Lived in Pattaya/Jomtien for 4 years then moved to Hua Hin for the last 9 months. I prefer Hua Hin much better as a retirement spot. Definitely 1 or 2 days, even a month visiting a place is not enough time to make a decision on if it is the right place for a person to retire. There are definitely activities to do in Hua Hin that you didn't see. Retirement for me is a relaxing place that is not too touristy. You can always "take a vacation" from your retirement spot to visit the tourism places if you need the constant stimulation.
There are a LOT of hours in the day and days in the year. And every one of those days here is very warm if not smokin' hot. Many people like a cool, safe, familiar place to stroll on occasion - and maybe grab some comfort food - and let someone else pay for the a/c. I myself dislike malls. In fact, I had been in exactly one in the last 5+ years. In Pattaya, I will hit a mall, usual Central Festival, about once a month via the baht bus (less than 30 cents). I'll grab a DQ soft serve chocolate dipped ice cream cone or an ice cream sandwich (25 baht, ~ 70 cents) and get in a little cardio exercise strolling every floor. I stop at Mr DYI for some household items at Royal Garden Plaza. Terminal 21 has a different country/city theme on every floor of the mall, which is unique. All 3 have a DQ I believe. These are also nice places to observe the hard working, pretty local ladies - maybe even meet someone (outside of a bar) that you'd like to get to know? The bonus of Central Festival is that it is right on Beach Road for a nice post-mall stroll with a view of the bay. And for those who partake, *it is walking distance to fabulous Soi 6.*
There is also a second Mall just down the road Called Blue Port, (you may cover in your next video)this is more like your T21. There are also an array of large retailers and further Malls going back towards the Cha am area.
Personally the size of a mall would be not a reason I would pick a retirement destination ,there are so many things more important to me ie medical etc and a bar close by that sells really cold beer
Thanks Cooper, enjoyed everything you showed us. I am interested in Hua Hin because when I retire to Thailand, I don't want all the PITA of driving, even though I am used to driving on the left. I think being able to take the train to BKK for a weekend trip to the fancy malls and more would be fun. Am I crazy? I should also point out that I hate being driven by anyone else 😅
Mall looks ok to me..Mind you not like the Terminal 21 or Central Pattaya mall..But in Life, you have to experience the sour in order to enjoy the sweet..
Hi Coop, just retired and going to join a few friends already living in the Pattaya,/Jomtien area. But Hua Hin has intrigued me a bit. I see there's a Cinema in the Mall. Would you know if the show movies in English? Thanks and keep up the great videos.
The beautiful thing about Jomtien/Pattaya is that you can do as little or as much as you want. For those that say it is "too busy," if you chose a nice condo, hang out there and enjoy it. Enjoy your pool. Enjoy the nearby eateries. If you scrimped on lodging and don't like your condo, you made a bad decision. Nothing is expensive here. You had options. Nobody makes you go out 7 days a week. That's on you if you do. YOU are in control here.
I concur lostboi. I like the idea of going there from Jomtien for a couple weeks out of the year. The area near The Hilton does pop a little if you are in the right place at the right time - if you want some of that. It's a nice change of pace place imho. I'm just not sure I want to wake up there 365x a year. But certainly a beautiful coastline & beaches. Enough to do for short stretches. Super nice people everywhere you go. I found it oh-so-slightly more expensive than Pattaya/Jomtien, but still extremely inexpensive by Western standards.
I agree, its to small for my taste. I would get bored fast. One thing it has though its shorter to drive to Phuket then it is from Jomtien :D, We did drive to Phuket last time and slept over in Hua Hin before driving the second leg down.
I have never cared much for malls. I have sat foot in the Pattaya malls one time each. The markets are what I am onterested in and my understanding is that there is a great night market in Hua Hin and.an area bery similar to treetown except even better. I will be in Hua Hin next week and spending about 5 days there so I will see
I've been to Hua Hin twice, once 6 years ago and once 3 months ago. It is a shadow of it's former self. If you walk around the jain entertainment district, near Soi Bintabat, the number of empty bars and moreso restaurants was depressing. I have my theory why this is so, but i'll not share it. It is very stretched out and not as centralized as the Pattaya area. I just couldn't warm to it. My first time was somewhat the same, even though it was busier, but on between times 2 of my friends had retired there and left there, not may I add for any of the issues I indetified. I moved up to Cha Am. I have a friend who lived there for 5 years, but who has sonced moved to Issan. It's lovely but as boring as a wet week in a very boring place. You need personal transport as well. It's horses for courses, and I would not choose Hua Hin or Cha Am as my course. Ymmv.
