Hua Hin is one of Thailand's most beautiful beach resort towns along the Gulf of Thailand. Pronounced something like “Who’a-Hin” หัว with Hua meaning “head,” and Hin หิน means stone. Thus Hua Hin is named after the large rocks at the north end of the beach in the area as an early marker of reference that stuck. Hua Hin is a district in the southern Thai province of Prachuap Khiri Khan and is the primary tourist location in the area.

Hua Hin is a leading tourist destination in Thailand for good reason. Hua Hin has long been one of the most charming coastal resort towns to stay during holidays in Thailand for both foreigners and especially local Thais. With such a vibrant beachfront containing white sands and crystal clear waters, Hua Hin attracts people from all over the world to visit this lovely city, maybe of which decide to make it their home.

Though it is a relatively quiet town, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Hua Hin. With stunning natural landscapes, such as beautiful beaches and mountains, man-made marvels such as gorgeous temples, exciting water parks and copious local markets it is no wonder this region is so popular.

With a significant amount of activities, attractions, natural beauty, and close proximity to the Capital city of Bangkok, it’s easy to see why the region is one of the most visited in the Kingdom. The region sees an average of 6 million yearly visitors. Recently about 4.8 million visitors were Thais, and 1.4 million were foreigners.

These numbers show the region as a very popular destination for weekend trips by many Thai nationals looking to escape the busy life of Bangkok. From an investment point of view, this is excellent news as this local tourism lends a great deal to the powerful economy of Hua Hin, whereas some popular tourist locations in Thailand are primarily driven by forigen tourism which can suffer from low seasons. Hua Hin, as a result, sees long term stability and strong economic stimulation from both the domestic and the international markets. Together with its permanent population of about 63,000 residents Hua Hin is a wonderful place for property investment.

Being a coastal province, the region has numerous seaside fresh seafood restaurants, exciting night markets, as well as many inland activities, such as world class golfing at some of Thailand’s most renowned courses.

Hua Hin’s coastal area brushes along the Takiab Bay, where a delight of an experience awaits. Visitors can ride horseback along the beach, and the little ones will not be left out with ponies at the ready. Galop along the beach or if you’re adventurous you can take the path to the mountain top temple. Some of the most luxurious spas in the world are just inland as are top notch guest houses, luxury resorts and any number of accommodations to frequent. If ever you tire of sand and sea you can take a walk in the Kaeng Krachan National Park and cool off in the Pala U waterfall.

Condo & apartment projects with direct access to the beach

Hua Hin is a seaside resort on the Gulf of Thailand, in the southern Thai province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Once a quiet fishing village, it grew into a fashionable escape for residents of Bangkok after the 1920s, when the Thai royal family built summer palaces here. Hua Hin Beach, popular for kitesurfing and other water sports, is the main stretch of sand, lined with high-end hotels and seafood shacks.

The area’s history with royalty and luxurious living has spurred a real estate boom as many who want to live in Thailand, be within reach of the Central Business District of Bangkok and yet enjoy the relaxed vibe of the beachside community have discovered Hua Hin as the ideal location to invest. FazWaz market research has ranked neighborhoods in Thailand and placed Hua Hin as a primer region for property investment.

The beauty of Hua Hin has lured dozens of international celebrities. While these starts of the stage and screen could afford to live anywhere in the Kingdom, many invest in the beachfront property of Hua Hin. Owning a beachfront condo in Hua Hin may be a much better investment than some of the more well known areas of Thailand. let's explore the types of properties available throughout Hua Hin.

The best investment projects in Hua Hin

Unlike other beach side towns that have adopted a heavily western style, sometimes losing their unique “Thai-ness” and local charm, Hua Hin is largely a Thai community which has retained its culture and distinct nature, whilst welcoming tourists and western style is its own way giving it a perfect blend of traditional modernism.

The architecture of Hua Hin is very distinct and regal. Case in point, a resort in the region, bearing the same name Hua Hin, was originally a local fishing village. It was converted into a resort by the royal family in the 1920s by order of the King and was made to be a summer palace. The palace was called Wang Klai Kang Won, which means “A place far from worries.”

