hua hin tourist office

• Pala-U Waterfall
• Hua Hin Train Station
• Hua Hin Night Market

Hua Hin is one of the top tourist destinations of Thailand from its great amount of attractions and activities - plus it isn’t far from Bangkok . The City has many incredible Beach es, mountains , view points, Temple s, night market s, water parks, and fine diners for you to choose from and enjoy at any time of the year.

Hua Hin features a beautiful, powdery sand Beach , numerous sea side Seafood restaurants , a lively night market , numerous Beach activities , and some great inland activities, not least of which is golfing at some of Thailand ’s most renowned courses. Just down the coast at Takiab Bay, visitors can take seaside horseback rides and visit a hilltop Buddhist Temple with a spectacular view . Accommodation along the Beach and on the streets leading away from the sea ranges from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts and includes some of the finest Spa -retreats in the world. Hua Hin is accessible via train, bus, or car and the seaside community of 60,000 residents is a fine example of warm and welcoming Thai hospitality.

Pala-U waterfall , which is located in Kaeng Krachan national park , is also a great butterfly watching spot.

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16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Hua Hin

Written by Meagan Drillinger and Diana Bocco Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Hua Hin may have started as a sleepy beach town, but today it has grown into a vibrant city by the sea. Two and a half hours south of Thailand's capital, Bangkok (and another world away), this small-town-turned-tourist hot spot is an exciting beach, dining, and shopping destination right on the Gulf of Thailand.

Before this small town of 60,000 people became a tourists' favorite, it was best known for being home to Klaikangwon Palace, the summer residence of one of Thailand's former kings back in the 1920s. Today, it's the perfect getaway to some of the country's best national parks and quietest beaches.

If you're thinking of stopping by here when visiting Thailand , plan your sightseeing with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Hua Hin.

1. Dip Your Toes in the Sand of Hua Hin Beach

2. feel like royalty at maruekhathaiyawan palace, 3. pick up souvenirs at the hua hin night market, 4. escape to khao takiab hill and beach, 5. keep shopping into the night at cicada market, 6. step into a world of illusions at for art's sake, 7. transport yourself to a different world at santorini park, 8. shop the world at the venezia hua hin, 9. get wet at black mountain water park, 10. take a day trip to kaeng drachan national park and pala-u waterfall, 11. walk through the pranburi mangrove forest, 12. escape to sam roi yot freshwater marsh, 13. shop at the sam pan nam floating market, 14. browse the galleries at hua hin artists village (baan sillapin), 15. shop even more at bluport hua hin, 16. dine alfresco at tamarind market, where to stay in hua hin for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in hua hin.

Most people who come to this sleepy town come here for the beach. While other beach towns in Thailand are all about the nightlife, Hua Hin is a much quieter destination where you can truly lie down on the beach for hours of peaceful sun-worshipping.

Hua Hin's beach stretches for four kilometers --and while it might not be the largest or the whitest in Thailand, it makes up for it by being great for swimming , offering lots of family-friendly things to do ( kitesurfing and banana boat rides included), and always having deckchairs and umbrellas available for rent. Beach vendors selling refreshments and local souvenirs and crafts are often around (without being pushy) in case you need to stock up on goods without walking too far.

Built for King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) as a summer retreat in the 1920s, Maruekhathaiyawan Palace is constructed entirely of teak wood and sits right on the beach.

The clever design of the palace – which sits on pillars and is made up of several sections connected by long covered corridors – allows for perfect air circulation and keeps the place cool in the hot and humid Thai afternoons. There's even a corridor leading straight to the beach and the Queen's former bathing pavilion.

The King's living chambers are partially furnished with some of his original possessions. His study, where the king composed poetry when staying here, overlooks the ocean and houses his beloved desk and writing materials.

Visitors can also explore the manicured gardens surrounding the palace or enjoy a picnic on the grass.

Address: 1281 Phetkasem Road | King Rama VI Army Camp

No matter how much upscale shopping you do in Thailand, nothing beats the authentic feel of a local night market – a chance to soak up the atmosphere and experience real Thai market culture. Night markets often have no rhyme or reason in Thailand, and Hua Hin's night market is no exception. Here, you'll find arts and crafts next to cheap snacks (don't be too shocked at the deep-fried insect snacks for sale) and stalls offering apparel.

Because Hua Hin's night market also attracts tourists, you'll find your share of stalls selling cheap souvenirs and beachwear, but also lots of street vendors selling authentic ware and fare for everyday life, Buddhist tokens, and traditional Thai crafts. Address: Petchkasem Road near 74 Street, Hua Hin

Khao Takiab hill offers access to a quiet stretch of beach and impressive views over Hua Hin from up top. Some of the best seafood restaurants in town are located in this area, as well as some of the most colorful Buddhist temples you'll find in Hua Hin.

Khao Takiab temple, better known to locals as " Monkey Mountain ," is home to hundreds of wild macaques-a fun experience as long as you hang on to your bags and phone, since they have become quite good at stealing things from tourists.

An open-air weekend market that's all about arts and crafts , Cicada is popular with both Thai and foreign tourists and is particularly lively once the sun goes down. The market is divided into four sections that include decorative home items and fashion for sale, an art gallery, a massive outdoor food court, and an area dedicated to live music and shows featuring bands, dance groups, unique pantomime performances, and live DJs.

What makes Cicada different from other night markets is definitely its style. You won't find cheap plastic souvenirs here, but instead a lot of handmade items, original paintings and sculptures, contemporary art displays, and even artists working on glass blowing and live sketching. And while there's a lot of cool things you can take home and many chances for artsy retail therapy at Cicada, the focus doesn't fall heavily on shopping either because of the many opportunities to chill out and just enjoy the surroundings.

Bonus points for the market being near the beach, so you can catch the cool salty breeze in a hot evening out.

Address: 83/159 Nong Kae-Khao Takiap Road, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Official site: https://www.cicadamarket.com/

Thailand's first 4D Art Museum is a must-see for all ages. A quirky collection of fun murals painted by Thai artists, art installations, and sculptures, these are truly living images. Place yourself in the right spot, take a photo, and voila – you're automatically part of a 3D image where piano stairs come to life, you can jump into the mouth of a shark, and monsters almost get you in the Horror Zone. The 4D element is provided through music and sound effects that make each museum zone even more unique.

Address: 22/141 Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110

Just 15 minutes away in the neighboring town of Cha Am is Santorini Park, a themed shopping and attraction village that looks exactly like the name suggests. You might not get the sweeping views here of the ocean that you would at the real Santorini, but otherwise, Santorini Park does a very good job of bringing a picture-perfect Greek island to Hua Hin.

Rows of whitewashed buildings line up the stone-paved streets, winding around cafes, shops, and souvenir stores. There's even an outdoor performance space and a small amusement park here, complete with a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a number of climbing and adrenaline rides for both kids and adults.

Address: Phetkasem Road (198 kilometer post)

Thailand seems to have mastered the art of building themed shopping centers, where shops aren't the main attraction but instead just blend in with the incredible scenery. If visiting Santorini got you inspired and yearning for European lands, this place makes perfect sense as your next stop.

The Venezia is an impressive mini replica of magical Venice , complete with a reproduction of the San Marco's bell tower; a 200-meter-long canal (Gondolas included) that cuts through the shopping center; and plenty of attractions-including mini train rides; a 3D museum; and many photo opportunities around every corner.

While The Venezia is technically a shopping center, stores aren't the main attraction here. Still, you'll find plenty of local and international brands, as well as a chance to pick up some high-end local souvenirs.

Address: 1899 Petch Kasem Road, Cha Am

The beach might be just a few steps away, but that doesn't mean visitors should skip a visit to Hua Hin's water park when in town. With nine slides (including an impressive 17-meter-high vertical slide tower with a heart-stopping straight double-drop) and six pools , Black Mountain has something for everybody.

Lounge around in the lazy river , try the giant pool especially dedicated to water games, or jump into the largest wave pool in Thailand-then have a bite or grab a beach chair for some relaxing time in the shade.

Location: 1 Moo 2, Tambon Hin Lek Fai

Official site: https://www.blackmountainwaterpark.com/

The largest national park in Thailand simply can't be explored in one day, so if that's all you have, you might want to start at Pala-U waterfall. Located near the border with Burma and about 1.5 hours from Hua Hin , the waterfall consists of 16 levels and is one of the highest in Thailand. Don't expect to climb it to the top, though. Anything beyond the third level requires an arduous trek meant only for expert hikers and climbers.

Still, you don't need to go beyond the third level to enjoy the magic here. Cool water, deep pools surrounded by a 1,000-year-old forest, and thousands of butterflies are just a little glimpse of what you'll find when you get to the falls. Keep your eyes open for lots of wildlife as well, including gibbons and rare birds.

Want to extend the trip? There are no accommodations available inside the park itself aside from two very rustic campgrounds, but you can overnight at Kaeng Krachan Town, just minutes away. Come back the next day for bird-watching and cave exploring – or hire a park ranger to take you deeper into the rainforest, where trails are trickier to find but wildlife is richer, and you might catch a glimpse of wild elephants, boars, and even leopards.

Location: Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Official site: https://www.thainationalparks.com/kaeng-krachan-national-park

Twenty kilometers from Hua Hin and reachable by car or song-taew (an open, multi-passenger truck taxi), Pranburi Forest Park is home to the largest mangrove forest in Thailand . The highlight here is the two raised wooden boardwalks that twist and turn through thick mangrove growths, over the Pranburi River and all the way to the ocean-all along the way offering peeks of wildlife and even a small fishing village.

Once you're done walking the wooden trails, head to the park's pine-lined beach, just steps away. Because few tourists know about the park, chances are you'll have the beach all to yourself. This is a perfect day trip if you want to see some awe-inspiring scenery and escape the heat of town.

Location: Pak Nam Pran (Pranburi)

Thailand's largest freshwater marsh is located within Sam Roi National Park-a massive marine national park worth a visit on its own if you have the time to spare. The park is about 60 kilometers from Hua Hin and is home to massive caves, limestone islands, and over 300 different species of migratory birds.

If you can only visit one section of the park, however, the marsh-which is surrounded by limestone peaks and covered in lotuses-should be it. A wooden boardwalk extends across the marsh and leads to seven roofed pavilions that offer breaks from the heat and a chance to appreciate the mirror-like views in the distance. There's a great observation tower for bird-watchers at the entrance of the park, but you'll have a much better chance to see rare birds, such as purple swamphen and spoon-billed sandpipers, up close when walking through the marsh.

Hua Hin actually has two floating markets. The Hua Hin Floating Market , older and smaller, offers plenty of shopping opportunities, both as you travel around the market in a traditional boat or walk on the long wooden boardwalks that connect the shops. The newer Sam Pan Nam Floating Market offers plenty of shopping, too, with an impressive 200 shops, as well as plenty of boat vendors traveling the man-made lake and canals to offer their fare.

But Sam Pan Nam is also an entertainment venue. There's a miniature train, daily music and cultural shows, and plenty of "Instagram corners" – moored traditional fishing boats you can jump on for a picture, colorful benches, themed restaurants, and more.

