Conveniently a stone’s throw away from Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok, Phang Nga’s west coast remains one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets, tranquil and an elite residential alternative from Phuket.
Peaceful and unspoiled, there have long been murmurs that Phang Nga‟s West Coast is set to become the next big thing to explode on to the property and tourism market in South East Asia. Like all great locations around the globe, the natural trend is to develop upwards; Phang Nga is to Phuket what the Hamptons are to New York.
In this case Phuket and its rapid resort-urbanization is the driving force behind luxury developments extending beyond the Sarasin Bridge, the main artery that links vibrant Phuket Island to the Thai mainland and the Greater Phuket territory.
The proof of the rise of Phang Nga is in the pudding; highlighted by the major investment by Hong Kong tycoon Richard Li who is converting an existing 18-hole golf course into a luxury mixed use destination resort.
Further evidence of the emergence of the region comes in the form of the presence of a refined collection of boutique resorts such as The Sarojin and also several which offer all-pool villa stays including Atleenta, Kameha and the Phulay Bay Ritz Carlton Reserve, all defining the area as the place to be. Elite luxury residences are also emerging with Nai Tai Beach‟s Sava Luxury Villas all catering to upscale clientele in pursuit of the flawless beach retreat.
Phuket itself is an established resort island with fantastic infrastructure and a plethora of hotels and beautiful beaches, but the Phang Nga coastline offers something nowadays rarely found in Phuket: kilometres of pristine and untouched oceanfront land.
Phuket has a limited amount of oceanfront land that is appropriate for development of larger projects at affordable pricing levels. Developers are now encouraged to seek alternative locations to Phuket Island and set their sights north towards Phang Nga where there exists affordable absolute beachfront land.
“Phang Nga is already a key luxury mini market‟ akin to several already in Phuket: Millionaire‟s Mile in Kamala, the Laguna Phuket area in Bang Tao and Nai Thon Beach,” comments Bill Barnett, leading property expert of C9 Hotelworks.
“There is already a stunning array of multi-million dollar beachfront villas on the Phang Nga stretch of coastline and is now where you can find the highest concentration of upscale villas that face west, affording the stunning sunsets offered along Thailand’s west coast” he adds.
In recent developments, Phuket-based Niche Real Estate is offering 45.45 rai (7.27 hectares, 17.97 acres) of beachfront land on the Phang Nga coastline to developers.
Daojai Tanommuang, managing director of Niche Real Estate said, “The land is bordered by a canal and situated adjacent to 130 metres of beach frontage, and with large sculpted boulders on the beach giving a dramatic sense of place, making this site an ideal location for both boutique resorts and residential development”.
“With the added convenience of Phuket International Airport a mere 45 minutes drive away, this area affords travellers effortless journey time from Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The region already has infrastructure in place, good roads, transportation, restaurants, shops and golf courses,” she added.
Phang Nga’s calm west coast remains a contrast from bustling Phuket and other attractions, including the famous Phang Nga bay where limestone cliffs emerge from emerald waters, sailing regattas, golf and a typically Thai way of life, are raising international attention. And with the destination easily accessible for Asian and long haul visitors alike its prospects are looking good.
