loader
Luxury Villas and Property for Sale in Koh Samui & Thailand

Koh Samui Real Estate: A Rising Star in Thailand's Investment Market

March 6, 2024
Koh Samui Real Estate: A Rising Star in Thailand's Investment Market

Koh Samui is a gorgeous island capable of competing against any location in Thailand as a beachside tourist destination and real estate supplier. Furthermore, its realty developments continue to mature as we speak.

You must choose which area of the beautiful island of Koh Samui you wish to call home if you want to purchase worthwhile real estate there.

Optimize Your Investment in Paradise

Samui Island is rising on everyone’s radar because of its diverse real estate locations with their own individual benefits to investors.

Do you want to be close to the beach, but you have to deal with foot traffic from tourists? What about living life in a remote, provincial area?

You should do extensive research then. Research is no longer reserved for scientists alone! Align your realty goals to own a condo or villa with your Koh Samui location of choice.

What you hope to gain from the place you’re researching should coincide with its advantages.

For instance, look into Northern Koh Samui condo properties if you'd like a rental villa that provides a great return on investment years after you’ve first purchased the property.

North Koh Samui Locations

The top locations of North Koh Samui include the following.

  • Bangpor: After visiting one beach, it feels like you've visited them all, correct? Not always. There are levels to this. Some beaches have deep waters, sandbars, and rocks that are unsuitable for families.

Real Estate in Bangpor

Others have grittier sand that reminds you of construction sites or deserts. Still others have sand grains that are as soft to the touch as fine powder.

To cut a long story short, there's a beach named after the fishing village of Bangpor (also called Bang Por or Bang Po) that embodies the best qualities of Koh Samui paradise.

Why would you want a Koh Samui Property for Sale in Bangpor? It’s because of the wealth of benefits it presents you with.

In addition to deeper waters for those who enjoy water sports such as snorkeling or divers wishing to explore the coral reefs off the Gulf of Thailand, Bangpor also offers family-friendly beaches for casual beachgoers.

The area features wealthy villa communities close to the most exclusive and private beaches at the base of the Laem Yai Cape's hills. At low tide, the locals also gather delicious shellfish for sale later.

Naturally, local establishments like pizzerias, beach bars, resorts, and seafood restaurants will also support one of Koh Samui's best beaches. It also includes a lengthy sand beach near turquoise waters to boot.

  • Chaweng: Chaweng and Plai Laem have seen a surge in interest as recently as late 2023, which has led to an increase in the value of their beachfront villas and land.

Real Estate in Chaweng

As one of the primary tourist destinations on Koh Samui, Chaweng is renowned for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. The party never stops there.

It’s also teeming with beach bars galore along with a plethora of villas and bungalows and could be of great interest to foreign investors. Find your favored Koh Samui Property for Sale in Chaweng ASAP.

It's a very popular vacation spot because you can do everything there, including fine dining, shopping for anything you want, and frequent beach parties. What more can you ask for?

Let’s put it in another way—the fact that it's a one-stop shop for everything Koh Samui has to offer is its main point of appeal.

The area combines a taste of the beachside or resort lifestyle with the contemporary city amenities that most tourists can't live without. It’s the best of both worlds.

If you're an expat who isn't quite ready to give up city life and all of its perks, you can still enjoy the modern necessities of life by aiming for a Chaweng villa purchase.

A rocky headland divides Chaweng Noi from the southernmost portion of Chaweng Beach. Because of its peace, quiet, and seclusion, Chaweng Noi serves as the opposite twin of its busier counterpart Chaweng.

  • Chaweng Noi: The main draws of Chaweng Noi are its upscale resorts, villas, and private beaches. That is its "Yin-Yang of Harmony"— Chaweng Noi has a posh yet secluded "Yin" to complement Chaweng’s vibrant and locally engaged "Yang".

Real Estate in Chaweng Noi

When getting Koh Samui Property for Sale in Chaweng Noi, keep in mind that it’s an area that values exclusivity and privacy.

To put it simply, Chaweng Noi is the more sedate and private villa location across a shared rocky headland border from its busier neighbor, Chaweng. However, both of their beaches are also breathtakingly beautiful.

Other public beaches promote more surfing and less frivolity. There are also beaches nearby Chaweng Noi that are more private. It is, after all, a location exclusively used by upscale resorts and villas.

Its added seclusion within a well-maintained paradise may be desired (and readily paid for) by the more reclusive expat.

Chaweng has a vibe more reminiscent of a water park. Rest assured that its many beaches are very accommodating. They resemble kiddie pools in that families can swim there without fear of high tides and rough waves.

Its vibe is similar to owning an enormous private pool free from the stresses of a public beach or pool.

You get cleaner water, fewer people, less foot traffic, and a cozier atmosphere. There are also fewer independent restaurants and bars in the area.

Rather than employing freelancers with their own street food carts and beach bars, Chaweng Noi's fine dining establishments focus more on providing you with hotel cuisine and resort catering.

  • Plai Laem: Wat Plai Laem is the name of the Buddhist temple located in Plai Laem. Conversely, it's close to the world-famous Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Phra Yai.