If you've been to Plearn Wan, you'll find a similarity in the design: early 20th century-style buildings with traditional shophouses reminiscent of the King Rama VI period. While you can easily come here just for the fun merchandise and photo opportunities, the market also offers boat tours, mouthwatering treats, and a great way to discover what the old Hua Hin would have been like.

Location: Hua Hin Soi 112

Located just a few miles from the energetic beaches is the quiet, tranquil oasis that is Hua Hin Artists Village, also known as Baan Sillapin. One of the original arts centers in Hua Hin, this vibrant collective sits shrouded in beautiful green plants, perched on the edge of a small canal.

The space includes several large galleries of art and antiques, as well as actual artists' studios, where projects are constantly being dreamt up and actualized. Classrooms are available for those who want to take painting and sculpture classes, and a beautiful art-decked café serves delicious coffees and pastries.

The community goes back more than two decades. The land was donated to a well-known local artist who was tasked with promoting art to the community. More than 20 other artists have joined the commune, and today showcase everything from painting and carving to masks, stonework, jewelry, and more.

Address: 299/8 3218 Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110

Official site: http://www.huahinartistvillage.com/

Hua Hin is not short on shopping opportunities, but one of the newest to hit the beach town is the Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall. The latest in luxury shopping, the massive mall is one of the best places to beat the heat in Hua Hin.

The mall has more than 1,000 different labels spanning fashion and beauty, as well as technology and dining. In fact, the Bluport Food Hall is a sprawling space serving cuisine from all over the world. You'll also find a Gourmet Market and standalone restaurants.

This is the department store in Hua Hin for fashion, as well as beauty treatments like haircuts, nail appointments, and a spa.

Address: 8 89 Petchkasem Rd, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110

Hua Hin's food scene heats up on weekends with the addition of the new Tamarind Market. Right beside the popular Cicada Market, this night market opens on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays just a few blocks back from the beach.

Here, visitors will find more than a dozen stalls selling everything from local Thai dishes, like rich, fragrant Pad Thai, to wood-fired pizzas, sushi, Wagyu burgers, and more. A stage in the market plays host to a rotating calendar of live bands.

Prices here are certainly higher than at more resident-friendly night markets, but this is certainly an energetic and beloved place to grab a filling (and gourmet-level) meal, enjoy outdoor entertainment, and catch up with friends.

Luxury Hotels:

• V Villas Hua Hin, M Gallery Hotel Collection features luxurious villas with an Italian Villazzo design in a tropics style. All come with 24-hour butler service and large private pools. The property is right on the beach and is also family friendly. Amenities include a restaurant, spa, and workout room.
• Catering to families and couples alike, the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin is a 5-star resort right on a gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach. The property features lush landscaped gardens, multiple swimming pools, and a luxe spa. The hotel prides itself on being pet-friendly, so dogs and cats are welcome here. There is also a restaurant on-site.
• Anantara Hua Hin Resort boasts palatial architecture and luxe rooms and suites decorated in modern Thai style. The entire property is beautiful, with lotus-filled lagoons and manicured gardens facing the sea. There is a restaurant, swimming pool, tennis court, and a spa on-site.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Anantasila Villa by the Sea is a top mid-range choice. The family-friendly hotel is right on the beach and offers a range of rooms and suites, including interconnecting options. Kid-focused amenities include a children's pool, mini golf course, babysitting services, and kids' meals at the restaurant. There is also a spa on-site.
• A trendy choice, Loligo Resort Hua Hin is also right on the beach. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with modern decor. The property is family-friendly and there are kid-focused activities on-site. Other amenities include a restaurant, workout room, and a complimentary breakfast.
• Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin has been serving tourists for more than 100 years now. The excellent value beachfront resort is set amid beautiful gardens. It offers spacious rooms and suites with period furnishings, polished wood floors, and high ceilings. There are also 42 villas that come with either a private hot tub or plunge pool.

Budget Hotels:

• My Way Hua Hin Music Hotel is a fun budget pick. It features music-themed design throughout its rooms and suites, including saxophone lamps and photos of Elvis and Michael Jackson. Some rooms even have pianos. Amenities include a swimming pool, coffee shop, and game room.
• The well-priced ibis Hua Hin is just a short walk from the beach. The rooms are tidy and modern. The hotel is family friendly. Kids stay free and there is a children's pool. The ibis is also pet friendly if you're traveling with a dog. Other amenities include a restaurant, free parking, and bike rental.

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Things to Do Nearby: Hua Hin is approximately 200 kilometers south of Bangkok. Although many people simply transit through this city, the attractions in Bangkok are worth seeing. A day's journey south of Hua Hin will take you to Phuket , home to some lovely beach resorts.

More on Thailand

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Thailand’s original beach resort is no palm-fringed castaway island and arguably is the better for it. Instead, Hua Hin (หัวหิน) is a refreshing mix of city and sea with lively markets, good golf courses and water parks, excellent accommodation and an ambience that just keeps getting more cosmopolitan. In fact, many visitors never even step foot on the sand.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Cicada Market

Vastly better than the city-centre Hua Hin Night Market, this popular place 3.5km to the south is a fun mix of food, shopping and performing arts. It's…

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand Rescue Centre & Elephant Refuge

This centre, 45km northwest of Hua Hin, cares for over 700 animals, including bears, tigers, gibbons, macaques, loris and birds. There's also an…

Wat Huay Mongkol

Colloquially called the big-headed monk, this statue of the revered Luang Phor Thad is a beloved Buddhist pilgrimage site. The southern Thai monk is said…

Ratchaphakdi Park

Standing 14m high and weighing in at 30 tonnes each, the beautiful bronze statues of Thailand's most revered kings tower over this park with an impressive…

Pa La-U Waterfall

Pa La-U Waterfall is located in Kaeng Krachan National Park, but far away from the main park area, about 62km from Hua Hin. Unlike the rest of the park,…

Baan Silapin

Local painter Tawee Kasangam established this artist collective in a shady grove 4km west of town. The galleries and studio spaces showcase the works of…

Hat Hua Hin

Hua Hin Beach is a pleasant, but not stunning, stretch of fine white powder lapped by calm grey-green waves. Remarkably shallow, it's made for strolling…

Mrigadayavan Palace

With a breezy seaside location 12km north of Hua Hin, this summer palace – Phra Ratchaniwet Mrigadayavan – was built in 1924 during the reign of Rama VI…

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Latest stories from Hua Hin

Jul 11, 2017 • 5 min read

Hua Hin’s strategic position on Thailand’s upper gulf coast makes it the ideal base for excursions into the outlying countryside. Awaiting you are…

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10 Best Things to do in Hua Hin (2024)

These best things to do in Hua Hin will keep you and your family busy on your escape from Bangkok, from markets to water parks.

Located just a few hour’s drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin makes for a great weekend away from the city. 

You can explore the beaches, visit the attractions, or relax in your villa, but today we share some fun things to do in Hua Hin for those looking to explore the city a little more. 

Best things to do in Hua Hin

Hua Hin Beach

Begin your time by relaxing on the beaches here. There are various water activities like surfing and horseback riding, or you can head to one of the restaurants that are located along the beachfront.

There are plenty of high-end, luxury hotels that lead onto the beach, making this a great option for families and couples looking for a romantic break. 

Klai Kangwon Palace

This palace belongs to the Royals of Thailand, but you can visit the architecture and scenic surroundings.

This is a place to explore and makes great Instagram photographs, but we recommend heading here in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Cicada night market

This night market is a vibrant option that shares local arts and crafts. However, in recent years, it’s become well known for its food street options that can be found at affordable prices. we recommend trying the meat skewers like chicken satay, as well as the tasty banana pancakes here.

Hua Hin Night Market 

This night market is another popular option and a more local place to explore. Of course, you can find plenty of street food here, but you also have life performances and some souvenir vendors as well. 

Hin Lek Fai viewpoint 

For an incredible panoramic view of Hua Hin and the Gulf of Thailand, you can hike or drive up to this viewpoint. 

The mountain is located a few kilometres west of the town centre and you can reach here by car or by taking an Uber to the top. You can also choose to hike up the hill and this is a popular option for more adventurous travellers.

Vana Nava Water Jungle

Who are him is made for families and this waterpark is no exception to that.

With a variety of exciting slides and attractions, there is something for children of all ages here. That’s because the weather is great most of the time you can visit the water jungle all year round.

Black Mountain waterpark 

Another great option for families is the Black Mountain Waterpark with slides, family-friendly attractions, and wave pools. The waterpark has enough to keep you entertained for a whole day. 

Wat Khao Takiap 

Also known as Monkey Temple, this is a temple located on Monkey Mountain where you can explore the temple interact with the monkeys, and enjoy panoramic views of Hua Hin.

As always with monkeys, however, make sure to keep food and important belongings away and avoid wearing sunglasses or hats. Monkeys do you like to take everything here? 

Phraya Nakhon Cave

Trek to this iconic cave which is home to approximately stunning pavilion that sits in a natural light stream. 

This is a surreal, magical place that looks like something right out of Tomb Raider.

Plearn Wan Shopping Village

For a unique shopping experience, head to Plearn Wan. Here you will find a retro-style village full of vintage shops and cute cafes.

This is a great place to find traditional Thai products but also a unique place to shop.

Getting to Hua Hin 

There are a few different ways that you can travel to Hua Hin. The most popular is to fly into Bangkok, International Airport, of which there are two, and then take a train bus or private transportation service to Hua Hin. 

If you would like to take a bus, then you can compare options on the 12go.Asia website with bus routes available from the airport, as well as from the Ekkamai neighborhood in Bangkok. 

You can also get a taxi using the Grab app, but we recommend if you do want to get private transportation book a driver in advance, we always use a guy called Nut and you can contact him on the line app.

Helpful Resources

Travel essentials:

• We LOVE this camera for our travel photography.
• For a cheap, easy and compact camera, we use this to vlog and take photographs. 
• We use this travel drone (but make sure to check drone laws in your chosen destination first). 
• This is our favourite travel insurance because it covers so many activities and travel situations that could arise on longer trips but also offer year coverage.

What to pack

• No matter where we travel to, I always take these trusty hand sanitizers and a mini first aid kit.  
• We love these toiletry bags (especially great for smaller bathrooms) and choose a laptop bag like this as our hand luggage. 
• We keep our devices charged on long travel days with these lightweight battery packs  and bring these worldwide travel adaptors on all our trips. 
• I still struggle not to overpack so stick to using an expandable suitcase like this and always take my trusty luggage scales to avoid being charged at the airport. 

We value and appreciate all our readers and supporters. If you wish to support That Bangkok Life then please use our Amazon affiliate for your next purchase, it doesn’t cost you anything extra but we make a small commission, allowing us to continue building this website and sharing our love of travel with you. 

