Hua Hin v Pattaya

[Siam Addict]

Hi Guys,

I'm planning on retiring in the next 2-3 years when I'll be in my mid 60's and I can't decide on Hua Hin or Pattaya?

I have spent the last 15 plus years spending up to a month a year in Pattaya and really enjoyed my time, but is it worth retiring to? I can manage a month in Pattaya but all year?

Last year I spent three days in Hua HIn to see what I thought and I was surprised with what I saw there.

So my delemia is where to retire to?

I have listed a few of my priorities.

Travel time from Swampy, is less than 2 hours to Pattaya or three plus to Hua Hin, but this will only be a few times a year.

Girly bars and Go Go's I think Pattaya wins hands down on quantity of bars and quality of the girls and late night opening, but in my sixties and the fact I was never hansum man the good looking girls look elsewhere and not at me. Also it's about time I caught up on my beauty sleep so 1am closing might suit me.

Both areas seem to have plenty of restaurants and bars to get a meal or a quiet drink with friends.

Both seem to have adaquate shopping.

One thing I think Hua Hin wins hands down is the beach, I love walking along the beach, both have a nice long sandy stretch but in Pattaya you are constantly walking around or clambering over the anchor lines. Hua Hin you just clamber over piles of Horse shit!

Cost of buying a beachfront or within a five minute walk of the beach condo in Hua Hin is less than 5 million Baht. In Pattaya a condo within 5 minutes of the beach seems to be closer to 7-8 million Baht. I know Jomtiem is cheaper but is it a viable alternative?

What would be your preferred retirement area? I know this is a Pattaya based forum so I'm expecting Pattaya biased replies but has anyone spent time in both areas?

 

 

[boydeste]

I have spent a fair bit of time in both and enjoy both for what they are.

To be honest, we are all different. 

Given you know Pattaya very well, I would spend a good few month in either place to find out for yourself what makes you happy. 

DO NOT GO OUT AND BUY A PROPERTY. 

Rent for the first few years and possibly for ever until you are happy to spend the rest of your years there.

[Freee!!]

1 hour ago, Siam Addict said:

[...]

I know Jomtiem is cheaper but is it a viable alternative?

As Jomtien is right next to Pattaya and has an excellent beach with the additional advantages of being a bit quieter and not having the same reputation (world wide), I'd say it is a very viable alternative for Pattaya.

But as already written above, rent for the first period and try out all possible locations.

[Horizondave]

Having lived in both, I have to go for Hua Hin. I loved living there from when I was age 59 to 63. I was last there in September and the bar scene (although never to rival Pattaya) is getting better. Still so much to do and has a more family feel throughout, a more laid back feel. Some great shopping malls and, as you say, a great beach.

 

[Siam Addict]

1 hour ago, boydeste said:

I have spent a fair bit of time in both and enjoy both for what they are.

To be honest, we are all different. 

Given you know Pattaya very well, I would spend a good few month in either place to find out for yourself what makes you happy. 

DO NOT GO OUT AND BUY A PROPERTY. 

Rent for the first few years and possibly for ever until you are happy to spend the rest of your years there.

I agree, don't buy imediately, but is it not worth buying in the long term? I have already located three or four properties that I like the look of and I would plan on spending 3-6 months in at least one or two of these.

I've looked at both rental and buying and rental it's about 20,000 Baht a month and liable to go up every year. So a 4.5 million property you would have paid for fully after 15-16 years. I know there are other charges but they seem minimal.

I plan on living here 20 years and then??? But if I leave I will have no collateral for the next property. Also there is plans for a high speed rail within 10 years, not the upgrade that came into effect this year with journey times to Bangkok still over 3.5 hours but a realistic journey time of under two hours. This should give a large boost to Condo resale prices.

[Siam Addict]

20 minutes ago, Horizondave said:

Having lived in both, I have to go for Hua Hin. I loved living there from when I was age 59 to 63. I was last there in September and the bar scene (although never to rival Pattaya) is getting better. Still so much to do and has a more family feel throughout, a more laid back feel. Some great shopping malls and, as you say, a great beach.

 

I agree, the bar scene last December was a lot better than I thought.

Any areas that you recommend or think I should avoid? I grew up in a small costal village and I do like walking in the sand and I believe it's very good for my feet so I would like to stay close to the sea, but Hua Hin is a long thin city so you are never too far from the sea!

