Purchasing a Villa in Koh Samui : Thailand's Top Retirement Destination

August 30, 2023
Purchasing a Villa in Koh Samui : Thailand's Top Retirement Destination

Conrad Properties has a diverse portfolio of residences, resorts, and other property types for sale on the beautiful tropical island of Koh Samui (also known as Samui Island).

If you wish to buy or invest in Koh Samui real estate for sale as a retirement asset, you'll be pleasantly pleased and astonished by the variety of alternatives available, especially vacation villas.

The island's simple way of life and strong sense of camaraderie among the locals are often what make many travelers from all over the world wish to stay and retire in Koh Samui. However, there are numerous more factors that make Koh Samui an excellent retirement destination.

What Makes Koh Samui a Great Retirement Destination?

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According to International Life Magazine, Koh Samui is one of the best islands to retire to. In fact, it's even ranked 10th out of 15 curated islands by the acclaimed magazine. This is based on its offerings in terms of healthcare, affordability, and living conditions. Koh Samui is considered as one of the best islands to retire in because of the following reasons:

• Broad Appeal: Thailand's second largest island is an underappreciated gem brimming with cultural attractions. If you want to retire there, it's one of the best and most idyllic options available. What makes it enticing is that you can live in luxury on a budget there.

• Peace and Quiet: Most retirees prefer the peace and quiet of Koh Samui and the traditional Koh Samui Property for Sale in tranquil regions like Maenam to the hectic high-paced lifestyle of New Yorkers. It also helps that Koh Samui is one of the most popular holiday locations in the Land of Smile.

• The Beach Life: Retirees enjoy Koh Samui because who doesn't want to soak up the sun and get a tan on world-class beaches?

• One of the Safest Places: When all is said and done, this quiet island is also one of the safest places for seniors to retire. It is more than just a safe haven for travelers. It's also a secure location to live, especially if you find yourself in a gated neighbourhood.

• Rapidly developing Expat population: Retirees may be interested in Koh Samui's rapidly developing expat population, which will help you blend in and acclimatize to a new area and culture with like-minded people.

• Golfer's Paradise: Did you know Koh Samui has a variety of golf courses and driving ranges? They are well-kept and world-class courses. Furthermore, golf is a relaxing and satisfying sport, just like Koh Samui is a retirement island.

Once you've decided to retire to Koh Samui, you'll be in the company of other expats with whom you can mingle, as well as the kind and welcoming Thai natives.

Where Should You Spend Your Retirement on Koh Samui?

When determining where to retire precisely inside Koh Samui, you should be familiar with the five key districts in the living region. Among them are the following:

1. Bophut: The main district of Bophut is noted for its peacefulness while still offering good food and nightlife. It also houses the picturesque Fisherman Village and oozes the regional tranquillity of a cultural heritage site. Meanwhile, adjacent Bangrak Beach is teeming with stylish new beach clubs.

2. Choeng Mon: Aside from the sorrowful or even romantic views given by Choeng Mon Bay (particularly around sunset), Choeng Mon also offers a plethora of inexpensive condominiums exclusively for sale to the expatriate population.

3. Chaweng: Chaweng is best suited for seniors who want an exciting nightlife or parties on their nights out. The main liveliest section of Koh Samui, in particular, offers the largest beach and the most exuberant of festivals.
4. Lamai: As the second-largest resort region on Koh Samui, you can only anticipate fantastic things from it. It's an excellent spot to retire if you want to live a balanced life of rest and celebration. Aside from that, it's not as congested as Chaweng.

5. Maenam: If you want to avoid tourist throngs and traffic, the more reserved village of Maenam will transport you back to a time when Koh Samui was less developed and more remote. It's a peaceful setting for introverts to spend time reflecting and meditating.

How to Purchase a Villa in Koh Samui with Conrad Properties

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Conrad Properties provides a comprehensive portfolio of carefully selected properties, including villas for sale, beachfront villas for sale, condominiums for sale, and so on, notably in major tourist areas throughout the island.