[…] are also plenty of things to do in Hua Hin, such as the Hua Hin Night Market, the Hua Lamphong Station and the Monkey Mountain. Enjoy Hua Hin […]

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a district in Thailand, best known for its stunning seaside resort town. 200 kilometres south of Bangkok, the area is a well-loved destination for both locals and travellers. In the 1920s, the Thai royal family built summer palaces in Hua Hin.

Ever since then, the quaint fishing villages have emerged into a popular escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Simply put, Hua Hin is a superb town for lovers of nature and a slower-paced lifestyle.

This Hua Hin, Thailand travel guide will be your ultimate guide to the area’s best activities and attractions. Keep reading to find out what you can expect in Hua Hin, where to stay, what to eat, and the tours you simply can’t miss out on.

This ultimate travel guide to Hua Hin will show you all the most beautiful places in Hua Hin, what to expect when visiting, where to stay in Hua Hin and things to do in Hua Hin which will help you in planning a trip to Hua Hin.

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This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. You can also read our content/editorial policy here .

Table of Contents

How to get to Hua Hin

There are numerous ways to get to Hua Hin from Bangkok. The most common options are train, bus, or private car.

The train is a long yet scenic route, taking a minimum of four hours from Bangkok Railway Station. Tickets are priced according to carriage, with second-class starting at 400 baht and a third-class seat at only 44 baht.

The bus takes anywhere from three to five hours depending on the traffic, but is the cheapest option. Buses depart directly from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, making it incredibly convenient as well. If you’re already in downtown Bangkok, you can catch a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai).

Lastly, a taxi or private transfer is an option to keep your journey as comfortable as possible and get you straight to your accommodation. Expect to pay anywhere between 3,000 and 5,000 baht, depending on the company.

What to expect in Hua Hin

Throughout Thailand, the currency used is Thai baht . The conversion rate often fluctuates slightly, but for reference, 1 USD is about 30 baht and 1 AUD is currently closer to 20 baht. With prices so affordable, you won’t ever need to worry about exact conversions. Keeping these rough conversions in mind, however, will help you be able to understand the cost of things on the spot.

Although the official language is Thai, many locals working in tourist hotspots and popular restaurants are able to speak basic English with you.

There are almost always English translations on menus and signs, for example, so the language barrier won’t be too difficult to navigate. Thailand is the land of smiles, so simply approach anyone with a friendly attitude and communication will be easy!

How to get around Hua Hin

Get the most out of your experience in Hua Hin and explore on foot as much as possible. Walking allows you to stop and head into any new spot that catches your eye.

When you’re visiting an attraction that’s a little too far to walk to, hail a tuk tuk or a songthaew. These big (usually red) trucks in Hua Hin follow four regular routes yet have no specific stops, so simply wave one down and hop in the back.

If you’re eager for some air conditioning, take a taxi instead. Grab, the Uber of Southeast Asia, will become your best friend. You can easily use the Grab app to book a taxi in advance and see how far away a driver is. Just like Uber, you can pay in-app using your credit card, so you won’t need to worry about carrying extra cash with you.

The best time to visit Hua Hin

Although Hua Hin has warm weather all year round, there are certain months that will be much better for a beach holiday. October and November are the rainiest months of the year, so you might want to avoid them.

December and January are also packed with fellow tourists, so if you’re hoping for a quieter getaway, visit anytime between February and September instead.

Things to do in Hua Hin

Although Hua Hin is a relatively small coastal area, there’s much more to do than lay by the beach all day. Here are some of the best things to do and places to see while in Hua Hin:

Cicada Market

Anyone who has been to Thailand before knows that it’s all about the night markets! Cicada Market is Hua Hin’s most popular outdoor market.

At Cicada, there’s a focus on art and decor, with vendors selling a variety of eye-catching handmade goods. Of course, there’s also a range of mouthwatering foods to sample! Dig into some of the best Thai street food followed by a Western fusion dessert.

The atmosphere is absolutely mesmerizing and makes the market an unmissable experience. With vibrant lighting installations and live entertainment, your senses will never be bored here.

Cicada Market is held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from four o’clock until 11, so you are free to spend your time slowly wandering and taking it all in.

Mrigadayavan Palace

As mentioned earlier, the Thai royal family embraced Hua Hin and had many summer vacation spots constructed in the area. 12 kilometres north of Hua Hin in Cha-am is Mrigadayavan Palace . This former holiday villa was once the residence of Rama VI, the country’s ruler from 1910 to 1925.

The palace is built atop concrete pillars and made up of three groups of 16 teak wood buildings. Set within luscious green gardens overlooking the sea, it is undoubtedly one of the most peaceful tourist attractions you’ll come across.

Venezia Hua Hin

Not making it to Venice, Italy any time soon? Go with the next best thing and visit Hua Hin’s Venice-themed village. The main attraction here is the small canal with a charming bridge where you can go on a gondola ride for a few hundred baht.

There are a ton of restaurants and shops too, as well as a miniature train, so you can easily spend hours here.

It’s a fantastic spot to take some romantic photos or even bring the kids to. Don’t miss the colourful umbrella laneway and eclectic statues, some of which replicate ones you’ll find in Venice.

Hua Hin Beach

Of course, visiting Hua Hin Beach should be a top priority. The four-kilometre stretch of white sand is never too crowded, so you can always find a peaceful spot to settle in and relax for a while in the sunshine.

In addition to swimming, popular activities include windsurfing, kitesurfing and parasailing. There are plenty of restaurants by the shoreline, and vendors along the beach can offer you anything from umbrellas and deck chairs to ice creams and massages!

The ultimate spot to experience Hua Hin nightlife is around Soi Bintabaht near the Hilton Resort.

There isn’t the same party scene that you can find in Bangkok or Pattaya, but there are a couple of great bars and pubs to enjoy a drink at.

Stop by Hua Hin Beer Garden for a relaxed atmosphere and some live music, or Aladdin Bar for a game of pool. Blue Monkey gets lively if that’s more your style, and there are a range of delicious cocktails on offer.

Wat Huay Mongkol

The most-visited Buddhist temple in the area is Wat Huay Mongkol , which is about 15 kilometres away from central Hua Hin. The complex contains the world’s largest statue of the famous Thai monk Luang Phor Thuad.

Next to the monk are wooden elephant statues, which locals walk under while wishing for good luck. Near the main temple is a peaceful lake and garden with a small artificial waterfall, as well as several Thai restaurants.

What to eat in Hua Hin

If you haven’t eaten much Thai food before, you’re in for a treat! One of the best experiences in Thailand is simply sampling all of the street food, so be sure to taste something new and interesting during your trip. Here are some delicious local dishes you need to try while in Hua Hin:

• Mango sticky rice: A beloved dessert to enjoy after lunch or dinner, or as a snack whenever you feel like! Made with, you guessed it, sliced mango and sticky rice, the coconut milk dressing makes it a super sweet treat.
• Pad see ew: One of Thailand’s favourite street food dishes, made with large flat noodles and a dark soy sauce. Enjoy with chicken or as a vegetarian meal.
• Tom kha gai: A creamy coconut soup with chicken. A good option if you’d prefer milder spices.
• Pak boong: Better known as morning glory, this bean-spinach vegetable dish is prepared with soybean paste, soy sauce, chilli and garlic. It’s ideal to share if you want to add some extra greens to your meal.
• Penang curry: The mildest of Thailand’s curry dishes is a favourite with tourists. Order with your meat of choice or with tofu and vegetables. Enjoy with a side of soft brown rice.
• Kai jeow: Eat your breakfast the Southeast Asian way with a Thai omelette. Served on rice with sweet chilli sauce, you can also add some vegetables if you like by ordering kai jeow pak .

Where to stay in Hua Hin

Your money goes a long way here, and you can find some gorgeous, luxurious places to stay at for affordable prices. Not sure where to stay in Hua Hin? Here are a few recommendations you’ll absolutely love:

Kiang Haad Beach Hua Hin is one of the best value Hua Hin hotels. Reasonably priced, comfortable, clean, and right by the beach – what more could you ask for? Take advantage of the two pools and gaze out over the views from the balcony.

The property is less than two kilometres from the Hua Hin Night Market and the Hua Hin Railway Station, and only 200 metres from the Hua Hin Market Village. Book any double or twin room for under 100 AUD, or upgrade to a suite with a spa bath.

For those sticking to a budget, modest luxury can still be found at First Choice Suites by the Sea . Each self-serviced apartment is modern, spacious and well-furnished, coming with everything you’ll need during your stay.

The rooms show off stunning views of the nearby mountains and gardens. Suites are between 40 to 50 AUD per night, and two-bedroom apartments are just under 100 AUD. This is a truly great choice if you’re travelling with a group of friends or family.

Have a different experience entirely at the Korawan Garden View . Located a few kilometres outside of the main town, the property is quiet and peaceful, allowing you to embrace nature without the noise and light pollution.

For less than 40 AUD per night, you can stay in a surprisingly modern bamboo hut made from eco-friendly materials. The bungalows and cottages all surround a beautiful outdoor pool with lounge chairs. You’ll never want to leave this serene oasis!

Tours to do in Hua Hin

Since Thailand is so well known for its food, you won’t want to miss the Foodie Tour of Hua Hin . Over three and a half hours, you can feast on over a dozen different snacks and desserts.

This insider’s perspective will help you break through the sometimes daunting culinary options and give you a chance to taste some flavours you’d never normally try.

Another enjoyable tour to do in Hua Hin is a half-day bicycle trip around the city . See the best landmarks and temples, as well as the historic Rajabhakti Park.

Along the way, you can stop for photos and gain an insight into each attraction through the interesting stories told by your guide.

A highlight of the tour is reaching Khao Takiab Temple, which features a 20-metre-tall golden Buddha statue looking out over the ocean.

Day trips from Hua Hin

Once you’ve seen the best of Hua Hin, don’t forget to venture out to the areas nearby. Hua Hin’s location along the Gulf coast is an ideal starting off point to explore both the countryside and the islands off the coast.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is one of the best places you can go for a day trip . Only 40 kilometres from central Hua Hin, you can spend most of the time exploring rather than being stuck in a car. If your time is limited, you can book a tour and see the area in only five hours.

Here you must visit Phraya Nakhon Cave, one of the most mystical attractions in Thailand. Reaching the cave requires a steep climb, but you will be wonderfully rewarded for your efforts. On the guided tour, you can even learn about pineapple and coconut harvesting as you pass through the plantations.

A longer tour that’s worth going on is a nine-hour trip to Pala-U Waterfall . While you’ll get to see and swim around the beautiful waterfall, this tour offers so much more.

See the gorgeous butterflies the area is known for and learn about the local flora and fauna. Best of all, you can visit the Karang Village and learn about traditional Burmese ways of life.

To spend the day island hopping, go snorkelling on Tatu Island or book a cruise to Monkey Island.

As you head along the scenic Pranburi River, keep an eye out for the playful dolphins before you stop to meet the cheeky monkeys. Swim and even fish along the coast, and enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch.