With roughly 95 percent of Thai’s practicing buddhism in Hua Hin, the area is home to a plethora of elaborate “Wat”, referred to as Temples in English, all contributing to its unique charm that compel developers to invest in the region. A few notable Wats are:

• Wat Hua Hin

Wat Hua Hin, also known as Wat Ampharam, is the most important temple in the area. located in the center of town, it is not just a temple but also a monastery. Wat Hua Hin is more of a place of worship for locals rather than a tourist attraction, however it does provide afternoon meditation sessions. The interior has murals depicting scenes taken from the experiences and lessons of the Buddha, and many golden statues honoring Buddha are abundant in the temple.

• Wat Bor Fai

Wat Bor Fai is about 5 kilometers north of Hua Hin town and is famous for its many ponds filled with sacred catfish. Visitors feed the catfish after giving alms to the temple monks. The temple is located along the Khao Takiab coast on Hua Hin Road.

• Wat Huay Mongkol

Wat Huay Mongkol is about 10 km to the west of Hua Hin and is a sacred destination for Buddhist pilgrims. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple every weekend to give tribute and alms to Thailand’s largest image of Luang Phor Tuad (1582-1682). The statue, depicting the famous monk in a seated posture, is 12 meters tall and quite impressive to see. The statue sits on a pedestal with a wooden elephant on either side which pilgrims attempt to toss coins into their open mouths, granting the wish of the caster for a successful feeding. Walking in clockwise circles under the belly of an elephant is supposed to bring good luck, though do not attempt to do this to a real elephant if you may find your last sight on earth to be an elephant rump.

• Khao Takiab Temple

The Khao Takiab Temple is around 7 kilometers from Hua Hin. Khao Takiab, which means the “chopstick mountain,” is actually the name of the local village. Khao Takiab is a small village, but it has a beautiful beach and a number of seaside restaurants. The temple, set a top the hill, is known as Wat Khao Lad, but due to the vast number of monkeys that live around the temple, it is colloquially called “The Monkey temple.”

• Infrastructure Advancements

Aside from temple viewing, Hua Hin has some exciting infrastructure advancements that will soon put Hua Hin within greater reach of Bangkok and Chiang Mai metropolitan areas, as well as the surrounding regions and eventually nearby nations to the north and south.

A High Speed Train that will connect Hua Hin with the capital of Bangkok and on to the north in Chiang Mai and eventually China, is set to begin construction in the near future. The State Railway of Thailand known as the SRT under the Ministry of Transport has announced a new line will be developed between the capital of Bangkok and the city of Hat Yai in the southeast of the nation with several stops along the way.

Bangkok to Hua Hin alone is an investment of nearly 95 billion baht and will connect the two cities within a two hour trip at speeds exceeding 250 kilometers per hour all in comfort and style. The project expense is shared among the public and private sector. The Thai government and national private investors from ThaiBev, the parent company of Chang, and Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited, also known as CP, as well as international investment from China and Singapore. The grand vision of the rail project is to run from Singapore in the south to China in the north, making it a major transit axis of Southeast Asia and a massive opportunity for economic growth and development for Hua Hin.

Continued investment in road transit will continue with a Highway linking Nakhon Pathom and Hua Hin. This project is an investment of approximately 64 billion baht and is expected to near completion in the next few years. The estimated use is around 43,000 behicls, providing Hua Hin with even greater accessibility. The project is expected to lead to greater tourism and generate a great deal of wealth for the area as Hua Hin is the most prosperous area in the province. It will also increase the development of the local economy beyond tourism as it will facilitate the transport of goods and services produced in Hua Hin and give the locals greater access to outside markets.

Aside from rail and road improvements, Hua Hins planned Airport extension is soon taking shape. Currently a 35 meter wide runway allows for some smaller aircraft, but the near future will see a doubling of the airway allowing the airport to welcome commercial flights to meet the needs of the conventional Boeing 737. This will open the region to direct access to nearby international flights from Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore as well as greater distances such as China, Laos, Vietnam and eventually Australia and beyond.

Latest off-plan projects launched in Hua Hin

With exciting new infrastructure plans set to increase the accessibility of Hua Hin to greater Thailand as well as surrounding nations, more and more investors are setting their sites on up and coming development projects in the area.

