good and the bad about living in Hua Hin

[camsouth]

Greeting's all

My wife and i are looking into moving to Hue Hin next spring. we now live in Chiang Mai have been here a year. what i am looking for is the good things and not so good things about this city. immigration, process there easy or hard to do. how easy is it to buy a car there , hospitals ect , like anyone looking to find out how life works there . we have looked at houses there. and i have a map. so any information would be great , thanks

[ukrules]

I did a 90 day report at Hua Hin immigration today, I turned up there at about 4pm and was out the door having been processed within 10 minutes.

Buying a car is simple if you don't require credit. You just need a recent 'certificate of residence' to register it in your own name which is easily obtainable from immigration, the car dealership will do this for you. I'm not sure on second hand vehicles.

I popped into town and bought a little motorbike earlier this week, it took 30 minutes to complete the transaction. I did some shopping while they did whatever it is they have to do before you can drive off, I was in the car at the time so I had them deliver it to me.

It can be a bit quiet around here at times though, I guess it all depends on what you're looking for.

I would suggest that if you're looking for beaches, etc that you look a little south of the central downtown Hua Hin area, down by the Khao Takiab area. There's another beach which isn't the main tourist one and it's much nicer according to some people I know who live down that end of town.

The area around the big 'Baan Jamjuree' apartment complex (google it) would be worth looking at in my opinion.

[camsouth]

thank you for that information. quiet is ok with us, we are looking to rent a house there. and i was looking to see what life is like there. for expats. we dont drive here in chiang mai as there is to much traffic. we live in the city ,looking for a laid back nice place to live. quiet and with good services.quality of life there ,

[ukrules]

I would of course recommend a week or two holiday to check the place out first.

They also have flights from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin which might be useful for you. Kan Air is the airline.

[asdecas]

You mean, if you haven't already died of boredom?

[HerbalEd]

Having lived in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pattaya, I can say that I very much enjoy now living in Hua Hin. However, you may not like it.

The obvious thing to do is to come down and stay for a couple of weeks. Then you'll know for yourself if it's the place for you.

As to boredom: some people bore easily, some like things a bit quieter. For me, HH is the happy medium. Also, BKK is only a 2-2.5 hours drive or taxi away.

[ggt]

The good...there is an ex-pat chess club where you can meet ex-pats...

The bad...there is an ex-pat chess club where you can meet ex-pats...

[jagfx]

Been living in Hua Hin (Takiab area) since February. We enjoy it as nice and quiet for us (Aussie couple 52/50) Enough night life for us but you may struggle if you are more of a night owl. Enough of a red light area to keep you interested. Traffic can be a little crazy at times, especially on weekends. But generally pretty good. We only rent scooters here at about 2500 baht per month. Don't really need a car as we are close to the baht bus stop which do only cost 10 baht each trip during the day and then 15 baht after 7pm. That gets us right into the centre of town. There are at least 3x major hospitals here that I know of (Bangkok, San Paulo and Hua Hin). Plenty of markets here if you are into that. As stated, very quiet at the moment but the Scandinavians take over the place in the high season. Weather is great, the beaches so so, and if you are a kite surfer, then this is heaven. Immigration office here seems easy enough and friendly when attending. Been there a few times for various reasons and never longer than an hour. There are quite a few expats here, but probably not as many English speaking ones as in other major Thai cities. Up to you whether you seek them out or not. The vibe here isn't too bad and the crime rate seems low, with the Police keeping a very low profile. Checkpoints every now and then on the main roads but as long as you comply, all good. And as this is the Royal family's holiday palace, we have a permanent Navy presence just off shore and the town itself is kept pretty clean. And as stated, BKK is only about 240kms up the road, and there is flights direct to CM from our very underused airport. They are even building a ferry terminal at our end of town for the future Pattaya run. You could live in worst places, but visit first to see if it is for you. Welcome to sleepy hollow...

[wpcoe]

I lived in Hua Hin for 2.5 years, and found it quite pleasant.

Only significant negatives were (a) the lack of variety in foreign-type shopping: one Tesco Lotus, no Big C, no Central Dept store, one Home Pro, one Villa grocery store, horrendous traffic on Petchkasem Road, especially on weekends, and [c] Hua Hin Immigrations is one of the handful of offices that requires the money used for a combination (income + savings) method for qualifying for a retirement extension be seasoned for 90 days.

Some positives: (a) no rip-off baht bus mafia (like Pattaya/Phuket) with B10 fares the standard, comfortable bus service from BKK airport with reasonable price, [c] quick (express) train service to/from BKK,

As stated above, seemed clean and safe with easily accessible western hospitals.