Recommended budget tours in Hua Hin

• Foodies’ Food Tour in Hua Hin
• Pala-U Waterfall and Karang Village Day Trip from Hua Hin
• Hua Hin: Day Trip to Kaeng Krachan National Park and Pala-U Waterfall
• Day Trip to Sam Roi Yot National Park from Hua Hin
• Phetchaburi Historical Tour from Hua Hin Including Lunch and Cable Car Ride
• One-Day Pass: Vana Nava Water Jungle Hua Hin

If you’d like to save it for later, please save it to Pinterest.

Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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Things to do in Hua Hin

• September 5, 2021

Hua Hin has long been a popular destination in Thailand, thanks to its proximity to the capital and its history of being the Thai royal family’s choice for an island destination. Up to this day, it continuously attracts a steady number of tourists who prefer a more laid-back holiday outside Bangkok’s bustling streets. 

From historical sites to natural beauties, water sports, and relaxing dining venues, discover what this seaside resort can offer as we feature 5 things you can do in Hua Hin, Thailand. 

Spend an afternoon in the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard

Cr: Thaizer.com

Although Thailand is a tropical country, there are a few locations in the countryside that are conducive to wine-making, and one of them is the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard. 

Situated in the remote area of Hua Hin, the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, which changed its name to Monsoon Valley Vineyard in 2017, is a 560-acre piece of land that offers incredible wine-tasting and dining experiences. 

It was founded in 2001 by Chalerm Yoovidhya, an entrepreneur with the vision to create the Thai wine culture. Today, the grapes in Monsoon Valley are grown in three different locations: Monsoon Valley Vineyard, Tab Kwang Vineyard, and Chiang Mai Vineyard. They welcome visitors who want a tour of the vineyard and experience wine and food first-hand. 

Aside from the open-top jeep tour, you can also opt to ride mountain bikes to explore the vineyard. After the tour, visitors can enjoy the wine-tasting and meals that are created for the ultimate vineyard experience. 

If you’re not interested in touring the vineyard, the meals served in their in-house Sala Bar & Bistro are worth visiting as well. What is better than enjoying a nice afternoon with a glass of wine in one hand and a delicious serving of food in another, right? The bistro also has a stunning view of the vineyard which adds to the relaxing atmosphere while you’re here. 

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Daily

Location: Villa Market, Hua Hin 2nd Floors, 218, Phet Kasem Rd, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

Enjoy the water adventures in Vana Nava Water Jungle

Cr: Vana Nava Hua Hin

For travelers with kids, a water park is the ultimate travel destination! And in Hua Hin, you have the Vana Nava Water Jungle where you can spend the whole day enjoying the different waterslides, pools, and obstacle courses in the park. There are also lots of restaurant and shopping options to choose from so expect it to be a fun day not just for the kids but the whole family as well! 

The Vana Nava Hua Hin is Hua Hin’s number 1 water park and Asia’s first water jungle. It has 19 rides in total, with some being extremely thrilling even for the adrenaline junkies. Even with world-class facilities, their number one priority is safety. When visiting the water park, you will see marshalls supervising the rides to ensure everyone is not just having fun but is safe too. 

Some crowd favorites are ‘The Abyss’ and the Aqualoop. You’d have to try them out to find out why they are the top favorites of water park goers. Half a day is enough to try out all the rides but if you want to go back and repeat some, a whole day is great too. Plus, it’s a nice destination to cool off from the heat. Just remember that it can get really crowded during the weekend so if you want to have the waterpark all to yourself, choose to go on a weekday instead. 

Location: Huahin Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand 77110

Have some tea at the McFarland House

If you’re not the adventurous type and would rather enjoy some downtime by the beach, an afternoon tea in McFarland House might just be your best choice. 

Cr: McFarland House

McFarland House at the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin is a beachfront bar that serves mouthwatering modern European cuisine as well as signature cocktails infused with Thai flavors. It’s a great venue for a meal any time of the day with its surrounding lush trees and greenery that make for an excellent stop whether you’re up for a delicious breakfast or brunch on a weekend. 

They also have healthy wellness options for those who monitor closely the food they eat. With 180-degree views of the Gulf of Thailand, it’s easy to see why the McFarland House is recognized as one of the best restaurants in Hua Hin. Aside from an excellent serving of delicious food, having an incredible beach view is one of the best features that keep tourists all year long. 

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Daily

Location: 91 Hyatt Regency, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

Hike to the Pa La-U Waterfall

Cr: Thailandtravelhub.com

The Pa La-U Waterfall is located in Kaeng Krachan National Park but is a few kilometers away from the main park. It remains one of the premier natural attractions in the area and is open all year long to visitors. 

Getting to the top can be a bit of a climb, especially for older visitors or those with health issues. But for people who have experienced hiking, it can be as easy as a walk in the park. Don’t forget to appreciate the surroundings because there are a lot of different plants and animals to see. 

There are several rest stops along the way so keep a lookout for small pools with marine wildlife and take a few minute breaks to recharge and continue with the climb. 

Once you get to the top, you’ll be greeted with an incredible view of your surroundings, including neighboring Burma. Take it all in, you made it! 

Location: Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

Tourism Authority of Thailand Singapore Office

• c/o Royal Thai Embassy 372 Orchard Road Singapore 238870
• +65 6235 7901
• [email protected]

• 1.1 Orientation
• 1.2 Climate
• 1.3 Environment
• 2.1 By train
• 2.3 By mini-van
• 2.4 By taxi
• 2.5 By ferry
• 2.6 By plane
• 3 Get around
• 4.2 Further afield
• 5.1 Festivals
• 5.3 Massage
• 5.4 Mountain biking
• 6.1 Thai cooking
• 6.2 Thai language
• 7.1 Bookstores
• 7.2 Computers
• 7.3 Foreign exchange
• 7.4 French connection
• 7.5 Shopping centres
• 7.6 Souvenirs
• 9.2 Alcohol
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 10.4 Renting a house for a long stay
• 11.1 Immigration
• 11.3 Postal
• 11.4 Medical and dental
• 11.5 Reading matter
• 11.6 Recycling electronics
• 11.7 Surveillance

Hua Hin (หัวหิน) is a seaside resort city of about 50,000 residents (2012) in Thailand . Three or four hours south of Bangkok (195 km), it is popular with middle-aged and older foreign visitors, as a weekend getaway spot for Bangkok Thais, and as an expat retirement home.

Popularised as a resort in the early 1920s by King Prajadhipok, Hua Hin is closely associated with the Thai royal family and is a quiet and relaxing seaside resort ideal for family vacation. Until 1934, it was known as Samore Riang (สมอเรียง), or 'rows of rocks'.

The fishing village was turned into a royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam's nobility and upper classes. In 1928, Prajadhipok built his Klai Kangwon ('far from worries') Palace. As of 2020, Klai Kangwon is a little-used summer residence of the king and is not open for visitors, although the outer palace grounds are open for walkers and joggers from 16:00 to 19:00 daily (wear shoes, have sleeved shirts that cover at least your upper arms and bring your passport).

The six kilometre-long beach is pretty and relatively clean, more so than Pattaya 's, and the cleanliness of the sea is rated "fair". Most of the beach can completely disappear along certain parts of the coast during high tide. Besides just sunbathing, snorkelling and swimming, visitors can also enjoy golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls, shops, seafood, and nearby national parks. The town is clean, friendly, and laid-back, making it ideal for families and couples.

Tourist information can be found from the corner of Petchkasem Rd and Damnerkasem Rd (Soi 76), quite close to the railway station.

There is also a tourist information centre near the clock tower in the centre of town, which is right next to a Starbucks for those of you requiring a caffeine fix. This is also where many minivans stop to offload and pick up passengers, even though it is not the official bus station, and consequently is an easy place to find a motorcycle taxi or tuk-tuk.

The town of Hua Hin cannot be called scenic. Aside from the beach, the grounds of posh hotels, and the several blocks west of the Hilton Hotel, there is no place to stroll in Hua Hin. The town lacks a central square or focal point. Like most Thai towns, Hua Hin is a nightmare for pedestrians and impossible for those with physical disabilities, the blind, and wheelchair users. Signage and other obstacles impede sidewalks, where there are sidewalks, every few metres. Phetkasem Road, which divides the town into two halves, is a virtual racetrack, with few concessions like crosswalks for those on foot or bicycle lanes for cyclists.

Orientation

Hua Hin has no real "centre". A nondescript clock tower on Phetkasem Road serves as a de facto transportation hub, where minivans from the north arrive and minivans to the south depart. The tower is just north of Soi 61.

Phetkasem Road bisects the town, leading to Cha-am in the north and Prachuap Khiri Khan in the south. Roads perpendicular to Phetkasem on the inland side are even-numbered sois. Those on the sea-side are odd-numbered. The numbers do not match up across Phetkasem. For example, Soi 61 leads to the central seaside area around the Hilton Hotel. The same street on the other side of Phetkasem is Soi 76. It leads to the railway station. At the northeast corner of the Soi 61/Soi 76 intersection you will find the tourist information centre. Behind it is the central police station. Across the street from the police station is a post office. Continuing down Soi 61 to the beach is the office of the Tourist Police.

Hua Hin has a tropical climate with high humidity and occasional rain. It is typically pleasant however, and can be enjoyed year round. Generally, the best time of the year to visit Hua Hin is in the cool season from November to February, but for those who like it hot, then the hot season is from March to May (when the temperature can well exceed 30 °C (86 °F)). The rainy season (although it doesn't rain every day) is from June to October with September being the rainiest of all. The rain in Thailand usually comes in short sharp bursts. It doesn't usually drizzle for long periods of time.

Environment

The quality of the waters of the Gulf of Thailand off central Hua Hin were rated "fair" in 2015 by the Pollution Control Department. But, the report noted that "... the main tourism areas, namely Cha–Am Beach... and Hua Hin Beach... should be consistently monitored, since enterococci (fecal) bacteria levels exceeded the standard...."

One of the first things a visitor to Hua Hin notices is the blizzard of signage. Evidently anyone can put up a sign. Hotels and other commercial enterprises design their signs to look like official signage. They and every other type of sign imaginable degrade the environment and contribute to its ugliness. Town officials do not enforce existing sign ordinances.

Signage is Thai nightmare, however Thais do not object. Every sign poster is actually approved by the local authority and a fee is paid per day.

Arriving by train is convenient, but often slower compared to buses. There's up to ten daily departures from Bangkok with a journey time of about four hours. Almost all trains heading south from Bangkok stops in Hua Hin. Ticket price is around 100 baht for express trains and 50 bath for slower ordinary trains.

The main (BKS) bus station is south of the centre of town on Phetkasem Rd just south of Soi 96. This is some three kilometres south of town centre. A tuk-tuk there costs ~180 baht, motorcycle taxi from the Hilton Hotel area, 60 baht. This bus station is for conventional buses which go to Ubon, Korat, Chiang Mai (850 baht), Surat Thani, Phuket, and points further south. The government bus company (BKS) ticket office is open daily from 06:00-24:00.

