Moving To Phuket

[Old Croc]

I'm planning the big move to LOS soon and am seeking some advice from the expert, expats in Phuket. I couldn't contemplate living in the big smoke (or whatever that is in the air in Bangkok) As an Aussie, it has to be somewhere on an island or near the coast for me. Village life in the north is not appealing (particularly after reading in a general topics thread about the many varied and vivid creatures and people that populate the area - and that was just the posters!).

After many trips there I'm convinced Phuket is the place for me, but am aware it is much more expensive than most other destinations. My main question is about housing. How much and where can you get, or rent, reasonable accommodation on the island? Ideally, I would like a 2 story bungalow on Thaweewong road where it is just a short hobble to a sunlounge or a Singha. But practically this is beyond my means. I'm retired and would have an income of about 70k baht pm.

Any advice on setting up and living there would be much appreciated.

(I'm already bracing myself for the clever, witty answers from the bored and pissed)

[Sir Burr]

Hi there,

70,000 Bht per month should be plenty, even living in Patong.

Go to www.phuketgazette.net and look at the classified ads for renting a house.

Phuket is the most expensive place to live in Thailand, and Patong is the most expensive place in Phuket.

You may have to take something a bit smaller for around 12,000 to 15,000 Bht per month.

[Jai Dee]

Village life in the north is not appealing  (particularly after reading in a general topics thread about the many varied and vivid creatures and people that populate the area  -  and that was just the posters!).

I just knew someone would actually believe that stuff!

[Tornado]

very hard to get something on the beach in Patong and live everyday here for 70k per month. In saying that though, you might get a rental in Patong tower for about 30K, not sure though.

If your not to bothered about walking a couple hundered meters, you will easily get something smallish for about 20k.

Lets see what livinlos comes up with as he is in Patong 24/7..

[Old Croc]

Hi there,

70,000 Bht per month should be plenty, even living in Patong.

Go to www.phuketgazette.net and look at the classified ads for renting a house.

Phuket is the most expensive place to live in Thailand, and Patong is the most expensive place in Phuket.

You may have to take something a bit smaller for around 12,000 to 15,000 Bht per month.

Thanks Sir for your quick and helpful reply.

I have already scanned many real estate and newspaper sites to get an idea of availability and prices in Phuket. However, I guess I was hoping for more specific thoughts from people who live there regarding expat friendly areas. While not looking to move in next door to anyone reading this, I'd like guidence on particular areas providing a good mixture of low price, recreational facilities, services and the odd friendly Farang face at a local bar.

[Tornado]

Thanks Sir for your quick and helpful reply.

I have already scanned many real estate and newspaper sites to get an idea of availability and prices in Phuket. However, I guess I was hoping for more specific thoughts from people who live there regarding expat friendly areas. While not looking to move in next door to anyone reading this, I'd like guidence on particular areas providing a good mixture of low price, recreational facilities, services and the odd friendly Farang face at a local bar.

Rawai = 15 k per month close to good beaches and expat local bars.

Chalong = same

Kamala = same

Kata = same

Karon = same

plenty of choices outside of Patong, all close to the beach, no tourists pissing you off, better environment IMHO and there are also girls in all those areas servicing the old, the crippled, the fat and the ugly...

good luck!

[Old Croc]

Village life in the north is not appealing  (particularly after reading in a general topics thread about the many varied and vivid creatures and people that populate the area  -   and that was just the posters!).

I just knew someone would actually believe that stuff!

Also, I couldn't stand having to listen to a pom running, screaming in terror from a little grass snake every five minutes in a northern village

[Old Croc]

Thanks Sir for your quick and helpful reply.

I have already scanned many real estate and newspaper sites to get an idea of availability and prices in Phuket. However, I guess I was hoping for more specific thoughts from people who live there regarding expat friendly areas. While not looking to move in next door to anyone reading this, I'd like guidence on particular areas providing a good mixture of low price, recreational facilities, services and the odd friendly Farang face at a local bar.

Rawai = 15 k per month close to good beaches and expat local bars.

