Once you have settled in, Hua Hin offers a comfortable, enjoyable daily life. The food scene is excellent. The beach is five minutes away, and the expat community runs an active calendar of social events and activities.
These guides cover the practical side of life in Hua Hin, where to eat, where to drink, how to get around, where to shop, and what to do at the weekend.
Eating and drinking
Hua Hin punches far above its weight for food: beachfront seafood at the fishing pier, night-market classics, French and Scandinavian bistros, and quiet local kitchens where a plate of pad krapow costs ฿60. Browse our directory of restaurants and bars and cafés — every listing is rated and mapped, with the places locals and long-term expats actually use.
Golf, gyms and staying active
With more than half a dozen championship courses within thirty minutes — Black Mountain, Banyan and Royal Hua Hin among them — this is Thailand’s golf capital. Beyond the fairways there are muay thai gyms, fitness clubs, kitesurfing at Khao Takiab and year-round swimming. See golf clubs, gyms and fitness, and sports and recreation.
Shopping and everyday errands
Bluport and Market Village malls cover the big-brand needs, Makro and Villa Market handle the groceries (including the imported comfort foods), and the night markets fill the gaps. Our shopping guide maps it all, from tailors to hardware stores.
Getting around town
Green songthaews run the main Petchkasem Road spine for ฿10–20, taxis and Grab and Bolt cover the rest, and most long-stayers eventually rent or buy a scooter or car. The transport guide covers routes, licences and what things should cost.
Things to do beyond the beach
Weekend options run from the vineyards of Monsoon Valley and the waterfalls of Pala-U to Khao Sam Roi Yot national park, Cicada night market and day trips down the coast to Pranburi. Start with our things to do guide and the events calendar for what’s on this week.
Finding your people
The easiest way to settle in is to plug into the expat community — clubs, Facebook groups, charity runs and weekly meetups. Head to our community hub to find groups, events and stories from expats who have already made the move.