Should You Live in Pattaya or Hua Hin?

There are two exciting coastal cities on the Gulf of Thailand that are almost equidistant from Bangkok. They both have kilometers of sunny beaches, a well-developed infrastructure and plenty of attractions for visitors and residents. 

If you’re in the market to invest in a new home on the coast, join us as we take a closer look at which city is better to live in: Pattaya or Hua Hin. We'll compare the two cities from the point of view of livability for single or adult couples and families with children. 

Lifestyle and Vibe

Pattaya and Hua Hin may look a lot alike on a map, but they have quite a different history, and each has retained its own unique lifestyle and vibe. They are both located approximately two hours from Bangkok, making them perfect destinations for a weekend getaway from the big city. 

They both started out as fishing villages. However, the Royal Family came to adore Hua Hin as a vacation getaway and constructed Mrigadayavan Palace and Klai Kangwan Palace near central Hua Hin. The city is also surrounded by beautiful national parks and kilometers of pristine beaches. Hua Hin retains a quieter, but still vibrant atmosphere, especially when compared to its sister city across the Gulf. 

Pattaya became a favorite getaway spot for foreign service members during the Vietnam War when they used U-Tapao Air Base down the coast. The war-weary soldiers and sailors appreciated Pattaya's quiet beaches and delicious seafood, and lively bars and restaurants soon sprung up along the shore. This was the start of Pattaya's growth into one of the colorful nightlife capitals of Thailand. 

Amenities and Services

Both cities have quality hospitals, several international schools, and modern shopping malls and marketplaces, with Pattaya having a slight edge due to several new shopping malls opening recently. This makes both cities prime destinations for families wanting to relocate to a smaller city on the coast.  

Pattaya boasts some of the best golf courses in Thailand, several shopping malls offering famous brand-name shops, a large aquarium and several other family-friendly attractions. 

Hua Hin has three of the largest waterparks in Thailand, a well-established artist’s colony, and national parks filled with exotic wildlife. 

Infrastructure and Transportation

Both cities have had rail service from Bangkok for many years, although it’s a somewhat outdated and slow service. With U-Tapao airport being recently upgraded into an international airport serving commercial carriers, Pattaya is now located between two airports with Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport just about an hour from Pattaya.  

For getting around town, both cities have popular and inexpensive public song taews, or "baht buses", which drive a regular route around the cities and offer convenient transportation to shoppers and sightseers. 

Property Market

When choosing which is better to live in between Hua Hin and Pattaya, there are some differences in the property markets that are worth exploring. While both cities are experiencing remarkable growth, Hua Hin has been more restrained in the number of new properties on the market and offers more exclusive and upscale properties catering to families. The slower growth rate of Hua Hin also creates some opportunities for investors looking to re-sell properties in the city. 

Pattaya offers a broader array of property types, from free-standing homes and pool villas to studio and one-bedroom condo units by the beach or inland. The promise of the new rail system linking Don Muang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports is partially driving the building boom in Pattaya.  

Pattaya and Hua Hin are great places to live for singles, couples, or families looking for a coastal lifestyle in Thailand. However, Pattaya may be the better choice if you're looking for more diversity and options.  

Introducing Pearl Property Pattaya

If buying or renting a property in Pattaya appeals to you, you need an experienced Pattaya real estate company. With the number of new development projects in Pattaya, home buyers need skilled and knowledgeable help. We can help you find the perfect properties that align with your budget and lifestyle.

Pearl Property Pattaya has over eight years of experience renting and selling real estate in the Pattaya area. Our young team is dedicated to providing our customers with knowledgeable and exacting service. 

Contact Pearl Property Pattaya to help you find your next home.