When buying a villa in Koh Samui or looking for a Koh Samui house for sale, all you really need to do is browse the portfolio of existing and new projects available at our website. The island, like many other paradise-like locations, is known for its white beaches and beautiful oceans.

We also have a custom collection of beachfront homes with private pools, private beach access, and azure views. They are ideal as holiday houses or permanent retirement dwellings.

If you're interested in any Koh Samui property in our collection, just call us at +66 (0)92-959-1299.You can also email us at sales@conradvillas.com or You also have the option to get in touch with our friendly team through our Contact us page 

You may also click on the "Enquire Now!" link that’s on every property for sale page to open a submission form where you can fill in your name, country, email, and subject as well as a question or contact request to the webmaster.

The Quality of Life That Koh Samui Offers to Retirees

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When considering where to retire, retirees want more than just the necessities, even if it is in the center of paradise like Koh Samui in Thailand, one of the Hawaiian Islands, or somewhere in the Caribbean.

Accessibility: The majority of visitors and tourists come in Koh Samui via the Koh Samui Airport, which is owned and operated by Bangkok Airways. It is commonly used by Singaporean SilkAir and Thai Airways flights.

As a potential Koh Samui inhabitant, you should be aware that Bangkok Airways offers many domestic flights, although Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is a 1.5-hour flight away. The 17th busiest airport in the world also acts as Thailand's international gateway.

Catamarans and many boats connect the Thai mainland to Suvarnabhumi Airport. To summarize, Koh Samui is a very accessible island with several connections to the rest of the world.

Fine Dining and Restaurant Choices: As a tourist, you can clearly notice that there are plenty of local and international culinary options in a holiday destination like Koh Samui. What gives you the impression that things will alter once you become a resident?

Many retirees appreciate the high quality of Koh Samui dining options. After all, the touristy island caters to more than just the inhabitants and their special tastes. They must also create cuisine that is appealing to tourists from all around the world.

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From inexpensive street cuisine to fine dining restaurants and everything in between, everything is on the table for you to enjoy in your retirement.

Fresh seafood is another thing that city dwellers neglect that is readily available on islands. There's nothing quite like eating fresh fish, crabs, and seafood. They taste better than frozen salmon that has been sitting in the freezer for months.

Aside from native Thai delights, the island also tries with and recreates western or international favorites from Japan, Italy, and France. 
They even have meals that cater to digital nomads and Gen Z!

Healthcare: Thailand provides world-class, inexpensive healthcare to both locals and visitors. As a result, the country boasts thriving healthcare tourism, rehabilitation tourism, and dentistry tourism industries.

Once you avail yourself of a Koh Samui villa for sale, you can rest assured that Koh Samui has four private hospitals available to take care of your healthcare needs. They include:

  • Bandon Hospital
  • Bangkok Hospital Samui
  • Thai International Hospital
  • Samui International Hospital

You can get a prescription to easily purchase any prescription medication in case you have an ailment that requires more than over-the-counter medicine. Long story short, the island's relatively affordable healthcare system is of high standard.

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The hospitals provide modern amenities, western-style facilities, and cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, the majority of healthcare staff are competent in English.

You can also visit a number of island clinics or pharmacies for good measure. The majority of supermarkets and convenience stores also include pharmaceutical counters. In Koh Samui, the ambulance hotline number is 1669.

• Activities: Living on Samui never gets old because there is always something new to do there. Once you've decompressed sufficiently, you can engage in something exciting, relaxing, or both. The possibilities are endless.

In locations like Chaweng and Bangrak, the fun never stops. If you want to go bar hopping or dancing, this island paradise has plenty of options.

What to Expect Before Moving to Koh Samui

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Once you've decided on Samui as your retirement destination, there are a few things you need do before making the big move. They consist of the following components.

  • Getting Your Visa for Koh Samui: If you are a foreign national and want to stay in gorgeous Thailand or quiet Koh Samui for more than 90 days, you must obtain one of the following visas: Non-Immigrant Visa for One Year, Business Visa, Marriage Visa, Retirement Visa, or Permanent Residence Visa. Using a Tourist or Non-Immigrant Visa for more than 90 days violates Thai immigration law and may result in deportation. As a retiree, your best bet is to apply for a Retirement Visa or Permanent Residence Visa.

