Moving to Hua Hin, information and advice needed

[RICHARDPARR]

Hello to all at the Hau Hin Forum,
a little bit of background is that my wife and I are retired, having spent 4.5 years in Malaysia, travelling to Thailand often
for holidays and visits. We returned to South Africa and retired in 2010 and decided to spend our winters (end May to Sept) in Thailand each year, last year being 3 weeks in Malaysia, then to Koh Samui until middle of Aug.

It was not really our best place we've visited in Thailand and this year, because being a golfer and wanting to live
in the Thailand we know, have decided on Hau Hin from 2nd week June to middle August.

So, if anyone can assist in answering a few questions, would be appreciated.

1) Are there any "card clubs" which might hold regular Texas Hold"em poker tournaments?

2) For the length of time, would probably look at buying a second-hand automatic scooter.
Any recommendations?

3) We fancied staying down the beach a bit, near Budda temple (Monkey Beach), but cannot find
on the net any beach chalets or bungalows. Otherwise advice on a Studio apartment
(two adults) with kitchen facilities, using for breakfast as we eat dinner out most nights.

4) Golf society's for expats would be appreciated, but I notice many on your site, so will bring the
clubs and be a regular weekly player. Play off 15 at my local club in SA, and look forward
to playing on your local courses.

Look forward to any advice you can give.
Otherwise will check the site and see if any responses.

Best regards
RICHARD PARR

[Takiap]

Hi Richard


First, if you're coming from South Africa, you'll have to bring a few jars of Peck's Anchovette fish paste, along with a bottle of Klipdrift Brandy.......lol.



To answer your questions.......................

1) I don't think you'll find a card club here, but of course I could well be mistaken

2) Second hand scooters are available everywhere so my advice would be that you simply visit one of the dealers once you get here, or even ask here on the forum.

Accommodation in the area you mentioned is usually available if you scout around a little. When my wife and I first moved down we also didn't have much luck looking online, and those which we did come across were way overpriced. You might need to book in somewhere for a day or two and then walk around a bit in the area and ask locals or expats. I know of one place which is privately owned and directly on the beach, and the owner was charging 12,000 per month for a small studio type ground floor flat. Prices might have changed, but she normally has at least one or two flatlets available.


I could always take you around there if you want once you and your wife arrive.



Cheers

[JW]

Hi Richard,

1) Are there any "card clubs" which might hold regular Texas Hold"em poker tournaments? I know a few people who play can hook you up.

2) For the length of time, would probably look at buying a second-hand automatic scooter.
Any recommendations? Baht and Sold website or printed publications when you get here.

3) We fancied staying down the beach a bit, near Budda temple (Monkey Beach), but cannot find
on the net any beach chalets or bungalows. Otherwise advice on a Studio apartment
(two adults) with kitchen facilities, using for breakfast as we eat dinner out most nights.
Can help I live in Takieb myself and have some options that could work.

4) Golf society's for expats would be appreciated, but I notice many on your site, so will bring the
clubs and be a regular weekly player. Play off 15 at my local club in SA, and look forward
to playing on your local courses. There are several societies but rules require long term visa/rental agreement, can explain further when your here. Come in August and September and its golf festival, cheap golf for sure!

Cheers,

JW

[buksida]

Welcome aboard, here are a couple more pointers:

2) Second hand scooters:
http://www.classifiedshuahin.com/index.php?catid=2
viewforum.php?f=6

3) Khao Takiab info and accommodation:
http://www.khaotakiab.com/

4) Hua Hin golf gossip:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10055

Enjoy

[HHpat]

Try the Hua Hin sportsvilla apartment with Pool and airconditioned
fitness center. I would stay completely away from all gambling and card
playing in thailand. People have been killed after getting involved with
the criminal gamblers.

[Frog]

Gambling is illegal in Thailand..

[hhfarang]

Gambling is illegal in Thailand..

Except of course when it comes to the lottery, marrying a Thai, or buying property...

[richard]

Gambling is illegal in Thailand..

So is prostitution,drug taking, drink driving and a lot more but ALL are rife

[Dannie Boy]

Gambling is illegal in Thailand..

So is prostitution,drug taking, drink driving and a lot more but ALL are rife

You forgot to add Richard, so are

[RICHARDPARR]

Blimey, I see the replies from Frog and Addict.

illegal, crime, murders .... you expats in Hau Hin are certainly a violent bunch (LOL).
or are you referring to the locals????

We were just enquiring about a friendly game with expats (like the German bar in Koh Samui)
and a couple of friendly games of poker for a beer or matchsticks!!!

Looking forward to arriving, will be in Malaysia from 23 May, then on 5 June to Pattaya to visit
and very good friend - and see there is a high speed catamaran from Pattaya to Hau Hin,
so that will be a nice way of arriving. Will be lugging baggage and golf clubs, but not a problem

See you all soon

[richard]

Sorry RP

Didn't mean to alarm.

There are laws but they tend to get overlooked. The laws are there though and in the event that you fall foul of someone it is not uncommon for some snitching and tea money exchanges taking place to get you

[pitsch]

The catamaran from Pattaya to Hua Hin is not running any more. Too few customers.

[dtaai-maai]

... there is a high speed catamaran from Pattaya to Hau Hin,
so that will be a nice way of arriving.

Not any more - I'm afraid it sank (metaphorically) a while ago. Looks like the bus...

[RICHARDPARR]

Mmm, that's that then!! But isn't there a ferry option? Pattaya/Hau Hin?
Otherwise will grab a minibus or taxi, maybe then spend a night in Bangkok (some shopping at the golf, computer and fashion mall), then head to Hau Hin by minibus (with all the shopping!!!). That can work.
Think I'll book a couple of nights at Evergreen (looks nice and quiet), then look around the beach areas for a cottage/studio, condo
for the two of us. Some family arriving in July and maybe some friends, so will be able to sort out their accommodation once we are settled.

[RICHARDPARR]

Reply to Addict,

No problem, understood your response. Have been travelling since 2005 to and from Malaysia to Thailand to many
destinations, so am pretty familiar with the laws, the safety factors of driving both car and scooter,
and the local ways and customs. As the guys mentioned, many things illegal and not proper,
but it happens anywhere in the world. One just has to be a little "street smart".
I believe there are also "men" that wear skirts!!!! (Think they call them Scotsmen!!) LOL!!!