Archive for December, 2009
Condo Boom In Pattaya – An Excellent Long Term Investment
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations to live in. It is even better when you prefer to live in Pattaya, an incredible island destination, situated in the northern Gulf Coast of Thailand. The city of Pattaya is dotted with an amazing range of attractions covering superb beaches, picturesque landscapes, interesting museums and art galleries, beautiful parks and gardens, sumptuous as well as authentic seafood cuisines, and exciting nightlife.
The cost of living in Pattaya is exceptionally cheap when compared to other popular cities of the country, such as, Bangkok. Further, its great culture, salubrious climate, and presence of amicable Thai people all have made Pattaya truly a unique destination. Perhaps for these reasons, many people, especially westerns, choose Pattaya as their retirement destination, apart from a holiday destination. Many organizations function here exclusively for the welfare of expatriates, including, Expats Club of Pattaya, UK Club of Pattaya, and Pattaya Sports Club. Hence, it is no wonder why property market is booming in Pattaya.
A spectrum of properties is available in Pattaya. From affordable and stunning bungalows and villas to apartments and gated communities like flats, accommodation choices in Pattaya are vivid and colorful. However, with the flow of westerners as well as the increased demand for western style of accommodation, the demand for condos is greater than ever before. Many foreigners even prefer to acquire land and build houses as per their tastes and requirements.
However, expenses in connection with the building of single detached houses are quite high. Additionally, in order to own a land and build a house by a foreigner, certain legal tangles are associated with it. For instance, if you are a foreigner, you must require either a Thai spouse or a legitimate company to acquire a land in the region.
But, when comes to owning a condominium unit in Pattaya, the Thai government does not enforce any kind of precincts, except for some requirements to be complied with under the Condominium Act of 1979, including bringing in 100% of cash for the purchase of condominium unit in foreign currency and recording of it through a local Thai bank on a Foreign Exchange Transaction Form (FETF), which is regarded as an evidence to present it to the Land Department office.
Probably for this reason, nowadays both foreigners and natives prefer to own and stay in condominium units. Many of the upscale condo units in Pattaya are centered around such areas as Bang Saray and Tawanron beach, Jomtien beach, and Wong Amat beach.
On the basis of your lifestyle, budget, and preferences, different types of condo units are now available in Pattaya, from low cost condos to high end luxury condos. Condo units are also available depending upon the number of members in your family. You can choose from a range of condominiums in Pattaya, such as, apartment model, townhouse, and sometimes even in the form of a single detached structure.
No matter it is of any model, a condo unit in Pattaya comes complete with amenities such as superb bedrooms attached with relaxed beds, expansive living rooms, sophisticated kitchen, and bathing area with uninterrupted water supply. Some luxury condominium properties are replete with most modern facilities such as game rooms, laundry facilities, whirlpool spas and saunas, pools, meeting rooms, and parking areas.
A plethora of benefits can be derived from owning a condominium in Pattaya. Foremost is that condo living in Pattaya enables you to live in a well-controlled community. Another key benefit of living in condo is security, since many of the condo units are coupled with most sophisticated monitoring system. Low interior and exterior maintenance costs and access to superb facilities such as elevators and swimming pools are the other benefits of living in a condo unit.
In addition, buying a condominium in Pattaya is regarded as an excellent long term investment, guaranteeing good returns. But, the price of condominium units is exceptionally high in contrast to other accommodations options such as apartments and single houses.
With the introduction of the internet, purchasing or renting a condominium in Pattaya is no longer a tiresome process. Scores of realtors as well as real estate firms, property builders, and consultants, are now in the scenario to help in fetching your dream condo unit in Pattaya. Majority of them have their own websites, with details including expected price, amenities available and pictures of the condominium, it allows for convenient purchasing of a condominium. Further, many of them customize condo units according to your specifications.