Coaches from Hua Hin to Pattaya and Suvarnabhumi Airport operated by the Roong Reuang Coach Company depart from the Roong Reuang Coach Terminal (March 2020). The terminal is seven kilometres north of town centre, near the Hua Hin Airport on the sea side of Phetkasem Road.

Local, non-air conditioned buses to Pranburi (25 km) depart from the road adjacent to the fresh market in town center. BKS buses go to the BKS Station near Soi 96 on Phetkasem. Stop the bus at any point prior to this if you want to get off. The clock tower on the left (coming from Bangkok) is the effective town "centre" (keep your eyes open as it is easy to miss).

• Bangkok to Hua Hin . From Bangkok: regular buses to Hua Hin leave from the Sai Tai Mai terminal and take around 3½ hr. The price (1st class) is under 200 baht. From BKK to Hua Hin, regular bus departures: 07:30; 09:30; 13:30; 16:30; 18:30. You can also take mini-vans at the station. The price is 180 bhat. Ticketing/boarding location: at Hua Hin Counter (Level 1, Gate 8). Fare: 305 baht. Drop-off points: 1. Hua Hin Bus Station 2. Bus stop in front of Bangkok Bank in Cha-am ( updated Dec 2016 )
• Sombat Tour . Has buses that leave the Northern Bus Station (Mo Chit) at 06:00; 08:20; 14:20; and 18:30. Travel time is ~3½ hr. 155 baht .  
• Hua Hin-Pran Buri Tour , ☏ +66 32 8846191-2 .  
• Bang Saphan Tour , ☏ +66 32 4355105 , +66 32 8848895 .  
• Bus Southern Terminal , ☏ +66 32 4351199 , +66 32 4355605 , +66 32 4347192 .  
• 12.550475 99.961987 1 Hua Hin to Bangkok , ☏ +66 32 514 3878 . Regular bus departures daily from the main (BKS) bus station at 09:00; 12:00; 13:30; 15:00 and go to Mo Chit station in Bangkok. Ticketing: Hua Hin Soi 96/1 ( Sombat Tour ). Travel time is ~3½ hr. Boarding locations: 1. Hua Hin Bus Station 2. Bus stop in front of Government Savings Bank at Cha-am intersection. Fare: 155 baht. Mini-vans arrive and leave from the mini-van station on Soi 51. 155 baht . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 12.550532 99.96196 2 Hua Hin-Chiang Mai-Hua Hin ( BKS bus station is south of town centre between Sois 96 and 98 ). From Chiang Mai: Sombat Tours has 3 buses per day, at 08:00, 18:30, and 19:00. The journey takes ~12 hr. To Chiang Mai: first-class bus daily at 18:00 (735 baht); VIP buses at 17:30 and 18:15 (980 baht). 735-980 baht . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 12.550532 99.96196 3 Hua Hin-Krabi ( BKS bus station is south of town centre between Sois 96 and 98 ). At least one bus a day departs at 22:00 from the bus station south of city centre. VIP passage to Krabi is 855 baht (Jan 2016). Travel time is approximately 9 hr. VIP, 855 baht . ( updated Jan 2017 )
• The bus from Hua Hin to Pattaya leaves Roong Reuang Coach Terminal daily at 11:00, stopping to pick-up passengers in Cha-am in front of the Government Savings Bank at 11:30. Drop off in Pattaya at the Pattaya Bus Station on N Pattaya Road. Duration is 4-5 hr. Tickets may be purchased at the Bell Travel website.}}
• 12.550532 99.96196 5 Hua Hin-Phuket ( BKS bus station is south of town centre between Sois 96 and 98 ). Green Bus has a service that departs the BKS Bus Station in Phuket at 08:30, arrives Hua Hin at 17:30. Super comfortable bus. 617 baht . ( updated Jan 2017 )
• 12.632175 99.950026 6 Hua Hin - Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) - Hua Hin , Roong Reuang Coach Terminal ( Roong Reuang Coach Terminal is just past the HH airport, 7 km north of town centre. Next door is a huge sign, "Koncept" (furniture store) ). Bell Travel Service is the HH agent for the Roong Reuang Coach Company that provides an air conditioned VIP 23-seat coach service between Hua Hin/Cha-am to Suvarnabhumi Airport to Hua Hin/Cha-am. Travel time is 3 hours. Buses depart the Roong Reuang Coach Terminal (near the airport) at 06:00, 07:00, 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:30, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00. The bus stops for passenger pick-up in front of the Government Savings Bank in Cha-am. From BKK, Cha-am passengers will alight in front of Bangkok Bank, Cha-am. Buses from BKK to Hua Hin depart at: 06:30, 07:30, 08:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, 19:30. BKK bus counter is on Level 1 near Gate 8. 269 baht . ( updated May 2018 )
• 12.550532 99.96196 7 Hua Hin-Isaan ( BKS bus station is south of town centre between Sois 96 and 98 ). Shinnakeart Korat Bus Company has daily buses to Surin and Ubon departing at 18:00 and 20:00; to Buriram and Ubon at 19:30 and 22:30; and to Korat at 08:30, 10:00, and 21:00. ( updated May 2017 )
• 12.649517 99.951102 8 Yellow Bus , Cha-am Soi 82 ( Just north of the airport underpass, on the Cha-am side, inland side of road ), ☏ +66 38 967 965-7 . Yellow Bus runs routes to and from Hua Hin/Cha-am to the northeast (Surin, Yasothon, Mukdahan), to Ko Samui, to Phuket, and to Rayong (Pattaya). The ticket office at the terminal is open from 08:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00. The Yellow Bus website says there is a Hua Hin ticket office across from Bangkok Hospital, but it cannot be found. Fares HH-Pattaya are 455 baht standard, 1020 baht VIP . ( updated Feb 2018 )

By mini-van

• 12.579309 99.954298 9 Hua Hin Bus Terminal ( Minivan Station (northbound only) ) ( Soi 51 ). Hua Hin's northbound minivan services leave from a minivan station on Soi 51. The sign posted in front confusingly calls it the "Hua Hin Bus Terminal". Minivans leave and arrive frequently from points north, none heading south. Arriving at the station you will see 11 ticket windows representing 6 mini-van companies. ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 12.570799 99.957191 10 Southbound Minivans , Clock tower, central Hua Hin ( Near Wat Hua Hin ). Minivans heading south to Prachuap Khiri Khan , Chumphon , etc., originate and stop at the clock tower in central Hua Hin between Sois 57 and 59. It does not appear to be a minivan station, but you will find someone selling tickets by the motorbike taxi hangout. 80 baht to Prachuap Khiri Khan . ( updated Dec 2018 )

Taxi service from Hua Hin to Bangkok (a distance of about 200 km) is widely advertised and available. Price after negotiation should be around 2,000 baht. Limousine service, available at Bangkok Airport, is more expensive.

Taxis are bookable via agents around town. Many can be found along Phetkasem Rd, especially around Market Village or downtown. Taxis to or from Pattaya are around 3,000 baht.

By 02/2023 the ferry is not operational after being suspended because of Covid.

• 12.513486 99.980614 11 Hua Hin-Pattaya-Hua Hin ( The ferry dock is 7.3 km south of city centre in Khao Takiap. ), ☏ +66 38 488 999 , +66 98 625 9949 , [email protected] . Buy tickets at dock, 08:30-10:30 or book online . A passenger-only ferry service to Pattaya, started January 2017. The service is operated by Royal Passenger Liner Co, Ltd. It operates three catamarans, each accommodating up to 346 passengers. The ferry leaves Hua Hin once daily at 16:00 (October 2019), arriving in Pattaya at 18:00. From Pattaya it leaves at 13:00 daily, arriving Hua Hin at 15:00. The 116 km journey takes ~2 hr. Passengers are discouraged from leaving their seats during the voyage and are not permitted on deck. The reason to take the ferry is to save time, as the excellent 24-passenger bus service between Hua Hin and Pattaya takes 4-5 hr, but only costs 389 baht and offers more leg room. The ferry company is extra cautious: the ferry will not sail in stormy weather. Passport or Thai drivers license is required. Economy 1,250 baht; ages 2-12 950 baht; Business 1,550 baht; VIP cabin for 4 persons 7,000 baht . ( updated Jan 2019 ) As of late 2020 the ferry service has been permanently cancelled.
• 12.566944 99.958476 12 Hua Hin to Ko Tao, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Samui ( Lomprayah Ferries ), 85/7 Phetkasem Rd ( Across from Soi 78 on the sea side of Phetkasem ), ☏ +66 32 532 762 . Daily 08:00-24:00 . Loomprayah runs ferries to and from the three best-known Gulf of Thailand islands. Excellent website. Example: in low season 2019 Lomprayah offers transport to Ko Tao for a low season fare of 950 baht per person, departing Hua Hin at 23:30 by bus, arriving Ko Tao by ferry at 08:30. Ko Tao 1,050 baht; Ko Pha Ngan 1,300 baht; Ko Samui 1,400 baht . ( updated Mar 2018 ) There are no ferries direct from Hua Hin, Lomprayah offer a bus service to the ferry at Chompon 270km south of Hua Hin.

Most visitors rely on the regular green songthaews that run up and down Phetkasem Road all day at about 10-minute intervals. Fare is 10 baht. Their northern terminus is the fresh market in town centre; in the south they turn about in Khao Takiap. Songthaews service Phetkasem north of the central market, but with less frequency.

There are many motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks, fewer car taxis. Negotiate prices beforehand. You will not get a tuk-tuk for less than 100 baht over any distance (unless you are lucky) if you are a Western tourist. Settle on a price before hiring. You may also be able to find samlors (rickshaws) in town centre. Alternatively, you can use Grab for car taxi and motorcycle taxi. Motorcycle rentals are readily available, for 150-200 baht per day, seasonally variable. Hua Hin is flat, and bicycling is a good way to get around. Rentals are available, also from hotels, but are not as prevalent as motorbikes (you can rent bicycles at the entrance of the Hua Hin beach.

• 12.551904 99.961895 13 EV charging station, Hua Hin Provincial Electricity Authority , 2/7 Phet Kasem Rd ( a couple of hundred metres S of Bangkok Hospital, inland side of road. The charger is about 100 meters straight through the front gate, on the right side ), ☏ +66 32 512 215 . Open 24/7 . If you have hired an electric vehicle you will find that charging stations are uncommon. There is one here. It's an ABB charger with Menekes Type 2 plug, CHAdeMO, and CCS, all non-networked. There is also a dual home-style outlet for 230 V AC charging. Free . ( updated Nov 2017 )
• 12.564931 99.959696 4 EV Charging Station Chocolate Factory ( Hua Hin Soi 65 ). An unlikely place for an electric vehicle charging station, but there is one here. Centrally located. ( updated Jul 2020 )

There is only one, long beach: Hua Hin Beach (ชายหาดหัวหิน Hat Hua Hin ). This runs from the Hilton Hotel six kilometres south to a headland where a Buddhist temple clings to the rocks. Fine white sand, resort hotels and many water sports opportunities lend the resort its distinctive ambiance. At the south end of town, the hill of Khao Takiab interrupts the beach. On the other side is a lovely swimming beach with a view of Khao Takiab's south face. Just a little further on, Suan Son Beach is owned by the Thai army but is open to the public. Notable for the tropical sea pines lining the shore.