New developments are by nature, quite exciting and they compete for investors with all the bells and whistles, so it is essential to envision your objectives before commiting to a particular project. Our experts at FazWaz will help guide you in the right decision that is best for you. Click here to begin your search today and see everything available to you with accurate and current market data that is available today.

There are a wide range of developments in Hua Hin with which to invest, some are still in the conceptual phase and known professionally as off-plan projects. These projects typically have yet to be built, or are in early stages of development.

The decisions to invest in a new real estate project when compared to existing property differ in many ways, though each have their own appeal. Essential knowledge of these market differences is what we at FazWaz aim to assist you with to allow you to make the best investment decisions possible.

So what is the appeal to off-plan projects in Thailand? One major advantage to investing in off-plan real estate the property is new. A new property requires minimal maintenance and meets all updated construction standards, which for Hua Hin, include things such as storm surge resistance, wind ultimately saving in the long run on electrical expenditure and weather damage.

This means a huge savings when one considers the climate of Thailand, which is on average 30 degrees Celsius. Older construction will not have the latest technology in weatherstripping and insulation and can be quite costly over time as the primary electrical expenditure is climate control from the air conditioning system. Additionally, the wait for new property from start to finish is also relatively short. From breaking ground to completion, one can expect about 2 years. There are typically 8 steps involved in the purchasing of an Off-Plan site. Below are 5 Off-Plan projects recommended by FazWaz.

Step 1 - Selection of the unit and agreement of the contractual terms

On average, developer pricing is fixed so it is important to be aware of the position of the unit in the project and what features and amenities it has to offer.

Step 2 - Reservation Agreement

The reservation agreement will take the unit off the public market to be reserved under your name and provides an outline with the purchasing terms and timelines involved with the investment.

Step 3 - Reservation Deposit

Payment of the reservation deposit will ensure the unit is removed from the open market. Some developers may vary in this fee depending on the unit or the market at the time, but on average this is about 2% of the total purchase price. Some deposits are refundable provided the buyer follows the best practices and due diligence. Always be sure to work with a reputable developer with a history of completing projects and insist on receiving a payment slip for the transfer.

Step 4 - Sales and Purchase Agreement

The purchase agreement, with a 30 day review period, states the terms and conditions of the sales and purchase of the project. The Agreement should outline the planned completion of the project as well as each benchmark to be met along the process of construction.

Step 5 - 1st Contract Payment

The first payment which typically can range anywhere from 20% to 40% of the purchase price is made in this step. For non-residents, this fund must be transferred into Thailand from an overseas bank account.

Step 6 - Payment Installments

The schedule of payments will be outlined throughout the building cycle. Typically, at each milestone in the construction of the project, payment of a prearranged percentage of the sale is to be made.

Step 7 - Snag List

A snagging list is a list of all the problems, or “snags” a unit has prior to being handed over to the owner that must be addressed such as any defects in the property. This stage must be completed 2 to 3 weeks prior to the handover.

Step 8 - Transfer

When the development is complete, the owner will pay the remaining balance and the keys will be issued. One is not required to live in Thailand at the time of the handover as many investors will hire a third party to do this on their behalf.

New super luxury condo & villa projects in Hua Hin

Hua Hin has the reputation of having mansions from previous Kings preceding new development so there is quite a benchmark. The elite persona of the town inspires the design and accommodations of many new developments. Hua Hin also has a unique style much like Phuket’s Sino-Pourchegese, only Italian in inspiration. This Thai-Victorian style that became popular after the summer mansions built by Kings of the past popularised the area.

Today, everyone is trying to out compete each other in property development and that spells a win for the investor. With more and more luxurious amenities being included in projects, community centers are now commonplace in condo and apartment complexes with Japanese Onsen Spas, Fitness Centers that rival full paid gyms anywhere in the nation, Coffee shops that make major chains look unqualified, these new standards of super luxury condos sets Hua Hin apart from the nation and it’s all just a few hours from the Capitol city.

These attention to details in the luxury projects can make a world of difference to a homeowner or investor in Hua Hin. Here are five exciting projects powered by FazWaz that are available today!

The cheapest residential projects in Hua Hin

Market conditions in Thailand fluctuate based on tourism and other extenuating world market conditions. Hua Hin has received a great deal of interest after the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 that devastated much of the coastal areas of southern Thailand along the Andaman sea. Developers came to realize that with the natural protection provided by barrier regions such a malaysia and the impediment to titanic plate shifts in the area of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is immune to such devastation and a safe place for future projects without the need for such massive protections in insurance that now exist in area such as Phuket and Phang Nga.

