Where Do You Live In Phuket And Why

[petercallen]

We live in Baan (village) Namjai in Rawai

Everyone has decent houses which are well maintained and the streets are clean with no rubbish

and all the neighbors we have met are very friendly and i have not heard of any crime in the village

The roads are wide enough for a car and truck to pass each other easily and everyone has there own private parking

you rarely see anyone parked in the street

Its a quite area, plenty of bees, butterflies and birds, at night when the sky is clear there are plenty

of stars in the sky and you can see the satellites going across the sky

Its very quite in the daytime and at night

We are about 3 minutes drive from Rawai beach and 10 minutes drive from Nai Harn beach which

is one of the best if not the best beach on the island in my opinion

There are plenty of restaurants in the area and bars if you want them

Its no hassle driving here as there is not very much traffic

The big shopping centres are about 20 minutes drive

I noticed a house for rent yesterday, the do not come up very often as everyone likes living here

[Udox]

I live in Pa Klok, Thalang

Anyone who has been here or lived here will know its virtues

I tried it, managed almost a year, thinking I could make a go of it out here in the 'wilds', but I was proved wrong.

I leave in 3 weeks !

[Wellington]

Sounds like a clever ploy by an Estate Agent trying to get customers

Or am I being too cynical?

We know it's a nice area, but once you become familiar with your surroundings most places on Phuket are "nice areas"

We gave Kata beach a go for five years ,loved it, but now it's too noisy and brash ,so

have plumbed for Loch Palm.

Here we have absolute silence except for birds,a wonderful view of greens,lakes and mountains,excellent security,and centrally placed for all shopping

Low maintenance house,but like most concrete boxes,none too beautiful. We compensate by looking outwards and it's a dream.

[stevenl]

You should have warned me Peter, coming to live so close by

I live in the poor part of Soi Naamjai though.

[NamKangMan]

It's no secret I live in Patong, mainly because I am single, which has nothing to do with Bangla Road and/or the sex trade and everything to do with entertainment, sport on TV, conversation, restaurants etc. Everyone knows about Patong, so, no need for me to add any description about the place.

For the members posting on this threat, would you also mind including, briefly, a description of your place Eg. 1 bedroom - 2 bedroom etc and what you are paying, roughly, in rent per month.

[BangTaoBoy]

For the members posting on this threat, would you also mind including, briefly, a description of your place Eg. 1 bedroom - 2 bedroom etc and what you are paying, roughly, in rent per month.

Why should we? You didn't.

[PhuketBlogger]

Bought/built a house in Kathu area 8 years ago. Very quiet location (though not all of Kathu is so quiet), but within 5 minutes of all big shops, international hospitals, close to kids school (Kajonkiet - and the new Kajonkiet building will be even closer), lots of little restaurants, close to Phuket town, very central for exploring the island, we can drive over the bridge in about 30 minutes. Not too far from anywhere really. Only pain is that I work at Karon, normally a 30 minute drive each way. Would not move from Kathu though, it's the center of the universe!

[BangTaoBoy]

I live in Pa Klok, Thalang

Anyone who has been here or lived here will know its virtues

I tried it, managed almost a year, thinking I could make a go of it out here in the 'wilds', but I was proved wrong.

I leave in 3 weeks !

Yes, I thought I was ready for the in the middle of nowhere life when I lived out there for a while, wow did I get that wrong. My wife still holds it against me.

I'm not allowed to say I live in in Phuket because I spend 3 months in the Uk every summer. Every time I use the word live by mistake, inadequate posters like 'Billy the Hat' start frothing at the mouth and, demanding I stop using it.

When I holiday in Phuket for 9 months every year, I live in Cherng Telay. (Not Bangtao) To me the place has the perfect balance. When you drive through CT, you could be anywhere in Thailand, it doesn't feel like a tourist/expat area and the Farang faces are far and few between. Yet when you want things you have everything within a ten minute drive. All the restaurants and facilities you could ask for, and most importantly mile after mile of empty beaches.

For those people that refuse to accept, that living in certain parts of Phuket will offer a vastly different experience than living in other more tourist areas, you are very mistaken.

[steelepulse]

>>Only pain is that I work at Karon, normally a 30 minute drive each way

I lived in Kathu years ago and often was at Kata or Karon and found the same long drive each time. I've simplified that commute by being in the southern part of the island.

[BangTaoBoy]

Bought/built a house in Kathu area 8 years ago. Very quiet location (though not all of Kathu is so quiet), but within 5 minutes of all big shops, international hospitals, close to kids school (Kajonkiet - and the new Kajonkiet building will be even closer), lots of little restaurants, close to Phuket town, very central for exploring the island, we can drive over the bridge in about 30 minutes. Not too far from anywhere really. Only pain is that I work at Karon, normally a 30 minute drive each way. Would not move from Kathu though, it's the center of the universe!

