Visited Thailand numerous times but this time I'm going to seriously look at what and where might be a good spot to stay long term. Phuket is on my list along with BKK, Chain Mai, Saigon and some where in the Philippines.

I know one size doesn't fit all, as does one place. so I'm just looking for a place to start in Phuket, All my past visits were as a farang having far to much fun to understand reality. Now retired I'm looking to Phuket for sun and sea, a peaceful spot to hang my head but close to a bit of good and interesting night life.

I'm not so keen on tourists or backpackers type areas but where expats live along with locals is good. I don't speak Thai, some day I might but until then I need some English speaking people around.

Share with me what your ideas on a good place to start or for that matter any thoughts about living on the island. Thanks

If you enjoy nightlife then really kata / karon or kamala fit the bill.. Nai Harn (Rawai and Chalong but a little less so) are lovely bits, I personally think Nai Harn is great in the balance of amenities to quiet, but its nightlife is dull at best. I am just not ready for that quiet a life yet.

Patong gets hard work, but has such a nice amount of diversity in restaurants, fast food, shops, cinema, etc etc.. Everyone has to balance how much they need those items v how much they like it rural. I myself find its easier to be near those then far away from them, I have just found a superb place in Kathu which will suit my needs fine, frogs at night, birdsong in the morning, superb jungle views, yet 2 miles from Patongs bustle.

The best way to find a place to live in Phuket, and anywhere else in Thailand, for that matter, is to take a drive, explore and go into the sois. You'll often see houses for rent that aren't advertised. Take alook around, check out the neigbourhood, etc. You can also do this in eebans that appeal to you. I will warn you to be extremely cautious in Phuket and to take alot of time looking and talking to neighbours.

Thanks, that is the kind of info I'm interested in. Sounds like you found a great spot, that is sorta what I am looking for. Thanks

If you enjoy nightlife then really kata / karon or kamala fit the bill.. Nai Harn (Rawai and Chalong but a little less so) are lovely bits, I personally think Nai Harn is great in the balance of amenities to quiet, but its nightlife is dull at best. I am just not ready for that quiet a life yet.

Patong gets hard work, but has such a nice amount of diversity in restaurants, fast food, shops, cinema, etc etc.. Everyone has to balance how much they need those items v how much they like it rural. I myself find its easier to be near those then far away from them, I have just found a superb place in Kathu which will suit my needs fine, frogs at night, birdsong in the morning, superb jungle views, yet 2 miles from Patongs bustle.

Visited Thailand numerous times but this time I'm going to seriously look at what and where might be a good spot to stay long term. Phuket is on my list along with BKK, Chain Mai, Saigon and some where in the Philippines.

I know one size doesn't fit all, as does one place. so I'm just looking for a place to start in Phuket, All my past visits were as a farang having far to much fun to understand reality. Now retired I'm looking to Phuket for sun and sea, a peaceful spot to hang my head but close to a bit of good and interesting night life.

I'm not so keen on tourists or backpackers type areas but where expats live along with locals is good. I don't speak Thai, some day I might but until then I need some English speaking people around.

Share with me what your ideas on a good place to start or for that matter any thoughts about living on the island. Thanks

Seems like you should avoid Sai Yuan: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=177172

I was quite fond of living in Kamala. A slow paced village with a little nightlife and still some decent prices for housing rentals, yet only 8km from the heart of Patong