Hi

First post to this forum.

I'm bringing my wife and boy (1yr) out to Phuket for 6 months-1yr from Feb next year.

I'm guessing like a lot of long-stay Farang with families, we're looking to stay in Rawai or Chalong.

I was wondering what folks thoughts were on the relative merits of these two areas? We are looking for a balance between calm open spaces, shops, restaurants and a sense of community with other expats.

On a related note, could anyone recommend on the need to pre-arrange a villa/appartement vs just turn-up with the idea of finding a place in the first week or so?

Many thanks in advance

Steve

Rawai beach to Chalong circle is about 5 minutes to drive

Its a lot more peaceful and has a lot less traffic in Rawai

Welcome to the forum sambogoat. (nice nik)

Chalong better for shopping, Rawai for restaurants, as pointed out only minutes between the two places.

Sense of community with other expats! Probably more expats in Rawai,

Calm open spaces! Go to Australia and head inland.

Normally the advice is to come first and look for accommodation when here. However, Feb is still in high season and it's hard to find something for a reasonable price at that time of year.

Not forgetting Naiharn (close by to Rawai/Chalong and also popular with explats). You shouldn't have too many problems looking for long-term/twelve months, even in Feb, but bear in mind that many places will only do a minimum of twelve months, and six months only could limit your selections and considerably increase the price. You really should finalise just how long you intend to stay before you start looking.

Depends (as always) on the precise location.

Some areas deemed Chalong (in-between Chalong and Rawai) are great.

Some areas in Rawai are packed full of houses/flats and are not a pleasant place to live.

But generally - you stand a better chance in Rawai.

If you're looking for a 'good tip' - there aren't any. One man's meat is another man's poison....

Why not make things easy, as it is only a limited time you are going to stay here. Book a hotel and look around, business is slow so there should not be any problem finding a place.

Generally I tell my friends that wanted to stay for a longer time, rent first and try different locations first. When you have a place you like, bye it. Everything is for sale for the right price.

Why not make things easy, as it is only a limited time you are going to stay here. Book a hotel and look around, business is slow so there should not be any problem finding a place.

Generally I tell my friends that wanted to stay for a longer time, rent first and try different locations first. When you have a place you like, bye it. Everything is for sale for the right price.

I love the Freudian slip. Since as foreigners we can't really own, bye it. Classic !