Chalong = same

Kamala = same

Kata = same

Karon = same

plenty of choices outside of Patong, all close to the beach, no tourists pissing you off, better environment IMHO and there are also girls in all those areas servicing the old, the crippled, the fat and the ugly...

good luck!

I'm not that old!

[Tornado]

by your pic, I thought you were at least 100

bring me some farmers union iced coffee, balfours pasties, wini blues and 15 lites of vegemite and Ill pick you up from the airport

[traveldog]

Hey Croc,

Agree with Tornado bout thinking other places than Patong. I live in Rawai, 5 min to beach, nice little house for 5K/month. Lots of friendly bars nearby to have a cold one and the place is just more community than Patong or even Kata/Karon(I lived there for a year too). Your income is quite sufficient unless you go a bit crazy.....I am doing pretty well on about 35K or so. Right now its very slow season and lots of rentals/sales available besides what you are seeing listed in papers/internet. If you wait till Nov/Dec not nearly the same amount to select from. Good luck in the move....

[Old Croc]

by your pic, I thought you were at least 100

bring me some farmers union iced coffee, balfours pasties, wini blues and 15 lites of vegemite and Ill pick you up from the airport

Farmers Union, Balfours? You must come from t'other side. How about Coffee Chill and Mrs Mac? Always willing to post some vegi if you need it. As a non indulger can bring smokes in for others. Next trip is 20/12 if I don't break free before then..

[Tornado]

Hey Croc,

Agree with Tornado bout thinking other places than Patong.  I live in Rawai, 5 min to beach, nice little house for 5K/month.  Lots of friendly bars nearby to have a cold one and the place is just more community than Patong or even Kata/Karon(I lived there for a year too).  Your income is quite sufficient unless you go a bit crazy.....I am doing pretty well on about 35K or so.  Right now its very slow season and lots of rentals/sales available besides what you are seeing listed in papers/internet.  If you wait till Nov/Dec not nearly the same amount to select from.  Good luck in the move....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

stop posting so much

[Tornado]

by your pic, I thought you were at least 100

bring me some farmers union iced coffee, balfours pasties, wini blues and 15 lites of vegemite and Ill pick you up from the airport

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Farmers Union, Balfours? You must come from t'other side. How about Coffee Chill and Mrs Mac? Always willing to post some vegi if you need it. As a non indulger can bring smokes in for others. Next trip is 20/12 if I don't break free before then..

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

coffee chill? Mrs Mac? you must be from the other side.

Bloody ###### mate, thats a long wait, Ill have to pay $20 a tub at the farang deli - woe is me.... keep in touch mate and Be aware: rental prices go up/hard to get around November in Patong - rawai and the like, you shouldnt have a problem.

cheers!

[Old Croc]

Hey Croc,

Agree with Tornado bout thinking other places than Patong.  I live in Rawai, 5 min to beach, nice little house for 5K/month.  Lots of friendly bars nearby to have a cold one and the place is just more community than Patong or even Kata/Karon(I lived there for a year too).  Your income is quite sufficient unless you go a bit crazy.....I am doing pretty well on about 35K or so.  Right now its very slow season and lots of rentals/sales available besides what you are seeing listed in papers/internet.  If you wait till Nov/Dec not nearly the same amount to select from.  Good luck in the move....

Hi Traveldog,

Thanks for your post. I had a look at Rawai on a little tour round the place when I was there in Feb. Had lunch at a great little place on the water. Good spot. A house at 5k in this area sounds tremendous. I thought this could be likely for long term prospect. At this stage my move permanently will be early next year. My visit in Dec will be (hopefully) my last as a tourist.

[pktkid]

Hi there,

70,000 Bht per month should be plenty, even living in Patong.

Go to www.phuketgazette.net and look at the classified ads for renting a house.

Phuket is the most expensive place to live in Thailand, and Patong is the most expensive place in Phuket.

You may have to take something a bit smaller for around 12,000 to 15,000 Bht per month.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks Sir for your quick and helpful reply.

