Is Hua Hin Losing Its Charm? +NEW E Bus, Beach Update Hotels Shops & more! Thailand

Is Hua Hin's charm disappearing? Plus what of the recent influx of long-stayers? Also updates from Beaches to NEW Busses shops & more
Buy me a beer? bit.ly/3Le6Ex8
Flights: bit.ly/3STHLvf
Hua Hin Hotels: www.agoda.com/...
Bangkok Hotels www.agoda.com/...
*Please click like & subscribe (if you like;)
Happy SideTrips all
STL

[@SideTripLife]

NEXT Vid: Hua Hin QUIET? kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2qXlaild5mgaNE Hidden GEMS Hua Hin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHmVi5ecir6rj9E Buy me a beer? bit.ly/3Le6Ex8 Flights: bit.ly/3STHLvf Hua Hin Hotels: www.agoda.com/city/hua-hin-cha-am-th.html?cid=1898974 Bangkok Hotels www.agoda.com/city/bangkok-th.html?cid=1898974 *Please click like & subscribe (if you like;) Happy SideTrips all STL

[@BirdDog.]

One of the best general all around Thailand channels. Not about you and all about what Thailand has to offer.

[@larastevens2256]

OMG seriously one of the best travel videos I have seen. It's all the extra bits u add. Hi from NZ ❤

[@edward88881]

Have to wait another week to see what's for dinner? The anticipation is killing me :) Great video as always.

[@geraldreeves6279]

We were in Hua Hin just over two weeks ago and had a fantastic time. Your blog brings back great memories as we were in the same area. Try out the last restaurant on the left hand side when you walk down to the main beach opposite the bag lady. Say hi to Pla and her friendly staff.

[@sabaidee5587]

Was is also windy like i the video?

[@UCNXc-iyNDvUwAZE-QZM8xFg]

Is amazing to me how you are able to drive a scooter; navigate through cars, people, businesses, and slim passages; all while recording video and sharing ongoings in a busy town. That is skill STL, and what makes your audience feel like we are there. Seems hard to do, but your vids make it look seamless. Yes, editing too - but to start, you know well what to capture in real life to always make them engaging. Hua Hin looks like such a quaint, inviting and affordable smaller urban area to explore. Waiting patiently while looking forward to part 2.

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks. If the viewer feels like they were there, job done ;)

[@add8305]

Great video as usual. We spent Christmas in Hua Hin at The Grand Centara. Fabulous hotel, great service, amazing staff. The grande old dame of Hua Hun and one of the best in SE Asia. Cannot recommend it highly enough! Keep up the good work! Love the videos.

[@sweetjane6506]

I noticed a change in Hua HIn last high season. There's a lot more to do. It used to be only single western men and married couples, but that has changed. Lots more solo female travellers now, and some good FB groups. (Thanks, Sarah!) It's much better value than the islands, and of course, way better than Vancouver and all points west. There's a direct flight to Chiang Mai, and from Chiang Mai to Da Nang, which is great if you want to skip the bus to Bangkok. Great video!!

[@karltraveldude7817]

I too hope they keep the old piers , they help define the city ! Thank you STL ,Enjoy ...

[@SideTripLife]

I agree Karl. I get that they're 'allegedly' illegal but they've been there for years and add to Hua Hin's charm. It's only 1000 metres and there's 5 km of open beach just round the corner.

[@karltraveldude7817]

@@SideTripLife There is money involved some where ! Safe travels and good times STL !

[@ujazz09]

Great video. Loved the one on Cha Am too!

[@javier.lazaro197]

wow! The landscape from your drone are amazing! spectacular! fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing your videos with us! i love them! 👍👍👍👍

[@jamesterrett955]

I love your blogs, watching from Antarctica, cant wait to head back to Thailand

[@Mikamichae]

Why are you in Antarctica 😅

[@TheGandorX]

You are not in Antarctica

[@itsOnMARS2023]

Bros in an igloo

[@trickolas78]

Another excellent video, STL 👍

[@RenatoJones]

That birds eye view / landscape pan at 3:10 was super insightful! Would LOVE to see that same shot in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Cha Am for comparison sake! Thanks for all the info you share here STL!