[JimHuaHin]

Been living in Hua Hin (Takiab area) since February. We enjoy it as nice and quiet for us (Aussie couple 52/50) Enough night life for us but you may struggle if you are more of a night owl. Enough of a red light area to keep you interested. Traffic can be a little crazy at times, especially on weekends. But generally pretty good. We only rent scooters here at about 2500 baht per month. Don't really need a car as we are close to the baht bus stop which do only cost 10 baht each trip during the day and then 15 baht after 7pm. That gets us right into the centre of town. There are at least 3x major hospitals here that I know of (Bangkok, San Paulo and Hua Hin). Plenty of markets here if you are into that. As stated, very quiet at the moment but the Scandinavians take over the place in the high season. Weather is great, the beaches so so, and if you are a kite surfer, then this is heaven. Immigration office here seems easy enough and friendly when attending. Been there a few times for various reasons and never longer than an hour. There are quite a few expats here, but probably not as many English speaking ones as in other major Thai cities. Up to you whether you seek them out or not. The vibe here isn't too bad and the crime rate seems low, with the Police keeping a very low profile. Checkpoints every now and then on the main roads but as long as you comply, all good. And as this is the Royal family's holiday palace, we have a permanent Navy presence just off shore and the town itself is kept pretty clean. And as stated, BKK is only about 240kms up the road, and there is flights direct to CM from our very underused airport. They are even building a ferry terminal at our end of town for the future Pattaya run. You could live in worst places, but visit first to see if it is for you. Welcome to sleepy hollow...

As a slightly older (59) Australian, living in the same area as jagfx for 2 years, I support their statement.

2 new shopping malls under construction, with another one approved.

Hospitals are very good; but the quality of health care at Hua Hin Hospital is better than at the private hospitals; and Hua Hin Hospital offers a Baht 200 express service for farangs, with health worker escort (the three people currently working in this unit speak good English, as do many of the medical staff), which saves hours of waiting in the hospital.

Traffic is bad on the weekends, and long holiday periods, but much better than CM's traffic.

And there are not too many Australians here!!

[camsouth]

well it sounds good so far i am from usa and have a stated income from us embassy i used that for last years retirement and my wife is my dependent. so that wont be a problem. i did think hua hin had a big c according to the google map i looked at . but no problem if you dont. we are pretty laid back so the quiet living is ok with us. all i need is a driver permit for there. and are there any good car dealers there like ford ect looking to buy a new one .rather not drive there from here. so any help in that area be great as well.

[TenDreams]

There is a Big C on Pala-U Road, and 3 Tesco Lotus's I can think of if you include Pranburi, and 2 Makros also.

[dutchman]

I am living in Hua Hin for 4 years now and came 6 years before 6 months each year.

Living in Hua hin is for me a pleassant experience.

Ony the bad thing is the traffic at hollidays and weekend as many people from bangkok like to stay here.

The market village is the one and only interesting mall at the moment including many restaurants and tesco and homepro.

The third floor is for banking and telephone and it shopping and a cinema and bowling as well.

All you need to buy can be obtained within a city circle of 2 km.

we have nice beaches and kao takiab 4 km south is nice as well.

30 km upnorth is Chaam loved by the thais and people like more quiet and Chaam seems to be more cheap as Hua Hin

[Civilnow]

I moved here from Chiand Mai two months ago and am very glad I did. Much more exciting for a single man. If I was married I would like it here also. Air quality is much better here. Housing very expensive but Thai baht is helping me with that.

I would go to BKK to buy a car and they will do all the paperwork for you.

As far as moving cost me 20,000 for all my stuff and two choppers and a motorbike. then I drove my car.

If you have around 30,000Thai baht a month, the heights past Big C on the left has three houses for rent that I know of.

Welcome if you decide to move here.

[misterphil]

Good: Not crazy like Pattaya.

Bad: The sun sets behind you when your sat on the beach.

I lived in CM 6 years ago. San Sai but it was too quiet for me.

I too am thinking about moving to Hua Hin so will be interested in this post.

Am I right in thinking you get a better house for your money in Hua Hin than you do in Pattaya?

[camsouth]

I moved here from Chiand Mai two months ago and am very glad I did. Much more exciting for a single man. If I was married I would like it here also. Air quality is much better here. Housing very expensive but Thai baht is helping me with that.

I would go to BKK to buy a car and they will do all the paperwork for you.

As far as moving cost me 20,000 for all my stuff and two choppers and a motorbike. then I drove my car.

If you have around 30,000Thai baht a month, the heights past Big C on the left has three houses for rent that I know of.

Welcome if you decide to move here.

well good to here how did you move the bikes, all we have are personal stuff. no bikes or car. was hoping to buy one there , but bbk is ok if thats the only place ,i pay 20 k now for a bigger than average 130 sqm in city so housing at around 20 to 30 k per be fine

[camsouth]

Good: Not crazy like Pattaya.

Bad: The sun sets behind you when your sat on the beach.

