101 tips and advice for visitors to Hua Hin

[uncle tom]

1) Don't be afraid of Thai food

Although some regional styles of Thai cuisine are notoriously spicy, most Thai food is tasty and moderately seasoned, and it's cheaper too.

Experiment - and enjoy!

[uncle tom]

2) Street traders are an intrinsic part of Thai culture.

Unlike other parts of the world, the street traders almost always take no for an answer first time, and don't pester.

Don't be afraid to make eye contact when you say 'no thanks' - it's a little bit rude to cut them dead.

[uncle tom]

3) Be careful when swimming in the sea at Hua Hin

At high tide there are concealed rocks near the Hilton that have razor sharp barnacles.

Keep well away from them.

[Bristolian]

4) Don't be afraid to bargain in markets and similar. It's expected

Remain respectful and happy......make your offer and enjoy the chase. If a deal is possible they won't let you walk away....

Keep smiling and don't get angry or upset.

[Bristolian]

5) Learning and speaking a few Thai words will please the locals and make your interaction more pleasurable. Don't worry if you get it wrong......

Sawadee ( Ka - Krap - female - male) = Hello
Kop Khun ( Ka - Krap - female - male) = Thank You

[Bristolian]

6) If you rent a motorcycle be careful or car, the motorist laws may be similar to your home country but they will be applied differently by other road users and the police.

If you ride a motorcycle, wear your crash helmet, watch for the totally unexpected and take your time....too many rush to their ends or a time in casualty. Make sure that you have adequate personal insurance, just in case the worse happens and you are hospitalised. The motorcycle can be repaired!

[Dannie Boy]

Never say or do anything that could be considered disrespectful against the monarchy.

[Bristolian]

If you arrive in a Hua Hin on a weekend the traffic will be bad at best and manic at worse. Many Bangkokians will visit HH on weekends and stay in hotels or their weekend apartments. The traffic is much better during weekdays; except for public holidays.
I am one of those that adds to the weekend traffic.

[Bristolian]

If you are a new visitor to Hua Hin, you have already found a great source of information. If you get stuck or simply need advice, this forum is excellent site to ask your questions or ask for individual solutions.

[sateeb]

Anyone who drives a Toyota Fortuna will be a twat..beware!!!!

[usual suspect]

Well said sateeb..

[usual suspect]

1 more little tip..IF you find yourself arriving by bus into the 'new' bus-station & need transport to your home/hotel etc..take one of the taxis that wait there before using a tuk-tuk.
(The taxi is air-conditioned, the driver will load your luggage in the back, & it will be cheaper & safer).

[usual suspect]

Please,please be aware that when crossing the main dual-carrigeway that runs thru' town that if you intend crossing the road at the red/white pedestrian zone.. traffic will NOT stop for you!!
Please wait till no vehicles are coming before attempting to step out!

[usual suspect]

Please try be polite to street vendors..they are only trying to make a living, & don't deserve to be scowled at.

Exceptions to the above statement are:-
* When you are approached by/your path is blocked by the men outside tailor shops..
you are tempted to be polite to them due to their nicey-nicey banter..don't fall for this..
..if you indeed do not wish to have a suit made, then be 'firm' with your denile when they
badger you.
* Beggars..up-yo-you on this one. Personally I treat them same as Nepalese tailors!

*Watch-salesmen..they are like a mini-mafia here in town..you know damn well the items are fakes so
haggle them down to about 40% of their initial asking price.

* Hill-tribe sales-folk..Have a word with yourselves..WTF are you gonna do with that wooden frog
once you got it home..ORP,ORP,ORP!

[usual suspect]

Another tip..Lady-boys..treat them as men who wish to take as much money off you as possible to fuel their ever-needy daily hormone drug fix.
Yes some are pretty, some have nice boobs, nice legs, sexy bodies, heaps of charm.. etc, but beware..a big %age of them are purely out to filch your dosh after your night of drinking! Oh the times I've heard on the bar-grapevine that yet another male tourist has had his wallet, cards & phone stolen after taking a L/B back to his room! Use the safe!