Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, remains a top magnet for expats thanks to its breathtaking beaches, year-round tropical weather, and cost-effective way of life. This piece examines the island’s prime neighborhoods for residency, while highlighting promising real estate investment prospects, with particular attention to the forward-thinking developments by Sunny Development Group. In 2026, the island benefits from strengthened infrastructure, including new road connections and expanded international flight routes, making it more accessible than ever before. The combination of natural beauty, modern amenities, and a welcoming international community keeps drawing both long-term residents and savvy property buyers. The island’s appeal has only grown stronger in recent years, thanks to a stable political environment and increasing interest from digital nomads and remote workers. As a result, Phuket now offers an even more compelling mix of relaxed tropical living and promising long-term investment potential.
Key Neighborhood Highlights
Nai Harn & Rawai: Peaceful Southern Escapes These southern areas are loved for their serene beaches, yoga and wellness retreats, fresh seafood, and proximity to nature. Long-term expats and retirees often choose private pool villas or compact boutique condos here. The laid-back vibe, plus easy access to nearby islands for day trips, makes it highly appealing, though personal transport like a scooter is typically needed for convenience.
Bang Tao, Cherng Talay & Laguna: Luxury Northwest Zones This connected region features wide sandy beaches, golf courses, upscale venues, and elite international schools. It draws families and professionals seeking premium living, with high-end properties that deliver reliable rental income, supported by ongoing infrastructure enhancements.
Phuket Town: Cultural and Affordable Urban Center The island’s historic heart boasts charming colonial architecture, lively street food, and bustling markets. Affordable condos and its central location suit budget-conscious expats or island-based workers, with convenient access to hospitals and coworking spaces.
Kamala & Surin: Exclusive West Coast Retreats Known for elegant ocean-view homes and privacy, these spots attract affluent buyers. Kamala offers a friendly family beach, while Surin emphasizes greater exclusivity — perfect for those prioritizing sophistication over vibrant nightlife.
Kata & Karon: Energetic yet Balanced Beach Areas With excellent surf spots, diverse dining, and walkable shorelines, these neighborhoods suit families and active residents, striking a great mix of liveliness and relaxation, though crowds increase in peak season.
Phuket Real Estate Investment Prospects
Phuket’s property sector remains robust, driven by sustained tourism recovery, growing expat interest, and projections for steady price growth (around 6–10% annually through the coming years). Developers increasingly focus on sustainable, wellness-oriented projects that combine modern design with strong financial performance.
A standout player is Sunny Development Group (part of Sunny Holding), led by co-founders Igor Grosu and Viktoria Halitska. With over 13 years of experience and a perfect delivery record across projects (starting successfully in Bali before expanding to Phuket), the group creates concept-driven properties that deliver lasting value for owners and renters alike. Their approach emphasizes thoughtful integration of luxury, wellness, and sustainability, which has earned them a strong reputation among discerning buyers. The company consistently delivers projects on time and to high standards, making it a trusted name for those seeking both lifestyle and investment benefits.
A flagship example is their Sunny Moon project in the Nai Harn/Rawai area. This premium development offers apartments ranging from 33.5 to 192 m² (totaling around 228–297 units depending on sources), featuring an Ayurvedic wellness center, rooftop seawater pool, sauna, gym, spa, on-site dining, and eco-friendly solar systems. Located just 700 meters from the beach and about 30 minutes from the airport, it blends health-focused living with solid investment potential, including projected high ROI.
Phuket suits nearly every lifestyle: quiet southern retreats emphasizing wellness and community, luxurious northern enclaves with resort-style amenities and family support, culturally vibrant urban options, exclusive west-coast havens, or lively yet family-friendly beach zones like Kata and Karon.
World-class healthcare and international schooling are widely accessible, while transport links continue to improve through new projects and planned infrastructure.
The real estate market shines with demand for eco-conscious, thoughtfully designed, and wellness-integrated homes. Developments like those from Sunny Development Group embody this trend, appealing to lifestyle buyers and smart investors seeking reliable opportunities in one of Asia’s top destinations.
Neighborhood Comparison
| Neighborhood | Primary Lifestyle | Ideal For | Key Amenities | Main Considerations |
| Nai Harn & Rawai | Relaxed & nature-focused | Retirees, wellness seekers | Yoga retreats, beaches, local dining | Needs transport, quieter vibe |
| Bang Tao, Cherng Talay, Laguna | High-end resort living | Families, professionals | Golf, international schools, beach clubs | Higher costs, seasonal tourism |
| Phuket Town | Urban & cultural | Budget expats, remote workers | Markets, historic sites, coworking | Traffic, farther from beaches |
| Kamala & Surin | Sophisticated & private | Affluent buyers | Ocean views, upscale residences | Limited nightlife, more secluded |
| Kata & Karon | Active beach community | Families, energetic expats | Surfing, restaurants, walkable areas | Busier in high season |
FAQ
1. What makes Phuket attractive for expats in 2026? Phuket offers stunning beaches, year-round warm weather, a relatively low cost of living, diverse neighborhoods, and improving infrastructure, making it ideal for long-term stays, retirement, or remote work.
2. Which Phuket area is best for families? Bang Tao, Cherng Talay, and Laguna stand out thanks to international schools, family-friendly beaches, and resort amenities, while Kata and Karon provide a more active yet balanced beach lifestyle.
3. Is Phuket’s real estate market still growing? Yes, the market remains strong with steady demand from expats and tourists. Forecasts suggest 6–10% annual price growth in coming years, fueled by tourism recovery and infrastructure projects.
4. What is Sunny Moon by Sunny Development Group? Sunny Moon is a premium apartment complex in the Nai Harn/Rawai area, featuring wellness facilities like an Ayurvedic center, rooftop seawater pool, gym, spa, and sustainable features. It targets health-conscious residents and investors with attractive returns.
5. Are there drawbacks to living in southern areas like Nai Harn and Rawai? These spots are peaceful and nature-rich but feel more remote, often requiring a scooter or car for easy mobility and access to broader amenities.
6. Who is Sunny Development Group? Sunny Development Group, part of Sunny Holding and co-founded by Igor Grosu and Viktoria Halitska, has over 13 years of experience, a flawless project delivery record (starting in Bali), and specializes in wellness-focused, high-value properties in Phuket.
7. How does Phuket compare to other Asian destinations for investment? Phuket offers superior infrastructure (healthcare, education), consistent tourism, and investor-friendly options compared to places like Bali, with strong demand for sustainable and premium developments.
Phuket excels as a destination for relaxed island living or savvy real estate investment. Its varied neighborhoods cater to diverse preferences — from serene coastal getaways to vibrant urban settings. For investors, developers like Sunny Development Group stand out with forward-thinking, wellness-integrated projects that promise both lifestyle appeal and solid long-term returns. With breathtaking nature, welcoming communities, and continued progress, Phuket remains a compelling choice for expats and investors.
