Welcome back to the Architect Phuket blog! I’m Nay, your native Thai architect, and I’m continuing our series on Phuket’s subdistricts to help you find the perfect spot for property investment, retirement, or building a house. Today, we’re venturing to Mai Khao, a name meaning “white wood” in Thai—and it offers a pristine, untamed edge to match.
Why Mai Khao Appeals to Property Investors
Mai Khao crowns Phuket’s west coast in Thalang District, north of Bang Tao, with the island’s longest beach—a wild, quiet stretch that attracts nature lovers and luxury seekers. Land prices are a mixed bag—pricier near resorts, more affordable on the outskirts—offering options for investors. Rentals lean towards long-term stays, with expats and villa guests drawn to the tranquillity, while tourist traffic remains light, ensuring a stable, exclusive market. Nightlife is minimal—resort lounges only—keeping the focus on peace and high-end appeal, which is ideal for investors seeking a premium, low-maintenance rental market.
Is Mai Khao Ideal for Retirees Seeking a Quiet Coastal Escape?
The vibe in Mai Khao is serene and spacious, perfect for retirees who want a grand, quiet coastal retreat. Mai Khao Beach is a marvel—10 kilometres of sand, often empty, with shallow waters and a reputation for turtle nesting. You’ve got dining options like Sala Phuket for a luxurious bite or Bill Bentley Pub for a casual pint near the resorts. Basics are available at Thalang’s markets, 20 minutes southeast, or Tesco Lotus in Cherngtalay. Traffic is a whisper—Mai Khao Road barely hums, even in season, ensuring a peaceful lifestyle. The airport is a convenient 10-minute drive south, and Chalong’s pier, 40 minutes away, links to islands like Koh Racha. Wildlife adds a natural touch—turtles, birds—enhancing the serene environment without disruption.
Building a Spacious Home in Mai Khao: Topography and Opportunities
Mai Khao’s topography is a wide-open wonder, offering excellent opportunities for those looking to build a house. A broad, flat coastal plain stretches for miles—perfect for straightforward construction—edged by gentle hills and Sirinat National Park’s greenery inland. This sprawl feels raw; the expansive flat zone invites big plans, while the low hills provide a natural buffer and opportunities for properties with subtle elevation.
Let’s analyse a 4 km radius around Mai Khao Beach’s central sweep, the area’s vast centrepiece:
- 1 km Radius (Prime Coastal Zone): This is the polished pocket, where beach and resort fringe meet—great for rentals or a sleek retreat catering to the luxury market.
- 2 km Radius (Residential Potential): This zone blends homes and hospitality, still close to the shore with hints of parkland—solid for a spacious house or upscale stays.
- 4 km Radius (Secluded Retreat): This area spreads into the wilds, perfect for a villa with solitude or an eco-focused build, linking south to Bang Tao or east to Thalang.
Mai Khao is a quiet giant—vast and serene. It’s prime for building a spacious house, though those fringe roads can ramble—check them out first. Build with vision; this scale deserves it.
Building Regulations in Mai Khao
Here’s what you need to know about building regulations:
- The flat coastal sweep requires 40% open space for greenery or parking.
- Hilly and park zones require 60% open space.
- Coastal strips 10-50 metres from the beach cap builds at 6 metres, under 75 square metres, with 75% open space. Beaches can’t be owned, so watch the edges.
- Inland, you can hit 12 metres, but slopes over 50% are off-limits—stick to the flatter or gentler hilly areas.
Start with the Phuket City Land Use Planning Map, Land Slope Controls via topography analysis, Thailand Ministerial Regulation No. 22, and the Phuket Environmental Control Map. These are standard rules, but they can shift, and exceptions slip in, so confirm with Phuket officials.
Is Mai Khao the Right Investment for You?
Mai Khao is a coastal colossus—ideal for a quiet retirement, a spacious family home, or a rental with exclusive appeal for expats and luxury villa guests. It’s not loud or cheap, but it offers space and a natural allure in abundance for investors, retirees, and home builders. Pick a sharp spot, and you’re in the clear. Ready to invest or build in Mai Khao? Contact us at Architect Phuket to start planning your project!
Video Coming Soon
A video on this topic will be coming sometime in the future, so stay tuned for more insights on Mai Khao.
What’s Next?
In my next post, we’ll pivot to Thalang, inland a bit. For now, if you’re ready to get started, reach out via our contact page.
