Best place to live in Phuket

[Rigo29]

Hi guys,

Just out of curiosity, I'd like to know which part of Phuket is your favorite one (and why) when it comes to daily quality of life.

Thanks for your thoughts

[N47HAN]

Again so soon , ......

[Pomthai]

My house. Because all my stuff is in it. Also pretty much bang in the middle of Phuket.

Bonus, my wife kids and dogs are there too.

Edited November 2, 2013 by Pomthai

[Rigo29]

Again so soon , ......

It looks like you're having a problem ? On two of my latest topics, you're just posting nonesense... What's your beef ? Do I know you ? I'm here to ask my questions. This is what a forum is for, right ?

[phuketrichard]

what tastes better thai food or chinese food?

some like thai, some like Chinese

same goes for where to live in Phuket

[NamKangMan]

Again so soon , ......

It looks like you're having a problem ? On two of my latest topics, you're just posting nonesense... What's your beef ? Do I know you ? I'm here to ask my questions. This is what a forum is for, right ?

"I'm here to ask my questions. This is what a forum is for, right ?"

Yes, but so is Google.

Edited November 2, 2013 by NamKangMan

[KarenBravo]

Anywhere on the east coast.

[NamKangMan]

what tastes better thai food or chinese food?

some like thai, some like Chinese

same goes for where to live in Phuket

I must admit, living on Phuket - Thailand is feeling more and more like living in China everyday. :)

[steelepulse]

On the beach, but it's not a bargain.

[nedkellylives]

If you are into bars patong or,a bit quieter Kata/Karon

Rawai and Chalong is very popular with long term expats, everything is there but less of it

For the quiet life and less traffic the north of the island, phangna and Khao lak

[N47HAN]

No beef Rigo , but there is a search function on the forum and your question is asked almost bi-weekly here.

Its as if TV is Phukets answer to google.

Btw , quality of life means many different things to many people.

Be a little more specific and im sure the forum will give the answers your looking for.

[Rigo29]

Ok thanks guys for your views, I do appreciate

No beef Rigo , but there is a search function on the forum and your question is asked almost bi-weekly here.
Its as if TV is Phukets answer to google.

Btw , quality of life means many different things to many people.

Be a little more specific and im sure the forum will give the answers your looking for.

Yes I know this question is probably asked over and over again. Sorry about that. My bad indeed

Yes, quality of life means different things to different people and that's why I was asking you guys to share your views as individuals. If you'd tell me "I love Patong because there are loads of bars" for example, I'd know that Patong isn't the right place for me as I dont like nightlife.

What I really want to know I guess is if you have some places here that are not crowded with tourists and Thai people trying to xxx you over all the time. I've been in Hua Hin for 2 years, then 1 year in Phuket (Patong). Patong isn't that bad but prices are just total nonesense. I mean I don't mind paying for a service but this resort tends to offer a lot of poor quality services at a very high price. You know what I mean ? I dont mind paying 20000 THB for an appartment with western standards for example but in Patong, for that price, you gonna get a tiny condo with a fancy security guard at the entrance but no washing machine inside.

If I realize that the entire island is like that, I'd be better off going back to Hua Hin or giving it a try to Bangkok or Chiang Mai until the bubble breaks

[Rigo29]

If you are into bars patong or,a bit quieter Kata/Karon

Rawai and Chalong is very popular with long term expats, everything is there but less of it

For the quiet life and less traffic the north of the island, phangna and Khao lak

Thanks nedkellylives

I've heard some people talking about Rawai as being a nice place to stay. I might give a try and see what's on offer for rent there.

Patong, Kata, Karon are too crowded for me. I've been in Patong for a year and I'm a bit fed up with the place.

Again thanks to you and all the others for your help !

[NamKangMan]

"If I realize that the entire island is like that, I'd be better off going back to Hua Hin" - enjoy your short holiday on Phuket. :)

[KarenBravo]

"If I realize that the entire island is like that, I'd be better off going back to Hua Hin" - enjoy your short holiday on Phuket.