I have already scanned many real estate and newspaper sites to get an idea of availability and prices in Phuket. However, I guess I was hoping for more specific thoughts from people who live there regarding expat friendly areas. While not looking to move in next door to anyone reading this, I'd like guidence on particular areas providing a good mixture of low price, recreational facilities, services and the odd friendly Farang face at a local bar.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Croc, I live in Patong which I love ! Done Pattaya, done Samui, Bangkok... Phuket gets the nod for me, in every department. You have certainly made the right choice !

Only down side to Patong is the tourists, not that there is anything wrong with tourists (they are the lifeline of many Phuket business's afterall) but the Thais will treat you like you have just stepped off the boat, the expats can be just as bad !

Many a time in Patong I have had a conversation with a LT expat and nearly every time the 1st thing they will say to you is "Yeah its great isnt it, I live here !" Assuming that the you will be overwhelmed with envy and reply "Oh you lucky bugger, I wish I was you" ! If its friendly expat life you are looking for then (in my opinion) Patong is not the place !

Plus point is in Patong you will never be bored ! Rawai/Chalong is very expat friendly but I would struggle to last more than a week, far too laid back for me !!!

[RDN]

...Always willing to post some vegi if you need it....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Old Croc]

Hi there,

70,000 Bht per month should be plenty, even living in Patong.

Go to www.phuketgazette.net and look at the classified ads for renting a house.

Phuket is the most expensive place to live in Thailand, and Patong is the most expensive place in Phuket.

You may have to take something a bit smaller for around 12,000 to 15,000 Bht per month.

Thanks Sir for your quick and helpful reply.

I have already scanned many real estate and newspaper sites to get an idea of availability and prices in Phuket. However, I guess I was hoping for more specific thoughts from people who live there regarding expat friendly areas. While not looking to move in next door to anyone reading this, I'd like guidence on particular areas providing a good mixture of low price, recreational facilities, services and the odd friendly Farang face at a local bar.

Croc, I live in Patong which I love ! Done Pattaya, done Samui, Bangkok... Phuket gets the nod for me, in every department. You have certainly made the right choice !

Only down side to Patong is the tourists, not that there is anything wrong with tourists (they are the lifeline of many Phuket business's afterall) but the Thais will treat you like you have just stepped off the boat, the expats can be just as bad !

Many a time in Patong I have had a conversation with a LT expat and nearly every time the 1st thing they will say to you is "Yeah its great isnt it, I live here !" Assuming that the you will be overwhelmed with envy and reply "Oh you lucky bugger, I wish I was you" ! If its friendly expat life you are looking for then (in my opinion) Patong is not the place !

Plus point is in Patong you will never be bored ! Rawai/Chalong is very expat friendly but I would struggle to last more than a week, far too laid back for me !!!

Thanks for a different perspective pktkid. I've always stayed in Patong, love the place and identify with it, but presume costs would put it out of reach for a permanent stay. As you say, you have to choose between a quiet life and never boring. If it's not too intrusive I'd like to know how you afford to live in Patong for the long term.

Terry

[pktkid]

Hi there,

70,000 Bht per month should be plenty, even living in Patong.

Go to www.phuketgazette.net and look at the classified ads for renting a house.

Phuket is the most expensive place to live in Thailand, and Patong is the most expensive place in Phuket.

You may have to take something a bit smaller for around 12,000 to 15,000 Bht per month.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks Sir for your quick and helpful reply.

I have already scanned many real estate and newspaper sites to get an idea of availability and prices in Phuket. However, I guess I was hoping for more specific thoughts from people who live there regarding expat friendly areas. While not looking to move in next door to anyone reading this, I'd like guidence on particular areas providing a good mixture of low price, recreational facilities, services and the odd friendly Farang face at a local bar.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Croc, I live in Patong which I love ! Done Pattaya, done Samui, Bangkok... Phuket gets the nod for me, in every department. You have certainly made the right choice !

Only down side to Patong is the tourists, not that there is anything wrong with tourists (they are the lifeline of many Phuket business's afterall) but the Thais will treat you like you have just stepped off the boat, the expats can be just as bad !