Like most financial sectors that have shareholders, investments are made in the early quarters and are expected to show profits in the later quarter with the investments paying off in the end. This is exactly what tends to happen with developers. In the early stages, great expenses is taken to market a new property, and as the project begins construction, developers will seek to entice new tenants but also earn a profit. Many times in this early stage, the cost will be quite high, but as the project nears completion, the developer is eager to recoup any losses so they will offer bargain deals and this is an excellent time to buy.

There is a lot of wealth swirling around Hua Hin, but it remains an excellent budget location as well. The seafood is plentiful and affordable, public transit is great and it takes a lot less time and effort to get to Hua Hin from Bangkok than to the more southern islands like Phuket or Koh Samui.

FazWaz has taken all such factors into consideration so you don’t have to and compiled the top 5 projects that benefit from both tax incentives and developer stimulus conditions to discover the best properties that are open to offers. Please click here to find an offer today.

Pet friendly condo, apartment housing developments in Hua Hin

Thailand is a challenging place for pets in some regards. Dogs and cats that are domesticated may often encounter their cousins in feral conditions and these feral dogs and cats are not vaccinated to the various illnesses that many domesticated pets are so it is essential to have your pets up to date on all their shots. Secondly due to the religious practices of most local Hua Hin residents, euthanization is seen as sacrilegious and as such, these programs that would ordinarily manage the f homelessness in the feral dog and cat population are not a government policy.

Alternatives such as Spay / Neuter campaigns and immunizations which are commonplace in many western nations, are not performed in mass in the Kingdom. As a result, many street dogs, colloquially referred to as Soi Dogs, are rampant in much of Thailand and in particular, in the countryside and their antics have given dogs an overall bad image. Many condos and apartments as a result, do not allow pet ownership, but in recent years we have seen this policy begin to shift.

More and more “HiSo,” high-end groomers are popping up, together with the trend of tea cup style dogs paraded about in a Gucci Bag or Prada Purse, or wheeled about in a stroller like a newborn, is catching up to Thailand and that means a growing acceptance among property management for pet ownership.

Animal advocacy organizations in Hua Hin such as Providing Animal Welfare thought Sterilization, or more simply, P.A.W.S., have done great work to spay and neuter thousands of dogs and cats in the province to humanely reduce the population of feral animals to reasonable numbers so the government does not need to resort to extreme measures. As the number of wild eyed mangy pups comes under control, we are seeing a return to the appreciation of the canine as “Man's best friend” as well as an increasing trend of pet ownership.This means more and more properties are welcoming your furry friend as well! We can help you find the best property for you and your companimal to keep your furry family together forever. Click here for the latest Pet Friendly locations powered by FazWaz.

Hua Hin real estate market and trends

The Thai High Society, known as HiSo, began building second homes in Hua Hin when the national railway station was completed in 1923. Kings Rama VI and VII built summer palaces in Hua Hin, to give you an idea of the feel of the kind of regal environment that is Hua Hin. After the 20’s successive generations began building modern condos and apartments in the 90’s.

Later, the expat community discovered the hidden secret of Hua Hin and started moving into the area after the tsunami in the Andaman Sea in December of 2004 as it came to be known this area is essentially protected from such a disaster in the future and thus an excellent place to retire and build without worry of such a devastating natural disaster which is always looming on the western Andaman Sea region of Thailand.

Currently the region is rich with housing estates, luxury condominiums and properties that are targeted to forign investors. As previously discussed, ownership of land is difficult for non thai nationals without some clever methods, so more freehold properties have been built to entice the international investor who seeks to own rather than lease.

Hua Hin is a refreshing mix of city and sea with lively markets, good golf courses and water parks, excellent accommodation and an ambience that just keeps getting more hip and cosmopolitan. In fact, many visitors never even step foot on the sand.

Frequently asked questions

  • What do I need to know about Hua Hin?

    Hua Hin has evolved over the past few decades from a quiet fishing village to a popular retreat for a short get away from the big city and now, an ideal permanent location to retire or invest. Hua Hin still retains its quaint personality as an idyllic backdrop of white sandy beaches and clear blue seas along the coast, with a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions.

