool in between.

VT6 is the most abused VT building as the Beach Road location means it is a virtual AirBnB and short time hotel. Location is great, living there is not.

 

VT7 took years to build and was the subject of many a court case as the front building is in breach of the required distance from the shore line, which was "amended". Clearly brown bags were passed and residents who lost their view got shafted.

VT8 is on the moon. No-one even truly knows where it is and no-one cares.

Where would I live ?

Honestly, VT2 carries some memories but from a practical point of view, to have a large pool maintained then you need a lot of condos paying for it so small blocks don't make sense. VT7 is a ghost ship most night with 20 lights on from 1200 condos. VT3 is quite nice but isolated really so perhaps VT5 or back to VT2 where there is a hub of long term residents and the space around the development makes it feel nice.

    Just a couple corrections.  Later VT condos, 3 thru 7, were also empty shells, as was VT8 initially--I think they later finished some of them or had packages to finish them.  I know because my spouse and I renovated empty shell studio units at all of them except VT6 and  VT8--we looked at studio shells at both but decided not to buy. 

    VT3 was the first VT project to have 48sqm studios, not VT5.  The View Talay company did, at one point, finish some of the studios at VT3--we were living there at the time.  I think they were planning to rent them out but I don't know what became of that idea.

   VT5C and VT5D both have their own pools, they do not share a pool.  They are also independent of each other and have their own Juristic offices.  There is not a VT4 because the number 4 is unlucky in Chinese culture. 

    You are correct that with empty shells you get thousands of different-looking condos.  Someone years ago remarked that the View Talays were like boxes of chocolates, you never knew what you'd get when you opened the door.  

     When we lived at VT7 we peeked in at a condo renovation project on the top floor.   I think it was at least 4 studio condos plus a corner unit that had all been put together to make one massive condo.  You could easily do things like that starting with empty shells.  

     You are also correct that for years View Talay condo owners and renters have had to put up with renovation noise, as the empty shells were finished.  Renovation noise can be found in newer projects, too, though.  My spouse and I tore out a brand new kitchen at Centric Sea because we didn't like the cabinets or the kitchen layout.

    My spouse and I loved the VT empty shell concept--being able to do whatever we wanted to an unfinishedspace.  However, most buyers didn't want to do all the work and they wanted a completed condo, including furniture in some cases.  Newer developers, such as Riviera, came along and offered just that, very successfully.

Edited July 29 by newnative
spelling

[mark5335]

4 hours ago, SGD said:

VT8 is on the moon. No-one even truly knows where it is and no-one cares.

I guess the same applies to View Talay Sands in Na Jomtien. Obviously a quiet location but it's a low rise beachfront with duplex 2Br condo units, so maybe it's not the same developer as the other VT's.

[fortz]

14 hours ago, shdmn said:

 

Not a fan of VT2A.  Too many punters.  Saw a guy in his 60s with a mohawk dyed orange at the pool.  Lots of drunks and people who have given up and are just running out the clock.  

I can dye it green if you don't fancy orange, and I am 75, so thanks for the compliment!  

Edited July 29 by fortz

[jaywalker2]

So nobody has anything to say about View Talay Residences? I know they're low-rise but the basic format seems to be the same, a one-room studio of 48 sq m with an attached kitchen. No amentities other than the pool. I guess the smaller buildings have pros and cons. Fewer residents and therefore a more peaceful atmosphere I would imagine but the low floors might mean more street noise.

 

None of these projects seem to have very good security. Anybody can just walk in. I guess that's not a problem?

 

Also VT 7 seems to be more expensive than the others, around 18,000 and up for a studio. Is that because it's mainly used for short-term rentals? Or what's the logic there?

Edited July 29 by jaywalker2
added information

[GypsyT]

VT8 has hold value best, even increased. Quiet, nice empty beach. Good if you got company, otherwise lonely. I can see living there.

 

I've stayed many times at 1B (back unit). Last winter 1,5 months. Somewhat run down but nice pool with funny people (mostly Italian).

I like the vibe there. For 700THB very good deal. Close to everything.

 

I know people in VT3 and VT5. They like it. The best location.

 

I also like 2A&B. Quiet, large lot to walk. Very nice pool. Good value.

[scubascuba3]

2 hours ago, jaywalker2 said:

So nobody has anything to say about View Talay Residences? I know they're low-rise but the basic format seems to be the same, a one-room studio of 48 sq m with an attached kitchen. No amentities other than the pool. I guess the smaller buildings have pros and cons. Fewer residents and therefore a more peaceful atmosphere I would imagine but the low floors might mean more street noise.

 

None of these projects seem to have very good security. Anybody can just walk in. I guess that's not a problem?

 

Also VT 7 seems to be more expensive than the others, around 18,000 and up for a studio. Is that because it's mainly used for short-term rentals? Or what's the logic there?