@@CoopersThaiAdventure honestly mate, after a month in Laos and a month in Vietnam, plus my Hua Hin and Cha Am travels, I am buying in Pristine Park 3, partly thanks to your video.
Pensioners on a tighter budget to yours are not snooty and do not want, or can afford, the prices of high end malls like in Bangkok. (Those with that desire will travel) Basic affordable goods to live a comfortable life is all that is wanted/needed for most. Budget clothing and consumables that the pensioners and locals alike can afford is what Village Market mastly caters for and hits the nail on the head with as you evidenced. Note: There are higher end apparel sellers on the opposite side to where you entered the mall and they do cater for a select few with deeper pockets than most. A visit to Soi 94 would have filled that wow factor you want. Bien voyager
Thanks Coop, béen pondering on this very same topic. Lovin the serenity and affordability of Hua Hin. I also enjoy the voltage of Pattaya/Jomtiem.(just thinking, a ferry service would be GREAT) 4 hrs going & returning from Hua Hin to Pattaya/Jomtiem is a lot... H.H. serenity is great, i need to be a lil closer for comforts.
My bad Nick I got my math wrong. I forgot to include the tax and was thinking in baht instead of Dollars. We actually paid 4000 for our room for 2 people which works out to $113 or $56 each. My apologies brother. Not intentional 😢
I’m moving to Thailand in January. I need to pick a spot quickly because I need a lease to finalize my visa. Trying to decide between Hua Hin area and Pattaya area. I’ve been to Hua Hin but not Pattaya. I’m concerned that Pattaya may be a bit too seedy for me. I wasn’t too impressed with Hua Hin either but I did like the Cha Am area. Any suggestions?
I live in Hua Hin... formerly in Phuket as well. The water at the beach in Pattaya is not clean. You must live south a bit for the water to be clean enough for swimming etc. The water in Hua Hin is clean. If swimming at the beach is important to you then you should take this into consideration. Also... Pattaya is an ugly looking town and filled with shady people (Farang) in my opinion.
Honestly, if you move somewhere based on a shopping mall there is something wrong with your criteria. That would not make my top 10 reasons to move anywhere. You clearly have not explored Hua Hin if that’s your take on it. Hilton and a shopping mall wow, I truly expected more from you Cooper.
My Thai friends call Hua Hin 'boring". I'll probably relocate there from Jomtien once my lease it up. Boring rocks (I don't drink, or ride a motorbike)
Hua Hin was or still is the preferred place of Thai royalty. Pattaya is the preferred place for drunks,sexual predators,mafia criminals from around the world. The standard of retiree in Hua Hin is a cut above most other destinations, especially Pattaya/Jomtien. Glad you liked. it,not based on glitzy shopping malls.
True Pattaya malls are better than Hua Hin But Bangkok malls are way way better than Pattaya. Restaurants too Pattaya is not Bangkok Pattaya is sleazy compared to Hua Hin.
Cooper; Hooa Hin, Puttaya, dook dook. Use these pronunciations! I lived in Thailand, I speak the language. And why I care about a mall?! Malls are a thing of the past. Malls in the west are being closed left and right! And saying that the goods the locals buy is low quality is very offensive! Very bad video!
Were you been mate its got e everything nice place not a lot of yanks complaining about everything with what higher budget go to blue port and spend your higher budget just down the road
Yer mall not my thing got great night market cheap cheap rents ask johnny something happen channel he show you top end budget market for you been living
Lived in Pattaya/Jomtien for 4 years then moved to Hua Hin for the last 9 months. I prefer Hua Hin much better as a retirement spot. Definitely 1 or 2 days, even a month visiting a place is not enough time to make a decision on if it is the right place for a person to retire. There are definitely activities to do in Hua Hin that you didn't see. Retirement for me is a relaxing place that is not too touristy. You can always "take a vacation" from your retirement spot to visit the tourism places if you need the constant stimulation.
