Everything you (or your family) might want to know
If you can't find the answer you're after, get in touch — we're always happy to talk things through.
Who is SawasdeeLife for?
Active, independent Australians 55+ (and couples) who want community, warmth and adventure — without doing it alone.
Do I need to speak Thai?
No. English is widely spoken, and our team can help when Thai-language assistance is needed.
Do I need to drive?
Not at all. Hua Hin is walkable, the local songthaew is about ฿15 (AUD $0.65) a trip, and Grab (the ride app) is widely available and generally affordable. Many people find they don't need a car in Hua Hin. If you'd like to drive or ride while you're here, we'll point you to how to do it safely and legally.
What about my visa?
We guide and assist you through the visa process — a Tourist Visa for the 3-month program. You pay the visa application fee; we pay the in-country extension fee for you. If you'd like to stay longer than 3 months, you'll need a retirement (Non-O) visa arranged before you travel — see “Can I stay longer?”.
Where will I live?
In a vetted apartment in a lovely beachside neighbourhood, close to your cohort. We show you honest photos and help you choose and book before you fly — so your home is waiting when you arrive. Accommodation is separate from the program fee — around ฿20,000–30,000/month (roughly AUD $850–1,280), paid directly with no mark-up.
Do I have to join the group activities?
Never. Everything is optional. The community is there when you want it, and your time is your own when you don't.
What if I'm not very mobile / need care?
Our programs are for active, independent living. If you or a family member needs care, talk to us — we can point you in the right direction.
Is my money safe?
We're a registered Thai company licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Licence No. 11/13834). Payments are staged — a small deposit, then instalments — never a big lump sum up front, and a written agreement comes before you pay anything. If a cohort doesn't reach its minimum group size, you receive a full refund or a free transfer.
Can my family visit?
Absolutely — Hua Hin is an easy, lovely place to visit, and families are very welcome. See our For Families page for more.
What's included in the price — and what isn't?
The program fee covers the Bangkok Welcome Tour (with 4-star accommodation and meals), settling-in support, activities, the support line, and guidance and assistance with your visa and settling-in paperwork. Your Hua Hin accommodation and daily living are separate — you pay those directly (we help you find and book a lovely apartment, around ฿20,000–30,000/month (roughly AUD $850–1,280)). We keep it this way so you have choice and there are no hidden mark-ups. We're always happy to walk you through a realistic total budget. See How It Works for the full list.
Do I need travel or health insurance?
Yes — comprehensive international health insurance covering treatment, emergency evacuation and repatriation is required for all SawasdeeLife participants. See our Health & Safety page for more on how this fits with local healthcare.
I'm travelling as a couple. How does pricing work?
Single occupancy — your own room, no single supplement — is standard. If a second person shares your accommodation, it's $500 off the second person sharing a room.
How is the cohort matched? Will I actually know these people?
You'll meet your cohort on Day 1 of the Bangkok Welcome Tour, and spend four nights together exploring Bangkok before travelling to Hua Hin as a group. From there, you'll typically be living close together, with regular community activities to keep everyone connected.
Can I stay longer than 3 months?
Yes, if you plan ahead. Staying on needs a retirement (Non-O) visa, which must be arranged before you leave Australia and has financial requirements — so please talk to us before you book. We can take care of the whole retirement-visa process for AUD $1,000. After your program, the group activities end, and our phone and WhatsApp support can continue for AUD $100 a month (Monday–Saturday, 8am–8pm Bangkok time), with in-person help — including in an emergency — at our standard rates.
What happens if my cohort doesn't fill up?
Every cohort needs a minimum group size to run. If a cohort doesn't reach that number, you choose: move your deposit (and any other payments made) to the next available cohort, or receive a full refund of everything you've paid. We only run a cohort when it's big enough to be a real group — the group is the whole point.
What is the founding cohort, and is it available now?
Escape Winter is SawasdeeLife's first-ever cohort — our founding cohort — a 3-month program departing Wednesday 16 June 2027. The group is limited to 15 people, and the first 5 to reserve receive the founding price of AUD $3,000. Reservations open soon: arrange a friendly chat and we'll add you to our priority list — no cost, no commitment.