Central Group’s Porto de Phuket: The Investment That Changed Everything
When Central Group opened Porto de Phuket in Choeng Thale, the landscape of Phuket’s property market shifted dramatically. With more than 1.5 billion baht poured into the project, the retail giant introduced a completely new lifestyle destination. Porto de Phuket was not a traditional enclosed shopping mall, but an open-air lifestyle hub built across 40,000 square meters, two-thirds of which is devoted to green areas. Its warehouse-style design, combined with lush outdoor spaces, set the tone for a new kind of development in Phuket—one that blends commerce, leisure, and nature.
The mall was designed as a destination with seven distinctive zones, ranging from gourmet supermarkets and multi-brand design stores to family learning areas, health and wellness concepts, and pet-friendly spaces. During the high season, Porto de Phuket was expected to draw 10,000 to 13,000 visitors a day, with the majority being local residents and long-term expatriates, and a smaller yet significant share of tourists. The concept positioned Choeng Thale as more than just a beachside area. It became a lifestyle center, a social hub, and a new landmark that signaled to developers that this part of Phuket was primed for growth.
Since the launch of Porto de Phuket, condominium development in the surrounding area has gained unstoppable momentum. Choeng Thale was already attractive because of its proximity to Bang Tao and Surin beaches, Laguna’s resorts, and Blue Tree water park, but the addition of a Central Group lifestyle complex elevated the desirability of the location to a new level.
Today, more than 1,500 condominium listings can be found near Porto de Phuket. The market has matured into a diverse mix of compact entry-level units, spacious family apartments, and high-end residences designed to appeal to both investors and end-users. The median price hovers around 6.95 million baht, with an average cost of 157,000 baht per square meter. A studio apartment typically trades around 4.5 million baht, while one-bedroom units average just over 6 million baht. Two-bedroom residences often reach 12 million baht, and three-bedroom apartments climb to more than 26 million baht.
Bang Tao Condo Developments Defining the Market
Several condominium projects highlight the variety of options available near Porto de Phuket. Zcape I, for example, offers smaller one-bedroom apartments of about 28 square meters, with prices just under three million baht. These compact units have proven popular with first-time buyers and entry-level investors who see the potential of renting to young professionals or seasonal visitors.
The Aqua presents a different proposition, with one-bedroom units around 56 square meters, lake and pool views, and prices beginning above eight million baht. Its positioning is aimed at buyers who want space and higher quality finishes.
Space Cherngtalay Condominium sits in the middle ground, combining modern low-rise buildings with units priced between 3.3 and 8.6 million baht. Investors have been drawn to this project because of its high rental returns, often approaching ten percent annually, supported by strong demand for short- and long-term rentals.
The Title Heritage Bang Tao offers a resort-style living environment with one-bedroom units ranging between 4.6 and 7.2 million baht. Its design, amenities, and off-plan nature appeal to buyers looking for lifestyle properties with potential for appreciation.
For those at the higher end of the spectrum, The Standard Residences has made headlines. Scheduled for completion in 2026, this development offers one- and two-bedroom units from 75 to 100 square meters. Prices start at 13.5 million baht and climb to 18.5 million baht, reflecting its premium positioning and luxury amenities.
Other upcoming projects include The Title Legendary Bang Tao, with one-bedroom units priced around 5.8 million baht, and So Lagoon Cherngtalay, a boutique development with compact studios from just over three million baht. Together, these projects illustrate the breadth of the market, from affordable entry-level units to prestigious branded residences.
Why Buyers and Developers Are Drawn to Choeng Thale
The first driver of the boom is lifestyle magnetism. Porto de Phuket has become a focal point for residents and tourists alike, providing an environment where shopping, dining, wellness, and family activities merge seamlessly. For many property buyers, proximity to such a hub enhances the perceived value of owning or renting a home nearby.
The second factor is strong investment fundamentals. Choeng Thale sits within easy reach of Laguna Phuket, internationally branded resorts, and some of the island’s most famous beaches. This combination creates year-round demand from expatriates, retirees, long-stay tourists, and digital nomads. Rental yields in many of the new condo developments are reported in the eight to ten percent range, making the area one of the most attractive in Phuket for investors.
The third element is diversity. Unlike other pockets of Phuket that cater exclusively to luxury or budget buyers, Choeng Thale now offers a spectrum of choices. Studios under three million baht sit side by side with branded residences priced above eighteen million. Families can find two-bedroom units with modern amenities, while retirees or solo investors can opt for smaller, easy-to-maintain apartments.
Finally, the rapid urban evolution of the area has played an important role. Infrastructure upgrades, better roads, and improved connectivity to Phuket International Airport, just 30 minutes away, have further boosted Choeng Thale’s accessibility. The synergy of Porto de Phuket with this expanding infrastructure has positioned the neighborhood as one of the island’s fastest-growing real estate corridors.
Can the Bang Tao Condo Boom Last?
As with any property market experiencing rapid development, questions of sustainability inevitably arise. With more than 1,500 listings already on the market, some observers raise the possibility of oversupply. Others caution that global economic shifts or changes in tourism trends could affect demand. Yet the fundamentals remain strong. Phuket’s tourism continues to rebound, expatriate demand for long-stay rentals is rising, and Thailand’s appeal as a second-home destination has not waned.
What sets Choeng Thale apart is the balance between lifestyle infrastructure and property development. Porto de Phuket is not a one-off attraction but a central anchor that continues to grow and evolve, drawing consistent foot traffic and reinforcing the area’s long-term desirability.
Central Group’s 1.5 billion baht investment in Porto de Phuket has become much more than the creation of a shopping destination. It has served as a catalyst for a real estate transformation. In just a few years, the Choeng Thale area has evolved into one of Phuket’s most dynamic condominium markets, offering everything from budget studios to luxury branded residences.
With a median price of nearly seven million baht, steady rental yields, and a growing number of lifestyle amenities, the area around Porto de Phuket continues to attract both developers and buyers. The momentum appears unstoppable, fueled by the synergy between a world-class lifestyle mall and a rapidly expanding residential market.