Kathu was one of the first places I rented long term. I was pretty skint at the time, but still had a blast. If I needed to be nearer the south for any reason, then this would probably be where I'd go. As you say, it's about as centrally located as you could possible get.

[F1fanatic]

I live in Rawai and love it!

The roads are fairly quiet (until you get near Chalong Circle), the scenery is wonderful and its close to pretty much everything you need - e.g. Villa Market (farang food), HomePro and a decent sized Tesco. All recent, and gratefully appreciated!

[ad61]

15 years ago, I also bought and built a house in the Chao Fah Thani village, opposite the TOT on Chao Fah west road and has been living there since then; it is ideally located, not far from shopping places (Villa market, Central, Makro) and, as I work in Karon, 15 to 20 minutes drive each way. There is a lot of trees and green area in the village wich make it very pleasant to live in.

[simon43]

I live right next to the airport, where my business is located. It is not particularly noisy, even though I am only about 800 meters from the runway. But I live parallel to the runway and only hear the largest jets taking off and landing at night.

The plus point is the vicinity (400 meters) of NaiYang and Mai Khao beaches. NaiYang is rapidly filling up with illegal structures on the beach, but the south end of Mai Khao beach is nice and it's possible to cycle all the way from the end of the runway up to Sarasin bridge on quiet roads or next to the beach.

The number of businesses located next to the airport has increased a lot over the past 6 years, and there is a good choice of Thai and 'farang' restaurants, at non-tourist prices, (eg 99 baht for a large pizza, 50 baht for excellent pat thai). Only a few expats seem to live in this area, but of course there are many tourists passing through from the airport.

I do not yet have a house, or even a decent bedroom! I have spent the last 6 years sleeping in my hotel office or restaurant. But I'm soon to build a new hotel and this time I will make provision for a nice bedroom with a private garden.

Simon

[snamos]

I live right near Wat Chalong, Its a 2 bedroom house which I pay 12k for absolutely everything including maid, cable internet etc etc. I live there with Thai GF.

I like Chalong because its fairly central and because its near my favourite watering holes. I also regularly train at Dragon Muay Thai, Conveniently close to all the dive centers in chalong as i really enjoy my diving.

I am starting to really enjoy the Phuket town scene and I can find my way around the joint now so thats convenient from my location, i also like to cruise down to Rawaii which isnt far.

I drive up to Surin every couple of days to drop the missus off at work and I normally drive back through Patong at around 9am and check out the desperates still lurking around, and that's my only time over the hill on the "Patong" side of the island. Normally I spend my days socialising around the place, and in bed by about 9pm most nights.

I work 1 month on 1 off....so i guess i am in the same boat as BTB, I actually holiday here regularly

Edited August 17, 2011 by snamos

[Old Croc]

I live in Chalong close to the hills, not far from the road to the Big Buddha. Very quiet, it has a rural feel to it, but it's only a few minutes to Villa.

Small local restaurants only charge Thai prices, so very cheap to eat out if you just want a simple feed.

[Chainsaw]

I have lived in Rawai for the past 10 years. I agree with the OP, a great area to live.

The Thai locals are friendly and helpful, these are the real Thai people that some TV posters seem unable to find anywhere on the island.

[petercallen]

I live in Chalong close to the hills, not far from the road to the Big Buddha. Very quiet, it has a rural feel to it, but it's only a few minutes to Villa.

Small local restaurants only charge Thai prices, so very cheap to eat out if you just want a simple feed.

Being a bit modest mate, When we were looking for a house we saw plenty of houses in the 8/9M range

no where near as good as yours and not as good a location

[walker600]

I Lived in Rawai for the past 18 months and totally love it. Couldn't imagine living anywhere else.

As the OP said its really peaceful and the locals are great.

Being in my late 20's I do enjoy the odd jaunt to Patong, but I couldn't imagine living there. I like the peace and quiet too much!

Can be cheap too, I have a 2 bed Thai style house that only costs ฿9,000 pcm

Edited August 18, 2011 by walker600

[Somtamnication]

Villa 3 area.

2 bed house, 6k a month. No falangs. Love it!

[Iolare]

I live right next to the airport, where my business is located. It is not particularly noisy, even though I am only about 800 meters from the runway. But I live parallel to the runway and only hear the largest jets taking off and landing at night.

The plus point is the vicinity (400 meters) of NaiYang and Mai Khao beaches. NaiYang is rapidly filling up with illegal structures on the beach, but the south end of Mai Khao beach is nice and it's possible to cycle all the way from the end of the runway up to Sarasin bridge on quiet roads or next to the beach.

