Hua Hin: The Best Place to Retire in Southeast Asia

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Hua Hin: The Best Place to Retire in Southeast Asia

‘Live And Invest Overseas’ Magazine compares Nha Trang Vietnam with Hua Hin’

HUA HIN:-- Hua Hin, Thailand, and Nha Trang, Vietnam, two pretty, coastal towns in Southeast Asia, are also two of the most appealing choices in this part of the world for the would-be retiree.

Both boast lovely beaches perfect for lazy afternoons; both are friendly and welcoming to foreigners; both are home to sizable populations of retirees and expats; and both offer the kinds of amenities that Western retirees typically look for, including good restaurants and nightlife, recreational opportunities, and an all-around comfortable standard of living for an affordable cost.

Both towns are set in scenic areas, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, and, in both places, the climate is comfortably tropical year-round. Yet, Hua Hin and Nha Trang are very different overseas retirement choices. Hua Hin is one of the few classic retirement havens in Southeast Asia, complete with golf courses, factory outlets, and gated communities. Located less than three hours south of Bangkok, Hua Hin has a population of 70,000.

Foreigners make up approximately 15% of that population, and most of them are retired. With 12 golf courses in operation and another 3 under construction, this is definitely the place to go if you’re a golf enthusiast. Although Hua Hin isn’t the cheapest destination in Southeast Asia, the cost of living is reasonable by Western standards. The infrastructure is good, health care is modern and affordable, and the overall standard of living is excellent. Nha Trang’s cost of living is a major attraction. If you’re a budget-minded retiree with an interest in Asia, this town should be on your list. Nha Trang provides great value for money. In Hua Hin, a retired couple could enjoy a comfortable, uppermiddle- class life on a budget of about US$2,000 per month.

A comparable life in Nha Trang would cost half that. Thailand offers formal retirement visa options, meaning that foreigners of modest means can arrange to live (legally) long-term in the country. Vietnam does not offer any such visa at this time, though staying long-term in this country is possible with an extendable tourist or business visa. Although both Hua Hin and Nha Trang are located in the tropics at close to the same latitude and the climate in both qualifies as comfortably tropical, Nha Trang sees more seasonal temperature variation than Hua Hin. During winter months, you might want a jacket or a sweater, something seldom required in Hua Hin. Here is a bottom line synopsis to help you see how these two top Asian choices compare: Land Ownership: Not an option in either location, though land leases in Thailand are renewable and transferable. Home Ownership: You can own your home or condo in Hua Hin. This is not currently an option in Nha Trang, though, as Vietnam is interested in attracting foreign capital, the relevant laws are expected to change.

Cost of Living: Nha Trang is the winner hands down. A couple could live here comfortably on a budget of less than US$1,000 a month. Infrastructure: Hua Hin and Thailand in general boast a well-developed infrastructure, whereas the infrastructure in Nha Trang and in Vietnam in general is much more developing world. Health Care: Hua Hin is the undisputed winner here. If you have ongoing health issues, Nha Trang is probably not a good choice. Visas and Residency: Thailand has formal options for long-term and retirement visas. Vietnam’s visa situation is more fluid and creative, although an open-minded expat who wants to stay on a long-term basis should have no difficulty accomplishing that goal.

Safety: The biggest risk in both places is traffic accidents. Scams are also a risk for the naive and unsuspecting in both towns. Petty crimes of opportunity are more likely in Nha Trang, though easily avoided by using common sense. Violent crime is rare in both locales. Climate: Warm and tropical with monsoon cycles. Winters are slightly cooler in Nha Trang. Organized Activities: Many clubs, teams, and events in Hua Hin. You make your own fun in Nha Trang. Nightlife: A tie. Lots of great choices in both places. Sounds like the winner in Hua Hin!

-- Hua Hin Today 2014-06-02

[asdecas]

One supposes that if you prefer to die of golf, booze and boredom rather than old age, Hua Hin is your bunker.

[ggt]

Don't know about Hua Hin...but Nha Trang has arguably one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in SE Asia...people are very friendly...great seafood...vendors cook lobster right on the street...very clean...easy and safe to walk to most places...plenty of sights to see...the women are attractive and approachable...

[morpho]

Nha Trang was a great place 10 years ago…but now it's completely overrun with Russians.

There's a place north of Nha Trang that is what Nha Trang used to be, but I'm not giving up the name of the place. People will have to find it themselves like I did!

As for Hua Hin, I've heard from some people who have actually lived there that life there is pretty boring.

[Krataiboy]

Doesn't sound to me like the author has ever been to Hua Hin. Still, you have to keep the advertisers sweet! Pretty? Not any more, if ever since its fishing village days. Modern Hua Hin is becoming anything but the "Queen of Tranquility" it used to be, turning ugly, with polluted air with terrible traffic problems. And as for the beautiful beach, well. . . step gingerly in the murky water to avoid the human sewage and other nasties which frequently wash up on a very ordinary stretch of sand by south-east Asian standards. Still, Hua Hin does score if golf, bars and shopping are your idea of a retirement retreat. Love the bit about Vietnams visa situation being " more fluid and creative". We all know what that means, yeah?