Many a time in Patong I have had a conversation with a LT expat and nearly every time the 1st thing they will say to you is "Yeah its great isnt it, I live here !" Assuming that the you will be overwhelmed with envy and reply "Oh you lucky bugger, I wish I was you" ! If its friendly expat life you are looking for then (in my opinion) Patong is not the place !

Plus point is in Patong you will never be bored ! Rawai/Chalong is very expat friendly but I would struggle to last more than a week, far too laid back for me !!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for a different perspective pktkid. I've always stayed in Patong, love the place and identify with it, but presume costs would put it out of reach for a permanent stay. As you say, you have to choose between a quiet life and never boring. If it's not too intrusive I'd like to know how you afford to live in Patong for the long term.

Terry

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It still amazes me to this day the ammount of people who say Patong is expensive, im not sure where they get this info from ! I stay in a brand new seaview apartment in Patong, 9k per month, cable TV, kitchen, aircon & daily maid, sheets/towels supplied and all fully inclusive of electricity and water ! I have been there over a year now and its never gone up, in fact ive even contemplated asking for a reduction !

I have found Patong to be no different from anywhere else, in fact in some places ive found it cheaper ! Theres a lot of competition out there particularly at this point in time. Once the Jungceylon complex is up & running im sure there will be even more !!! As long as you dont spend all your time in Bangla road you will be fine.

70K a month, I live off half that, and thats with a Thai girlfriend in tow !!!

[Old Croc]

Hi there,

70,000 Bht per month should be plenty, even living in Patong.

Go to www.phuketgazette.net and look at the classified ads for renting a house.

Phuket is the most expensive place to live in Thailand, and Patong is the most expensive place in Phuket.

You may have to take something a bit smaller for around 12,000 to 15,000 Bht per month.

Thanks Sir for your quick and helpful reply.

I have already scanned many real estate and newspaper sites to get an idea of availability and prices in Phuket. However, I guess I was hoping for more specific thoughts from people who live there regarding expat friendly areas. While not looking to move in next door to anyone reading this, I'd like guidence on particular areas providing a good mixture of low price, recreational facilities, services and the odd friendly Farang face at a local bar.

Croc, I live in Patong which I love ! Done Pattaya, done Samui, Bangkok... Phuket gets the nod for me, in every department. You have certainly made the right choice !

Only down side to Patong is the tourists, not that there is anything wrong with tourists (they are the lifeline of many Phuket business's afterall) but the Thais will treat you like you have just stepped off the boat, the expats can be just as bad !

Many a time in Patong I have had a conversation with a LT expat and nearly every time the 1st thing they will say to you is "Yeah its great isnt it, I live here !" Assuming that the you will be overwhelmed with envy and reply "Oh you lucky bugger, I wish I was you" ! If its friendly expat life you are looking for then (in my opinion) Patong is not the place !

Plus point is in Patong you will never be bored ! Rawai/Chalong is very expat friendly but I would struggle to last more than a week, far too laid back for me !!!

Thanks for a different perspective pktkid. I've always stayed in Patong, love the place and identify with it, but presume costs would put it out of reach for a permanent stay. As you say, you have to choose between a quiet life and never boring. If it's not too intrusive I'd like to know how you afford to live in Patong for the long term.

Terry

It still amazes me to this day the ammount of people who say Patong is expensive, im not sure where they get this info from ! I stay in a brand new seaview apartment in Patong, 9k per month, cable TV, kitchen, aircon & daily maid, sheets/towels supplied and all fully inclusive of electricity and water ! I have been there over a year now and its never gone up, in fact ive even contemplated asking for a reduction !

I have found Patong to be no different from anywhere else, in fact in some places ive found it cheaper ! Theres a lot of competition out there particularly at this point in time. Once the Jungceylon complex is up & running im sure there will be even more !!! As long as you dont spend all your time in Bangla road you will be fine.

70K a month, I live off half that, and thats with a Thai girlfriend in tow !!!

I guess the presumption is that as the premier tourist destination Patong is bloody expensive. It seems you have found a good, inexpensive setup there. Probably what I need. As a seaview apartment I gather you are up on the hill somewhere? Thanks for giving me more options to bring into the mix.

