With more than 19 million tourist arrivals in 2011, Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The warm climate, famous Thai hospitality, a strong local economy and an array of entertainment offerings make Thailand a perfect destination for families, independent travellers and professionals alike. While the majority of visitors still stay in traditional hotels and resorts when visiting the Land of Smiles, more people are waking up to the benefits of staying in a private villa. The added privacy, the variety of villas available and increasingly, an economic incentive, certainly work in favour of the country's many wonderful beach villas.
Thailand is famous for sun, sand and sea. Resort locations continue to attract the majority of tourists and one of the most famous and oldest seaside resorts of all is Hua Hin, two hours south of Bangkok. Enjoying a location on the eastern coast to the Gulf of Thailand, the city is famous for being the traditional royal seaside retreat and many Thais enjoy holidaying there. In recent years various villa developments have started to expand to the north and the south of Hua Hin around Cha Am and Pranburi where there is still plenty of available land close to the sea enabling the construction of larger villas on generous plots of land. Easy access to Hua Hin makes it a favoured weekend destination for people residing in Bangkok, which also means the opportunities for return on investment are strong.
Also easily accessible from the capital is Pattaya on the eastern seaboard. Although the city is perhaps most famous for its colourful entertainment industry, the seaside resort has in recent years seen an increase in high-end resort, condo and villa developments, which have helped transform it into one of the most popular destinations for Thais, tourists and expats alike. Located a short distance from Bangkok and just about one hour from Suvarnabhumi International Airport makes Pattaya easily accessible and the resort city is popular for weekend trips from regional cities such as Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore.
For those wanting to get further away, and experience the island lifestyle, Phuket and Koh Samui make are the perfect destinations. Phuket is Thailand largest island and enjoys a location off the west coast in the Andaman Sea. A diverse resort destination with plenty of high-end options, Phuket has long been a regional driver in beach villa development and some of the world's most stunning five-star villas are located in the hillsides of this stunning tropical destination. The western part is the most developed and offers world-class dining and entertainment venues as well as long wide sandy beaches.
Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand to the east offers the same high-end feel as Phuket, albeit on a slightly smaller scale. Here visitors can enjoy a more quiet holiday but in equally luxurious and attractive surroundings. Just one hour by plane from Bangkok, Koh Samui's international airport also connects to regional hubs such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong. The island's many protected bays also make it the perfect choice for private villa holidays and Koh Samui boasts more private beachfront properties than any other location in Thailand.