Life in Patong is nothing like living on the east coast, or, do you still disagree with the statement that "Patong is not Phuket"?

As you live in Patong, you're not exactly qualified to answer.

I have lived in Patong (several times), Kata (for more than a decade) and Chalong (also for more than a decade).

[Guest]

The further north and east you get, the better local and expat people you'll find. People still look at the eyes and kids say their hello's with wais. But then again, I live very much at the North-East of the island so I guess this is very subjective.

If you have lived in Patong, but wish a bit cheaper environment, then maybe Kamala would be a good location for you to check.

[NamKangMan]

"If I realize that the entire island is like that, I'd be better off going back to Hua Hin" - enjoy your short holiday on Phuket.

Life in Patong is nothing like living on the east coast, or, do you still disagree with the statement that "Patong is not Phuket"?

As you live in Patong, you're not exactly qualified to answer.

I have lived in Patong (several times), Kata (for more than a decade) and Chalong (also for more than a decade).

So, tell me where you live on the island, and I will easily post many links of murders, assaults, robberies etc etc.

Other parts of Phuket are not very unlike Patong, and in some cases, worse, for infastructure. Eg. blackouts, water supply etc.

Edited November 2, 2013 by NamKangMan

[KarenBravo]

You haven't a clue NKM.

Yes, there is crime everywhere, mainly Thai on Thai, but, that wasn't the question.

I suggest you go back and read the OP.

Your reply implies that living in Patong is no different to living elsewhere on the island. Like I've said, how would you know?

[Guest]

So, tell me where you live on the island, and I will easily post many links of murders, assaults, robberies etc etc.

Other parts of Phuket are not very unlike Patong, and in some cases, worse, for infastructure. Eg. blackouts, water supply etc.

For me it's not the numbers of crime, but the way people behave and look in general.

Patong, Kata, Karon, Kathu, Rassada, Rawai and Chalong.. coming up to Kamala, Surin and even Nai Thong are the locations where people who live there have very little sparks and fun on their eyes. That nullifies all the good things, which Thai society is famous of.

I was pretty much horrified by the blank looks of the kids, who should be full of future, in Kathu some years back. There are exemptions, but if the general feeling on the population in the area is bad, it's very hard to bounce back.

[NamKangMan]

You haven't a clue NKM.

Yes, there is crime everywhere, mainly Thai on Thai, but, that wasn't the question.

I suggest you go back and read the OP.

Your reply implies that living in Patong is no different to living elsewhere on the island. Like I've said, how would you know?

Most of the serious crime, in recent times, hasn't happened in Patong. Just look at the Lee Aldhouse case, and the murder of Michelle Smith in Kata. The list goes on, and on, for these "nice" parts of Phuket, that are soooooo much better and different than Patong.

Sure, Patong has it's tourist scams, overcharging etc - but don't think that 5 to 10 miles away you are living in such a better place, because you are not.

[Bikkii]

Ok thanks guys for your views, I do appreciate

No beef Rigo , but there is a search function on the forum and your question is asked almost bi-weekly here.

Its as if TV is Phukets answer to google.

Btw , quality of life means many different things to many people.

Be a little more specific and im sure the forum will give the answers your looking for.

Yes I know this question is probably asked over and over again. Sorry about that. My bad indeed

Yes, quality of life means different things to different people and that's why I was asking you guys to share your views as individuals. If you'd tell me "I love Patong because there are loads of bars" for example, I'd know that Patong isn't the right place for me as I dont like nightlife.

What I really want to know I guess is if you have some places here that are not crowded with tourists and Thai people trying to xxx you over all the time. I've been in Hua Hin for 2 years, then 1 year in Phuket (Patong). Patong isn't that bad but prices are just total nonesense. I mean I don't mind paying for a service but this resort tends to offer a lot of poor quality services at a very high price. You know what I mean ? I dont mind paying 20000 THB for an appartment with western standards for example but in Patong, for that price, you gonna get a tiny condo with a fancy security guard at the entrance but no washing machine inside.

