Past, present, and future: Phuket’s emerging island districts taking root

Emerging districts like Pru Jampa and Manik reshape Phuket’s real estate market with infrastructure-driven growth

In the real estate industry, one often hears the phrase: “location, location, location.” However, the deeper truth behind this widely quoted adage is that locations evolve over time—there is an ebb and flow in how they age. Moreover, infrastructure and demand generators are the true engines of change.

Take Bangkok, for example. Over the years, the city’s tourism landscape shifted from the early days of large hotels along the Chao Phraya River, with the Silom area thriving, to a transformation driven by the advent of the BTS Skytrain. This change propelled Sukhumvit to new heights. Today, the riverfront is making a comeback with major new developments like ICONSIAM and Asiatique. The resurgence of the riverfront was largely catalyzed by the extensions of the BTS and MRT lines, proving that infrastructure truly lights the spark for future growth.

Turning to Phuket, for decades the island’s tourism landscape was dominated by Rawai, Kata, Karon, and Patong. Eventually, larger projects began to take root in Bangtao, Kamala, and Mai Khao. Larger land plots and improved road networks to these areas, coupled with the redevelopment of Phuket International Airport into a regional aviation hub, played a significant role in this shift.

Fast forward to recent years, and spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, global political events, and a general trend of urban flight, Phuket’s real estate market has emerged as a key economic driver, alongside tourism. According to research from C9 Hotelworks, the current value of branded residences on the island has surpassed USD 2.3 billion.

The areas of Bangtao Bay and Cherngtalay have been at the forefront of this development boom, with estimates indicating that over 20,000 new units are under construction or in the pipeline. On any given day, driving through these areas, one cannot help but be struck by the sheer number of construction cranes dotting the skyline.

However, for a growing number of real estate developers, the key to success lies in forecasting where demand will flourish in the future. When attempting to predict growth patterns across the island, one critical factor stands out: infrastructure. Phuket, being an island, faces challenges in expanding large highways along the West or East Coasts. As a result, urbanisation is moving inland, making the central north-south corridor crucial to understanding where the growing population will settle. Both a planned expressway and a mass transit rail project are expected to connect these areas in the coming years.

So, what are the emerging districts in Phuket, and what’s happening on the ground? One area that has rapidly gained attention is Pru Jampa, located just north of Cherngtalay. It offers easy access to the airport, the central highway network, and is close to Bangtao. Notable developments in the area include Montara Hospitality’s Tri Vananda wellness community, as well as multiple projects from villa developers like Botanica and Anchan. The proximity to international schools, such as UWC, and the rapid transformation of the area into a sought-after residential community make Pru Jampa an exciting hotspot.

The area is also attracting projects that emphasise spacious living and larger outdoor areas. Architect Martin Palleros selected this region for the launch of his Tierra Living lifestyle communities, which feature a bespoke enclave of designer villas called Tierra Cuatro. Additionally, luxury brand La Prairie is set to open a world-class longevity clinic as part of the Tri Vananda development, further raising the area’s profile as a high-end destination.

Inland, near the Heroines Monument, the district of Manik is attracting those seeking an outdoor-oriented lifestyle close to international schools and retail districts. Bangkok’s Ananda Development is crafting an entire lifestyle community here, with planned facilities including luxury homes, serviced plots, and a focus on education, health and wellness, sports, and upscale living in a relaxed atmosphere. Nearby, the Niran Equestrian Center is capitalising on the growing number of families seeking an active, outdoor lifestyle.

Both Pru Jampa and Manik are emerging as key districts in Phuket, but it’s likely that the list of hotspots will expand. Pa Klok, with its nearly completed four-lane north-south road access, is another area to watch. Additionally, Mueang Mai, close to Phuket International Airport and the Blue Canyon Country Club, is seeing a surge of development, including the construction of a new multi-million-dollar Bumrungrad medical centre.

In what was once a beach-centric real estate market, Phuket is now maturing into a more urbanised landscape, with growth shifting inland toward areas with better infrastructure links and growing demand generators. The future of Phuket’s real estate market is taking shape around these emerging districts, each offering its own unique appeal and promise for the years to come.

About Bill Barnett

Bill Barnett — a globally recognised hospitality, tourism, and real estate advisor — is the founder and managing director of Asia-based C9 Hotelworks and esteemed member of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) Judging Panel.

In addition to being a leading consultant, he is a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences.  With over 30 years’ experience in the Asia Pacific region, he has an extensive background in hotel operations, development, and asset management. His past employment highlights include Senior Corporate roles at international hotel chains and publically listed companies. Bill is considered to be one of the foremost industry experts in the hotel residences sector.  To date, Bill is the author of four books on travel, property, and hospitality under the titles of Slave to the Bean, Collective Swag, It Might Get Weird and Last Call. 

For more information, email: [email protected].