Real Estate in Plai Laem

By the way, the Chinese-style Buddha statue isn't Gautama Buddha; rather, it's Avalokiteśvara, a bodhisattva of compassion and mercy who the Chinese refer to as Cundi or Guanyin.

Thai and Chinese traditions commingle in the wat's design, which was created by artist Jarit Phumdonming. It was seemingly made for those who respect the structure's grandeur and wish to indulge in Thai religion.

Potential residents and tourists alike frequently visit the resort island of Samui partly to catch sight of the ever-popular Big Buddha and its temple.

Or maybe instead of being one of many tourists who come there every day to see the Big Buddha statue, you can turn that view into a permanent one as a Plai Laem resident.

Getting a sea-view villa near twin temples is a safe investment for many expatriates interested in Koh Samui Property for Sale in Plai Laem, especially Buddhists who feel comfortable among other peaceful followers of the religion.

Many others take advantage of Plai Laem's "best-kept secret", which is its proximity to popular tourist destinations that allows it to offer many of the one-stop-shop benefits of Chaweng Noi at more reasonable prices.

You can live a comfortable and surprisingly cosmopolitan lifestyle here, if you don't mind the view of the water while immersing yourself in the Buddhist way of life.

  • Bophut: When searching for Koh Samui Property for Sale in Bophut or Bo Phut, it’s important to remember that it’s regarded as the best family area for expatriates looking for permanent residence.

Real Estate in Bophut

Bophut is the place to be when purchasing a bungalow or beachside villa. It’s also teeming with reasonably priced homes and apartments close to a charming beach town.

It's also the ideal location when you wish to fully immerse yourself in Thai or local Samui culture. It’s filled with happy locals running their neighborhood businesses (that you should patronize).

It’s also referred to as Fisherman's Village informally. It’s considered one of the oldest locations in Samui. This beloved beach town hovers close to North Samui's coast, making it a good place for realty investments.

It stretches for several kilometers, passing by the aforementioned "Big Buddha" tourist destination and the gorgeous beach of Maenam.

For travelers looking to cut back on hotel and resort expenses—especially those who frequently return to Koh Samui over the holidays—buying a Bophut condo is a wise investment.

Since this town runs along the middle portion of the shore, most properties that are for sale have ready access to the beach for any interested parties.

The most expensive beachfront villas available are priced between 30 and 40 million baht or upwards of a million dollars.

  • Maenam: What about resource rich Maenam? What does a Koh Samui Property for Sale in Maenam bring to the table for interested buyers of prime Thailand real estate? It all starts with the beach itself.

Real Estate in Maenam

One of Koh Samui's most stunning beaches is Maenam Beach, which says a lot when you consider the competition.

The exceptionally lovely and golden sandy beach comes complete with countless enormous palm trees, dazzling turquoise waters, and excellent hotels and bungalows. This is what makes it one of the nicest beaches on Coconut Island.

The ambiance of Maenam is quite laid-back or Hawaii-like, thus giving the likes of Chaweng Noi’s beaches a run for their money in terms of tranquility.

However, the provincial peacefulness of Maenam comes from nature instead of resort exclusivity.

Maenam Beach is also home to some of Koh Samui's most magnificent lodging options. The delightful breakfast offerings and excellent swimming pool of the Santiburi Koh Samui beachfront hotel are worth checking out.

You can also avail yourself of an amazing selection of excursions in Maenam, including guided island tours, boat tours with snorkeling, and jungle safaris.

  • Bangrak: Why should you seek a Koh Samui Property for Sale in Bangrak? It’s because Bangrak is a touristy central hub. It’s near the world-famous Big Buddha Temple and it offers access to pool-like beaches and resorts.

Real Estate in Bangrak

Indeed, its greatest claim to fame is that it's situated at the intersection of several tourist destinations—Koh Samui's best cultural gifts to the world—ranging from the Big Buddha statue to the neighboring Wat Plai Laem.

Additionally, you can hire jet skis or occasionally get a masseuse in Bangrak for your recreational needs. There aren't many vendors near its beach, though.

Wat Phra Yai is specifically accessible from Bangrak through a headland that marks the beginning of Bophut Beach, by the way. It’s also a 3-kilometer stretch of beachside land all-in-all.

It features family-run resorts for expatriates and foreign investors as well as guesthouses that range in price from inexpensive to moderate.

Compared to the more expensive properties in Bangpor or Chaweng Noi, you can find a beachside, sea-view, or bungalow villa here at affordable prices. The location even offers better property deals than those found in Chaweng.

A few upscale villas have also begun to emerge in the neighborhood, though they remain scant in number.

People can’t access portions of Bangrak or about 1.5 kilometers of its 3-kilometer stretch because it lacks accessible beaches there. The other half, located in the middle of its length, is occupied by a resort, villa, restaurant, bar, and marina.

South Koh Samui Locations

Here are the top locations of South Koh Samui.

  • Lamai: If you wish for a more relaxed atmosphere from your villa or condo, then avail of a Koh Samui Property for Sale in Lamai. It’s even more peaceful than the exclusive properties of Chaweng Noi, in fact.

