Living
Year-Round Living in Phuket: Beyond the Tourist Zone
Phuket isn't just for vacations. Here's what it's really like living there full-time.
Phuket has evolved from a pure tourist destination into a viable year-round home for Thai professionals, retirees, and remote workers. The key is knowing where to look beyond Patong.
Where locals live
- Chalong: Affordable, central, good schools
- Rawai: Expat community, seafood market, quiet beaches
- Kathu: Near international schools and Central mall
- Phuket Town: Cultural heart, street food, art scene
Practical considerations
High season (November–April) means tourist crowds and higher prices at restaurants. Low season brings rain but also deals on rent and fewer crowds. International schools like BISP and Headstart cost ฿200K–500K per year.