Hua Hin online community - tourism turnaround
The wheels of tourism in Hua Hin are slowly starting to turn again as online accommodation and rental enquiries begin to increase. These are a good indicator of the coming high season as many people search the internet to book a rental villa or hotel a few months in advance. This said things are still very quiet for this time of year and we’re unlikely to see the numbers this season compared to previous. A global economy downturn combined with political tension in Thailand is taking its toll.
An interesting tourism survey was conducted on the forum where people were asked if the global financial crisis or political problems in Bangkok has caused them to cancel their trip. The results showed 75% not being influenced by either and 25% canceling or considering it. The civil unrest in the capital did not seem to bother many and the primary reason for reconsidering a holiday was a financial one.
This lead on to another discussion on the cost of a trip to Hua Hin and whether the town is pricing itself out of reach. A night in a nice hotel, quality meal for two, and a round of golf will leave you no change from 10,000 baht in Hua Hin, a figure that some felt was a little excessive especially on a daily basis. To counter the argument a couple of expats rightly pointed out that you can get a good meal for two for 500 baht in restaurants a little out of town center, find a decent room for under two thousand, and play golf on local military courses for next to nothing.
There was some discussion on the widening of the Pala-U road that is currently going on. The concern is that with four lanes people will be speeding into town, down the hill, and into the built up area … more accidents waiting to happen. Road development seems to be going on in other spots also, namely the notoriously congested railway crossing near the G Supermarket. This level crossing widening is years overdue. Hua Hin’s roads simply have not been managed to cope with the expanding number of vehicles on them.
There were also rumours on the development of Satukarn Square into yet another hotel as current business owners are facing problems with lease renewal. Best Western International is a name that has been bandied about for the new resort.
The golf gossip continues as Hua Hin’s golfers add their views on local courses. With the opening of Banyan Hua Hin will have 8 world class golf courses on its doorstep with even more just over an hours drive away. The beginners continue hacking around military courses under the watchful eye of local Pro, John Wither, from Mongkol Driving Range. Their lessons and play packages are a great way to get into golf without the stress factor!
Other Thai life topics included the ever present packs of soi dogs that are plaguing Hua Hin whereas other towns seem to deal with the problem. They can often be a real menace to motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. Recycling and beach cleaning efforts which are also badly needed came under the spotlight and a couple of interesting articles on nationalism in education and business practices drew a number of comments.
As usual the popular ‘ask the expats’ section was inundated with bizarre requests including problems with missing mail and lazy postmen, tropical aquariums, cigars, curtains and dishwashers. Whatever your question you will find an answer there!
Find out more on the Hua Hin Forum