Real Estate in Lamai

The ideal setting for romance and couples is one of privacy and tranquility. A feeling akin to heaven or Nirvana, if you will. There’s nothing romantic about chaos or crowds.

Thus, South Samui locations prioritize peace and tranquility over all else, whereas North Samui locations are more focused on tourist attractions and the metropolitan or cosmopolitan lifestyle.

You can take advantage of Lamai's villa or condo property options to give yourself time to decompress after a demanding work week. It's a great place to retire with your life savings as well.

Permanent residents who wish to live among other expats or immerse themselves in the serene local culture are typically drawn to Lamai's calmness. It’s also possible that they’d rather live alone and unbothered in secluded Lamai.

In a calm environment, you can become more aware of the present rather than constantly thinking about the future or dwelling on the past and previous trauma.

You'll start to appreciate the small things in life when you get into the Lamai groove, such as how breathtaking a sunset can really be if you have the patience to watch the sky change from dusk to dawn in a rainbow of emotions.

  • Lipa Noi: When it comes to Koh Samui beaches, Lipa Noi isn't the first or only beach on everyone's list. It's also not the island's most famous beach. However, we can confidently say it’s an underrated beach location.

Real Estate in Lipa Noi

Many Koh Samui Properties for Sale in Lipa Noi end up being hidden gems in their own right.

Here's the deal for those looking to purchase a villa, bungalow, apartment, or condominium in Lipa Noi. It is a valuable location for rental properties, especially for people who come to see "Golden Hour."

Golden Hour is the time of day when the mostly unspoiled land comes to life with hues that you would normally take for granted in the big city, turning everything into gold as though the cursed King Midas has touched them.

Before taking in the magnificent sunset at approximately 6:00 PM, you can also explore the amazing Namuang Waterfalls (which you can do by the seashore or on a boat tour).

It can be challenging to locate the beach's entrance, so if you're a visitor or buyer, figure out which entrance is most convenient for you using Google Maps.

If you're driving yourself there, you can reach it from the main road that circles Samui, which is located on the island's west coast. The coconut shake dessert drink is also made there.

  • Taling Ngam: In terms of family-friendly beaches, Taling Ngam simply cannot compare to beaches from Lamai or Chaweng Noi, which have a perfectly clean bottom and a water depth that is easily accessible.

Real Estate in Taling Ngam

The shallow sea and sometimes unpleasant bed for bare feet are the disadvantages of Taling Ngam Beach. However, there’s more to a Koh Samui Property for Sale in Taling Ngam than beach quality.

For one thing, the location is teeming with biodiversity that hasn’t been driven away by “progress” and “development”. This creates a huge upside for such properties in the future.

For another thing, if you wish to get peace and tranquility at no extra cost from nearby expensive resorts and hotels, the developing Taling Ngam is the wild beach location for you.

At first glance, ending up in Taling Ngam is like ending up shipwrecked and stranded on a deserted island.

A closer look reveals an ideal place for exploration and independent recreation without curation. Just hire a boat or kayak and you’re good to go. It exudes pure solitude from untouched nature and no nearby neighbors.

Here, you can get absorbed with activities like sightseeing, fishing, island hopping, snorkeling, diving, surfing, and so forth on Koh Samui’s wildest available beach.

It’s Time to Invest in Koh Samui Real Estate

We firmly believe that Koh Samui is Southeast Asia's long-lost Garden of Eden, though this is a bold claim.

What makes the Koh Samui real estate scene a rising star in Thailand’s investment market? Let us count the ways. After all, the key to buying any piece of real estate is location, location, location.

The good news is that Coconut Island offers a wide variety of villas, bungalows, and condos so that it has something for everyone. You can find an endless fiesta in one location or rural seclusion and a simple life in another.

Check out the Conrad Properties website to find a wide variety of real estate properties for sale on charming Koh Samui.

Leave a reply

OTHER POSTs

Best Neighborhoods for Raising Kids or a Family in Koh Samui

You can’t go with Thailand as far as making it your family holiday vacation destination of choice. It’s a country full of wonder and de...

Top 10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in Koh Samui, Thailand

By following these tips for first-time homebuyers, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the unique challenges...

Investing in Koh Samui Villas for Sale: Pros, Cons, and Important Considerations

Investing in Koh Samui villas is like investing in a future lifestyle or mystical tropical wonderland. Koh Samui is right up there with Bangkok and...

5 Options for Foreigners to Buy Property in Thailand

If your dream is to own your own property in paradise purchasing Real Estate in Thailand as a foreigner is certainly possible, and we hav...

Retiring in Paradise: Koh Samui's Retirement Real Estate Options

When planning on retiring in paradise, Koh Samui should be right up there in your list of choices. Conrad Properties has a multitude of options whe...

Koh Samui Building Regulations and Zoning Rules

Building Regulation in Koh Samui, is explained here in detail. The island is divided into several zoning system where only certain types of develop...

Buying a Vacation Home in Phuket: Pros, Cons, and Hidden Costs

Are you dreaming of owning a piece of paradise in Phuket, Thailand? With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and tropical climate, Phuket is a t...

We believe our passion, creativity and commitment are the keys to helping you find your perfect property. Let's get started!