[Siam Addict]

1 hour ago, Freee!! said:

As Jomtien is right next to Pattaya and has an excellent beach with the additional advantages of being a bit quieter and not having the same reputation (world wide), I'd say it is a very viable alternative for Pattaya.

But as already written above, rent for the first period and try out all possible locations.

I thought Jomtiem was turning into a Russian area?

[Freee!!]

4 minutes ago, Siam Addict said:

I thought Jomtiem was turning into a Russian area?

I don't have any info on that, if so, Nahklua might be an alternative option.

[Glasseye]

1 hour ago, boydeste said:

I have spent a fair bit of time in both and enjoy both for what they are.

To be honest, we are all different. 

Given you know Pattaya very well, I would spend a good few month in either place to find out for yourself what makes you happy. 

DO NOT GO OUT AND BUY A PROPERTY. 

Rent for the first few years and possibly for ever until you are happy to spend the rest of your years there.

 

Very well stated.  ^^^^

No need to buy anything because you can find so many good places for low cost rent  = flexibility.

HH also has an easy access airport with quick easy flights to BKK and other Thai cities. Air Asia even has direct flights HH/Chiang Mai. I can leave my house in CM and be to a hotel in HH in about 2 hours. I'm even thinking about heading down there for a 3 or 4 night quicky next week. Amazingly easy and affordable.

HH for living full time, hands down. Visit Patts whenever you get a hankering. 

Once you learn the layout and getting around in HH you will find enough action to keep you happy and much more pleasant environment for everyday living. Less knuckleheads to deal with, less noise, much cleaner and MUCH better beaches.

[Glasseye]

21 minutes ago, Siam Addict said:

I thought Jomtiem was turning into a Russian area?

 

No doubt. 

And for sure stay away from Pooket if that is a concern. I fear they will start invading HH. But I think the flood from that tide surge had peaked.

[Glasseye]

33 minutes ago, Siam Addict said:

I agree, don't buy imediately, but is it not worth buying in the long term? I have already located three or four properties that I like the look of and I would plan on spending 3-6 months in at least one or two of these.

I've looked at both rental and buying and rental it's about 20,000 Baht a month and liable to go up every year. So a 4.5 million property you would have paid for fully after 15-16 years. I know there are other charges but they seem minimal.

I plan on living here 20 years and then??? But if I leave I will have no collateral for the next property. Also there is plans for a high speed rail within 10 years, not the upgrade that came into effect this year with journey times to Bangkok still over 3.5 hours but a realistic journey time of under two hours. This should give a large boost to Condo resale prices.

 

As @boydeste mentioned "everybody is different".... so true. 

But, keep in mind. Plans change, places change, people get sick, on and on.... 

I have nothing against folks who want to own property. But when you do you are kind of tied to it. And that is a huge reason why many of us come here regularly or live here full time - that being to not be tied down to something. That mindset is what we are escaping from.

[Stillearly]

Pattaya is a shithole ... but it's great fun ...

I don't think I would ever want to live there full time  ...

HH is much nicer , but Jomtiem or Naklua might also be far enough from Patts , Bangkok would probably be my first choice , so easy to get anywhere...

 

[Lemondropkid]

Lots excellent advice on here, I would go with the option of living in both for a few months as suggested by @boydeste

I've been living in Thailand 9 months now, much of it in Hua Hin, and am enjoying life. I will though give living in other cities here a try.

Living here is very different than spending even an extended holiday here. Compared to the UK it's way, way easier and faster to rent property, so need to sweat over the right city or area, just try them out🙂

[KWA]

One thing you don't mention is transport around town, whichever one it is.  Do you plan to have your own as otherwise that could be a big factor in your decision making?

I chose not to which pushes me to central Pattaya and Bolt/Grab etc if and when required.

[KWA]

4 hours ago, Glasseye said:

HH also has an easy access airport with quick easy flights to BKK and other Thai cities. Air Asia even has direct flights HH/Chiang Mai.

Hua Hin currently has one flight a day in/out from Chiang Mai.  No other destinations inside or outside Thailand.

[Glasseye]

14 minutes ago, KWA said:

Hua Hin currently has one flight a day in/out from Chiang Mai.  No other destinations inside or outside Thailand.

