The peninsula

Hua Hin

Hua Hin is Thailand's most established beach resort town, with a history stretching back to the 1920s when the Thai royal family built a seaside palace here. Today it's a mature, comfortable beach town that perfectly balances Thai culture with international convenience. The vibe is distinctly more relaxed and less party-oriented than Pattaya or Phuket — think sunset walks, morning golf, and night market dinners rather than nightclubs. Central Hua Hin — The historic center. Night market, Hilton hotel, the original train station (one of Thailand's most photogenic). Walkable, with a good mix of local and international restaurants. Khao Takiab (south) — Quieter beachfront with condos and temple-topped headland. Popular with long-stay retirees. Cicada Market creative arts venue. North Hua Hin / Cha-am side — More affordable beachfront condos. Thai weekend-trip market. Large-scale resort developments. West Hua Hin / Hills — Toward Black Mountain golf course and Kaeng Krachan. Housing estates with mountain views. Cooler, greener, more spacious. Hua Hin is arguably Thailand's best all-round retirement destination. The Scandinavian and European community is well-established with social clubs, volunteer groups, and regular events. Healthcare is excellent (Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, San Paulo). Golf is world-class and affordable (10+ courses within 30 minutes). The town is walkable, flat, and easy to navigate. And at 2.5 hours from Bangkok, it's close enough for city trips without city stress. Beachfront condos: 2–6 million THB for 1-bed. Pool villas in estates: 5–15 million THB. Premium beachfront houses: 15–50+ million THB. Long-term rentals: 10,000–25,000 THB/month for condos, 20,000–50,000 THB/month for houses. Roughly 40–60% cheaper than Phuket for comparable beach proximity.