    For more info regarding visas, contact your nearest Thai consulate or embassy. You can also visit the website of Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
     
  • Working Visa: Working in Thailand necessitates both a work permit and a business visa. The organization for which you work should assist you in completing the paperwork for both documents. You can also obtain a work permit by forming a new firm. This necessitates legal work, and the establishment costs between $50,000 and $60,000 ($1,430 to $1,720). The first employment permit costs 20,000 ($570).

    It is also critical to open a local bank account. Most banks on Koh Samui have English-speaking employees. If you are under the age of 65, you will require this visa or a non-immigrant visa to apply for a retirement visa.
     
  • Retirement Visa: If you are retiring on Koh Samui, you will need to obtain a Retirement Visa. You must first obtain a Non-Immigrant "O" Visa. This necessitates the acquisition of a passport, evidence of income, and permanent residency in Thailand. After that, you must be at least 50 years old to apply for a Retirement Visa. In other words, that is the minimum age for a retiree.

    A passport (signed copies of each page), the Non-Immigrant "O" Visa, Departure Card TM.6, Proof of Meeting Financial Requirements, Thai Bank Book (Original), Letter from your Thai Bank, and three 4x5 pictures of your entire face are also required.
     
  • Speaking English and Learning Thai: Because Koh Samui is such a popular tourist location, many islanders speak or are fluent in English. However, as a retiree, you should learn some basic Thai to make your life easier. It also aids in your integration into the Samui communities.

    If you are enrolled in a Thai language school, you can obtain an education visa. These visas allow students to stay in the country for one year without having to cross the border.However, go to a respected school that is registered with the Thai Ministry of Education. Also, study diligently because Thai differs significantly from Latin-based languages such as English and Spanish.
     

Driver's License and Transportation: Although public transportation, like as the songthaew, is available, owning a private vehicle, such as an economy car or moped, is preferable when living on the beach, such as when retiring in Koh Samui.

Some regions of the island can only be reached by unpaved roads, so purchasing an ATV may be in your best interests as well. Cars, mopeds, motorbikes, and ATVs can all be rented or purchased. To obtain a driver's license in Thailand, go to the Land Transportation Office in Lipa Noi. Bring copies of your work permit, an immigration letter with your permanent residence, a medical certificate, a long-stay visa, and your passport.

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It's preferable that you bring your existing driver's license so that you can skip some of the driving tests, since the license signifies you've already taken them. According to Thai traffic laws, getting caught driving without a license can result in fines.

  • The Crime Rate of Koh Samui: It is incredibly rare for violent crime to occur on Koh Samui. As previously said, Koh Samui is a safe island for both tourists and locals. According to the Travel Safe Abroad website, it is the fourth safest city in Thailand. The island, like any other area on the planet, suffers with the occasional petty crime such as theft, vandalism, and frauds. If you are a victim of such crimes, you can seek assistance from the police stations located throughout the island.
    There are even "tourist" police stations staffed by cops who speak fluent English. You can contact the police by dialing 191, and you can contact the fire department by dialing 199.
     
  • Supermarkets and Schools: On the island, there are numerous supermarkets and convenience stores where you can acquire everything from groceries and dried goods to food and school materials.

    If you want to raise a family on Koh Samui, you can send your children to local schools that teach the Thai curriculum. International Schools from Preschool to Upper Secondary are also available. They are found in crowded places such as Lamai, Bophut, and Chaweng.

Now is the time to find your ideal Koh Samui property

When looking for your dream house in Koh Samui as a retired expatriate, you must first consider why you want to do so. Do any of the aforementioned factors ring true for you?

Do you want to indirectly own a home or villa in an accessible, safe, and high-value neighborhood strategically located near shopping malls, restaurants, beaches, and schools for 30 years in conformity with Thai rules on foreign ownership of Thai property?

If the answer is yes, then get in touch with us or browse our website to find the Koh Samui property of your dreams from Conrad Properties!