Hua Hin grows as Thailand’s tourism and investment hub

April 15, 2019 | 08:00

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The seaside resort of Hua Hin recently gained attention as the next magnet for global tourism and investment.

hua hin grows as thailands tourism and investment hub

Hua Hin is the next investment hotspot for Thailand

Hua Hin, located in the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, recently rose to international fame thanks to its sweeping beaches, rich heritage, and close proximity to Thailand’s capital city Bangkok.

The city is growing in popularity against the nearby Pattaya, a seaside city well-known for adult entertainment and extravagant parties. Compared to the “wild child” Pattaya, Hua Hin is more subdued, orderly, and tranquil, which endears it to travellers and visitors looking for a quiet trip.

The tranquil beaches of Hua Hin

Hua Hin traces its origins to a weekend spot of the Thai royal family in the 1920s. Nowadays, however, not just the royal family members, but scores of local Thais and expatriates flock to the area for weekend getaways or retirement, turning Hua Hin into a lively spot for tourism, business, and investment.

Data from real estate agency Plus Property showed that the number of tourists to Hua Hin increases by five per cent per year, driving up demand for real estate assets in the peaceful town. Land prices are rising by 10 per cent, and condominiums have got 41 per cent more expensive in the past five years.

Visitors are charmed by Hua Hin's street food

There is something for everyone here: from historic old towns, classical homes, and bustling traditional markets of Cicada or Tamarind to golf courses, themed cafes, trendy restaurants, water parks, and even the so-called “world’s first-ever beachfront mall.” The appeal of Hua Hin lies in the fact that it caters to both budget travellers and luxury holidaymakers, young and old.

Food is a well-known attraction in Hua Hin

Nature lovers can also indulge themselves on a cruise to Dolphin Bay and Monkey Island, where they might spot the rare pink dolphin. A nearby attraction is Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand’s first marine national park.

Meanwhile, art and history buffs can visit the Baan Sillapin Artists Village for performances and art exhibitions or Marukataiyawan Palace for a blend of Thai and Victorian architecture.

Hua Hin offers traditional houses and art exhibitions for visitors

According to market analysts at Plus Property, Hua Hin wins over investors’ hearts because of its prime location and convenient transport options. The town, which is 200km south of Bangkok, can be reached within two hours by car from Thailand’s capital city. This makes Hua Hin a popular weekend destination for Bangkok residents, who want to escape the busy capital city for sunny beaches and serenity.

The train that connects Bangkok and Hua Hin

Not stopping there, a new high-speed train between Bangkok and Hua Hin has also been approved in 2018. This public-private partnership project is expected to launch in 2023 and shorten the Bangkok-Hua Hin travel time to only one hour. There is also a two-hour service ferry from Pattaya.

Hua Hin’s wide range of facilities is a boon for visitors and investors, said the analysts. Five-star hotel chains, resorts, top hospitals, and schools are easy to find in the area.

The latest real estate project to go up in Hua Hin is La Habana, operated by Sansiri. The resort condominium has 652 units of various sizes, from townhouses and condominiums to single houses.

A previous project by San Siri in Hua Hin

La Habana is a low-rise project with three eight-storey buildings and one two-storey building. The entire complex is located only 250 metres from the Hua Hin beach and next to the lively Cicada Market.