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Hua Hin is unique as a major resort in Thailand in that it lacks the remoteness from Bangkok of Phuket, Ko Samui, Chiang Mai and the sleaze of Pattaya. Being approx 2½ hours drive from the capital it has become the prime location for Bangkok’s elite non more so than the much loved, King and Queen of Thailand who reside at their beautiful beach side palace. The influence of the Royal Family is felt in the character of Hua Hin which starts with well tended shrubs and flowers along the center of the highway some 25 kilometers from the city. In recent years Hua Hin has seen a housing boom with many Europeans retiring or investing in homes for holidays, usually with the intention of settling here when they have had enough of the ”rat race” high prices and fickle weather in Europe.
The mix of Thais and Europeans gives the city a cosmopolitan atmosphere with hundreds of ethnically diverse restaurants many specializing in the locally caught seafood. There is, of course, a lively bar area, but is much toned down compared to other locations in the Kingdom. This area known as Bintabarn is popular with both sexes wishing to sample the various cocktails while enjoying the age-old pastime of people watching.
The needs of wealthy Thais and Europeans has seen in the last year the opening of two world class shopping centres with many international names including a new Tesco super store. There was a time when a trip to Bangkok, to shop for certain items such as furniture and foods, was necessary.
This is no longer the case with a comprehensive range of goods now available
Living in the Kingdom needs to be experienced to fully appreciate the benefits when compared to the austerity and strict controls of living in The West. It’s not only the low cost of living, delicious food, climate, beaches, golf courses and friendly smiling faces, it is much more, Some people call it paradise, others Shangri La, however, one thing the ex-pats know for sure it’s extremely rare to find anyone wishing to return to their country of origin.
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