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

Wow ... 100.000 subs reaching soon. I always whiched you great sucsess. You really deserve it. Such a pleasure to watch your vids. Please continue. Which to meet you in reality one day. Cheers from germany

[@SideTripLife]

Thank you very much!

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

@@SideTripLife ... always loved your fight against the jeaulous people that complaine about dual pricing. They see it wrong , from the wrong perspective: Dual pricing is not a punishment for foreigners, it is a discount for Thai people (and 90% of them have less savings than 1500$ ... )

[@MikaelOlofsson-rt5lb]

Thanks for a great video, I love Hua Hin, visited many times. I agree about these simple guesthouses and restaurants between the pier and Chinese temple, it's the charm of Hua Hin, I really like this area a lot. I'm not a big fan of fancy hotels, resorts and restaurants, no I want it simple, feels much more genuine to me and of course that is a positive thing for my wallet as well!

[@LGandM]

Really great video, you've definitely convinced me to visit Hua Hin someday.

[@AjayRohaz]

WOW ! Great Video ! How fun is Hua Hin ! :) Thank You for sharing with everyone ! :)

[@pfraggle]

Can only thank you for your unbiased YT contributions. Have been following you since Oct 2023 and only found Hua Hin because of your 'tubes'. Was on the beach there last week when you made this (if timelines suggest)..stayed at the Laksusubha and then Putahracsa but am booking Airbnb for a month next year to look for 6 months of the year stays. Am a firefighter in the UK and looking to retire. Your video on Cha'am though is making me look there too (less money, less busy).. would have loved to have met you and bought you a beer for your help!

[@LesRiggle]

just subscribed - been watching vids for awhile - good stuff

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks

[@dianadiamond9145]

My only complaint is that I want more and more of your videos! Thank you for sharing your side trips!

[@Rusty_Hill]

Wait for part 2? I can't! I just made a big breakfast to sit down and watch this! 😂😂❤

[@antruok4950]

Hua Hin is as happy as ever 👌 whatever season , as you know I was there March early April , I think it’s continually growing 👋✔️😃🙏👍 Hello from Danang Vietnam 🇻🇳

[@SideTripLife]

Agreed Ant. Danang update please?

[@antruok4950]

@@SideTripLife Super , dooper affordable - Amazing beach 🏖️ stayed a week - on a train now to - Nha Trang Thanks my friend

[@abhaykedare7146]

Like your videos because it gives a more clear picture how much things are going to cost and like the prices. Here in Goa, prices have got out of control. Alcohol, beer and restaurant charges are out of control.

[@SideTripLife]

Curious, are the spendy ones Western run? Same thing is happening from Bali to Samui, foreigner run or owned places are charging Western style prices from Airbnb to pubs and restaurants.

[@billsimpson2392]

Thank you STL. Most enjoyable 🙏🙏🦘🦘👍👍

[@rhardey]

Great vid! I’m from Michigan and last week was just in Saigon, loved Vietnam. Going to be in BKK just before Christmas and definitely will stay in Hua Hin with your guidance!!

[@jsikke]

Very much enjoying your vlog. Especially appreciate your noting the prices & sites to get things you note (fat tire motos, etc).

[@MrHugawa]

Peggy's Cove.... that's a fair distance from there...lol. Hell, it is even a fair distance from Vancouver :) Great video

[@SideTripLife]

Could've said Steveston Harbour, nice but just not the same ;)

[@Charlie-Heikin-Ashi-Nakamoto]

Great man, thanks for all the information from this place, i'm serious thinking to come next year for a long time, very serious i am about it 😊 I follow already this place for about a year and i like it each time more and more, also your information about the appartments helps me a lot to make this choice. Thanks again !!

[@kaichia1088]

Nice video as always, thank you . When are the high ,low ,dry wet seasons ?

