Renting a house in Hua Hin

Quite naturally one of the first major concerns for teachers moving to the area is where they are going to live. With most teachers bringing home around 25,000 Baht per month, they have a limited budget, and a high percentage of income goes on accommodation. However, if you are a working couple then you can have a good lifestyle on two salaries. Since the Tsumani, prices in Hua Hin have increased somewhat as the town has benefited from the tourist trade focusing on the Gulf Coast rather than further south..

Certainly, reasonably priced accommodation can be found in Hua Hin but not usually overnight. Be prepared to put yourself in temporary accommodation for a while to give you chance to have a good look round and get to know the area.. For between 7,000 - 10,000 Baht per month is it possible to find a reasonable standard of accommodation. Although there are many real estate agents in the town who offer rental properties, they are usually in a higher price bracket, but you can occasionally be lucky!

Town houses are available at around 8,000 Baht and if you prefer a condo on the beach, then try the Condo Chain, almost opposite Soi 94, next to the car sales and petrol station. This large, white stepped shape building has some good value studios with balcony and views at upwards of 6,500 Baht, and one bedroom apartments with kitchen area at 12,000 Baht, ideal for couples.

The Condo Chain is situated right on one of the nicest parts of the beach and has a large swimming pool. There is also the Sport Villa, a little further down the road, with apartments upwards of 8,000 Baht per month.

Perhaps the best value for money is the Amara Inn and Resort on Soi 94, just over the railway tracks. There are modern well furnished studio and one bedroom apartments available in a quiet, peaceful setting, and a lovely swimming pool. The Amara Inn caters for long term residents and many of them are teaching at local Hua Hin schools. Special long stay prices are available for our TEFL trainees but book early to avoid disappointment.

Click here for the Hua Hin Accommodation details.

For those that want to be off the main tourist track then the charming fishing village of Koh Takiab, 3 kms south of Hua Hin offers reasonably priced accommodation, mainly in two or three storey town houses. Koh Takiab is more rural, the people are friendly and has a great beach. There is a shuttle bus that runs to Hua Hin every 15 minutes in daylight hours, for only 10 Baht.

If you are able to afford a bit more - say 10,000 - 15,000 Baht per month then the choice and variety of accommodation is wider. 10,000+ Baht will get you a modern 2/3 bedroom bungalow (try around Soi 94 and Soi 102). The best bargains can be had by word of mouth or simply hiring a car or motor bike and driving up and down the local Sois, looking for the “house for rent” signs.

It is normal to pay a deposit up front (usually two months) or “key” money. Bear in mind that longer term rentals give you more bargaining power with the landlord. If you are only looking to stay two or three months then you are likely to pay the full asking rate.

Whilst the majority of our teachers have no problems with their accommodation, wherever you intend to rent in Thailand, be alert to nearby Karaoke bars or other potential noise hazards. It pays to visit a property once in daylight and once in the evening to check out the area, before signing the contract!

The Hua Hin Dog Rescue Center

Having found a suitable house, you or your family may want a four legged friend to keep you company. The Hua Hin Dog Rescue Center, behind Soi Bon Kai cares for sick and injured dogs and who owe their lives to Dawn and Maureen and their colleagues, who work tirelessly everyday to keep the centre in operation. Their aim is to find homes for the many dogs in their care and the centre is run solely on donations. Visitors to the centre are welcome but please make an appointment. Contact Dawn 01 981 4406.

Please visit the official Hua Hin Dog Rescue Center website for more information.