Thanks for clarification. I assumed they flew elsewhere.

[Nightcrawler]

I am finding this topic very useful as if I resume visiting Thailand, Hua Hin will probably be my choice of destination.

I've had it with Pattaya, at least for the time being. . Last time I visited Hua Hin was 15 years ago and it was quite laid back. No doubt it has changed  somewhat,but now that I'm older, I think it will suit me better. Less traffic, less stress and a nightlife scene that isn't in your face but there if you want it. 

4 hrs or so  from BKK airport isn't too bad ether and there is now a bus direct to and from Patraya should I get bored. Time for a new adventure instead of the same old everyday.

 

[KhunDon]

Retired to a beach front villa in Hua Hin back in 1999 and loved the place immediately.

Bit of a frontier town back then, but it’s grown by leaps and bounds since. Now you have everything you need including good hospitals, supermarkets, shops and a variety of good bars and restaurants of every description and getting around is easy. 

Now we spend time in HH and time in UK and Europe, but full retirement there is on the menu when son is able to look after himself in a few years time. 
I’ve done Pattaya a few times, but it’s not my thing, it’s for the younger crowd now IMHO. 

Rent a place in either city and take time to decide, there’s no rush. Plenty of rentals to look at, either villas or condos for every budget, plus, as you say, the beach to walk on. 🤗

Good luck in your search. 👍

[Lemondropkid]

Jesus at this rate Hua Hin is going to be full of board members I'm off

[Butch]

I'd also consider the quality of nearby hospitals / clinics. Getting older comes with its own set of challenges in that respect. Also, the local infrastructure, is it wheelchair friendly?, is parking easily available? etc. etc.

For my money I'd choose HH, or a place outside of Pattaya (around the lake maybe?) but never Pattaya central area. I've never been to HH but there's plenty of info out there about it, and it seems more laid back, slower pace of life and better value than Pattaya does in many respects. I'd expect also that property out of town in HH comes more reasonably priced as well.

There's the pollution aspect to consider, air quality etc along with traffic issues on National / Religious holidays, plus the beach in Pattaya is simply disgusting.

With regards to buying, again echo the sentiments here regarding rentals. Renting does offer flexibility on a budget, for example, you could rent a nice 3 bed villa with a pool for a few years, then either downsize, up size or remain, just negotiate the rental ahead of contract and try to get it fixed or with an agreed %tage rise year on year. With a purchase you're effectively "stuck". The method many use in the PI is to invest the purchase price of any property and use the interest accrued to pay any rent. Although the capital is eroded a bit by inflation, there's still that liquid cash if needed.

Regarding travel time from Swampy, if retired and only occasionally travelling, I'd be booking a nice, comfy private taxi , or even an overnight stay in BKK and travel the following day with an hour stop off half way through.

I'd personally give 3 months rental in HH a go, then go to Pattaya and do the same. All the time I'd be entering information on a spreadsheet regarding my financial outlay, and keep a personal journal as well, at the end compare the two and make a choice.

Ultimately retirement is all about quality of life which you've worked hard for.

 

 

[Horizondave]

10 hours ago, Siam Addict said:

I agree, the bar scene last December was a lot better than I thought.

Any areas that you recommend or think I should avoid? I grew up in a small costal village and I do like walking in the sand and I believe it's very good for my feet so I would like to stay close to the sea, but Hua Hin is a long thin city so you are never too far from the sea!

Will respond later, off in 5 mins to Swansea with my young daughter. 

[Butch]

3 hours ago, Nightcrawler said:

I am finding this topic very useful as if I resume visiting Thailand, Hua Hin will probably be my choice of destination.

I've had it with Pattaya, at least for the time being. . Last time I visited Hua Hin was 15 years ago and it was quite laid back. No doubt it has changed  somewhat,but now that I'm older, I think it will suit me better. Less traffic, less stress and a nightlife scene that isn't in your face but there if you want it. 

4 hrs or so  from BKK airport isn't too bad ether and there is now a bus direct to and from Patraya should I get bored. Time for a new adventure instead of the same old everyday.

 

As we chatted yesterday mate, I agree that this is a good idea. A change being as good as a rest and pattaya does tend to get one jaded after a while.