Well done brother. Appreciate the feedback and wish you a great retirement 👍
Exactly my sentiments.
Less tourists there. I think it’s a winner
Could be 👍
The last thing I want to do in retirement is go to malls.
My thoughts exactly!
There are a LOT of hours in the day and days in the year. And every one of those days here is very warm if not smokin' hot. Many people like a cool, safe, familiar place to stroll on occasion - and maybe grab some comfort food - and let someone else pay for the a/c.
I myself dislike malls. In fact, I had been in exactly one in the last 5+ years. In Pattaya, I will hit a mall, usual Central Festival, about once a month via the baht bus (less than 30 cents). I'll grab a DQ soft serve chocolate dipped ice cream cone or an ice cream sandwich (25 baht, ~ 70 cents) and get in a little cardio exercise strolling every floor. I stop at Mr DYI for some household items at Royal Garden Plaza. Terminal 21 has a different country/city theme on every floor of the mall, which is unique. All 3 have a DQ I believe. These are also nice places to observe the hard working, pretty local ladies - maybe even meet someone (outside of a bar) that you'd like to get to know? The bonus of Central Festival is that it is right on Beach Road for a nice post-mall stroll with a view of the bay. And for those who partake, *it is walking distance to fabulous Soi 6.*
I like the malls to get out of the heat 😂😂
Very much needed AC break 😂
Yet im retired & i love the Malls, ive always enjoyed even window shopping, thank goodness we are all different
There is also a second Mall just down the road Called Blue Port, (you may cover in your next video)this is more like your T21. There are also an array of large retailers and further Malls going back towards the Cha am area.
Yes I did see Bluport. It was more modern. I like that they had a immigration office downstairs 👍
Personally the size of a mall would be not a reason I would pick a retirement destination ,there are so many things more important to me ie medical etc and a bar close by that sells really cold beer
I did also see a Bangkok hospital there and the beer was ice cold 😂
Thank you Coop. You just saved me the trouble of going to Hua Hin. I like Jomtien and taking the baht bus for a 12-minute ride to Pattaya.
Yeah! I've been waiting for this one!
Share your thoughts please Donna 🙏
Not having many large Malls is a good sign, and a big bonus. It makes it a better place to retire without the big shopping crowds.
For a more quiet life yes 👍
Another thing to consider that may or may not be a big deal to some people is sunset vs sunrise side of the Gulf.
The sunset on the sea and rose from behind the mountains 👍
Thanks Cooper, enjoyed everything you showed us. I am interested in Hua Hin because when I retire to Thailand, I don't want all the PITA of driving, even though I am used to driving on the left. I think being able to take the train to BKK for a weekend trip to the fancy malls and more would be fun. Am I crazy? I should also point out that I hate being driven by anyone else 😅
Mall looks ok to me..Mind you not like the Terminal 21 or Central Pattaya mall..But in Life, you have to experience the sour in order to enjoy the sweet..
Well said AL 👍
Hi Coop, just retired and going to join a few friends already living in the Pattaya,/Jomtien area. But Hua Hin has intrigued me a bit. I see there's a Cinema in the Mall. Would you know if the show movies in English? Thanks and keep up the great videos.
Hua Hin is on top list for retirement because of the size and quietness. I could see myself choosing it when I reach 70.
The beautiful thing about Jomtien/Pattaya is that you can do as little or as much as you want.
For those that say it is "too busy," if you chose a nice condo, hang out there and enjoy it. Enjoy your pool. Enjoy the nearby eateries. If you scrimped on lodging and don't like your condo, you made a bad decision. Nothing is expensive here. You had options.
Nobody makes you go out 7 days a week. That's on you if you do. YOU are in control here.
Thank you, Cooper, for your video.
Gives us an important insight into different areas.
I see your wife seems very happy there.
😊
We both loved it there Paul. You should visit there if you get a chance 👍
In my book the monkeys make it not a nice area to visit, if one becomes aggressive you have no chance
They have a go cart track and para-sailing and all the water sports.
I heard that is about 5 kilometers south of monkey island??