[pktkid]

I guess the presumption is that as the premier tourist destination Patong is bloody expensive. It seems you have found a good, inexpensive setup there. Probably what I need. As a seaview apartment I gather you are up on the hill somewhere? Thanks for giving me more options to bring into the mix.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yep, up in the hill of peace & tranquillity ! (Yes, even in Patong).

[Sir Burr]

I have been there over a year now

So, which is it pktkid? One year, or, three years as you said on the "Tuk-tuk wars in Patong" thread

[The Gentleman Scamp]

Rawai is nice, beautiful coastal drive to Patong, good bars, no tourists, and I'm no longer there.

I'd take Tornado up on his offer to pick you up, the taxis are nasty.

[pktkid]

I have been there over a year now

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So, which is it pktkid? One year, or, three years as you said on the "Tuk-tuk wars in Patong" thread

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ha ha ! Your spending too much time on here Sir !

I was referring to the place im living in, not Patong itself !

Hey, does it matter ? Hang on, I may have hit a nerve here..... your one of them arent you, the guy who sits in Tourist bars waiting for tourists to polish there egos by saying how lucky you are to live here ?

[Sir Burr]

Actually, I'm offshore. As the manager I delegate very well so have lots of time on the web. I'm getting paid whilst being on Thai-Visa.

When I'm home in Phuket I very rarely go to the bars at all (been there, done that), so, very rarely meet tourists.

I'm far too jai yen yen to let anyone on the internet bother me, least of all you.

"In a battle of wits, I refuse to fight an unarmed man".

Edited June 2, 2005 by Sir Burr

[RDN]

...I stay in a brand new seaview apartment in Patong, 9k per month, cable TV, kitchen, aircon & daily maid, sheets/towels supplied and all fully inclusive of electricity and water !  I have been there over a year now and its never gone up, in fact ive even contemplated asking for a reduction !....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wow! Can you PM me your apartment's name - I might consider a move from Chalong! Is it in Hasip Pee Road?

[jimbob]

70k is plenty for a good life. You can rent a nice flat with two beds and air-con or evena hosue for 10 to 20k pcm. Kathu is great and near all the Shoppping centres and only 7 miles from Patong. My advice is rent in patong for one month and explore a bit. Get yourself a car and find the best place for you.

[Tornado]

Its obvious we can all rent places in Patong for a cheap price, but didnt the poster ask "I would like a 2 story bungalow on Thaweewong road "

obviously the thread has evolved since then...................

[Old Croc]

Its obvious we can all rent places in Patong for a cheap price, but didnt the poster ask "I would like a 2 story bungalow on Thaweewong road "

obviously the thread has evolved since then...................

Sorry guys, just back on line. It's been a long Friday lunch. Hey Tornado I was sortoff joking when I said I would like a 2 story place on Thaweewong Road. Obviously, I would like a place there, but as I can't see myself buying the Holiday Inn or something similar I will have to settle for somewhere further out. I am little surprised there is anything in the Patong area at a reasonable price so I guess it comes back into consideration.

I am very happy and pleasantly surprised at the amount of response to my queries. Thank you all, it is the sort of info I was looking for. And obviously, there will be a lot of good people to have a beer with down the line.

[Rex7777]

I haven't finally decidied yet, but I'm inclined to start my "retirement" next summer in Phuket. Patong would be fun. Ideally, I could locate myself within walking distance of restaurants, bars, stores, laundry, etc. I won't be looking for anything huge. Just a one bedroom or large studio. Broadband access would be a big factor, though, as would relative security for my stuff. I'm figuring I can find a place, long term, for 12,000 to 15,000 baht/mo. That'll leave me 80K baht for everything else. I'm assuming that'll work.

Rex

[clearkayak]

Hi there,

70,000 Bht per month should be plenty, even living in Patong.

Go to www.phuketgazette.net and look at the classified ads for renting a house.

Phuket is the most expensive place to live in Thailand, and Patong is the most expensive place in Phuket.

You may have to take something a bit smaller for around 12,000 to 15,000 Bht per month.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>