I lived in CM 6 years ago. San Sai but it was too quiet for me.

I too am thinking about moving to Hua Hin so will be interested in this post.

Am I right in thinking you get a better house for your money in Hua Hin than you do in Pattaya?

we also looked there in pattaya at houses , about the same price wise. depends on how far you want to be away from city .to me hua hin is better quiet and less tourists. but it really depends on what you want. we are looking for a place with pool or in a community with pool and close to beach if possible.

[SOUTHERNSTAR]

OP I have been living here for 6 years and will not change the city for any other in Thailand. I however do believe that you should come and stay here for a month or two before you make up your mind. If you are into pubs its not the right city for you, but if you want a slower paced live its the place to be. I did my last two 90 day reports within 10 minutes each time and the officers are always friendly. There are 2 private hospitals and several private clinics (dental etc.). If you have Bupa health insurance we have a branch in the north of town close to Macro. Since Marco have opened we do most of our grocery shopping there, much cheaper than Tesco or Villa Market. If I remember correctly Blu port mall will open next year and it will be bigger than Market Village and should have Big C as their anchor tenant. If you into golf there are many courses around. We prefer to play squash and badminton at Palm Hills although their are a couple of fitness centers around. Traffic can be a problem in the main roads during long week ends and special events, but are much better than when the economy was going well. If you are buying a house I would suggest that you first stay here a while before you decide on an area.

[little mary sunshine]

I really enjoyed CM the year I lived there; however

I missed the ocean. I visited Hua Hin, spent a month

There and finally opted for Jomtien Beach. Great

Medical, lots of English spoken, movies mostly in

English, and you are close to BKK.1 1/2 hours. I

Love the ocean, Jomtien Beach and Hua Hin beaches

I found dirty. I go to Koh Larn once a week, beach is

Clean and the water as clean as Maui. I have been

Here 5 years and hope to stay at least another 5.

Have you considered Jomtien?

[misterphil]

Good: Not crazy like Pattaya.

Bad: The sun sets behind you when your sat on the beach.

I lived in CM 6 years ago. San Sai but it was too quiet for me.

I too am thinking about moving to Hua Hin so will be interested in this post.

Am I right in thinking you get a better house for your money in Hua Hin than you do in Pattaya?

we also looked there in pattaya at houses , about the same price wise. depends on how far you want to be away from city .to me hua hin is better quiet and less tourists. but it really depends on what you want. we are looking for a place with pool or in a community with pool and close to beach if possible.

Have you looked at houses in Na-Jomtien and Huay Yai? I live in Na-Jomtien now. 10 minutes to Pattaya and 3 minutes to the beach.

Search for Baan Balina, there's 4 villages now so plenty to choose from. Prices from 20,000 to 50,000 a month. Some have private pools and all the villages have communal pools with gyms etc.

[gamini]

I lived in Hua Hin for 2.5 years, and found it quite pleasant.

Only significant negatives were (a) the lack of variety in foreign-type shopping: one Tesco Lotus, no Big C, no Central Dept store, one Home Pro, one Villa grocery store, horrendous traffic on Petchkasem Road, especially on weekends, and [c] Hua Hin Immigrations is one of the handful of offices that requires the money used for a combination (income + savings) method for qualifying for a retirement extension be seasoned for 90 days.

Some positives: (a) no rip-off baht bus mafia (like Pattaya/Phuket) with B10 fares the standard, comfortable bus service from BKK airport with reasonable price, [c] quick (express) train service to/from BKK,

As stated above, seemed clean and safe with easily accessible western hospitals.

There is a new big C now. has a lot of farang food. Very popular with expats

[off road pat]

thank you for that information. quiet is ok with us, we are looking to rent a house there. and i was looking to see what life is like there. for expats. we dont drive here in chiang mai as there is to much traffic. we live in the city ,looking for a laid back nice place to live. quiet and with good services.quality of life there ,

You will love Hua Hin ,...specially on the weekends and Thai holidays,...! best of luck,...!!

[gamini]

Much better class of expats than most places. friendly and fast immigration. wonderful western restaurants in the major hotels.

[camsouth]

I really enjoyed CM the year I lived there; however

I missed the ocean. I visited Hua Hin, spent a month

There and finally opted for Jomtien Beach. Great

Medical, lots of English spoken, movies mostly in

English, and you are close to BKK.1 1/2 hours. I

Love the ocean, Jomtien Beach and Hua Hin beaches

I found dirty. I go to Koh Larn once a week, beach is

Clean and the water as clean as Maui. I have been

Here 5 years and hope to stay at least another 5.

Have you considered Jomtien?

no, pattaya i thought was to many tourist . not into the pub scene anymore. quiet place more laid back is what we seek i lived in cm and in the states las vegas ,so party is not what i looking for, been to maui so i do like that the water being that clean .

