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Thailand Location Guide

FazWaz
Written by FazWaz

FazWaz services the 6 major tourist markets across Thailand. Whether you are considering a purchase for investment or personal use, each location offers unique features and attributes. 

Here is a high-level overview of each major location in the following areas: Access, Market Features, Typical Buyer Profiles and Property Types

Bangkok 

Access: Two international airports (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang)

Market Features:

  • Considered a more “established” market in Thailand as there is a large demand of buyers and rentals. This results in consistent demand which is reflected in strong ROI and capital appreciation.
  • Established, experienced developers delivering high quality projects.
  • Buyers and renters in this market generally want to be in a specific building or area as is close to work/school etc.

Typical Buyer Profile: 

  • Domestic nationals purchasing for investment and/or residential use
  • International buyers looking to purchase for investment
  • Expat market living/working in Bangkok

Property Types: Predominantly Condos, Townhouses and Houses

Pattaya

Access: Approximately a 2.5 hours drive from BKK and serviced by U-Tapao Airport (about a 40 minutes drive into Pattaya City). Direct ferry access to Hua Hin (2 hour ferry). 

Market Features:

  • Established developers mostly from Bangkok
  • Seaview condominiums and overall value for money
  • Condos are located on the West side of Pattaya with sea views and where houses and villas are located in an area called the “dark side” by locals (east of HWY 3) which is inland.

Typical Buyer Profile:

  • Domestic market for weekend/holiday use and investment
  • Expat market for residential/retirement

Property Types: Predominantly Condos, Houses and Villas

Phuket

Access: Phuket is an island attached by a bridge to mainland Thailand. The island is serviced by an International and Domestic Airport. Approximately a 9 hours drive to Hua Hin, 3 hours drive to Samui and 12 hours to Bangkok.

Market Features:

  • International & Domestic tourist destination.
  • Holiday market with sea view inventory.
  • International schools, shopping and hospitals.
  • Largely divided east coast (beautiful sea views) and the west coast (main tourist area with sandy beaches and views)

Typical Buyer Profile:

  • International buyer looking for investment and holiday use
  • Expat buyer looking for personal use/retirement

Property Types:Predominantly Condos and Villas

Chiang Mai

Access: Chiang Mai is accessed largely through its international airport or a 9 hour drive from Bangkok.

Market Features:

  • Popular tourist destination for both the domestic and international markets
  • As land is in abundance, generally the value for landed property is well priced
  • International schools, shopping and hospitals.
  • Largely based around “old town” which is the city centre and then defined by ring roads 1, 2 and 3 which are the surrounding “circular” roads around the city square.

Typical Buyer Profile:

  • International buyer looking for personal use/retirement/holiday home
  • Domestic buyer looking for personal use/holiday home

Property Types: Predominantly homes and condos

Koh Samui

Access: Samui is an island that is not attached to the mainland. Access to the island is either through the international airport or by ferry (with car) which takes about 2 hours from the mainland. 

Market Features:

  • International & Domestic tourist destination.
  • Holiday market with sea view inventory.
  • Positioned as a “Boutique” destination.
  • Less developed when compared to Phuket and a more “tranquil” destination.
  • Exceptional value when compared to Phuket.

Typical Buyer Profile:

  • International buyer looking for investment and/or holiday home

Property Types: Predominantly sea view villas and condos

Hua Hin

Access: Largely accessed through the two airports in Bangkok and a 2.5 hours drive from these locations. Hua Hin does have an airport that is somewhat under-serviced with limited flights although Air Asia has announced direct flights from Malaysia starting May 2018. Access to Pattaya by ferry direct from Hua Hin which takes about 2 hours. 

Market Features:

  • Domestic tourist destination.
  • International schools, shopping and hospitals.
  • Expat residential/retirement market known for its golf and peacefulness compared to other Thailand markets.
  • Condos located near the ocean with sea views and villas located inland with limited sea view inventory.

Typical Buyer Profile:

  • Expat buyer looking for personal use/retirement
  • Domestic buyer looking for personal use/investment

Property Types: Predominantly Condos and Villas

What's your final choice?

Next Article
Phuket or Pattaya: Where to Buy My Property
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