[@mariettathornton5924]

Great video STL ❤ We have never been to Hua Hin but will definitely be checking it out in January 2025😊 Thanks for posting this:)

[@SpeedyBlueBiker1]

Nice video of Hua Hin. I first went there in 1983. In the 90's I went there a lot on the weekends but mostly stayed just south of HH at Suan Son. Charming town but not little anymore.

[@SideTripLife]

Nice. Suan Son still lovely

[@ChimpsAI]

As always, an excellent video! What would Hua Hin do without you?

[@tomthebadasscat]

Thanks for huge amount of info in 20 minutes! The drone shot panning Hua Hin gave me a better idea about size as I have not been there, only on KZbin. I think you have to leave the wharf structures there as they are tourist hotspot and as you said "different". Make sure they aren't damaging the local environment any more than they have been over the years and encourage the businesses to invest in themselves structure wise. Don't leave thinking they are temporary.

[@aro-rat]

Love your Chanel, down to earth.

[@gungadin3751]

I would say that Hua Hin has been quiet in Low season which is just coming to an end with Wet season about to hit. I live just out of Hua Hin and not noticed that Russians have been over taking other European visitors.

[@nobbynomad2010]

I’ve been to Hua Hin a few times going back 20 years. It was a lovely place then, I even booked a room on one of the fishing piers for a night for the experience. Unforgettable…

[@lescline2246]

Another great video and agree its a double edge sword when it comes to building over the water because plenty of restaurants bars hotels want to and they say if we cant build they shouldn't be able to stay. Then you have the group wanting beach access. Let's just say there are connected people involved. Personally i like the over water establishments.

[@mauihowey]

Hey STL, I think it has lost a bit of its charm…..we live there and it has grown tremendously over the years….turning into a mini Pattaya overrun with tourists in the winter months……we still love it but during high season we will be headed north where there are fewer tourists, great video as always!

[@SideTripLife]

High season traffic is becoming a real pain for sure, fuggedabout driving, bike only. But sounds like you have a better plan, where North Howey?

[@mauihowey]

@@SideTripLife late November we will hop on the Forza and head to Chaing Mai then Chaing Rai and be gone til mid January….im hoping it won’t be so crazy up north🤪

[@timkdiamond]

Personally in Takiab I’m having the best life. I think I worked out something about the Russian situation. I think they’re afraid of what people think of them given the conflict. Takes a while to break the ice but I’ve met some very intelligent, interesting and lovely people with outstanding manners. I think it just takes a bit longer. I will say though, after Songkran and with less tourists and mainly long termers here things have reached a nice balance. Also, things just seem to work in Hua Hin, people are way more professional here from personal experience. Things are pretty damn good in The Hin compared to the absolute BS of western democracies right now. You couldn’t pay me enough to go back.

[@SideTripLife]

Wholeheartedly agree with all the above.

[@fruitloops3718]

I have the same sentiments as I will be there shortly.

[@Truthseeker371]

Khao Takiab is too crowded now with condos and visitors.

[@stefanlouw6395]

I just arrived in Hua Hin this evening from Koh Tao. First time here and looking forward to do some exploring 🎉

[@anthonycarney7849]

If only I could I would pack my suitcase &go there ur biogs look great 👍 😊

[@halilvatansever842]

I like your explanation and presentation bro.

[@boxcartwilly]

Great video look foreward to part 2 😎👍

[@MeditateMeHigher]

Awesome footage n droneage❤great editing.

[@steveburke7675]

Don't know much about drones, but quite surprised how stable it was in that strong breeze. The title of this vid had me a bit concerned as I have a 2 month trip planned for HH in November. Honestly...you couldn't pay me to visit Phuket. Another note...I've enjoyed your vids on the small beach towns around HH...plan on exploring those in Nov. Cheers! PS:.....best Thai travel channel out there.

[@papadougsadventures]

Nice drone shots thanks

[@SideTripLife]

thanks but the tree may disagree...

