Koh Samui

What you need to know about Koh Samui

The Island is Located within the ‘Gulf of Thailand’, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and Koh Samui is the second largest island. The island is growing at a rapid rate with foreign arrival numbers during 2018 via international flights doubling over the past five years. Known for its palm-fringed, white sand beaches and wellness retreats and is a perfect environment to explore on an organized tour, Koh Samui attracts a Healthy mix of tourists from budget backpackers to high-end holidaymakers who will stay at some of Thailand’s most luxurious properties.

Types of Property in Koh Samui

Koh Samui offers a wide range of property types which cater to a diverse investment range. Island zoning regulations and mountainous jungle terrain have limited the development of high-rise condominium projects when compared to other holiday markets across Thailand. Modest-priced, boutique-style condominium projects are predominantly located in Mae Nam and Bang Rak and start at approximately 60 SQM. These projects offer good common facilities and shared transportation to major shopping centres and popular nightlife and locations. The same mountainous terrain that has limited the mass growth of condominium projects provides the perfect footprint for the mid-range price point of investment sea-view villas. Predominantly located in Chaweng and Bophut these properties start from 2-bedroom configurations and are approximately 170 SQM in size. A great example is Lux Neo in Chaweng. The high-end or luxury segment of the market caters to lavish pool villas which are located island-wide. All of these properties feature stunning sea-views and some with direct beach-access in areas like Laem Set.

Popular Areas in Koh Samui

The most popular tourism area of Koh Samui is Chaweng which is home to the majority of the islands restaurants, activities and nightlife. Central Festival has opened a lifestyle shopping complex which is the largest shopping center in Koh Samui. For those looking to escape to a more peaceful retreat, Lamai offers a friendly family environment with beachside bungalows and restaurants where you can pass the day by lounging on the beach. If beach clubs are on your agenda then a trip to Lipa Noi is a must where the world famous Nikki Beach club always offers a host of activities and dining.

Lifestyle in Koh Samui

In recent years Koh Samui has shed its label of being a backpacker’s haven and has widely become known for being the ‘wellness’ destination of Thailand. Catering to those looking to escape their day to day lives and focus on self-improvement. Whether mind, body or soul Koh Samui has become a top global destination for yoga retreats that offer spa packages and organic healthy food options ensuring guests return home well-rested and rejuvenated. For those looking to make a more permanent impact, like its big brother island Phuket, Koh Samui is home to hospitals with international credentials and standards that are attracting holiday makers of all nationalities to explore a Breast Augmentation procedure and then recover in a tropical paradise. Situated in the ‘Gulf of Thailand’ Samui is within close proximity to local islands where you can catch a ride on a traditional long-tail-boat or charter a more luxurious option as highlighted on BoatCrowd.

Top 5 Reasons Why to Invest in Koh Samui Property

There are lots of reasons as to why foreign and local Thais want to invest in real estate in Koh Samui. The top 5 reasons are the following:

1. Architecture & Design – Koh Samui is home to some of Thailand’s most iconic and progressive villa designs. Unique properties such as the Sky Dream Villa are scattered amongst the Samui skyline which has gained considerable following globally on social media.
2. Value – When considering an investment destination, say between Phuket and Koh Samui, you get real value particularly for the mid to luxury segments of the market and gets you a lot more property. For what you would spend on a 3-bedroom courtyard villa in Phuket you will get a 4-bedroom sea view property in Samui.
3. Beachfront Property – Although other Thailand destinations such as Pattaya and Hua Hin offer beachfront property the beaches cannot compare to the island of Koh Samui. Phuket has limited “beach access” inventory making Koh Samui the preferred location if you’re looking to walk directly from your living room onto the white-sandy beaches.
4. Best Sea Views in the Country – Samui’s mountainous terrain provides the perfect footprint for nearly 360-degree views across the Samui and beyond to the surrounding islands. Coral reefs and crystal blue waters create various shades of blue which seem to carry on forever.
5. Improving Infrastructure – An island with the comforts of being on the mainland. Gone are the days of a lack of international facilities on the island. Not only are the roads and services improving in Samui, but the island is also home to international schools and hospitals and with economic growth from tourism the job market has plenty to offer for both local and non-Thai nationals that wish to reside in Koh Samui.