Parts of the beach closer to the town may have greenish water, in this case continue walking down the beach where the water appears cleaner. There is an ample supply of deck chairs along the beach, although many places charge around 100 baht for their hire. Deck chairs that are part of a beachside cafe may be free, on the assumption that you will buy food or drink.

Some entrances to the beach are controlled by hotels—what looks like a road to the beach on a map might really be a hotel's private driveway.

• Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre ( ศูนย์ศิลปหัตถกรรมหัวหิน ) ( Naepkhehat Road ). Daily, 11:00–18:30 . It has a collection and exhibition of works of contemporary Thai artists, as well as old furniture and many pictures of Hua Hin in the past. Free .  

• 12.567342 99.952521 1 Hua Hin Railway Station ( สถานีรถไฟหัวหิน ). This is Thailand's most beautiful train station of which the local people are very proud. The wooden building used to be a royal pavilion in Sanamchan Palace, Nakhon Pathom Province. It was rebuilt in Hua Hin in 1968.  
• International Cricket Sixes . Held at the Dusit Hotel, the dates change each year, but the event coincides with the Thai holiday of Songkran and the Easter holiday in April. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 12.516331 99.981691 2 Khao Takiap ( เขาตะเกียบ ) ( 8 km south of Hua Hin ). An imposing hill with Buddhist temples and a commanding view of the resort, particularly early in the morning. A local bus service runs from Hua Hin to Khao Takiap. Khao Takiap is one of the highest areas in Hua Hin. From the top, you will see Hua Hin and also nice beaches.  
• 12.587637 99.951623 3 Klai Kangwon Palace ( พระราชวังไกลกังวล ), ☏ +66 32 511115 . Daily, 09:00-16:00 . King Rama VII commanded the Klai Kangwon Palace to be built in 1929. This Spanish-style summer palace faces the sea and dominates an extensive ornamental garden. It is where the Thai royal family still customarily spend the hottest months of the year, which are usually Mar-Apr. The palace is open to the public when the royal family is not in residence. 20 baht .  

• Tennis . The Hua Hin Championships is a tennis tournament held in November that is part of the men's ATP Challenger Tour along with a women's tennis tournament that is part of the WTS 125K series. These two events are part of the second level of the official men's Association of Tennis Professionals and Women's Tennis Association systems. These events allow the best lower-ranked tennis players not yet eligible for the ATP World Tour or the WTA Tour to advance their standing. On court you will see professional tennis players from Asia and Australia/New Zealand. ( updated Apr 2021 )

• 12.565309 99.943892 5 Khao Hin Lek Fai ( เขาหินเหล็กไฟ, Khao Hin Lek Fei ) ( 3 km west of the center of town, ~45 min road walk from city centre/railway station. ). Khao Hin Lek Fai, or Flint Mountain, is 162 m high and is accessible by road. On foot it's an energetic walk. On the mountaintop, there is a public park and scenic spots that look over Hua Hin and the sea. Lots of monkeys like to hang out around the park too. Good spot for sunrise. Free . ( updated Mar 2024 )
• 12.472813 99.975312 6 Khao Tao ( เขาเต่า ) ( Between km243 and km244, 13 km south of Hua Hin, there is a 1 km branch road on the left which leads to the spot with two nice beaches called Hat Sai Noi and Hat Sai Yai ). Bungalows available.  
• Spirit Houses of Brassiere Beach . According to Thai folklore, spirit houses were built to appease the spirit of a fisher's daughter who was once torn to pieces, with her breasts falling into the sea. She was killed because she was desired by too many men. To this day, the locals hang bras on the spirit houses to bring good luck. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Hat Laem Sala ( 16 km north of the park office. Can be reached by boat or on foot across a hill from Bang Pu Village ). A beach. The well-known cave, Tham Phraya Nakhon, has a large hole in it so sunlight shines through, and this allows plants to grow. ( updated Feb 2019 )
• Hat Sam Phraya ( 3.5 km north of the park office ). A lovely beach with a line of pine trees. Accommodation available.  
• Tham Kaeo ( Around 23 km from Pran Buri, 15 km north of the park office ). A cave with an abundance of stalactites and stalagmites. Oil lamps can be rented at the nearby village to aid in exploring the cave.  
• Tham Sai ( 9 km north of the park office ). A cave which can be explored, and oil lamps can be rented in the nearby village.  

Further afield

• Dan Singkhon . In Khiong Wan sub-district, the Thai-Burmese border pass.  
• Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park ( West of town. To get there travel along Hwy 4 to km331-332, then turn right and drive for another 8 km ). There are nice narrow walks leading out to a wide rocky landscape on a mountain top with scenic views of the town.  
• 12.481629 99.996578 9 Ko Singto ( Lion Island ). Named after its shape. It is a popular island for diving and snorkelling, and offers visitors the chance to explore the Hua Hin and Khao Takiab shorelines. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 11.716764 99.754103 10 Wa Ko ( At km335 on Hwy 1041 in Prachuap Khiri Khan, 106 km S of Hua Hin ). This beach has been of historical importance since the reign of King Mongkut when he viewed a full-moon eclipse there. A long atmospheric sandy beach fringed by pine trees. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 12.497872 99.97458 11 Suan Son Pradiphat Beach ( Eight km south of Hua Hin ). Nice beach, owned by the Thai Army. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 12.553231 99.823847 12 Wat Huay Mongkol . Was home to the immensely popular monk Luang Pu Thuat, famed for his "miracles". Commissioned by the Queen of Thailand, Wat Huay Mongkol houses the largest statue of Luang Phor Thuat in Thailand in a park-like setting. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Hua Hin Jazz Festival ( Jazz on the beach ). The popular event attracts world-class jazz musicians from Thailand and all over the world. Annually, in June.  
• Hua Hin Vintage Car Rally . Hoteliers, the Vintage Car Club of Thailand, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand annually sponsor a parade of vintage and classic cars starting at the Sofitel Central in Bangkok and ending in at the Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort. The cars, with drivers and passengers dressed in 1920s attire, make the 225 km promenade in December every year. The festivities culminate with a 1920s party at the Sofitel, which appropriately is a Victorian-style structure built in the 1920s.  
• Thailand International Kite Festival . Helf during Mar-May every other year and features stunt kites, big kites, little kites, high-tech kites, traditional Thai kites and displays of international kites. Visitors also enjoy a variety of opportunities for shopping, sightseeing and simply having a good time.  

Hua Hin and its surroundings are a golfer's paradise with at least seven courses within a 30 min drive. There are also two brand new golf courses under construction. Most courses offer transportation to and from the course. The town hosted its first Asian tour event in 2009 at the Black Mountain course, while other first class courses in easy reach include Majestic Creek, Royal Hua Hin, Banyan, Palm Hills, Lake View, and Springfield. There are several driving ranges.

• Hua Hin Golf Courses , ☏ +66 80 891 4973 , [email protected] . Book tee times for every golf course in Hua Hin. ( updated Nov 2018 )

Thai massage shops aim mostly at extracting money from your wallet. Claims for its holistic health benefits by enhancing physical, emotional, and spiritual states are mostly hogwash. The majority of massage places are fairly dumpy except at the high end, do not have soothing background music, nor the scent of Asian incense. The exceptions are high-end and expensive.

There are over 200 massage shops in Hua Hin. Most have identical prices. Most hotels in Hua Hin offer massage services. On Petchkasem Road next to the Golden Palace and the Royal Palace one can be massaged by good, professional blind masseuses. This is a royal sponsored project, although little English is spoken.

Massage prices in the tourist area near the Hilton Hotel average about 300 baht per hour. Massage shops in the town proper are cheaper for equivalent massage, as low as 200 baht per hour.

• 12.58559 99.951853 1 Thai Massage for Health by the Blind ( Next to Golden Place ), ☏ +66 81 944 2174 . Daily, 07:00-21:00 . Traditional Thai massage, oil massage, foot massage, herbal massage. ( updated Oct 2018 )

Mountain biking

• Wall Ride DH Track ( On the slopes of Khao Hin Lek Fai, a small elevation about 5 km west of Hua Hin ), ☏ +66 89 201 7782 . Smooth, flowy yet technical downhill single track constructed by local aficionados. ( updated Dec 2016 )

Spas in Hua Hin offer treatment suited to a range of budgets. Treatments includes both traditional remedies and modern techniques. Facilities at spas in Hua Hin may also include a Jacuzzi and steam bath.

Many spas in Hua Hin also offer traditional Thai healing treatments. There is also alternative treatment such as Reiki. Resorts offer many detox programs. The most popular treatments are chi organ massage, karsai genital detox massage, deeper skin detox, and herbal skin detox.

• 12.453255 99.981385 2 Sanae Beach Club , 69/19 Soi Moo Ban Khao Tao ( About 15 km south of HH in Ban Khao Tao on Hat Sai Noi ), ☏ +66 32 900 971 , [email protected] . On Hat Sai Noi, one of the nicer little beaches in the area. Charming resort. Offers an attractive package for day-trippers: 300 baht per adult, 150 baht for kids 4-12 for use of the pools, a couple free drinks, towels, Wi-Fi. Shuttle from Market Village to hotel and back four times daily. German-run and it runs like clockwork. Restaurant on premises and two others adjacent. Free Wi-Fi. Hotel guests get free breakfast for two, welcome drink. Pet friendly. 2,895+ baht for bungalow . ( updated Oct 2018 )
• Elephant camps and trekking can be found just west of town.
• Fishing and eco-cruises can be done both at sea and inland.
• Fitness and martial arts can be practiced either in gymnasiums around town or in the top hotels.
• Karting can be enjoyed at the karting track near the airport. The 700 m circuit has a banked curve for speed, floodlighting, beer garden, and catering.
• Kite-boarding is a popular in Hua Hin. There are several schools giving lessons and tuition with equipment for hire. Conditions are good from Jan-May as thermals blow in the afternoon at 14-20 knots. The water is shallow, can be choppy and has a beach break. Hua Hin has very good kite boarding conditions with shallow, warm waters. There is a northerly east wind from October–January with wind ranging from 15–25 knots. From February–May Hua Hin has a southerly thermal wind that gusts to 15–20 knots in the afternoon. There are good conditions for kite surfing in both of these seasons.
• Pony rides on Hua Hin beach
• Walking and cycling are popular in Hua Hin thanks to the mostly flat terrain and clean gulf air.
• Water sports in Hua Hin include swimming, banana boat rides, water skiing, jet-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, para-sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba-diving.

Thai cooking

A few Thai cooking schools have sprung up in Hua Hin where tourists can learn the art of serving up their favourite Thai dishes such as pad Thai (Thai-style fried noodles), tom yum kung, Panang curry with beef and chicken and cashews. Courses vary in length from just a single day to a few. Courses are available at most of the large hotels. Ask around.

