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Which is better to live in: Hua Hin or Krabi Town?

Jan 9, 2026
4 months ago
John *******
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Happy New Year to everyone! Any thoughts on which is better between Hua Hin and Krabi Town? We've been in Hua Hin since April and love it. We've never been to the west coast / Andaman Sea side of Thailand (but aren't interested in Phuket). Thanks for any insight! Cheers! J
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion compares Hua Hin and Krabi Town as potential locations for expats or visitors. Hua Hin is favored by some for living, while Krabi is described as a better destination for visits due to its beautiful beaches and islands. There are concerns about Krabi's recent changes and catering to a budget-oriented market, impacting the local vibe and dining options. Personal experiences suggest that while Hua Hin is great for residence, Krabi offers a unique vacation experience, with recommendations to explore nearby islands for a more authentic Thai experience.
Philip ***********
Hua hin to live . Krabi to visit often is my style. I did consider retirement in Ao Nang but fortunately came to my senses
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John *******
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@Philip **********
why 'came to your senses' ? Is there anything awful about Ao Nang or Krabi? I appreciate your input! Cheers!
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John *******
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Ant ***********
Krabi / Ao Nang is a good mix of quality beaches & Islands with Krabi having nice Thai old style vibe
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Andy **********
You are not comparing like with like.

Rayavadee is unique but you can't understand why it still has value until you stay there. As a youngster, I stayed outside the railings and wondered why anyone would pay (then) $250 a night to stay there but less than a decade later, I was paying $500 a night staying there wondering why anyone would not stay there. I've since been back multiple times.

I was last in Krabi in September and around Ao Nang, it has been destroyed. Step back a few years and there was a mix of everything, bottom end, mid market, hovering top end and some top tier places but now, half of everything is catering to the Indian market which, it seems, is budget orientated and refugees from the expense of Phuket. Restaurants are half Indian, of all varieties, those which are not can struggle or find it hard to differentiate but we found some by travelling. I also lived in the South Andaman and Krabi for some years and visited a lot over more than 2 decades so I have seen the deterioration. Sadly, I won't be back soon.

My advise would be to get off the mainland on onto the islands. Koh Lanta is easy and from there you can go further south and unsurprisingly, the farther you get from the mass tourist market, the better it gets. What you lose in a choice of convenience food places and identikit hotels, you win in local cuisine, warmer people and a truer Thai experience.
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Heinz ***********
@Andy *********
the people you send further down south bring mass tourist markets with them.
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John *******
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@Andy *********
we're here for a couple years to learn Thai, so we're fine outside the tourist zones and prefer the authentic Thailand experience. Thanks for your info and tips. We'll check out the areas south too, as you suggest! Cheers!
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John *******
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Brandon ************
Are you asking about living there, or visiting?
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John *******
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@Brandon ***********
sorry - yes. Living there. We want to sign a one-year lease in February or March. I have heard the water is cleaner and it's less expensive - plus sunsets on the water.
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Nung ***********
@John ******
what visa grants you one year stay in Thailand as a foreigner? I'm looking
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John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nung **********
Hi Nung! We are students studying at a language school. It's a one year visa but we have to report to immigration every 3 months. The school handled everything for us so we were prepared when we went to immigration. We feel so lucky to be here. Good luck!
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John *******
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Brandon ************
@John ******
I've never been to Hua Hin, and only visited Krabi. But I love Krabi. Probably my 2nd favorite place in Thailand. Beautiful cliffs and mountains, very local feel if you're out of the tourist area. I'm not a beach person so it's hard for me to comment on that.

But if you've never visited I suggest doing so! And you absolutely cannot go to Krabi without going here for lunch or trying to get a table for sunset
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John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thanks for the info and recommendation: we'll definitely try out Khaothong Hill when we're there in a week or so. That view is amazing. Cheers!
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John *******
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