[wpcoe]

I lived in Hua Hin for 2.5 years, and found it quite pleasant.

Only significant negatives were (a) the lack of variety in foreign-type shopping: one Tesco Lotus, no Big C, no Central Dept store, one Home Pro, one Villa grocery store, horrendous traffic on Petchkasem Road, especially on weekends, and [c] Hua Hin Immigrations is one of the handful of offices that requires the money used for a combination (income + savings) method for qualifying for a retirement extension be seasoned for 90 days.

Some positives: (a) no rip-off baht bus mafia (like Pattaya/Phuket) with B10 fares the standard, comfortable bus service from BKK airport with reasonable price, [c] quick (express) train service to/from BKK,

As stated above, seemed clean and safe with easily accessible western hospitals.

There is a new big C now. has a lot of farang food. Very popular with expats

Good to hear. Where is it? In a few years, I may end up back in Hua Hin.

[kev78]

Not sure why people are saying it's so quiet all the time, if you want it, it's there. Near the Hilton and a few streets are buzzing at night not to mention soi 80. Also you have a couple of new water parks, one where you can learn water sports etc. (Black mountain). Night Markets seem to be busy as well.

[Felt 35]

I lived in Hua Hin for 2.5 years, and found it quite pleasant.

Only significant negatives were (a) the lack of variety in foreign-type shopping: one Tesco Lotus, no Big C, no Central Dept store, one Home Pro, one Villa grocery store, horrendous traffic on Petchkasem Road, especially on weekends, and [c] Hua Hin Immigrations is one of the handful of offices that requires the money used for a combination (income + savings) method for qualifying for a retirement extension be seasoned for 90 days.

Some positives: (a) no rip-off baht bus mafia (like Pattaya/Phuket) with B10 fares the standard, comfortable bus service from BKK airport with reasonable price, [c] quick (express) train service to/from BKK,

As stated above, seemed clean and safe with easily accessible western hospitals.

Do you mean that you both have to prove money in bank and a letter verifying your income from your embassy to be granted a retirement visa?

[nemrut]

I really enjoyed CM the year I lived there; however

I missed the ocean. I visited Hua Hin, spent a month

There and finally opted for Jomtien Beach. Great

Medical, lots of English spoken, movies mostly in

English, and you are close to BKK.1 1/2 hours. I

Love the ocean, Jomtien Beach and Hua Hin beaches

I found dirty. I go to Koh Larn once a week, beach is

Clean and the water as clean as Maui. I have been

Here 5 years and hope to stay at least another 5.

Have you considered Jomtien?

How's the ferry ride? Miss the pristine water/coastline of Maui but there's only so much surfing, golf, tennis, sitting on beach one can do before they go out of their mind :-)

[ableguy]

I lived in Hua Hin for 2.5 years, and found it quite pleasant.

Only significant negatives were (a) the lack of variety in foreign-type shopping: one Tesco Lotus, no Big C, no Central Dept store, one Home Pro, one Villa grocery store, horrendous traffic on Petchkasem Road, especially on weekends, and [c] Hua Hin Immigrations is one of the handful of offices that requires the money used for a combination (income + savings) method for qualifying for a retirement extension be seasoned for 90 days.

Some positives: (a) no rip-off baht bus mafia (like Pattaya/Phuket) with B10 fares the standard, comfortable bus service from BKK airport with reasonable price, [c] quick (express) train service to/from BKK,

As stated above, seemed clean and safe with easily accessible western hospitals.

There is a big c and a Makro also two great bakeries, and two German sausage makers each having his own shop, try Soi 41 for really great pies , fruit and meat, Soi 29 German sausages and baguette bakery for divine cakes, all on the main drag just north of down town ( clock tower )

[camsouth]

I lived in Hua Hin for 2.5 years, and found it quite pleasant.

Only significant negatives were (a) the lack of variety in foreign-type shopping: one Tesco Lotus, no Big C, no Central Dept store, one Home Pro, one Villa grocery store, horrendous traffic on Petchkasem Road, especially on weekends, and [c] Hua Hin Immigrations is one of the handful of offices that requires the money used for a combination (income + savings) method for qualifying for a retirement extension be seasoned for 90 days.

Some positives: (a) no rip-off baht bus mafia (like Pattaya/Phuket) with B10 fares the standard, comfortable bus service from BKK airport with reasonable price, [c] quick (express) train service to/from BKK,

As stated above, seemed clean and safe with easily accessible western hospitals.

Do you mean that you both have to prove money in bank and a letter verifying your income from your embassy to be granted a retirement visa?

well i have 2 incomes from my retirement from the states one gov one pvt all i need is a letter from us embassy showing this icome. with attached award letters. according to the law . you can have that , i make way more than is asked for and my wife is attached to my retirement as dependant/ she dose not need to show an income