[@dotted8-]

Mine nearly kissed the tree this past weekend but remained unscathed…

[@sabaidee5587]

Cool. Is it always that windy there? We plan to go in June. Thanks.

[@lutach]

I guess he didn't see my comment on the previous video rofl and a 1hr long or longer video would not be bad at all. Thank you for another great video.

[@markelliott6105]

I’m right with you on those piers. Ketsarin has been our favourite for over 20 years but a few days at the end of April was our first visit in more than 10. Still great food and welcome to re-imprint the memories. I’d hate to see them go.

[@larshultberg6972]

I love your videos. 😊

[@desmcleod2604]

Loved this vlog will be there soon I hope your going south again

[@debrablue]

Awesome Video* Thanks =Dry ICKY (TX) 😂

[@SideTripLife]

Haha thanks DB! wet season in Hua Hin now but lotsa sun too :)

[@ronw8070]

May I ask what is the name of the beach at the beginning of your video. It looks great with some lovely restaurants around. My family and I will visit Hua hin in about two weeks. I can't wait!

[@Luxemburg-thai]

I miss Hua Hin and i love Thailand ❤

[@phuketprivateisland441]

Good video. Made me want to take a trip to kite surf...thanks.

[@manosparavida3551]

What a crackingly, brilliant video highlighting some wonderful areas and you're definitely correct regarding the place would lose its charm should they remove the stilted businesses.

[@giannagiavelli5098]

Great video of whoahan bound as soon as I sell the house I hope to find a house to rent somewhere to the South the city where it's not so congested but where you can still pick up a bus and get to village market or maybe a condo with an ocean view but I know the square footage on those is so tiny and they're expensive still it would be fun to live in one for a few months or a year

[@nico3579]

HELLO from Montreal, I’m waiting impatiently for you to make a video on house renting, not the luxury ones but those more affordable like 6500THB/month in HH! (Even if it has to be outside the city centre) Thank you.✌️😅

[@jeffcahill5722]

STL, I love you my Canadian brother. Please explore the west coast of Thailand. You owe it to your viewers. It was your videos that got me interested to try Hua Hin and Khanom. I drove 8 hours from Songkhla to Khanom, and was so disappointed in what I saw there, I immediately jumped back on my bike and drove across the country to Khao Lak, arriving at 2am, because I had been there weeks earlier and knew what it was like. As far as beaches are concerned, Hua Hin and Khanom are minor league compared to Khao Lak, Koh Chang (the smaller one in Ranong), Koh Phayam, Kho Koh Khao, Koh Lanta (especially Koh Lanta Noi, where no one ever goes) but I've never seen you do any videos from there. Did I just miss those or have you never really explored the quiet part of the west coast north of Phuket, which is by far the most beautiful part of Thailand and Krabi, which is beyond spectacular (I'm not talking about Phi Phi, which is great but everyone knows that). And the beaches of Trang, which are breathtaking. Come on, man, I know your viewers, including me, would love to see that part of Thailand presented through your eyes. It's 10x more beautiful than Hua Hin and Khanom. Go there and prove me wrong! I'm not criticizing, as I love your videos and you have taught me so much, but you have done many videos from the east side and continue to repeat them, while the west side is a completely different experience and much better. You are the best KZbinr in Thailand, so please present these places to your viewers. You'll enjoy it yourself.

[@formica.]

Gulf beaches boring, no waves, need to be on the Andaman.

[@SideTripLife]

I get that Jeff and pre YT, I've visited and loved many of those places. Was planning on a return this season to film but got sidetracked. May still make it, we'll see.

[@jeffcahill5722]

@@SideTripLife I hope you don't think I'm giving you a hard time. I would just love to see your take on those places. If you went years ago, I'm betting almost nothing has changed, which to me is the charm.

[@AquarianConspiracy]

Great video!!

[@carstensanonym7527]

Good all-day shot. Considering the heat a lot of people at the beach. Balanced number of visitors in the mall's food stall. Not too empty and still convenient for not waiting too long.