I went there for 2 weeks before going to Jomtien/Pattaya. I thought it was boring for my taste. But to some it might be perfect. 😊
That's the reason I love it. Very few girlie bars. Quiet beach. Two block long night market. No crazy Buakhao traffic. Sidewalks
I concur lostboi. I like the idea of going there from Jomtien for a couple weeks out of the year. The area near The Hilton does pop a little if you are in the right place at the right time - if you want some of that. It's a nice change of pace place imho. I'm just not sure I want to wake up there 365x a year. But certainly a beautiful coastline & beaches. Enough to do for short stretches. Super nice people everywhere you go. I found it oh-so-slightly more expensive than Pattaya/Jomtien, but still extremely inexpensive by Western standards.
I would definitely go back during high season to compare and stay for a whole week this time 👍
I agree, its to small for my taste. I would get bored fast. One thing it has though its shorter to drive to Phuket then it is from Jomtien :D, We did drive to Phuket last time and slept over in Hua Hin before driving the second leg down.
I have never cared much for malls. I have sat foot in the Pattaya malls one time each. The markets are what I am onterested in and my understanding is that there is a great night market in Hua Hin and.an area bery similar to treetown except even better. I will be in Hua Hin next week and spending about 5 days there so I will see
I've been to Hua Hin twice, once 6 years ago and once 3 months ago.
It is a shadow of it's former self. If you walk around the jain entertainment district, near Soi Bintabat, the number of empty bars and moreso restaurants was depressing.
I have my theory why this is so, but i'll not share it.
It is very stretched out and not as centralized as the Pattaya area. I just couldn't warm to it.
My first time was somewhat the same, even though it was busier, but on between times 2 of my friends had retired there and left there, not may I add for any of the issues I indetified.
I moved up to Cha Am. I have a friend who lived there for 5 years, but who has sonced moved to Issan. It's lovely but as boring as a wet week in a very boring place. You need personal transport as well.
It's horses for courses, and I would not choose Hua Hin or Cha Am as my course. Ymmv.
Where would you choose ??
@@CoopersThaiAdventure honestly mate, after a month in Laos and a month in Vietnam, plus my Hua Hin and Cha Am travels, I am buying in Pristine Park 3, partly thanks to your video.
Bintabat is old, replaced by Soi 94 area, if you didn't see that you got the wrong impression.
Hello from denis and Wendy! Hau Hin is on our list of places to visit for future retirement. Thank you for a great video 🤗
Thank you both 🙏
Thanks Cooper
Welcome Tommy 👍
Pensioners on a tighter budget to yours are not snooty and do not want, or can afford, the prices of high end malls like in Bangkok. (Those with that desire will travel)
Basic affordable goods to live a comfortable life is all that is wanted/needed for most.
Budget clothing and consumables that the pensioners and locals alike can afford is what Village Market mastly caters for and hits the nail on the head with as you evidenced.
Note: There are higher end apparel sellers on the opposite side to where you entered the mall and they do cater for a select few with deeper pockets than most.
A visit to Soi 94 would have filled that wow factor you want.
Bien voyager
Thanks Coop, béen pondering on this very same topic. Lovin the serenity and affordability of Hua Hin. I also enjoy the voltage of Pattaya/Jomtiem.(just thinking, a ferry service would be GREAT) 4 hrs going & returning from Hua Hin to Pattaya/Jomtiem is a lot... H.H. serenity is great, i need to be a lil closer for comforts.
Cooper I think we be travelling that way soon plan on spending a. few days there to see the area
Very peaceful there 👍
Hey Coop ,do youmind telling us how you got such a great rate , ive looked on many hotel booking sites and cant see it for under $100 us . 😊
My bad Nick I got my math wrong. I forgot to include the tax and was thinking in baht instead of Dollars. We actually paid 4000 for our room for 2 people which works out to $113 or $56 each. My apologies brother. Not intentional 😢
I’m moving to Thailand in January. I need to pick a spot quickly because I need a lease to finalize my visa. Trying to decide between Hua Hin area and Pattaya area. I’ve been to Hua Hin but not Pattaya. I’m concerned that Pattaya may be a bit too seedy for me. I wasn’t too impressed with Hua Hin either but I did like the Cha Am area. Any suggestions?
South end of Jomtien. Gives you some distance from Pattaya while keeping you w/access to the benefits of Jomtien.
