Pattaya vs Hua Hin: Which Is Better?

I've been to Hua Hin more than half a dozen times. It's a very nice town, but in my view it doesn't compare to Pattaya. That said, it suits a certain kind of person very well.

What's the main difference between Pattaya and Hua Hin?

Hua Hin is much quieter. The beaches are nice, with a long stretch of coastline, but that's really its main draw. There's no real nightlife and one small shopping centre. There are restaurants and some nice hotels, but nowhere near as many as in Pattaya.

Less choice has an upside, though: fewer cars on the road, fewer people and a calmer feel. I can see the attraction.

Is Hua Hin or Pattaya better for golf?

The quality of golf in Hua Hin is extremely high, with courses like Banyan and Black Mountain. But there aren't as many as around Pattaya. If you want variety, Pattaya wins. Here's my guide to golf in Pattaya.

Which is closer to Bangkok?

Pattaya, but not by enough to be a deciding factor. Roughly, it's about two hours by road from Bangkok to Pattaya, and three to three and a half to Hua Hin, depending on traffic.

Who should choose Hua Hin over Pattaya?

Someone who prefers a slower pace of life and doesn't want to be around crowds all the time. It's not empty, but it's definitely quieter.

Hua Hin is also popular with Scandinavians. Pattaya still carries a stigma among some Europeans, the old "Sin City" image, and if you don't want to be associated with that, Hua Hin might be for you. (I'd argue that image is 20 years out of date.)

For almost everyone else, I'd choose Pattaya: more to do, more choice and easier to get to. If you're also weighing up the islands, read Pattaya vs Phuket, and for the capital, Pattaya vs Bangkok, and for what life here costs, Is Pattaya Expensive?