[@joezip6389]

Dang it these videos go by to fast, I love those building up on stilts. Keep them coming please

[@jimmy999-z2j]

Great content

[@theresewheeler1498]

Beautiful beach

[@TheAndanteLife-65]

Agree with you on the idea of "legitimising" the stilt guest houses! We were so charmed by them when we walked through (didn't stay there) - they're certainly unique and make for a much more characterful location.

[@LEObondTraveller]

I moved from Phuket to Hua Hin in 2013 to live permanently .... I lasted 24 hours... But having said that, Thailand changes fast, I'll give it another shot oneday

[@katjaxxx7353]

24 hrs? Poor you

[@glennaldosf]

When exactly is the high season and when was that taken? I'm going there next month in mid June?

[@SideTripLife]

June is a transitioning month from dry to wet season but you're likely to have plenty of sun as June is 'usually' not very wet on the Gulf side of Thailand. Winds are now starting to shift to blow from West to East (Nov-Apr NE, May-Oct SW). So, Phuket gets the wind/rain first and the Gulf side (Samui, Hua Hin etc) is more buffered in June/July/Aug. Again, depends on loads of other factors but that's the general rule.

[@DavidStuart-by5ur]

I usually stay in the areas you started the video, near Market Village. 10-15 minute walk to Soi Bintabath in the evening, calm beachside location for the day activites... Nice new mini bus station. I agree about the pier restaurants - hope they are allowed to exist. Me and my wife have a favourite there, just meters from the Chineese temple. Can't wait to visit again in 6 months or so...

[@rayronald7269]

'Bird Guesthouse', was one our favourites and was a casualty of town planning dept unfortunately. Could hear the waves lapping against the posts underneath whilst lying in bed. Let's hope they hold on to these remaining pieces of history.

[@SideTripLife]

Loved the Bird too, sad...

[@rebeccal.672]

I think the area should be preserved or at the very least be declared a historic landmark/area just my 2 cents. Thanks for sharing.

[@สุทธิศักดิ์มธุรพงศากุล]

So beautiful white sand beach and and the weather is good.🤗😊👍🙂🫰❤️🏖🏝🌴

[@theepicoutlet1680]

My wife's family just went there yesterday. It's still a great place to go

[@michaeltrull5788]

good video

[@AARON-15-k1y]

Whats Best place to stay in hua hin mate so u close to the bars beach food markets and stuff?

[@DM-mk1nl]

I was there 1 month ago in the same streets…i love Hua Hin

[@grahamdettmer9404]

Hi. Graham from South Africa. Like your videos. Quick question. I am comming to Pattaya and want to bring my drone. Same as yours am I allowed? Keep up your good work

[@John-i7u5h]

Agree 100% leave the guesthouses on stilts adds too the charm ,like a small fishing village,like walking round there

[@SeanHendy]

Average price of a pint of beer in the UK is now £5, or THB230, and take away fish and chips, in the region of £10, or THB 460. Despite people complaining that Thailand is more expensive, that still doesn't mean it is too expensive. Still far more economical than back home.

[@donleslie3402]

Fish and chips (huge) in ellesmete port £6. Can easily feed 2 people,

[@wheretoretire3315]

I was in Hua Hin in February. I found it difficult to get acclimated to the surroundings. The main street was not attractive. You had to go down little alleys to get to the beach. Where I was staying, the beach was packed with people. The sun chairs were all tightly packed together. I didn’t like it but I loved my hotel, Bihai Hua Hin Resort.

[@KeepingItRealBro]

Hua Hin is just another Thai city, don't get much of its appeal either. Beyond the beach it's like any other city plus more businesses catering to tourists. Avg. age of tourists and residents also sky high...

[@Wrtp.]

Cheers for that video.🍻🍻🍻👍

[@jodytoupin1225]

Hey great update on Hua Hin. I spent some time there doing Muay Thai before Corona. How is Koh Takiab area now? Are there still a lot of jellyfish on the beach. The beach looks stunning by the way. I hope to visit again soon. Cheers from Canada.