Every fucker in the bars seems to have an "angle", and when something simple like crossing a road becomes a challenge, then I think it's time to ask a few questions.

 

 

[Glasseye]

5 hours ago, Nightcrawler said:

I am finding this topic very useful as if I resume visiting Thailand, Hua Hin will probably be my choice of destination.

I've had it with Pattaya, at least for the time being. . Last time I visited Hua Hin was 15 years ago and it was quite laid back. No doubt it has changed  somewhat,but now that I'm older, I think it will suit me better. Less traffic, less stress and a nightlife scene that isn't in your face but there if you want it. 

4 hrs or so  from BKK airport isn't too bad ether and there is now a bus direct to and from Patraya should I get bored. Time for a new adventure instead of the same old everyday.

 

You are headed in the right direction. When they finish that road project the bus trip will probably be a bit shorter than 4 hours I think. Don airport may even be a much shorter ride if you plan to head there directly.

You may also consider a couple nights in BKK and then take the Bell bus from your hotel (they have a van that picks you up. At least I think they still do that) and the route is shorter to HH than from the airports (if my memory is correct). If you leave early in the morning you are heading in the opposite direction of the heavy traffic. Next thing you know you are pulling in. Lot of great restaurants in HH also. Much easier just walking around and transport is good and cheap. tuk tuks and Grab is quick.

I have learned there are some better deals on decent hotels further south like down near the big malls. Then either walk to Soi 80 where there is a string of bars or take a tuk tuk down by the Hilton and enjoy walking around. Have a drink at the Hilton and walk out to the water. Watch the waves roll in and then go hit the town (dozens of bars and restaurants within a few steps. If you don't find a chica for the evening no big deal. There is always the next day.

I really miss the ferry they had between Patts and HH. 2 hours, no traffic, smooth as silk, could walk around, food, clean shitters. I've even fallen asleep on the thing. 

[Glasseye]

2 hours ago, Butch said:

As we chatted yesterday mate, I agree that this is a good idea. A change being as good as a rest and pattaya does tend to get one jaded after a while.

Every fucker in the bars seems to have an "angle", and when something simple like crossing a road becomes a challenge, then I think it's time to ask a few questions.

 

 

Yes, last few times if it weren't for the fact that I got to see a few friends that I will always enjoy spending some time with I would have been completely miserable.

Out of control roadworks, assholes on bikes, cnuts on the sidewalks, stench everywhere, sweating like a pig.

[Glasseye]

2 hours ago, Butch said:

I'd also consider the quality of nearby hospitals / clinics. Getting older comes with its own set of challenges in that respect. Also, the local infrastructure, is it wheelchair friendly?, is parking easily available? etc. etc.

For my money I'd choose HH, or a place outside of Pattaya (around the lake maybe?) but never Pattaya central area. I've never been to HH but there's plenty of info out there about it, and it seems more laid back, slower pace of life and better value than Pattaya does in many respects. I'd expect also that property out of town in HH comes more reasonably priced as well.

There's the pollution aspect to consider, air quality etc along with traffic issues on National / Religious holidays, plus the beach in Pattaya is simply disgusting.

With regards to buying, again echo the sentiments here regarding rentals. Renting does offer flexibility on a budget, for example, you could rent a nice 3 bed villa with a pool for a few years, then either downsize, up size or remain, just negotiate the rental ahead of contract and try to get it fixed or with an agreed %tage rise year on year. With a purchase you're effectively "stuck". The method many use in the PI is to invest the purchase price of any property and use the interest accrued to pay any rent. Although the capital is eroded a bit by inflation, there's still that liquid cash if needed.

Regarding travel time from Swampy, if retired and only occasionally travelling, I'd be booking a nice, comfy private taxi , or even an overnight stay in BKK and travel the following day with an hour stop off half way through.

I'd personally give 3 months rental in HH a go, then go to Pattaya and do the same. All the time I'd be entering information on a spreadsheet regarding my financial outlay, and keep a personal journal as well, at the end compare the two and make a choice.

Ultimately retirement is all about quality of life which you've worked hard for.

 

 

HH has a couple of quality hospitals. Bangkok HH is one of them and there is another one that is very good. It is close enough to BKK that if you needed a specialist that wasn't in HH they could get down there.

I have found I enjoy it more with each visit.

Edited July 30 by Glasseye