If I realize that the entire island is like that, I'd be better off going back to Hua Hin or giving it a try to Bangkok or Chiang Mai until the bubble breaks

If you are paying 20,000 baht a month you can get some great places here. Admittidley Patong and the surrounds is the last place you would look if you want quality for price, esp now high season is almost upon us. I won't tell you where I like cause I'm happy the way it is, lets just say it is in the upper middle to north, and it is nothing like the disco, drug fuelled world down south. Of course if one feels like a bit of variance, it is only a short trip to debauchery.

[Guest]

"If I realize that the entire island is like that, I'd be better off going back to Hua Hin" - enjoy your short holiday on Phuket.

Life in Patong is nothing like living on the east coast, or, do you still disagree with the statement that "Patong is not Phuket"?

As you live in Patong, you're not exactly qualified to answer.

I have lived in Patong (several times), Kata (for more than a decade) and Chalong (also for more than a decade).

So, tell me where you live on the island, and I will easily post many links of murders, assaults, robberies etc etc.

Other parts of Phuket are not very unlike Patong, and in some cases, worse, for infastructure. Eg. blackouts, water supply etc.

Valid question. Where do you live KB?

[Bikkii]

"If I realize that the entire island is like that, I'd be better off going back to Hua Hin" - enjoy your short holiday on Phuket.

Life in Patong is nothing like living on the east coast, or, do you still disagree with the statement that "Patong is not Phuket"?

As you live in Patong, you're not exactly qualified to answer.

I have lived in Patong (several times), Kata (for more than a decade) and Chalong (also for more than a decade).

So, tell me where you live on the island, and I will easily post many links of murders, assaults, robberies etc etc.

Other parts of Phuket are not very unlike Patong, and in some cases, worse, for infastructure. Eg. blackouts, water supply etc.

Valid question. Where do you live KB?

@ NamKangMan, I just don;t get you. All you do is completely degenerate the place you live in Phuket. Unlike you who probably sits in a bar whinging, complaining and telling the world how bad your life..err..place of residence is, many of the rest of us actually enjoy our time here. And for those of us who work here you are the worst example for tourism in this place we could ever want. Oh I know, you will counter with the usual bar fly/deadbeat talk "how long have you lived here",. Please do it will make you look like more of a moron.

For those who read this forum upon deciding whether to visit Phuket on your holidays, don't listen to this clown. I gaurantee your city is more violent than this place, just read your city paper.

Hate it then MOVE!

[pagallim]

Depends on your lifestyle of course, and your daily needs in terms of shopping and generally organising and transporting yourself.

As mentioned, Rawai and Kamala are fairly quiet but have extensive expat social facilities. However, in truth, they have an excess of these facilities (bars, restaurants, but few shops). Very few Thais live there now (Sea Gypies excepted in Rawai), so in some respect they're expat enclaves.

Much depends on your daily needs (i.e. family, education etc). The closer you are to the tourist areas, the more you'll pay for everything (rent, food, socialising etc).

The south of the island has the most facilities, coupled with traffic congestion. The north is quiet, but zilch facilites. There are areas in the south, that have good scenery, easy access to shops and restaurants, and you don't feel like you're a tourist. Parts of Kathu, Chalong, and Vichit, as well as the immediate suburbs of Phuket Town (Rassada for example), have some great areas with reasonably priced rented accommodation, and I doubt anyone will call you a 'handsome man' when you're emptying your rubbish or parking your car.

[Rigo29]

Well guys you gave me a lot to think about... I got 10 days to move so I better start driving around and find some good places to rent

I will give it a try in the south (Rawai etc...) today and in the north tomorrow.

