Hua Hin Markets

[richard]

I used to take tourists to see the alm giving round in the Chatchai market early in the morning. They all liked it and it´s a very important part of the culture here. So they actually saw "real Thailand".

On the days I woke up early, I'd go there myself and pick up the Bangkok Post and some breakfast, sometimes curries, sometimes khanom khrok and soybean milk and Thai coffee.

Used to do the same. Up at 5 am and off to sit with a tea and a coffee while the wife gave alms and went shopping in the wet market. The only real Thai part of HH left IMO. Watch the sun come up and the birds and rats feeding off scraps. Farang count? Maybe a couple of late night crawlers.

[Big Boy]

Me too richard. Every time when on holiday, I used to take Mrs BB up there.

[Big Boy]

No. 7 - Hua Hin Memory

This particular venue was requested by a forum member. It is a market in the loosest meaning of the word - in fact I would call it a large food court selling a few trinkets on the side .

Signpost

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This attraction is located on a large corner plot on Naeb Khehard Road and Soi 51 (Damrongraj Road). Although partially open during the day, this area comes to life after dark, especially at weekends when it becomes a major meeting place with a modern style semi retro atmosphere for visitors from Bangkok.

Hua Hin Memory from Naeb Khehard Road during the day.

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Hua Hin Memory from Naeb Khehard Road at dusk.

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As the name suggests, it is full of little displays meant to reflect Hua Hin of old. This got me wondering.... an old train, fishing boats I could understand, but a lighthouse? I was visiting Hua Hin for about 13 years before moving here 2 years ago. I've never seen, nor have heard of a lighthouse. As a major focal point of the static displays, is this a part of Hua Hin's history that has passed me by?

During the day, there is very little to see outside of the static displays. Unfortunately, I normally like to return to a venue after dark, but because of pressing matters elsewhere, could only return at dusk. There were a couple of market type stalls setting up, but nothing like the scale of other Hua Hin markets. I saw clothes stalls being set up, and one large stall selling cuddly toys. It would be interesting to hear the views of those who have been here after dark on a busy day.

Complex sign with fountain behind during day

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Complex sign with fountain behind at dusk

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There is a small stage area where I guess they put on shows. However, I was either too early, or maybe the entertainment is reserved for weekends/special occasions when it is busy.

The food areas looked very substantial, and capable of catering for a lot of people. Tables were starting to fill while I was there, but I could imagine it getting quite busy at times.

Food court during day

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Food court at dusk

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All along Soi 51 it looked as though the many 'night' establishments were gearing up for a busy night.

Hua Hin Memory from Soi 51 during the day

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Hua Hin Memory from Soi 51 at dusk

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Conclusion - this is another 'plastic' Hua Hin attraction. However, it held a strange kind of attraction, and I will go back there for an evening with my wife for a meal to see if the atmosphere lives up to its potential.

More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 718&type=1

[Pleng]

There's a building in the centre of the market which houses a coffee shop (at least if my memory servers me correctly, that's the building I'm talking about). If you go up the stairs to the top of the building there's a little art gallery showing pictures of Hua Hin from history (take off your shoes)

[Big Boy]

Thanks Pleng - I saw that building (closed during the day), and wrongly assumed it was just a small indoor extension to the market. Unfortunately I didn't have time to explore fully when I went back at dusk. However, I love to see pictures of old Hua Hin, so I'll definitely make another visit.

[Big Boy]

Pae Mai

Undisputedly Hua Hin's largest and busiest market, Pae Mai is situated at the Southern end of the Klong Road, alongside the golf driving range. This market only opens on a Tuesday evening, and is predominantly frequented by Thais. When I was there, I counted the other Farangs that I saw there - just 13.

Normally, I like to do a daytime/evening contrast, but this market is so large/busy, that would be virtually impossible.

Daytime view

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Daytime view

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As I have said, this is predominantly a markets for Thais, and many of the prices reflect this. However, as a Thai market, don't go there looking for outsize clothes - they may be there, but certainly won't be the norm.

The first thing that appeals to me here is the huge and colourful range of street food. You name it, it'll probably be on sale here.

Street food

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Street food

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Street food

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A visit to this market can't be rushed. The crowds here are so large, I liken it to leaving a busy football stadium - you can only go as fast as the person in front. There's certainly no room for overtaking.

You have to go where the crowds take you

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The range of goods (new and used) on sale is impressive:

Pets

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Baby equipment (pushchairs, car seats etc) and Fitness equipment. A frequent forum question is where can you buy such items.

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Weapons - a whole variety of nasty looking weapons (swords, knives etc), which included guns, but I assume the guns were not real.

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There were many other things on sale including laptops, TVs, tools etc as well as the usual clothing and footwear items. Almost anything you could want is available here at Thai prices.

Parking is a problem, with all kerbs close to the market loaded with double parked motorcycles.

Parked motorcycles

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If you drive to Pae Mai, be prepared for a long(ish) walk from your car. If you don't have a motorcycle, it is probably better to go by taxi, and pre-arrange a pick up time for when you think you will finish.

If you like shopping combined with hustle and bustle, this market is a must.

More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 718&type=1

[hhfarang]

Been there once several years ago and I only saw one other foreigner while browsing through the market. Best market for street snacks I've seen here.

[Big Boy]

I'm always amazed at the diverse range of items available there.

[Dianachris]

Hi thanks for this we love markets and visit all of them...one comment about Pai market..although I do try and communicate with my limited Thai language,the Thai prices do change when it's a farang couple....a bag ,not a designer rip off,just a normal handbag,quadrupled from the sticker price.When I pointed to the sticker price and said the number in Thai,he shrugged and shook his head....they think all Farangs are CEO's of companies or have successful businesses...when we tell them I work in an office and my husband works in a factory,they think he owns it!!!! Not in Hua Hin I know,but the Wednesday market in Cha-am is huge and pretty good.....hope for regular updates...thanks

[Big Boy]

Not in Hua Hin I know,but the Wednesday market in Cha-am is huge and pretty good.....hope for regular updates...thanks

I went there years ago - another visit may be in order

I had a look around the Cha-Am Fresh Market earlier today and was surprised at the spaciousness and cleanliness.

[theprice01]

Thanks for Pae mai review, i had no idea one like that exsisted in hua-hin

[tweedychris]

the white baht bus goes to the pae mai market . also if you want a beer go in to the driving range next door to the tuesday night market sit there and watch all the golfers practising

[richard]

Hi thanks for this we love markets and visit all of them...one comment about Pai market..although I do try and communicate with my limited Thai language,the Thai prices do change when it's a farang couple....a bag ,not a designer rip off,just a normal handbag,quadrupled from the sticker price.When I pointed to the sticker price and said the number in Thai,he shrugged and shook his head....they think all Farangs are CEO's of companies or have successful businesses...when we tell them I work in an office and my husband works in a factory,they think he owns it!!!! Not in Hua Hin I know,but the Wednesday market in Cha-am is huge and pretty good.....hope for regular updates...thanks

My wife (Thai) and I used to have a system at all markets. If I spotted anything I wanted I used to wander back to her (10 metres behind me) and tell her to get it. Always got a dirty look when after the transaction I rolled up and thanked her for buying it.

[Dianachris]

Hi Folks just wondered, if anyone can update about a previous comment Borfai Chatuchuck Has this market opened now?Thanks

[lagojardin]

The best market in HH is at the bottom of soi 112, opposite the new water park - The freshly madetakeaway food is fantastic and very cheap, my wife comes home with 3-4 plastic bags of delicious Thai food from the same stall, everything at 20 baht per bag. Also the fresh fish, veg and fruit are the cheapest in town .. Give it a try.