Thai language

• 12.566847 99.958838 14 TLC: The Language & Culture Training Centre , 83/14 Phetkasem Rd, Suite 302-303 ( Across from the Soi 80 7-Eleven, and a bit north of Krungthai Bank ), ☏ +66 32 533 428 , [email protected] . M-F, 09:00-19:00; Sa, 09:00-17:00 . TLC offers English and Thai language classes, either individually or in class settings. Assistance with educational visas is offered. ( updated Feb 2018 )

Shop at the night markets . Things that you can buy range from T-shirts to antiques. A T-shirt will cost you around 300 baht. It is also a great place for contemporary art handicrafts, hand-woven printed cotton, silk fabric, silk weaving, embroidery, baskets, pottery, wood carvings, gemstones, and jewellery (including sapphires and rubies). Haggling is mandatory to get the best prices possible.

Hua Hin's night market is in the middle of Hua Hin. It is tourist-oriented. For local handicrafts, the Hua Hin Bazaar , about 100 m west of the beach, should be your first stop.

Only on Tuesdays is the Pae Market near the Royal Hua Hin Golf Club. It's a good place to get the feel of a traditional Thai market.

• 12.534368 99.965694 1 Cicada Market ( Khao Takiap ). Open-air market at the south end of Hua Hin. ( updated Nov 2016 )
• 12.585482 99.951846 2 Golden Place , 5/15-16 Phetkasem Rd ( Between Sois 37 and 39, sea side of Phetkasem ), ☏ +66 32 514 400 . Daily, 06:00-24:00 . Small shop that focuses on product from royal projects (it is adjacent to one of the monarchy's palaces). See a limited selection of meats, and vegetables, but lots of fruit and Thai snacks of every description. The cosmetics section is great: no Western name brands, just lots of herbal products made in Thailand. Small wine and beer selection and every other kind of drink. Salad bar. Great to visit just to wander around and see the unusual offerings. Prices are reasonable. ( updated Oct 2017 )
• 12.584344 99.953838 3 Hua Hin Ham Bacon & Meat Company , 2/38 Soi 41 ( Soi 41 is on the sea side of Phetkasem Rd ), ☏ +66 32 513 144 , [email protected] . M-Sa, 08:00-18:00; Su, 09:00-17:00 . British-run makers of hams, bacon, sausages, pies, burgers. Importers of beef, lamb, pork, fish, veg, grocery items. Their products are sold in many of the shops catering to Westerners in Hua Hin and beyond. Their spotless little shop sells all their meats and pies, as well as a good selection of British and continental foods ranging from pickled eggs to Bisto to olive oil. During holidays you can order cooked turkeys, hams, and other seasonal meats from them. ( updated Dec 2016 )
• 12.57117 99.955483 13 Nightly Street Market ( ตลาดโต้รุ่งหัวหิน ) ( Town centre adjacent to Dechanuchit Rd, just west of Phetkasem Rd ). A great place to eat. There is a market devoted primarily to tourist shops along Dechanuchit Rd. This is a favourite venue for shoppers, with opportunities for shopping, enjoying seafood cooked on the spot and glimpsing local lifestyles.  
• 12.562366 99.959932 4 Tops Market PowerBuy Hua Hin , 226/3 Phetkasem Rd ( Corner of Soi 88 and Phetkasem Rd ), ☏ +66 32 511 272 . Daily, 09:00-22:00 . Combination grocery/electronics-home appliance store. Food portion has restaurant, bakery, and lots of take-out prepared foods. Good salad bar and prepared meals. No alcohol. ( updated Oct 2018 )
• 12.564361 99.958993 5 Villa Market-Hua Hin , 218/1-4 Petchkasem Rd ( Between Soi 84 and San Paulo Hospital ), ☏ +66 32 532 100 . Daily, 08:00-22:00 . This Westerner-oriented supermarket chain has 32 stores throughout Thailand. This is one of two in Hua Hin. Imported and Thai foods. Has extensive frozen foods, liquor, and a butcher shop. Prices seem to be higher than at Hua Hin Shopping Mall (cheapest), and Gourmet Market (in Bluport). ( updated Nov 2016 )
• 12.599511 99.950563 6 Villa Market-Index Mall , 17/139 Soi Moo Baan Borfai . Daily, 09:00-20:00 . This Westerner-oriented supermarket chain has 32 stores throughout Thailand. This is one of two in Hua Hin. Imported and Thai foods. Has extensive frozen foods, liquor, and a butcher shop. Prices seem to be higher than at Hua Hin Shopping Mall (cheapest), and Gourmet Market (in Bluport). ( updated Oct 2018 )
• 12.567384 99.958016 7 The Blue and Yellow Book Exchange , 114/23 Phetkasem Rd ( Across from Krungsri Bank ). M-Sa, 10:00-17:00 . On the short list of the world's worst bookshops. Small, uncomfortable shop chock full of (disorganized) pulp fiction, mostly in English, but also German, French, and Nordic languages. Mostly vacation fiction (Jack Reacher; Clive Cussler). Little in the way of non-fiction. Not cheap. They will offer you 50 baht for a new book you bought the week before for 434 baht. Staff demonstrate no knowledge of books or interest in them. Will accept exchanges for credit. Alas, it's all we have in Hua Hin for a used bookshop. Some cafes and many guesthouses have book exchange shelves. Try there first. Typical paperback, 180 baht . ( updated Dec 2016 )
• 12.617758 99.950264 8 Invade IT , 60/22 Soi Mooban Bohfai ( In the long block before Makro heading north on the Makro side of street ), ☏ +66 32 520 177 , +66 86 600 6694 . M-F, 08:30-17:30 . The best computer shop in Thailand? Mostly mail order, but can turn orders quickly. Orders can be picked up on premises. Excellent support in excellent English. Highly recommended. ( updated Oct 2018 )

Foreign exchange

• Twelve Victory Currency Exchange , Market Village ( Basement, Market Village, just outside Phetkasem Rd entrance ). Oct-Apr, 10:00-21:00; May-Sep, 10:00-20:00 . Three locations in Hua Hin: this one in Market Village, one near the Hilton Hotel, one at Bluport. Fast and friendly service. Make sure you have your passport. ( updated Aug 2019 )

French connection

• 12.561465 99.951675 9 Boucherie Jean-Michel , 21/221 Soi 88 ( From Phetkasem Rd. travel up Soi 88. Cross the railroad tracks and come to a roundabout, exiting at 2 o'clock. Continue for another kilometre or so. Jean-Michel is on your right ), ☏ +66 3251 1894 , [email protected] . Daily except Tu, 07:00-14:00, 16:30-20:00 . Great French butcher shop. All fresh French cuts of meat, plus pâtés, rillettes, saucisses, etc. ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 12.554354 99.955282 1 Mirabelle , 34/199 Soi Hua Hin 94 ( Next to Star Bar ), ☏ +66 32 826 150 , [email protected] . Cute, clean little French boulangerie-patisserie. Also sells French food imports: cassoulet, mustards, pates, foie gras, wines, Calvados. Not cheap, but these things are not widely available. Small quiche, 60 baht; large can of cassoulet, 295 baht . ( updated Dec 2016 )
• 12.545993 99.958374 10 Paris Bakery , Soi 102 ( From Phetkasem Rd, turn onto Soi 102. Cross the railroad tracks, it is 100 m on your right ), ☏ +66 804 475 435 (Fr/En) . Nice selection of French breads, pastries, other assorted items. Open early. Has coffee and garden seating. Croissant, 35 baht; mini-bagette, 18 baht . ( updated Jun 2020 )

Shopping centres

• 12.547673 99.962379 11 Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall ( Between Sois 100 and 102 ). M-F, 10:00-21:00; Sa-Su, holidays 10:00-22:00 . Hua Hin's latest shopping centre, opened in October 2016. Shops, banks, restaurants, cinemas, impressive supermarket with many Western items. The shops here are little more than kiosks for name brand merchandise at full list prices attended to by bored salespeople. Except for the cinemas and the supermarket, you may be better off at Market Village, down the road towards town centre. ( updated Nov 2016 )
• 12.568943 99.957019 12 Hua Hin Shopping Mall ( Not far from the Night Market. Has entrances on Phetkasem Rd, Soi 74/2, and Sa Song Rd but it's easy to miss as the entrances are small and non-descript ). Daily, 08:30-21:00 . This place is inaptly named. It does not look like a shopping mall, but it is a collection of small vendors selling clothing, watches, shoes, and also a largish supermarket. It's not slick at all, just a Thai supermarket and jumble sale right in the centre of town. Shopping there is a blast, as you never know what you will find next. Not much for vegetables, and the meats are frozen, but a good assortment of packaged Thai and Western foodstuffs. Prices probably the lowest across the board of all the supermarkets listed here. Ground floor: supermarket and clothing, etc. Second floor: housewares and clothing. Third floor: mobile phones and computer stuff. ( updated Nov 2016 )
• 12.557737 99.960177 13 Market Village , 234/1 Petchkasem Rd , ☏ +6632618888 . 10:30-21:00; Homepro and Tesco-Lotus open daily at 09:00 . Anchor stores are Tesco-Lotus Supermarket and Homepro. Judging from the crowds, this is the most popular shopping mall in Hua Hin. ( updated Oct 2022 )

Souvenirs from Hua Hin include accessories from coconut shells, printed fabric in traditional Thai patterns, brooms, utensils made of sisal fibre, bamboo woven products, as well as fresh and preserved food.

One of Hua Hin's most renowned local products is pha phim khommaphat or printed cotton, a typical product of Hua Hin which is sold by the metre. The finished khommaphat print is colourful and can be turned into shirts, handkerchiefs, wraps, even toy elephants or fish, as well as decorative pieces such as pillows, bags, fans.

A large variety of other cotton products are also obtainable, such as place mats, tablecloths, and pillowcases.

• Baan Khao Tao Handicraft Centre ( about 15 km south from Hua Hin, can reached by taxi or bus ). For hand-woven cotton go to Ban Khao Tao. It was founded in 1964. In 2003, the centre's works were registered as the province's leading OTOP (handicraft) product. Hand-woven cotton is offered for purchase in different forms, such as in the Yok Dok print, sarongs, even large items like bedsheets. ( updated Nov 2016 )

There are plenty of eating options around Hua Hin. Those close to the beach and at Khao Takiap are touristy, while some good local options can be found on Phetkasem Rd along the way to Khao Takiap. Hua Hin is known for its seafood which can be found in abundance at the night market, restaurants, and hotel restaurants. Naresdamri Road is a fine place for great inexpensive restaurants while serving up romantic sea views. Some hotels offer buffets consisting of open cooking stations, including seafood BBQ, and also offer live entertainment like traditional Thai music and dancing.

Surprisingly, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic in spring 2021, Soi 94 has bloomed into a happening street with many restaurants and bars of all types.

This area is the site of the Hua Hin Fishing Harbour and in the early morning, seafood can be purchased (its provenance is unknown as the Gulf of Thailand is increasingly fished out).