Do you have any location names to give me for the Northern part of the island. I had a look on a map and it looks pretty big. Where should I start looking ?

Thanks again for your thoughts

[KarenBravo]

"If I realize that the entire island is like that, I'd be better off going back to Hua Hin" - enjoy your short holiday on Phuket.

Life in Patong is nothing like living on the east coast, or, do you still disagree with the statement that "Patong is not Phuket"?

As you live in Patong, you're not exactly qualified to answer.

I have lived in Patong (several times), Kata (for more than a decade) and Chalong (also for more than a decade).

So, tell me where you live on the island, and I will easily post many links of murders, assaults, robberies etc etc.

Other parts of Phuket are not very unlike Patong, and in some cases, worse, for infastructure. Eg. blackouts, water supply etc.

Valid question. Where do you live KB?

In Chalong and not on a housing estate, but, amongst local Thais. There hasn't been a burglary in the soi in living memory. My Thai-Chinese neighbours are all retired school teachers from one family. They have lived here for three generations.

Why are we talking crime? Oh yes, inevitably NKM brings it up. There is crime all over the island and I'll admit it has increased dramatically over the years. This is a Phuket wide problem, not confined to any particular locale on Phuket.

Yes, NKM keeps banging that drum, flogging that dead-horse, playing that cracked record. If he ever answers a direct question, which is rarely, about why he is still here, he says the positives for him still outweigh the negatives, yet, he never, never says what these are. He loves his drum.

As he lives in Patong and has only ever lived in Patong, his views are biased.

I know many, many people that started living in Patong and then eventually moved elsewhere on the island. All of them say that their quality of life improved. I don't know a single person who moved to Patong from some other place on the island. Doesn't that say something?

OP, don't take any notice of NKM, he really doesn't know what he's talking about. Maybe we'll all get lucky and NKM will take his own advice and bugger off.

[hansgruber]

Thank you Karenbravo.

I'm surprised he didn't squeeze the public transport drum in as well.

To the OP. Stay away from Patong and you'll find your way.

I would recommend the south of the island. Chalong, Rawai ,Nai harn. Loads of characters around without the snobbery of the north.

Sent from my Lenovo K900_ROW using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[IrishIvan]

Thank you Karenbravo.

I'm surprised he didn't squeeze the public transport drum in as well.

To the OP. Stay away from Patong and you'll find your way.

I would recommend the south of the island. Chalong, Rawai ,Nai harn. Loads of characters around without the snobbery of the north.

Sent from my Lenovo K900_ROW using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

You forgot the mantra about barfines and key money,

Demographics of Phuket are most of the actual houses are in Chalong, Rawaii and Phuket Town. Hence why most of the expats live in these places On the West coast there is mostly hotels and apartments from Kata Noi up to Patong.

There is housing at Kamala but its a shytehole. The place is full of geriatric Australians. People who move there have come directly from Patong and they are kidding themselves that they have made the big move to something new and exotic. The beach is crap, the restaurants are crap and the shopping is crap.

Further north the beaches up there have quite lavish villas and hotels and its great if you dont mind paying 100000baht a month rent for a 2 bedroom condo, or if your not in one of the developments you have the joys of listening to the call to prayer from the local mosque 3 times a day, and the stench that accompanies the local muslim villages with their chicken farms and crap food

[KarenBravo]

Calls to prayer are five times a day...........just sayin' like.

[grumpyoldman]

Calls to prayer are five times a day...........just sayin' like.

And man, the Sai Yuan Mosque has a new amp, at sunset cocktails last night both myself and another in the hood were commenting on how much louder the mosque's calls are.

OP: Phuket Gazette's classifieds have a couple of decent looking rentals available. One is Soi Palai, pretty chill part of Chalong, and I see another on the way to Nai Harn beach available, I know these houses, There are a few set together off the main road just past the Cheers bar, what they are asking is a little pricey but you could probably talk them down for longterm rent.