Is Hua Hin an alternative for Pattaya?

Hua Hin is a small resort town located 200 kilometers from Bangkok, that is, approximately like Pattaya, which is also a resort town.

Hua Hin can be reached directly from Suvarnabhumi Airport, as well as from the bus terminals of Bangkok.

I have lived in both of these cities – Pattaya and Hua Hin – for quite a long time: at the time of writing, almost 4 years in Pattaya and about 1 year in Hua Hin. That is, I was not only a tourist in these cities, but also a permanent resident. And I have formed an opinion about both of these cities.

In this short note, I will discuss whether Hua Hin, not a very popular city that many do not know about, can become your favorite city in Thailand instead of Pattaya?

Benefits of Hua Hin

If you like beautiful and clean beaches, a measured life in a not too big, but at the same time not a small city, then Hua Hin is just the perfect place!

The whole city is stretched along the sea. The sea is quite clean (certainly cleaner than in Pattaya!), the coast is mostly covered with sand. In general, swimming and sunbathing in the sea is pleasant.

Hua Hin has two large shopping malls. You will find most of your favorite stores there.

In addition to shopping malls, Hua Hin has many small restaurants, shops, and massage parlors.

In the vicinity of the city there are attractions, especially many natural attractions.

In the city itself there are places for walking and recreation.

On the beach you can find places with chairs and umbrellas, as well as places free from any service.

Hua Hin has bars and night markets.

There are schools in Hua Hin where you can study foreign languages, which will allow you to get a long-term student visa.

Disadvantages of Hua Hin

If you are a lover of nightlife and girls in bars, then in Hua Hin it is far from being the best place for it. It has bar and bar girls but in very small quantities. Fans of “nightlife” as Pattaya offers it will be bored in Hua Hin.

Hua Hin is a relatively small city, so you may have difficulty making new acquaintances. Although there are plenty of tourists and tourists in the city center from both other regions of Thailand and from other countries.

So which is better: Hua Hin or Pattaya?

There is no single answer to this question. It all depends on what you need more.

If you need peace and the sea without an abundance of people, then Hua Hin is the best for you.

If you want a vibrant nightlife in the sense that Pattaya means, then this city simply has no competition.

Pictures of Hua Hin

Shopping mall in Hua Hin Market Village:

View of Khao Takiab from Hua Hin beach:

View of Hua Hin from View Point:

View of Hua Hin from Khao Takiab:

Beach at Khao Takiab:

Khao Tao – a suburb of Hua Hin:

Hotels in Hua Hin

Hua Hin hotels and bungalows, both inexpensive and luxurious, you can find and book through the following search form.