The number of businesses located next to the airport has increased a lot over the past 6 years, and there is a good choice of Thai and 'farang' restaurants, at non-tourist prices, (eg 99 baht for a large pizza, 50 baht for excellent pat thai). Only a few expats seem to live in this area, but of course there are many tourists passing through from the airport.

I do not yet have a house, or even a decent bedroom! I have spent the last 6 years sleeping in my hotel office or restaurant. But I'm soon to build a new hotel and this time I will make provision for a nice bedroom with a private garden.

Simon

I don't live in Phuket actually, but I look at the island from my place. I'm across from the Yacht Haven Marina on the Phang Nga side. I like it because it's wild, peaceful, and beautiful and yet not too far from civilization. I was especially interested in two parts of Simon's post. First, that route that takes you from the airport to the Sarasin bridge on small roads. I'm not interested because I want to smuggle drugs or Burmese workers, but because I'd like an alternative, scenic route to the airport. I thought all traffic was routed through the Phuket checkpoint for security reasons. Second, I'd like to know more about that 99 Baht pizza.

[LivinginKata]

3 off topic posts removed.

[Felt 35]

Samkong behind Khao Rang. 15 years with the same great landlord, 12Kmonth.

Why, tried Kata when I first came here love the sea but couldn’t take the tourist thing over time. That time Phuket town was also quiet so settled here. This days Phuket town has grown too big and is too busy for me and a move is in the planning. I’m a bit particular so find it difficult to find a new place but will eventually head North on the island.

[BangTaoBoy]

What a great place to live, I love Samkong. Shame it's got too overcrowded for you. My wife would move to SK tomorrow if I agreed, just don't think it's a good place to bring up kids. Having that much great food at walking distance wouldn't do the waisline any good either, and I think sitting in traffic every day just to get home would bug me a bit.

Where abouts up North are you thinking of? Might be a bit of a shock to the system, going from the hustle and the bustle of SK to the peaceful north.

[thaiIand]

im in samkong and fail to see the traffic?

Lakes and mountains around me

[simon43]

Lolare, that scenic route only applies to bicycles!

From my hotel, I cycle up to the Srinat National Park (north end of NaiYang Beach), go through the admissions barrier (I never pay!), and take a right along the cycle path by the beach. It's a bit broken in places from the low season storms. When I reach the runway, I walk across the beach (watch out for planes), and rejoin the cycle path along the beach for about 3km until I reach the north end of Mai Khao village. Then I cycle inland a litle and go north up the village road for about 8km until it rejoins the main 402 road. Just before that junction, I bear left for 200 metres through the scrubland and pick up the extremely quiet and pretty road that runs around the flooded tin mines. This takes me all the way to the Marriot hotel and from there I cycle to rejoin the 402 about 1km before the security checkpoint.

As for the 99 baht pizza, there is a small shop situated on the road leading to the airport, opposite the road where my hotel is located, (that's the road leading to the national park that I mentioned above). No connection with the pizza business, but I can highly recommend it.

Simon

[Felt 35]

im in samkong and fail to see the traffic?

Lakes and mountains around me

As far as I know it’s called Samkong all the way down to behind Bangkok Phuket Hospital. Ban Samkong is near Vachira Hospital. The areas you mention with lakes have to be near Rajabhat University or on the oposite side, bypass side! Anyway no traffic! Well maybe I only need to change soi!

[thaiIand]

the area around vachira is a slum with 3k baht/month apartments i thought

Edited August 19, 2011 by thaiIand

[Felt 35]

the area around vachira is a slum with 3k baht/month apartments i thought

Still called Ban Samkong!

[BangTaoBoy]

the area around vachira is a slum with 3k baht/month apartments i thought

I've always thought of Samkong as pretty much starting when you turn left at Tesco on the bypass road. To the left of that you have the area that runs parallel to the by pass road which is called something like Sri Su chad?? and is still known as being part of Samkong I believe. I used to travel to that area regularly when I lived in Pak lok as it was a great place to buy food. I then think of the main part of Samkong being from the BKK hospital all the way down to Vachira hospital, but mainly the BKK end. And then the area that sits at the bottom of Rung hill, behind the BKK hospital, that runs down to that massive rather grand looking spa right at the bottom of Rang hill. I'm not saying this as fact, just my thoughts on the matter.

The traffic from Tesco to BKK hospital and then from there all the way to the other end of town, can be horrendous at peak times and it was that traffic I wouldn't fancy sitting in.

Where abouts are you 'Thailand' that there's no traffic?

[thaiIand]

Sri chu chak

Yes nice area, it's also samkong. but most comonly refered to as T.Ratsada and Sri chu chank land

Edited August 19, 2011 by thaiIand