News of the flooding is now fading from memory however the damage has been done, many international travellers cancelled plans due to embassy warnings and the result is that Hua Hin’s hotels are running at a fraction of the occupancy rates they should be for this time of year. The US didn’t help by issuing a terrorism warning which also had tourists scurrying for cover and cancelling vacations.

Chinese New Year, which falls on the 23rd of January, is a busy affair in town as it usually is. With over 75% of Hua Hin’s tourists being Thai the place gets rather crowded during long weekends and holidays.

Black Mountain have opened their Hua Hin water park but it appears to be priced towards the hi-so and affluent; a family of four will be stung 2,200 baht (without eating or drinking) just to enter – and this is the ‘promotion’ rate! When you look at the alternatives this can work out to be an expensive day out.

A few property questions emerged in what has been a very quiet section on the forum last year. Finding the perfect paradise property can be fraught with pleasures and pitfalls and many readers came online to offer advice. Should you use an agent? Buy direct from the owner? Build your own? or buy on a development? Asking those that have been there and done it is the best way to get firsthand information and experiences.

The Thailand Life section yielded some interesting discussions on retirement homes, sexpat stereotyping, Thai female psychology and even squat toilets!

Asking the Expats again featured some weird and wonderful information requests such as setting up guitars, costs of freon, gas barbeques, pilot training, and washing machine repair. Whatever your question you’ll get a quick answer on the Hua Hin Forum.

I have a good friend who lives amongst the pineapple plantations around Pranburi and owns several of his own ATVs. He can regularly be seen riding along off road tracks, river paths, abandoned airports, beaches and open spaces around the area. Frequent visitors to his house are often treated to a guided ATV tour of the points of interest in the area. After one visit and several rides I found myself well and truly ‘hooked’.

In less time than it takes to say; “all terrain vehicle” I had three ATVs in my car port!          Since then I and my two teenage sons have enjoyed many an hour cruising around the little known byways and unspoilt countryside near our home. Its a great family experience and a chance to see places you would never get to in your car.  As more of our friends become owners we are hoping to start a club where we can arrange regular meetings with BBQ’s and organised route tours.

HuaHin has its very own ATV dealer in QUADMASTER their showroom is just north of Pranburi on the Petchkasem road. Why not stop by and see if they have a machine or two to suit you. Or you can always visit Quadmaster online.

The explosion of new bars and restaurants in Hua Hin are turning the town into a culinary paradise for those that like to eat out. Soi 94 is becoming a bit of a feeding hotspot with a new eatery opening almost every week. Our roving critics are constantly reporting back with restaurant news and reviews so don’t forget to login to the feeding time forum to find out what’s new in your area.

Accommodation bookings have been very disappointing this festive season due to a high number of cancellations as a result of the flooding in Bangkok. International news media organisations did not help by showing the world images of Don Muang airport under water when in fact international travelers use Suvarnabhumi.

Many major hotels are struggling to get 50% occupancy which is virtually unheard of at this time of year. The prospect of more political turmoil should a certain exiled leader return also does not bode well for the tourist industry in Thailand.

There are good deals on at the moment for the adventurous who would like to learn kitesurfing in Hua Hin which is becoming famous for its favourable wind conditions. Hua Hin Kitesurfing in soi 83 are offering a 20% discount for bookings in January, see their page on the forum for more details. For those that would like to take things at a more leisurely pace Hua Hin Bike Rentals in Naebkehardt Road offer high quality Trek bikes for rent.

The season of goodwill is upon us so don’t forget to give a little to those less fortunate than ourselves. Mercy House children’s home in Pranburi and Connect3e, a refuge for displaced Karen hill tribes, both need help – details on their projects and how to make a contribution can be found on the forum.

As ever asking the expats has been popular with a range of requests from commercial cleaners to stone wall carving to posting golf clubs and washing windows has been made. Radio controlled planes, Christmas trees, and sound proofing houses was also queried, whatever your question, you’ll get a quick answer on the Hua Hin Forum.

The flooding in Bangkok has dominated the news and diligent forum members posted round the clock updates on the situation in the capital and here in Hua Hin. Updates on routes to and from Bangkok have also been posted. The town itself has been heaving; the roads have been jammed solid resembling Songkran day, every day. Local police have been fighting a losing battle against Hua Hin’s flood of the four wheeled variety. The demand for rental properties has also soared as people look to relocate from the submerged city.

The resultant influx on Hua Hin caused temporary shortages in commodities such as bottled drinking water and eggs, the major stores rapidly ran out but the smaller mom-and-pop places were still stocking the essentials. A wave of panic buying in early November left 7-Elevens decimated by Bangkokians loading up their SUVs.