  • What are the best types of properties in Hua Hin?

    Hua Hin has a diverse range of development projects that accommodate the vast amount of investment portfolios. From Low-end condos and townhomes, which can be found in areas frequented by locals who enjoy a modest lifestyle surrounded by stunning views, to luxurious prosperity literally fit for the Royals, Hua Hin has something for everyone.

  • What is the most popular area in Hua Hin?

    Thanks to its long coastline of soft white sands along the Gulf of Thailand, hotels and resorts in the area of Cha Am are quite popular yet not invasive. They thinly spread to make for many pristine areas of natural beach and are never overcrowded. Most of the properties in this area have direct beach access. The beach is clean and absent of the hustle and bustle that is often found in other popular tourist areas like Phuket and Pattaya. Even so, those who seek more than just a lazy beach day soaking up the sun, there are many other activities to engage in such as horseback riding and parasailing

    Compared to Hua Hin Town itself, Cha Am feels far less touristy, and Khao Takiab beach is loaded with indy boutique resort properties. If you are looking for an exclusive hideaway experience, Pran buri is the secret location to escape to.

    With pony rides for the little ones, horses for the adults, banana boat rides for whol;e family, and adventure sports like water skiing, windsurfing and parasailing, the adventure-seeking beach lover will find Cha-Am a wonderland. If you would rather have a beach side massage, read a good book and enjoy the sun and sea, that is available as well.

  • What is the Hua Hin Lifestyle like?

    Hua Hin has a vanity of lifestyles. Anything from a quite, laid back vide, to action and adventure water sports can be had in this community. One unique element of Hua Hin is the Thai Victorian architecture. The summer palace for instance was constructed in the early 1920s during the reign of King Rama VI. It was designed by an Italian architect and built with golden teak repurposed from the Hat Chao Samran Palace, with copious verandas, elegant latticework and vaulted ceilings to keep the structure cool during summer.

  • Top 5 reasons to invest in Hua Hin real estate

    Hua Hin has a multitude of reasons to invest, not the least of which is the natural beauty of the beaches. Let's discuss the top few:

    • Improving infrastructure - Hua Hin continues to catch up to the Capitol city in terms of improving infrastructure. With mass transit that will span from Singapore to China, passing through Hua Hin along the way, the region is situated to become a major destination for the expat community and not just the best kept secret for the local thai elite. In addition to high speed rail, the region will soon be connected via newly constructed Highway that will boot the local economy as it will provide a greater means for trade and shipping of goods and services to the neighboring regions that are currently relatively remote and isolated further stimulating local business. Additionally, Hua Hin is set to expand it’s airport to allow for larger aeroplanes and further expand its customer base both regionally and internationally to compete with other popular destinations such as Puket which has had an international airport for some time now.
    • Healthcare facilities - Hua Hin specializes in dental care facilities and is becoming a popular destination for medical tourism. As dominant as 7 Eleven or Starbucks is on every corner, so too are oral hygienists willing to enhance your smile with excellent savings. You can find out more about these services with MyMeditravel powered by DBV Group.
    • Beaches, Views and more Beaches - Hua Hin is surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Thailand. With a long coastline of white sandy beaches, and crisp blue waters, the region's beaches are among the best kept secrets in Thailand. The area has been the vacation spot for royalty since the 1020’s and only just beginning to be known by the expat community.
    • Accessibility - Just a few hours drive from the Capitol City, Hua Hin is an easy alternative to Phuket or Samui as it has everything one could want from an island resort, but it is along the mainland. As such, it also has a small airport and mass transit options that further place Hua Hin within reach. The province is quite easly accessible by car, private van service,and an ever expanding mass transit will put it a seedy two hours commute from Bangkok in the near future.
    • Rental Returns - Hua Hin has a high rate of rental return due to its popularity as a holiday destination with a flourishing expat community. Thousands of foreigners reside in the coastal area either full or part-time. As such, the property market is strong and rates on rental returns are strong and can generate attractive returns.
Hua Hin

Neighborhood Overview

List of Best Real Estate Projects in Hua Hin


Hua Hin Projects by Sub-District