View Talay Residences will have higher common fees eventually as fewer owners to spread the costs over i.e. lift replacement 

[GypsyT]

11 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

A friend didn't like VT7, young gay guys coming and going all the time, maybe it's a hub

Tell your friend to relax 🙂  It's 2024 already...

 

[newnative]

3 hours ago, jaywalker2 said:

So nobody has anything to say about View Talay Residences? I know they're low-rise but the basic format seems to be the same, a one-room studio of 48 sq m with an attached kitchen. No amentities other than the pool. I guess the smaller buildings have pros and cons. Fewer residents and therefore a more peaceful atmosphere I would imagine but the low floors might mean more street noise.

 

None of these projects seem to have very good security. Anybody can just walk in. I guess that's not a problem?

 

Also VT 7 seems to be more expensive than the others, around 18,000 and up for a studio. Is that because it's mainly used for short-term rentals? Or what's the logic there?

       VT6 and VT7 empty shells were more expensive than the other View Talays from the get-go.  I think they were more expensive due to their direct beachfront locations, a slightly more upscale design, better doors, more elevators, underground parking, etc.

      I don't know that much about View Talay Residences, as we always wanted highrise seaview.  I do know that the projects have fewer units and they offer more than just small studios.  They are scattered all over Pattaya, from Jomtien to Wong Amat.

[pomchop]

VT6 is a premium location ocean front and next door to hilton and central festival mall as well as 5 min walk to soi buakhow "attractions". Directly on the baht bus lines on beach road as well as 2nd road. Fantastic location for those who want to be in middle of everything

 

Lots of massage, convenience stores, restaurants laundries in lobby.  But yes in peak months it is packed with airbnb bunch and the lower floors on hilton side views are blocked. Myth Beer Bar also has one bar that plays crap live music way way too loud that blasts up the back side of VT6 so be aware of that from about 9 pm to 2 am or so.

 

Enjoy it while you can as the big empty lot on walking street side is planning two big hotels/condos there which will screw up a lot of views on that side.

[CygnusX1]

Anyone know what happened to VT5A and VT5B?

[newnative]

4 hours ago, CygnusX1 said:

Anyone know what happened to VT5A and VT5B?

    That is a mystery--maybe someone on the Forum knows.  My only guess is they already had VT3A and VT3B, and a 5 and a 3 can sometimes be confused in handwriting.  And, memory--"Did he say to meet at 3A or 5A?"   So, possibly they chose 5C and 5D as a better way to distinguish the 4 large buildings.  They would skip 4 as an unlucky number.

[newnative]

1 hour ago, newnative said:

    That is a mystery--maybe someone on the Forum knows.  My only guess is they already had VT3A and VT3B, and a 5 and a 3 can sometimes be confused in handwriting.  And, memory--"Did he say to meet at 3A or 5A?"   So, possibly they chose 5C and 5D as a better way to distinguish the 4 large buildings.  They would skip 4 as an unlucky number.

An addition.  Just remembered that years ago someone told me that  VT5A and 5B were to be built on the land next to 5C and 5D.  Have no idea if this is true or not.  A hotel was built there, instead, by the VT company.  

[GypsyT]

A friend who has VT5C end unit said same and they got discount; "Welcome World" lot supposed to become VT condos. It never happened, what ever reason.

 

[newnative]

2 minutes ago, GypsyT said:

A friend who has VT5C end unit said same and they got discount; "Welcome World" lot supposed to become VT condos. It never happened, what ever reason.

 

Thanks!

[dddave]

On 7/29/2024 at 9:15 AM, newnative said:

When we lived at VT7 we peeked in at a condo renovation project on the top floor.   I think it was at least 4 studio condos plus a corner unit that had all been put together to make one massive condo.  You could easily do things like that starting with empty shells. 

I think that's the unit a late friend of mine rented last year before he passed.  He had been renting a lower unit but had to relocate.   You are correct: huge unit but really useless space...like a big box and very difficult to make any sense of using furniture.  Funny thing was, with all that open space, virtually no storage space: no closets, nothing.  Did have incredible views though, dual corner balconies. He was paying 35K  What I also recall is the very long walk from the lift to his door; felt like 1/2 Km.

Edited July 30 by dddave

[newnative]

47 minutes ago, dddave said:

I think that's the unit a late friend of mine rented last year before he passed.  He had been renting a lower unit but had to relocate.   You are correct: huge unit but really useless space...like a big box and very difficult to make any sense of using furniture.  Funny thing was, with all that open space, virtually no storage space: no closets, nothing.  Did have incredible views though, dual corner balconies. He was paying 35K  What I also recall is the very long walk from the lift to his door; felt like 1/2 Km.

Interesting, thanks!