Bangkok Gay Pride 2006
Gay parade on Silom Road in Bangkok, Thailand on November 5, 2006. More at www.bangkokcityboys.com
Pattaya – A Premier Vacation Spot in South-East Asia
Pattaya is one of the most enchanting beach resorts in the world, located along a spectacular bay on the Gulf of Thailand’s east coast, about 150 kilometers south-east of Bangkok, in Thailand. A fishing village turned South-East Asia’s most favorite vacation spot – Pattaya is much popular among the westerners including Americans and Europeans and is regarded as a great alternative over taking a tour to swarming Spanish destination or a pricey Caribbean destination.
In fact, Pattaya has everything to spend an enjoyable vacation, from awe-inspiring natural beauty, warm climate throughout the year and beautiful beaches to ancient shrines, world-famous hospitality, and sumptuous cuisines. No matter you are beach bums, honeymooners, couples celebrating anniversaries, or family vacationers, Pattaya has superb choices to cater to every type of tourist.
Perhaps the prime attraction that draws visitors to Pattaya is undoubtedly its incredible long stretches of curvy beaches. Pattaya boasts of two picturesque beaches, the main beach being the Pattaya Beach, located along the Pattaya Beach Road. The Pattaya Beach’s surroundings are action packed and contain a plenty of top-notch hotels, restaurants, and bars. Further, the Pattaya Beach is a paradise for enjoying a range of fun-filled as well as adventure activities, especially scuba diving.
Located just ten minutes drive from the Pattaya Beach is another popular beach in the destination, namely, Jomtien Beach, which is regarded as a mecca for enjoying activities such as wind surfing. As in the case of the main beach, this beach area is also packed with an array of upscale hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Other popular beaches in the vicinity are Naklua Beach, which is much favored for its tranquil atmosphere; Ko Lan, a lone island with a number of beautiful white sandy beaches; Bang Saen Beach, located about eight kilometers from the provincial capital of Chonburi; and Ko Si Chang bestowed with awesome beaches and magnificent limestone caves as well as ancient temples.
Aside beaches and water sport activities, Pattaya has a plenty of interesting things to see and do. Points of interest, among many others, in Pattaya are the Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm, featuring sights such as more than a million years aged fossil plants, 200-year-old bonsai, crocodile pools, and rare animals like albino bears; Khao Pattaya, a small hill offering breathtaking vistas of Pattaya City as well as Pattaya Bay; Suan Chaloemphrakiat, a fitness park with fitness facilities and jogging trails; the Bottle Art Museum, which has on display a large number of art works graced in glass bottles.
Elephant Village, where elephant shows are conducted; Sanctuary of Truth, noted for its intricate architectural designs; Monkey Training Center, where apart from monkey shows, snake shows and cock fighting are also conducted; Horseshoe Point Club, a great spot for all levels of people to enjoy horse riding; Suan Nong Nooch, a recreational park with beautiful tropical gardens; Romance of the Three Kingdoms Park, a park with a variety of Chinese style objects and buildings; Pattaya Amusement Park, whose tower houses a revolving restaurant; and Mini Siam.
A visit to Pattaya would be incomplete without taking a tour to interesting shrines in the region such as Wat Yansangwararam, a modern temple complex with buildings built in several architectural types reflecting Indian, Chinese, and Japanese styles; and Wat Khao Cheejan, where one can see a huge image of Buddha carved out in gold on a mountain.
When comes to activities, Pattaya provides opportunities for the visitors to indulge in an array of activities, with such facilities as state of the art bowling centers, international standard golf courses, and facilities for activities like bungee jumping. Superb facilities are also available for weary travelers in the form spa centers and fitness establishments.
