DESERT ISLAND LIFE – IN KOH PHANGAN

The appeal of living in tropical Paradise where living costs are still relatively cheap means that many make Koh Phangan their permanent home and many rent villas here for longer lets or have bought villas over here.

The upsides of living on a desert island are clear –the luxury of enjoying wide open spaces, beautiful beaches, a laid back life-style, friendly faces, cheap living costs, sunshine all year round. However previously the lack of facilities for example reliable internet connection, constant water and power, reliable construction companies, postal services and supermarkets meant life on a desert island was sometimes challenging. However the improvement in infrastructure and facilities in Koh Phangan over recent years has meant it is easier than ever to enjoy the advantages of living on a desert island without the drawbacks one previously associated with being situated in a remote outpost geographically.

The arrival of the first airport in Koh Phangan means getting to Koh Phangan will be easier than ever. The advent of Tesco, Big C and Macro on the island means that from pesto to parmesan, there is no ingredient that cannot be obtained in Koh Phangan if you fancy a change from Thai food. The recent opening of the Central shopping centre in nearby Koh Samui means it is only a short boat trip away for those looking for a bit of sophisticated retail therapy.

There is an excellent dentist on the island, a doctor, a hospital, a lawyer and a few real estate agents. The hospital in Samui with its first class facilities is also only a short boat trip away.

There is a highly regarded international nursery and kindergarten in Koh Phangan for children age 2 to 7 years which teaches children both English and Thai. There is an English school in Si Panya which is soon to move to bigger premises to make space for its rapidly growing pupil population. For the first year ever they will be taking children from Year 6 (age 11 and up).
The recent upgrade of cables for internet on Koh Phangan has meant working from home in a tropical destination has never been easier.

It is no surprise then that an increasing number of foreigners from business owners to retirees are choosing to make Koh Phangan their second holiday home or a more permanent home. There has been a real surge in interest from both those looking to purchase luxury villas for holiday homes or construct villas for their primary residence. Some investors are seeing a good rental yield on their properties by living in the property for only part of the year and renting it out for those periods when they are not in Koh Phangan.