Watch the next 2 locations we go to this week. Even more for you to think on. Don’t rush find the place that suits you best. 👍
I live in Hua Hin... formerly in Phuket as well. The water at the beach in Pattaya is not clean. You must live south a bit for the water to be clean enough for swimming etc. The water in Hua Hin is clean. If swimming at the beach is important to you then you should take this into consideration. Also... Pattaya is an ugly looking town and filled with shady people (Farang) in my opinion.
Did you bother checking with Jira?
If not, then your not for real.
You sound like a used car salesman.
😂 first time I heard that one 😂. Thanks for making me laugh 🤣
Hua Hin looks nice but a little quiet for me at this point, I would visit for sure thanks Coop !
It is definitely worth a visit Mike 👍
Thanks Cooper seems like a quiet place. From your video's I think I would prefer Jonteim.
Both have a lot to offer. 👍
is there a 3rd video? you didn't hit the 2 other night markets Cicada and Tamarind
We did see them as we left town to head south. Looks like a lot of fun there with lots of food stalls 👍
Is Phuket better?
Honestly, if you move somewhere based on a shopping mall there is something wrong with your criteria. That would not make my top 10 reasons to move anywhere. You clearly have not explored Hua Hin if that’s your take on it. Hilton and a shopping mall wow, I truly expected more from you Cooper.
My Thai friends call Hua Hin 'boring". I'll probably relocate there from Jomtien once my lease it up. Boring rocks (I don't drink, or ride a motorbike)
Bangkok is better for me. Love tourists areas and expats and tons of things to do, shop, eat, etc.
Pattaya is more developed and closer to the airport in just one hour by car.
Both definitely have their pluses 👍
Theres a Jetts gym there I am sold already! Thanks for the Vlog
Thank you 🙏
As long as they have good food at the mall that's all it matters I guess for some people 😅
Aircon and cheap food. Plus plus 👍
Cheers, Coops!
Hua Hin was or still is the preferred place of Thai royalty. Pattaya is the preferred place for drunks,sexual predators,mafia criminals from around the world. The standard of retiree in Hua Hin is a cut above most other destinations, especially Pattaya/Jomtien. Glad you liked. it,not based on glitzy shopping malls.
Coop every mall in the Philippines 🇵🇭 looks the same
You will get a big shock when you come here 👍
🇵🇸❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️👍
"'Hua-Hin, it's not that bad" -can Condé Nast quote you? lol
I like the Village SHOPPING PLAZA in Hua Hin. It's better than Bluport
A Mall is not high on my list for a retirement destination.
Your still a young fella mr cooper not ready to slow down just yet
True Pattaya malls are better than Hua Hin But Bangkok malls are way way better than Pattaya. Restaurants too Pattaya is not Bangkok Pattaya is sleazy compared to Hua Hin.
I THINK THE MONKEYS WERE BREAKDANCING BEFORE YOU ARRIVED VERY SHY
Are you giving lessons again?? 😂😂
Coop, that mall looks similar to some Philippine malls 😢.
Very 👍
well sounds like you should go back to seedy Pattaya
Ole $60 buck a month shack life, Cheap Steve from Philippine Info Channel would think he's in heaven there. Far better than Tres!
I saw his channel. He says his budget is $3000/mo yet lives in a shack for less then $100/mo 🤷🏻♂️
Do you miss Steve ?? 😂😂
Cooper; Hooa Hin, Puttaya, dook dook. Use these pronunciations! I lived in Thailand, I speak the language. And why I care about a mall?! Malls are a thing of the past. Malls in the west are being closed left and right! And saying that the goods the locals buy is low quality is very offensive! Very bad video!
7 years experience of living here.
G1
Thank you Ross 🙏
The undertakers are always busy in hua hin.
😂😂😂🤣
hahaha
No comment 😂😂
Unlike the flying club in Pattaya?😂
do you need to be reminded of the us of a
Zip lines hmmm you dont like hights mr cooper 😅😅😅😅
Any dental work videos? lol
Were you been mate its got e everything nice place not a lot of yanks complaining about everything with what higher budget go to blue port and spend your higher budget just down the road
Yer mall not my thing got great night market cheap cheap rents ask johnny something happen channel he show you top end budget market for you been living