As number of restaurant reviews made it onto the board more new eateries continue to pop up in the expanding suburbs of Hua Hin. One that seems to get a lot of good write ups is Naab Thong at the top of Soi 88, those looking for a quick snack or shake while visiting Market Village should stop off at the newly opened Shake Central on the second floor.

If you’re planning a Christmas at home this year make sure you stock up early at the Hua Hin Ham & Bacon shop, they get inundated at this time of year so get your turkey orders in quick!

There are two main motoring events in Hua Hin in December, namely the annual Hua Hin Bike Week and the Vintage Car Rally at the Sofitel. Be sure to check the forum for latest information and photos of the events.

Asking the expats has been as popular as ever with the requests ranging from painters to pool construction to coin-op laundry and storage boxes. Electric bill woes were even discussed, make sure you pay it on time as the local electric board will waste no time in disconnecting you.

Find out more on the Hua Hin Forum

Amongst the other discussions on the forum this month was the possible arrival of a Central shopping mall and its impact on the town. A number of readers expressed the view that Hua Hin doesn’t need another mall (a centrally located car park would be nice), and that Market Village is enough. Opposing this view were those for the new addition who claim that Central department stores are far superior to what we currently have. There is also a new Makro store planned for Hua Hin.

Discussions on pest control raged on, specifically the possibility of owning an air rifle in Thailand. Legally foreigners are not permitted to own firearms, even air guns but there are a number of good alternatives such as gas powered BB guns to do the job. Soi dogs seem to be a scourge that is on the increase, the arguments for and against taking action to repel them always creates a lively debate.

September and October are traditionally quiet months in Hua Hin with no major events planned, now that the Elephant Polo and the Hua Hin Golf Festival are over we can look forward to Loy Krathong in November and Hua Hin Bike Week which should be held in early December.

As usual the visa section has been busy with questions on the ever shifting sands of bureaucracy and requirements for visa extensions, since the new government have taken over things may have changed again in Hua Hin immigration office. Pensions plans from several countries have also been discussed as some are experiencing difficulties claiming their pension while based in Thailand, plenty of advice has been given.

Plenty of discussion in the health section as expats asked about a range of treatments ranging from laser eye surgery to dental work to ongoing updates from the newly opened Hua Hin Bangkok Hospital from our resident doctor.

We were sad to report the deaths of two high profile Thai business people in Hua Hin last month, a partner in the Hua Hin floating market who was killed in a road traffic accident and a property developer who gunned down while getting into her car.

Asking the expats has been as popular as ever with questions to our residents on all kinds of weird and wonderful things ranging from plumbers to furniture shops to TV repair to jewelry manufacturers to  storage facilities and tailors. Whatever your question, you’ll get a quick answer on the Hua Hin Forum.

The Hua Hin Forum – www.huahinforum.com – started out as HHAD (huahinafterdark.com) in 2002 offering information on the town’s nightlife and entertainment. Since then it has grown into the area’s only active online web community attracting thousands of visitors and expats to its web boards every day to catch up on news, events, promotions, new venues, and attractions for the area. Find out more and get online at the Hua Hin Forum: www.huahinforum.com

All of us at the Hua Hin Forum are happy to see the Observer rolling off the presses once again, it remains to be one of the stalwarts of the town’s publications. Also in this category is the forum which will be celebrating ten years online at the beginning of 2012. From a small website covering the town’s nightlife we have now expanded considerably and currently attract over 2,200 readers per day and have a membership nudging 5,000.

An event packed few months is in store for those living in and visiting Hua Hin. The annual Hua Hin Jazz Festival has experienced a number of false starts and delays and the last official word from TAT was that it will be held on August 26 to 27. Featuring among the lineup is Koh Mr Saxman, Maew Jirasak, Norman Browns and the contemporary jazz quartet known as Fourplay.
Golfers will be glad that the Hua Hin Golf Festival has also returned with 800 baht green fees on most of the major courses in the area during August and September. Caddie fees are typically an additional 250 baht and it pays to book tee times, especially at weekends, as the courses do get busy during the promotion.

The 2011 Hua Hin Regatta running from August 20 to 28 will showcase a number of races and competitions and attracts boaties from across the globe. In previous years it has been held on the beach at the Sofitel but this year sees the venue move north to the Dusit in Cha-am.

Restaurant reviews have been coming in thick and fast and among the ones whetting the appetites of Hua Hin’s diners are Terrace 90, Margaritas and the Palm Bistro. A number of requests have been made for eateries in Hua Hin which include Greek food, kebabs, Sunday roasts and as always a hearty breakfast.