[@SideTripLife]

Takiab still my fav. Although in this past high season my building filled up (a first) and there were actually queues at some eateries at dinner time. Jellies are far less this year (so far) and generally the big white white and mostly harmless ones.

[@andyh3970]

Another great vid! Any recommendations for longer term hire cars 1-2 months? Picking up in hua hin, Bangkok or Pattaya ?

[@SideTripLife]

Perhaps have a look on FB, there's plenty of long term car hires

[@user-dy2qq5wh4b]

@ 2:00 min mark...thats Dew from Surf spot. He is 29 and one of the best kitesurfers around!

[@user-dy2qq5wh4b]

and believe it or not...Heart who sang Barracuda is touring!! They still sound amazing!

[@SideTripLife]

Guy's amazing! Wish I could board that good!

[@Steve-k1i]

Keep up the good work

[@SideTripLife]

Thanks

[@edmclean8630]

Hi STL, ever thought of numbering your episodes for followers checking back on previous Side Trips?

[@anthonycarney7849]

I agree with you I loved the old char but everything changes these dates not always for the better

[@ArcherNX1701]

You mentioned minivans from Bangkok to Hua Hin. What was the site to book?

[@TheRussRave]

What drone make and model are you using? It looks very good!

[@SideTripLife]

DJI Mini 2, older one but still good

[@jbb8600]

HH is great. Nice beaches.

[@lollofunky]

yeap I was there in October and the beach was long and beautiful, then I come back in February and wondered "what happened to the beach?" LOL

[@bijanbayne3259]

Let's hope it doesn't lose its charm any time soon- as I plan to move there from Jomtien once my lease expires

[@regnorse]

Jomtien lost its mojo?

[@bblvrable]

14:25 - The only parts of Vancouver I can think of where your helmet wouldn't get lifted in under 60 seconds are Shaughnessy and W Pt Grey. There, it'd maybe last like... 5 minutes. 19:35 - I can see how they add charm, but they also *do* encroach on the beach. Maybe leave a couple for cultural purposes, but the aerial pictures make it appear that they're occupying a huge portion of the beach in that area.

[@andy-travels2345]

hi there,, hmmm Hua Hin,,, not my favourite place,, but ok for a few days 👍🙏

[@JonathanPARDON-dk3ql]

Hey STL, recent subscriber here, enjoying your vids, just wondering, do they allow electric bikes on trains in Thailand?

[@randyc754]

Lot bigger city than I expected!❤

[@AsiaStreet365]

The food court has excellent food at a great price, one of my favs to eat at.

[@noreenneu837]

You might be able to answer this question. Why are there fewer beach cafes and sun lounge spots on the beach than years ago. Before Covid there seemed to be many more.

[@timkdiamond]

Low season.

[@regnorse]

@user-uw8vb5fq3v hope so

[@oderblock]

@@timkdiamond no

[@oderblock]

not many, a few. they were illegal, that is the reason. but the one at soi 83 has come back, as long as...

[@Jagutt2]

5 years left (im 45) Hua hin is definitely a good pick not just for kin u dee best restaurant in town. Can you if you whant go in to what to do in hua hin in your free time if you live there?

[@RobFomenko]

What a nice guy tipping him because he had no customers. I was in the south end of Hua Hin in February and no beach. Down by the cicada market. I liked it down there cuz it was easy to walk around and I had everything I needed. When I went North into the city , it was not as easy to get around and very busy. Also lots of foreigners with families and strollers and kids which is cool if that's what you're into. I was only there three or four nights so really not enough time to explore it well.

[@RobFomenko]

STL I recommend checking out Sira Pura Cafe and restaurant and highly recommend and not to be missed, although quite expensive by Thailand standards Duangkaew restaurant right next to the resort. That is the same name and just down the soi from cicada night market. The young Thai chefs there create incredible food. Not to be missed.

[@SideTripLife]

Will do, cheers Rob