Relocating to Koh Phangan - advice needed

[BV70]

After much dithering my company is relocating to Koh Phangan, just outside Haad Rin.  It's not a place I've visited for the best part of 5 years, so I'd like to ask those living on Koh Phangan for advice in terms of finding (and the cost of) accommodation, along with general cost of living and any other useful advice about life on the island (ie crime, police issues, transport, etc..).  I don't know if it makes any difference but I'll be moving there from Bangkok with my Thai wife, who'll be seeking separate employment.  We're both in our late 30s and aware of the Full Moon party etc and the general vibe of the island from a holiday perspective, but working there I'm sure will be a lot different.

 

Any advice anyone can offer would be appreciated.  Thanks!

[PoorSucker]

Koh phanhgan residents, just be aware to bring all paperwork when you go to immigration on Samui, they can and will force you come back next day, for a single document unless you pay them 5000 baht.

Sent from my Lenovo TB3-710F using Thaivisa Connect mobile app

[samuijimmy]

I would do a "test run" before living full time in the Haad Rin area.... or even parts of  Ban Tai, ... At least go through the experience of living through a FMP / 1/2 Moon party etc... and all that that attracts....

 

Lots of areas away from Haad Rin on KP could be much more quiet and positive experience! .. probably much cheaper too!

[evadgib]

Unless things have changed you'll be expected to put THB 100 into a bucket whenever you move around when Haad Rin is cordoned off by the 'plastic mafia' during the full moon period. 

Edited February 19, 2017 by evadgib

[BV70]

13 hours ago, PoorSucker said:

5 hours ago, samuijimmy said:

I would do a "test run" before living full time in the Haad Rin area.... or even parts of  Ban Tai, ... At least go through the experience of living through a FMP / 1/2 Moon party etc... and all that that attracts....

 

Lots of areas away from Haad Rin on KP could be much more quiet and positive experience! .. probably much cheaper too!

That's the idea thanks, as I'm sure a lot will have changed in 5 years.  Although I seem to remember that Haad Yao to Haad Rin was only 30 mins drive, so I don't feel there's any pressing need to necessarily live in Haad Rin.  I'm really after costs of renting, avoiding tourist price accommodation, and other lifestyle factors I should consider when relocating.   

 

[BV70]

13 hours ago, PoorSucker said:

Koh phanhgan residents, just be aware to bring all paperwork when you go to immigration on Samui, they can and will force you come back next day, for a single document unless you pay them 5000 baht.

Sent from my Lenovo TB3-710F using Thaivisa Connect mobile app
 

Fortunately my company handles all documents and as I'm still working for the same company, very little will change in terms of transferring documents.  Maybe only a simple update re place of work will be required but, again, this will be handled by the company's legal dept.

[abab]

Lucky you !

 

 

[Razzler1973]

The roads are pretty good all the way around the island these days, even up to Thong Nai Pan so I'd not be too focused on staying around Haad Rin. Even if you're working just outside that area it's like 30 mins even from Thong Nai Pan, may as well stay somewhere quieter (or look along the other side coast)

[BV70]

2 hours ago, Razzler1973 said:

The roads are pretty good all the way around the island these days, even up to Thong Nai Pan so I'd not be too focused on staying around Haad Rin. Even if you're working just outside that area it's like 30 mins even from Thong Nai Pan, may as well stay somewhere quieter (or look along the other side coast)

Thanks.  Would you know the average cost of rent on the island?  Much of what I've researched is aimed a long-term tourist rentals and at what I consider a high price.

[Razzler1973]

That, I don't know, best to ask one of the longer term stayers. Away from Haad Rin though for sure you'll get a better deal, of course

[Green Acres]

On 2/20/2017 at 7:41 PM, BV70 said:

Thanks.  Would you know the average cost of rent on the island?  Much of what I've researched is aimed a long-term tourist rentals and at what I consider a high price.

There are LOADS of nice rental houses, some in very quiet areas, but not far from HR. Expect to pay around 15k+ per month. There's really no difference between a long-term tourist and a long-term working resident. The prices of everything are the same.

[samuijimmy]

6 hours ago, Green Acres said:

There are LOADS of nice rental houses, some in very quiet areas, but not far from HR. Expect to pay around 15k+ per month. There's really no difference between a long-term tourist and a long-term working resident. The prices of everything are the same.

 

Partial agree, but you can negotiate lower long term rentals in some areas/ landlords . But by advanced payment...

[BV70]

That's great, thanks.  And I'm assuming that general cost of living will be on the higher side than residing in Bangkok. But it's all about the lifestyle, right?