With a plenty of things to see and do, it is not a wonder why people from across the world frequent here year-round and majority of the westerners choose this place to retire. Hence, Pattaya has a plethora of accommodation choices for every type of tourist. For short term tourists, hotels and resorts would be best choice. But for long stays and people vacationing with large family, one of the best accommodation options in villas. A variety of villas are available, from budget type to most sophisticated ones replete with top-end facilities and amenities.
myHotelVideo.com presents Springfield Beach Resort in Cha Am / Hua Hin / Thailand
More @ www.myhotelvideo.com Location: The Klai Kangwon Summer Palace is still today the official holiday residence of their majesties the King and Queen of Thailand. In the middle of an exotic landscape, with palm-shaded terrace, the palace lives up to its name: far from all worries! Just 15 minutes further inland guests will find the Royal Springfield Golf Club, a part of the new Springfield Village Golf and Spa complex, which guests may reach in utmost comfort with a free shuttle bus …
How To Purchase Phuket Real Estate
One of the most obvious things most people don’t think about is buying direct from the developer directly and not using a local Phuket real estate agent. Most local agents are selling either their own Phuket properties they developed on their own or some other Phuket Apartments or Phuket Condominiums that the agent is getting extra commission on. They sell the Phuket properties they make the most money on.
Some agents do know the local market but are in the business of buying low and selling high. I remember going to see an agent in town when I was new in the Phuket real estate game. He showed me three different Phuket properties. All three I found out later he or his partner owned. So remember you will get the best deal if you go to see the developer directly and save.
Buy Phuket properties that developers will make a deal on. Most Phuket property developers are trying to make a big name for themselves. The only way to do this is to have successful Phuket properties in their portfolio. This means the developer needs to complete a Phuket apartment or Phuket Condominium project on time and that the customers who bought in on pre-construction are happy with their purchase.
Knowing this will allow you to save big because you know you can make a great reference for the developer. By letting the Phuket property developer use your name as a reference he may give you some extra discounts that a normal customer may not receive.
Buying Phuket houses or Phuket villas in Phuket because you will spend your vacation time fixing your Phuket property purchase. When you purchase a Phuket apartments or Phuket Condominiums, the project usually has a rental program and a maintenance program in place. Owning Phuket real estate can be great, but you have to invest smartly.
Check local Market prices on Phuket Apartments in the area of your interest. Know what the local prices are selling for in the area. Make sure to compare apples to apples however. Some Phuket properties and very little Phuket Apartment common area and others have as much as 25%. Knowing this will help you evaluate the Phuket property you looking to purchase.
I found the best way to do this is looking at the price list sheets and either downloading them or printing them off. Put all the Phuket apartment or Phuket Condominium projects you like side by side and compare them. Also look in the local newspaper for Phuket real estate news events and Phuket apartments or Phuket properties promotion shows.
Even small islands like Phuket will also have Phuket real estate or Phuket apartment shows every few months. This is a great place to pick up new information about projects featuring Phuket apartments or Phuket Condominiums that are just starting pre-construction or are in the building phases.
Phuket apartment or Phuket Condo’s – Which one is better?
We could write a whole article on the differences between Phuket Condominiums and Phuket Apartment projects. The big difference is in the actual ownership of the Phuket property. Some Phuket Apartment projects offer only a 30 year lease. Most Phuket Condominium projects will offer you a freehold title. You want to be sure you understand what title you Phuket real estate developer if offering you.
There are special laws governing Phuket Condominium projects where the foreign owner can actually own up to 49% of the project freehold. Naturally, this is the best.
Bangkok Love Story – Trailer
A gay romantic crime action drama, it is the story of a man who falls in love with a gunman who is assigned to kill him.
Can anyone tell me the best way to book a flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket?
I just flew in to Thailand and have no idea what Im doing. I took the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai yesterday and in 2 days I would like to go to Phuket.
I would prefer to fly there from Chiang Mai…I didnt really care for the train. Any recommendations?
Where is the cheapest online place to book the Dusit Hotel in Pattaya Thailand for November this year ?
Travelling to Pattaya in November and want to stay at The Dusit Hotel in North Pattaya for 3 weeks.Need to know the cheapest place to book this.Anyone know of a cheap hotel provider.Cheers.
How far is it from Koa Samui to Koa Thao?
I am traveling to Thailand next June and was thinking about flying to Koa Samui rather than Bangkok. But i wanted to know how far between the 2 islands as Koa Thao is where i will eventually want to end up.
