New to Forum - moving plans

[RetireesFromMaine]

Hello all!

My partner and I decided to join this forum because we are making plans now to move to Hua Hin in 2029. We'd like to make some social connections before then to build relationships. We'll be visiting a year from now to get a feel for the area. Any recommendations?

[Dannie Boy]

Have you been to Hua Hin before, if not anywhere else in Thailand?

[migrant]

Welcome, I lived ~ 20 years in Raymond, N Windham and, despite the snow, miss Maine. A good group here, maybe be a little more specific as to your questions.

[404cameljockey]

I think they were asking specifically for recommendations about making social connections. Maybe joining clubs or social groups is a good idea, of course hanging around bars day drinking with the barstool brigade is not.

There are several Hua Hin Facebook groups which can give ideas, and you'll find social connections on this forum too I think, it's well moderated and keeps out the worst elements, unlike several other Thai forums!

Although hanging in bars isn't the best way to make friends in my opinion, I do believe that joining a bar's pool team seems a good way to meet people; though I've never done it I know other decent guys who have. But I guess you mainly only meet male society.

Retirees from Maine, I hope you find Hua Hin to your liking, I always have, I was maybe lucky that 9 years ago we chose a small and pretty housing development where we made good international friends. Went to Pattaya once with my late wife to visit a friend who had accidentally ended up living there for a short while; we never went back.

[VincentD]

As part of your moving plan, I suggest language classes as the vast majority of the population do not speak English. Also, try authentic Thai food, it is quite different from the export version. Farang (foreigner) food, while available, does cost quite a bit more.
When you do make it over, rent a place, don't buy till you're comfortable. And whatever you do, do not burn any bridges to your home country. You may still want to have some kind of exit strategy in place. Just saying.

[404cameljockey]

Also, try authentic Thai food, it is quite different from the export version.

This is a whole topic in itself!

For 'not spicy please' learn to say 'mai ped khrap' (if you are a man) and 'mai ped kha' (if you are a woman) when trying Thai food. Also I prefer to eat in small Thai restaurants for authentic food rather than touristy restaurants in Hua Hin, which while usually good are a bit higher in price and also aren't the whole real deal. Usually small joints sell Isaan (up-country) food which can often be served spicy no matter what you've ask for, but if you really can't eat a dish you've only wasted a little money and gained experience.

Use Google Lens 'translate' if the menu isn't in English and prepare for the adventure!

[brianks]

Lots of good suggestions here. I lived in Hua Hin for 4 years then moved south 12 years ago to rural Khanom. I enjoy the rural laid-back atmosphere with not the development or city congestion of Hua Hin. Didn't realize how much it was developed there when returned a few months ago for a short visit and found it to be just as developed as living in BKK. I was most happy to return home where I can relax at my home among the Thai's around me, enjoy a beachside restaurant/bar, walk on the deserted beaches but have to make short travels to find all the other city services located within 1.5 hours radius from here. If you want all the city services like medical care and lots of other farangs close by then Hua Hin is great. Different strokes for different folks. Travel around both north and south to see what fits your likings.