Thailand is open and on the up once again. Pandemic restrictions are almost a thing of the past. It’s a breath of fresh air, like a revival of sorts has happened. Visitors are flying in for well-earned breaks, enjoying beautiful beaches, exploring forests, feasting on sensational Thai food, sipping tropical cocktails, relaxing with sensational massages, marvelling at astonishing temples and simply enjoying the famous Thai hospitality.

There is also a buzz in the property market, with an upswing of foreigners buying property in Thailand. Some are sniffing around for hot bargains to invest in Thailand, while others are buying their dream home. Retirement in Thailand is also exceptionally popular and arguably the most preferred country in the Asian region for retirees.

Condos, apartments, townhouses, pool villas, and detached houses are all on offer, selling from a few million baht to high-end super-luxury properties. If you have a cool 5 million USD in your back pocket, you are in for a treat. Check out these outstanding properties, as we think they are all best buys!

Bangkok – Extraordinary Penthouse in Hip Thong LoWhere to start in describing this incredible 26th-floor penthouse? International design and development studio YOO, led by property entrepreneur John Hitchcox and the world’s most celebrated designer Philippe Starck is responsible for Khun by YOO. A residential development that oozes outstanding creativity, opulent amenities, and elegant furnishings and finishes.

The penthouse comprises three well-appointed bedrooms with walk-in closets, luxurious ensuites, and a magnificent dining and living area opening onto the full-length balcony. A European kitchen with essential amenities, including a wine fridge, adjoins the dining area. The maid’s living space and Thai-style kitchen are separate. This 294 sqm home is unfurnished, allowing you to handpick furniture and decor to your taste and family needs.

Floors 24, 25, and 27 are home to residents’ exclusive amenities. These include the heated Skyscape Swimming Pool with 180-degree city views, jacuzzi, kid’s pool, gymnasium, reading lounge, games room, Bang & Olufsen equipped screening room, and a fantastic approx. 500 sqm rooftop garden.

Another draw card is the location. Thong Lo, arguably Bangkok’s trendiest neighbourhood, offers a vibrant lifestyle attracting locals and expats alike. Sometimes referred to as Sukhumvit 55, it has a thriving nightlight life scene, with trendy bars and fantastic local and international eateries. Fashionable shopping facilities, nearby schools and hospitals, and proximity to the BTS Skytrain make it highly appealing.Phuket – Sleeping with the Stars at Villa RockstarUnadulterated luxury exudes from Villa Rockstar, Kalim, a six-bedroom, contemporary-styled, hillside villa perched 60 meters above sea level. Facing due west provides incredible day and night panoramic views over Patong Bay and sunsets to die for.

The rockstar theme meanders delightfully throughout the villa, with each bedroom dedicated to a rockstar. All bedrooms have an ensuite bathroom. Of the villa’s six bedrooms, there are four king-size bedrooms, one extra-sized bedroom with two king-sized beds, and a twin bedroom. All are separated, offering greater privacy, with three on the lower level. The villa floor area is 1200 sqm and sits on 1600 sqm of land with electric gated security.

The massive central living, dining, and kitchen area with 4-meter-high ceilings has breathtaking views across the pool and ocean. And so many playthings, including a Pro 9-foot pool table, a huge wall-mounted TV with a 14-person comfy lounge, an infinity-edge pool with built-in jacuzzi and ‘disco’ lights. Outside, you can play football, shoot some basketball, or play squash on the international-sized, air-conditioned, private court.

If you must leave the villa, perhaps for a dip in the ocean or to check out all Phuket has to offer, Patong is about a ten-minute drive. You will have plenty of change from 5 million USD, as it is available for 95,000,000 baht (less than 3M USD on exchange rates at the time of writing).Pattaya – Most Spectacular Pool VillaThis impeccably designed pool villa is located in the prestigious Siam Royal View Estate and has room for the whole family plus some. Featuring 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, with 1,700 sqm of interior space, this spacious home is on a 2,100 sqm plot. Exquisitely finished by Bugatti Home with exclusive furnishings and decor, it’s ready to move in.

This home is perfect as a holiday or residential home. Keep fit in the 90 sqm gym, sweat it out in the sauna and steam rooms, swim some lengths in the 16-meter pool, or play field sports on the outdoor lawn. Perhaps a game of billiards, take your pick of the three jacuzzis or recline in the plush movie theatre. Spacious lounge, living, and dining areas are ideal for entertaining.

Excellent utilities include a backup electric generator, utility and storage rooms, sprinkler system, double glazed custom floor-to-ceiling UPVC windows, 12 smart TVs, Japanese toilets, and more. Being part of Siam Royal View Estate also provides access to fantastic facilities like the clubhouse, swimming pool, covered parking and 24-hour security. The property has easy access to Pattaya, shopping, restaurants, golf and recreational activities, international schools, and two airports within 90 minutes drive.Hua Hin – Luxury Beachfront 6 Bedroom Pool Villa
A charming, ultra-modern villa is tucked away in a green pocket, yet walk across a quiet street to feel the sand between your toes on the white sandy beach. Located between Cha-Am and Hua Hin, this strip has quaint Thai restaurants and eateries, massage shops, and a convenience store, and the main town is about a ten-minute drive.

As well as occupying this truly unique location, this luxury beachfront pool villa comes beautifully finished and fully furnished. Consisting of two buildings, a kidney-shaped pool snakes beside them, with plenty of lounging areas. One building is two levels, including a large deck with panoramic sea views. Together there are six bedrooms with ensuites and extra bathrooms, expansive open plan living with two living rooms, a dining room, and two kitchens.

This detached house is freehold on a 1380 sqm plot; however, the interior space is 1780 sqm. It also has two maid’s rooms, CCTV, and security. At approximately 4.5 million USD, a fantastic price for an exclusive beachfront property on Thailand’s delightful Gulf Coast.Ko Samui – Award-Winning, Six Bedroom VillaThis stunning Ko Samui villa, with the largest garden area in the Samujana Villa estate, is on an 1840 sqm plot on a gently sloping hillside with majestic sea views. It feels remote and tranquil in a particularly beautiful spot on the island’s northeast. Yet, it is just a few kilometres from shops, restaurants, and the airport, and beyond are many magical Samui attractions.

The villa is designed for unparalleled luxury living with 1734 sqm of living space spread over four levels. The main floor offers an oversized infinity-edge pool, plenty of spaces to relax and unwind, and fabulous lounge and dining areas to entertain friends and family with spectacular dinner parties, barbecues, and cocktail parties.

The master bedroom, with its commanding views, occupies the upper level. The other five bedrooms and bathrooms are on Lower Level 1, along with an amazing cinema seating 12 guests. Interestingly, Lower Level 2 are event facilities with state-of-the-art equipment, a games room, a well-equipped fitness room, and a kitchenette. Price 4,500,000 USD, this is luxe island living at its best.