‘Ask the expats‘ has been as popular as ever with requests for all manner of items and services including sandwash repair, loofah sponges, pest control companies, used furniture, solar water heating, garden maintenance and kennels. Whatever you’re seeking you’ll get an answer on the Hua Hin Forum.

A number of groups have also joined us to seek new members including the Hua Hin Hash House Harriers, local 5-a-side football teams, Norwegian and Dutch societies, casual golfers seeking a relaxing round, and those looking for sports partners. The Hua Hin Forum is the easiest way to meet thousands of likeminded people in and around Hua Hin.

Hua Hin Golf Festival 2011

Royal Hua Hin
Palm Hills
Imperial Lake View
Springfield Royal
Majestic Creek
The Eagle Milford
Banyan
Sea Pine
Sawang Resort
Kaeng Krachan Country Club

Caddie fees are usually an additional 250 baht and it is advisable to book your tee times as the courses get very busy, especially at the weekends. For more information check out the

Hua Hin Forum: Hua Hin Golf Festival 2011

The new Bangkok Hospital is almost ready to open its doors and one of the Doctors has kindly joined the forum to answer questions from Hua Hin’s expats and visitors. The response has been overwhelming with 6 pages of information and over 4,000 views. If you have any health concerns or questions about new services offered join in the discussion direct with hospital representatives.

A number of events are scheduled for the coming months including the annual Hua Hin Bike Week which will run during the first week of December; details and photos will be posted on the forum. Golfers have plenty to look forward to with the return of the Black Mountain Masters on December 16-19. Asia’s version of the Ryder Cup, The Royal Trophy, will also be held at Black Mountain in early January. The annual Vintage Car Rally is also due to run in December, more details will be available online when we get them.

Hua Hin has seen a boom in local events such as music concerts, sporting competitions such as the triathlon, golf tournaments, and arts, crafts and dance festivals. It is just a shame the most of the marketing consists of a few posters dotted around the town in Thai only so many foreign visitors and residents miss out on a lot. If anyone from the local marketing department is reading this please get in touch and share the details of your events via Hua Hin’s only active web forum, HHAD.

More Hua Hin restaurant reviews are always being added as the number of local eateries continues to increase. The latest places to get a culinary appraisal have been Terrace 90, Khun Oy, Bella Mia, Cool Kitch n’ Restaurant, S&S Indian, and Backyard Steak. If you’ve had a good feed and want to share your experiences with others get online and check out the ‘Feeding Time’ section.

There has been some concern shared by a number of foreigners who have had visits from locals claiming to be conducting a census. There is an official census being conducted in the area but it does pay to ask for ID from anyone who turns up at your house asking questions. The economic downturn has had the unfortunate effect of increasing local crime and scams; Hua Hin with its burgeoning farang population has been no exception.

Asking the expats is always popular and the last month or two have been no exceptions with requests ranging from DHL deliveries to grass to servicing big bikes. Enquiries have also included sea air corrosion, upholstery shops, aquariums, lawn mowers, and mail boxes. Whatever your question you’ll get a quick answer on HHAD.

Other attacks on foreigners in the town center have also been on the increase however not all of them are reported. While Hua Hin still remains a safe haven it will soon change unless real action is taken against what appears to be a rising criminal element and more brazen assaults upon its residents.

On a brighter note Hua Hin’s golfing community seem to be reaping the benefits as the two month golf festival proves yet again to be a success, the new Sea Pine army course opens its fairways in Khao Takiab and the Asian Tour announces the return of the Black Mountain Masters in December. Golf is the town’s biggest draw so with new courses opening and being planned, and world class events returning to Hua Hin, it can only help bring more visitors and business to the area.

As predicted foreign tourist arrivals have been down over the last couple of months, the low season is always a little quieter but a strong local currency and fears of more political violence have kept people away. Some of the major hotels have reported occupancies as low as 20% despite the recent increase in domestic tourism. There is hope that the high season will bring numbers back up but there is also the fear that many have already cancelled their holiday to Thailand this year.

Hua Hin immigration department could be on the move again for the fourth time since their arrival from Dansingkhon in Prachuab a number of years ago. The next destination is a larger building along the canal road, anyone visiting recently will know that the current spot can get very overcrowded and busy. Despite the falls in numbers of tourists, it seems that the number of expats and long stayers is increasing. A reflection of this can be seen in the property rental market which has had a good year even though the sales market is still flat.

The ever popular ‘ask the expats’ section has seen an increase in questions ranging from postal services to Europe, used car dealers, driving schools, annual cost of living in Hua Hin, home appliance repair shops, and launching a jetski. Whatever your question you’ll get an answer within minutes on HHAD.