New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

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wandersoul
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New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

Post by wandersoul »

Good Day,

I was researching on Hua Hin and came across this forum which has a lot of good information. I would appreciate if someone could help me with the following.

My husband and I are from Canada. We will visit Hua Hin for a few days in early May. We would like to experience life as an expat to see if Hua Hin would be a suitable place for us for retirement.

Could someone please suggest where we should go and what to do? Also, what would be the best way to explore the city?

Thanks in advance.
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Lev
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Re: New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

Post by Lev »

Welcome to the forum, all of the info can already be found here, just use the search for what you're looking for.

Our partner's expat guide may also help: http://www.expathuahin.com/
Gregjam
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Re: New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

Post by Gregjam »

Spend a lot of time checking out the forum as if you only have a few days you will struggle to see part of the place. When here either get a local driver who speaks reasonable English to take you round (or if you are brave rent a car or motorbike). Eat and drink at places frequented by expats as mentioned on the site and you will begin to get an idea of how far Hua Hin extends and the choices available.
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Khundon1975
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Re: New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

Post by Khundon1975 »

Wandersoul Welcome to the forum. :D

I hope you both have luck in finding out as much about Hua Hin as you can, during your visit.

Spend time as Gregjam and Lev, suggest, also, don't rush into anything, property wise, until you have spent at least 6 months here.

Good luck, in your hunt for retirement heaven. :thumb:
I've lost my mind and I am making no effort to find it.
wandersoul
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Re: New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

Post by wandersoul »

Lev, thanks so much.

Will definitely continue to look through the forum topics to find more info.

I read on one of the threads that it rained heavily in the last couple of days. Is that normal weather for this time of the year? What is the weather like normally in early May? Just want to come prepared. :D

Thanks again.
wandersoul
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Re: New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

Post by wandersoul »

Hi Gregjam,

Thanks for your response.

This will be our first visit to Hua Hin and we could only stay for a few days. Originally, we were looking into Chiang Mai but a friend recommended Hua Hin. We plan to return next year and spend more time if Hua Hin suits us.

After reading some of the threads, I don't think we are ready to rent a car and drive around (at least not this time). Your suggestion of getting a local driver who speaks English is a good one. Do you know of any venues to find such drivers and what is the typical cost for a day?

Any information would be appreciated.

:cheers:
wandersoul
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Re: New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

Post by wandersoul »

Thanks Khundon1975, good advice.

Property is the last thing on our minds at this point. We really want to experience what Hua Hin has to offer first. My biggest concern is language barrier.

My husband speaks a little bit of Thai but I don't. I would definitely try to learn the language if we decided to retire in Hua Hin. But from what I heard, it is not one of the easiest languages to pick up.

Just curious, do most of the expats speak at a least a bit of Thai? If not, is it difficult to get around day-to-day? :D
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Re: New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

Post by JAGfx »

My wife and I (both Aussies) have been here just over 2 months now and neither of us speak any Thai other than hello and thank you. We were both a little surprised how little English is actually spoken by the locals here when we first arrived here. I guess we had been use to other bigger more touristy parts of SE Asia, where English is more common. It can be a little frustrating at times, but normally in face to face conversations there is normally someone in the vicinity that can speak some English. Normally enough to get by. The problem is if you have to ring someone on the phone etc. We are making a bit of an effort to learn some basic Thai and use the Google translate app a fair bit when necessary. Generally the Thais are very patient and have a bit of a laugh with the language barrier. As long as you keep it light hearted, make an effort and become good at sign language, you should be fine. Just have to remember that you are a guest in their country so it is up to us to try and fix the problem, not them.
And with regards to your research, the wife and I got onto YouTube and watched all of JC's (from Retire Cheap Asia) about Hua Hin and Cha-am. They were a great help and gave us a good idea of what we were getting into. Actually ran into him in Cha-am a couple of weeks ago where I could thank him personally. Cheers.
wandersoul
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Re: New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

Post by wandersoul »

Hi JAGfx,

Glad to hear one can still get around without speaking Thai.

I'll look up the YouTube videos you suggested.

Thanks so much!

Cheers.
Gregjam
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Re: New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

Post by Gregjam »

I would have to ask others about how much it would cost for a driver for a day and the best place to find them. I know that some of the taxi riders outside the bank next to the entrance also have cars but not sure on their English. Hopefully some of the other more recent arrivals who do not have their own transport are better placed to advise.
There are lots of drivers at the roadside around Hua Hin but you need one who understands that you are not just looking to go to the tourist traps.
laser
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Re: New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

Post by laser »

Hi,

We hired a car with driver in early December. From memory, we paid around 1400 baht for a day, and the second time 400 baht for 4 hours. The company is located at the start of Poon Suk Road as shown in on the picture (perhaps right after the Italian restaurant). The driver was nice and really helpful. His name is 'Chai' and I can recommend him.

Image
wandersoul
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Re: New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

Post by wandersoul »

Hi Gregjam,

It's okay. Thanks!
wandersoul
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Re: New Member Planning to Visit Hua Hin

Post by wandersoul »

laser, thanks for the picture and info. Will check it out.
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