Moving to Koh Samui

Real stories & helpful tips for moving to and living on Koh Samui, Thailand.

You can find blogs and my book here: https://www.samuijanerealty.com/moving-to-koh-samui

21/07/2025

🏝️ Thinking of swapping the 9–5 grind for sunsets and scooters?

We’ve crunched the numbers and lived the life — here’s our straight-up guide to what it really costs to live on Koh Samui in 2025.

From rent and groceries to gyms, massages, medical care and the odd overpriced steak (which we didn’t order) — this guide covers it all. No fluff, no travel blogger nonsense. Just real prices and personal experience.

💡Includes:
✅ Rental costs (from apartments to luxury villas)
✅ Grocery + dining prices (and where it’s cheaper to eat out than cook)
✅ Gym, yoga, massage, and even paddle tennis
✅ Fuel, insurance, utilities, and more
✅ What we spend each month as a couple living here full-time

If Koh Samui’s on your radar, this might help you decide whether to book a holiday or pack your bags.

📖 Read the full post here:
👉 https://www.samuijanerealty.com/my-real-estate-journey-koh-samui/koh-samui-cost-of-living-2025-guide

Got questions? Happy to share what we’ve learned, just drop us a message.

Thinking of moving to Koh Samui? Here’s what it really costs to live here in 2025 — from rent and groceries to gyms, massages, and medical care. A straight-talking guide based on local experience.

15/07/2025

Greetings. If you are interested in finding out what we love about owning a property in Koh Samui and what the different property ownership options are, you might be interested in this blog.

Thinking of buying property on Koh Samui? Learn about leasehold and freehold options for foreigners, plus the lifestyle and investment potential of owning a villa or condo on Thailand’s island paradise.

15/07/2025

🏝️ Ever thought about buying a place on Koh Samui?

I’ve just published a new blog that breaks down how foreigners can actually own property here — what’s legal, what’s smart, and what kind of returns are possible.

✅ Leasehold villas (up to 30 years, often extendable)
✅ Freehold condos under the 49% foreigner quota
✅ Returns of 10%+ on the right properties
✅ Capital gains potential for off-plan buyers

But it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about owning your own tropical retreat — a winter escape, a lifestyle reset, or even part of your retirement plan.

There’s also a good bit about daily life here too — beaches, markets, Thai food, climate — all the reasons people fall in love with the island.

👉 Read it here:
https://www.samuijanerealty.com/my-real-estate-journey-koh-samui/buying-property-on-koh-samui

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or message me — always happy to help.

02/07/2025

🚗💨 Wondering how you will get around in Koh Samui?

Transport in Samui is a challenge to say the least. Public transport is pretty much non existent so it's either cabs' grab or fend for yourself.

If you opt for the latter your options are pretty much to rent or buy a scooter or car. This blog shares some of my thinking and experiences around both, together with some suggestions as to how you might try to avoid the dreaded “Samui tattoos”, the scars you get from scooter accidents.

So whether you’re here for a holiday or staying longer, this blog might just save you a fine, a hospital visit, or worse.

👉 https://www.samuijanerealty.com/my-real-estate-journey-koh-samui//koh-samui-transport-guide-scooters-cars-safety

No fluff. No sugar-coating. Just a few thoughts on how to get around Samui - hopefully safely!

Thinking of renting a scooter or car in Koh Samui? This honest, no-fluff guide covers everything you need to know — from rental scams and police checkpoints to safety tips and local road rules (or lack thereof). A must-read before you hit the road in paradise.

27/06/2025

Jane's latest listing in Koh Samui

💰 Asking Price: 10,800,000 thb 📝 Description: Modern Pool Villa in Bangrak – Ideal for Living or Investment Step into this beautifully designed 3-bedroom villa located in the desirable area of Bhoput/Bangrak, Koh Samui. With a sleek, contemporary layout and thoughtful features throughout, th

27/06/2025

🏝️ NEW LISTING – Modern Pool Villa in the Heart of Bophut/Bangrak 🏡

Looking for a villa that ticks all the boxes — lifestyle, location, and rental return?

This 3-bed, 3-bath pool villa is brand new, beautifully designed, and sits right in one of Koh Samui’s most desirable neighbourhoods — Bangrak/Bophut.

💰 Asking Price: 10.8M THB
📍 Location: 1 minute from ISS, 5 mins to Bangrak Beach, 10 mins to Fisherman’s Village & Chaweng
🛫 Only 10 mins from the airport — ideal for holiday lets or easy travel

✅ Why this villa stands out:
– Single-level design — great for families, retirees, or couples
– Prime spot for short-term or long-term rental income
– Quiet, private street but close to everything
– Walk-in ready — just bring your bags (and maybe a cold drink for the pool)

Perfect for full-time living or as a set-and-forget rental investment.

🔗 View full details and photos here:
👉

25/06/2025

If you are interested in moving to Thailand with your furry family, you may find this post interesting and for more info it will take you to the MTKS page on Jane's website.

Moving to Thailand with pets? Learn how to bring your cat or dog to Koh Samui, avoid landlord issues, and understand the rules for returning to New Zealand or Australia.

25/06/2025

Thinking of bringing your pet to Thailand? 🐶🐱
We did — and it’s been great… mostly. But here’s what nobody tells you: getting them back home (especially to NZ) is the hard part.

If you’re planning to move to Samui with a cat or dog, here’s the no-BS guide to what it really takes — from microchipping and vaccines to landlord drama and dealing with soi dogs on the beach.

👉 Read the full post here: https://www.samuijanerealty.com/my-real-estate-journey-koh-samui/moving-to-thailand-with-pets-dogs-cats-koh-samui-guide

Moving to Thailand with pets? Learn how to bring your cat or dog to Koh Samui, avoid landlord issues, and understand the rules for returning to New Zealand or Australia.

25/06/2025

📡 Staying Connected in Thailand — Without Getting Stung
Worried about mobile coverage or internet in Thailand? Don’t be. From Bangkok to the backroads of Samui, the connection is faster, cheaper, and more reliable than you’d expect - often putting the West to shame. In this post, I share how we got set up, avoided a sneaky roaming bill from NZ, and which apps you’ll actually use to stay in touch with the world (and your mates back home). If you’re heading this way or thinking of moving, this is well worth a read.

Internet and mobile coverage in Thailand is better than you think. From free Wi-Fi in cafés to dirt-cheap SIMs with 100GB plans, here’s what travellers and expats need to know — including how to avoid sneaky roaming charges from your home provider.

19/06/2025

Yesterday I did a video walkthrough of Central Samui mall and the Tops Supermarket. If you are wondering what shopping is like on Koh Samui this is about as good as it gets.

Watch my full walk-through of Central Samui and Tops Supermarket here 👉

Early Morning Walk Through Central Samui & Tops Supermarket – 9:00 AMCurious what shopping is like for expats in Koh Samui? This video takes you through Cent...

18/06/2025

🚶‍♂️Quiet morning in Koh Samui?
Here’s a full walkthrough of Central Samui & Tops Supermarket at 9am — before the island wakes up.
Thinking of moving to Samui or just want a sneak peek at real life here?
👉 Watch now:

Early Morning Walk Through Central Samui & Tops Supermarket – 9:00 AMCurious what shopping is like for expats in Koh Samui? This video takes you through Cent...