Moreover, there are numerous dining spots serving Western, Indian, and Japanese food.

Three Hua Hin Italian restaurants, Andreas, Da Mario, and La Grappa, were named in the 2020 edition of the Guidebook to Italian Cuisine , having passed rigorous testing by Italy's tourism bureau. They use 100% Italian ingredients and recipes.

For cheap eats, check out the night market or the Grand Market. Budget tourists having problems with the local fare will be happy to know that at the Tesco in the posh Market Village mall, there's street-style Thai food with modern fast food hygiene and air-conditioning: 25-70 baht, and good coffee for 10 baht.

• 12.560558 99.955692 2 Baan Khun Por Food Centre ( ศูนย์อาหารบ้านคุณพ่อ ) ( Turn inland on Soi 88. Cross the railroad tracks. The food centre is at the SW corner of the next intersection, behind 7-Eleven ). Evenings . The name literally translates as "Pa's House food centre". A jumble of permanent food stalls selling inexpensive food of every variety: seafood, hamburgers, Isaan food, desserts, fried chicken, and much else. Seating is at open-air tables. There are also bar stalls selling beer and cocktails. The place is thronged with Thais every night, probably for good reason, making it sometimes difficult to find a table. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 12.549498 99.962357 3 German Restaurant and Bakery , 4/117 Soi Hua Hin 98 ( Between Bluport and the bus station ). Daily, 08:00-18:00 . It's always a good sign when local restaurants buy their bread from your bakery. That's the case with this place. Good assortment of breads and an excellent menu of breakfasts and luncheon dishes. No Thai food. Free Wi-Fi. American breakfast, 135 baht . ( updated Nov 2016 )
• 12.554752 99.953992 4 Happy Pig Restaurant , 10/133 Soi Hua Hin 94 . 18:00-22:00, longer in high season . Family-restaurant, European and Finnish food, barbecue, meatballs. Unfortunately, no "non-smoking" area. Rack of ribs, 290 baht; large rack, 450 baht; huge "mega" rack for 890 baht . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 12.569049 99.957319 5 Hua Hin Vegan Cafe and Wine ( Hua Hin Vegan Cafe ), Hua Hin Shopping Mall, Hua Hin Soi 100, 74/2, Petchkasem Road , ☏ +66 81 174 4647 . 09:30-21:30 . Innovative and healthy meals. Pleasant decor. Friendly staff. $150-200 . ( updated Jan 2018 )
• 12.550018 99.96221 6 Manaw Taqueria , 4/26 Phet Kasem Rd ( Just south of the main bus station, ~Soi 98 ), ☏ +66 32 510 202 , [email protected] . Daily, 14:00-22:00 . Very good Mexican food. Menu at website. ( updated Nov 2020 )
• 12.573958 99.958436 7 The Social Salad , 1/8 Soi 55 (Chomsin Rd) . Daily, 08:00-22:00 . Mostly a Western-style salad place (with very good salads) but also serve meat in such things as fried rice. Good staff, nice surroundings. Just in from the waterfront. ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 12.56936 99.955414 8 Say Cheese Restaurant & Guesthouse , 6/4 Amuaysin Rd (Soi 74) ( Just W of the corner of Soi 74 and Sa Song Rd ), ☏ +66 32 530341 , [email protected] . Terrific bar and guesthouse run by the Dutchman Jeroen (Jerry) and his Thai partner. Great Dutch and Thai food, reasonable prices, and international favourites as well. Free Wi-Fi. Backpacker guesthouse on the premises. Clean to a fault, very well run, and a good venue for sports on TV. Cajun Salad, 90 baht . ( updated Jan 2016 )
• Tan Roti mataba , 41/16 Prapokklao Rd, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110 ( near night market location and railways ). 09:00-20:00 . Very budget local place for roti and more. Roti chicken 40 bhat, roti sweet 10-35 . ( updated Mar 2024 )
• PADTHAI PHETBURI , Soi hua hin 55 / nhaep khehat rd, 74/7 Naep Khehat Rd. Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110 . 11:30-19:00 . Pad thais 45-70 . ( updated Mar 2024 )
• The baguette , 11, 103-105 Phet Kasem Rd, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110 . 7:30-19:00 . bakery 40-70 bhat, drink 40-75, brunch 70-150 . ( updated Mar 2024 )
• Tops Market ( Corner of Phetkasem and Soi 88 ). Daily, 08:00-22:00 . It turns out that Tops is a good place to get breakfast. It may be the cheapest in Hua Hin. For 89 baht you get two eggs, bacon (good bacon), ham and a hot dog (7-11 quality), a slice of bread, coffee and decent orange juice. Tops also has a full menu of Thai and Western food, also at good prices. The adjacent coffee bar is also a good deal: a hot mocha is just 25 baht. Western breakfast: 89 baht . ( updated Jul 2019 )
• 12.571725 99.96026 1 The Coffee Club , 33 Naresdamri Road ( Next to the Hilton Hotel ), ☏ +66 2264 4354 . Part of a coffee chain. Very popular with travelers. Airy and bright with outside seating. Good food and reasonable coffee, but lacking the character of an indie cafe  
• 12.566567 99.955193 2 Patty's Corner , Railway Plaza Today ( Across the street and slightly S of the Hua Hin Railway Station ), ☏ +66 82872 2534 . Daily, 08:00-afternoon . Nice calm spot run by Patty and her sister. Good selection of coffees, teas, beers, and lots of delicious desserts. All at good prices. Good English spoken. Mocha, 50 baht . ( updated May 2018 )
• 12.57196 99.957889 3 Wake Cafe , 47/2 Soi Hua Hin 57 ( Located in the center of town on the main road from the waterfront towards the Night Market ), ☏ +66 32 860 559 . 08:00-20:00 . A clean and bright cafe with a small number of outdoor seats. Excellent breakfasts, good coffee and friendly, amenable staff. ( updated Jan 2018 )

As of February 2019, bars close at 02:00 in Hua Hin. Subject to change depending on the mood of the government.

Raucous nightlife can be found in the little quarter just inland from the Hilton Hotel. The warren of small streets around Dechanuchit Rd and Soi Bintabaht teems with bars, restaurants, and massage parlours. This area is heavily frequented by tourists.

A second street with lots of beer bars and hostesses is Soi 80, on the west side of Rte 4. It's mostly patronised by resident expats.

• Bluestation Country Pub ( Behind the older of Hua Hin's two bus depots, Soi 68/2, off of Railway Rd just north of Soi 70 (Chomsin Rd) near the railway crossing ). Very popular with the locals, but nearly unknown to tourists. The house band is excellent, playing all Thai country (Puea Chiwit) songs. Before 22:00 there's an opening act that some nights (but irregularly) consists of a duo of a Thai on guitar and a farang on accordion, doing all Thai songs.  
• 12.571396 99.959575 4 El Murphy's ( In the heart of Hua Hin on Soi Selakam 50 m from the Hilton Hotel ). The place for live music. This Irish bar with a Mexican slant is the nightly home of Hua Hin's own Stonehead Band . These boys have been rocking Hua Hin for more than 15 years with their great rock and blues classics. Sometimes there is an early opening act. Free Wi-Fi. This place also has terrific food.  
• Luknam Country Pub ( On the road to Pala U waterfall, opposite Phoenix Bar ). Locals and foreigners alike frequent Luknam. Live music every night. Music is Thai pop and country with some Western songs mixed in. Music begins and 22:00 and goes till late.  
• 12.565475 99.957973 5 White House Bar , Soi 80 . Daily, 10:00-02:00 . Nice, spacious bar run by Khun Sen. Good pool table, good TVs on which to watch sports, mainly European football. Good bar hostesses who can kick your butt at pool (free). Lady drink, 130 baht . ( updated Jun 2018 )

Hua Hin is relatively expensive for accommodation, with few options below 400 baht. The best area for budget rooms seems to be around the corner from the Hilton Hotel, on the street parallel to the water.

• 12.565599 99.958458 1 At Home Hotel ( Formerly Chada Guesthouse ), 178/201 Soi 80 ( One block up Soi 80 behind the 7-Eleven ), ☏ +66 32 533 549 . Good location in Hua Hin's second tourist bar area. Clean, basic rooms with air-con and Wi-Fi. 7-Eleven adjacent and nearby restaurants abound. 600–700 baht/night; 7.5k baht/month + electricity . ( updated Dec 2023 )
• 12.571416 99.956065 2 Hua Hin Night Market Hostel , 70/4 Dechanuchit Rd ( 10 min walk from train station ). water refill station, locker (need padlock) hot shower. dorm (ac, 4-beds) 350 baht . ( updated Mar 2024 )
• Laila Food And Drink Guesthouse , 178/55/56 Soi 80 ( Walk down Soi 80. Take any turn south. Lailas is 2 blocks from the main road. ), ☏ +66 32 511 917 , [email protected] . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 12:00 . In a quiet street but only a ten minute walk from the beach and even closer to the railway station, Laila offers clean, good sized double rooms with air-con, fan, fridge and free Wi-Fi. Bunks are four to a room with modern beds and air-con. There is a good on-site restaurant and a nice chill out terrace in front. 280 baht dorm, 600 baht double . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• Memory Guesthouse , 108 Naresuan Road , ☏ +32 511 816 , [email protected] . Check-out: Noon . Small but clean rooms. Excellent location smack in the center of town and near the beach 250-450 baht .  
• Rooms@102 , Soi 102 ( Across the railroad track from Petchkasem Rd ), ☏ +66 80 4337113 . Includes air-con and TV, fan, hot water, Wi-Fi. 300 baht .  
• Sukwilai Hotel and Guesthouse ( On western Soi Bintabaht 150 m to Burger King ). Upscale rooms available in the main building. Guesthouse is opposite some bars playing loud music until 01:00. Fan rooms for 300 baht, or 350 baht with cable TV .  
• Tientong , 226/107 Petchkasem Rd ( Behind Grand Hotel near station ), ☏ +66 89 2249353 , [email protected] . Rooms with private baths. Includes high-speed Wi-Fi (if it starts working slow, just reboot the router). Located downtown at end of secluded street near market. Friendly staff. Nice views of hillside from communal balcony. 10 min walk from beach. 400 baht (low-season) to 600 baht .  
• Victor Guesthouse , 16 Naresdamri Rd , ☏ +66 32 511564 , [email protected] . Sixteen rooms in a Thai traditional teak guesthouse in the heart of Hua Hin, close to beaches, restaurants and night life. Family suites available. Includes air-con, LED TV and DVD in all rooms. Fan, hot water, Wi-Fi, 24/7 security and friendly staff in a relaxed atmosphere. 350-700 baht .  
• 12.599989 99.950944 3 Baan Nilawan Hotel , 17/99 Soi 23 ( Soi 23 is slightly N of town off the main road on the sea side of the road ), ☏ +66 32 547603 , [email protected] . Quiet, spotless little place just off the main road. Charming little restaurant on-site. Run by affable Thais. Free (good) Wi-Fi. 800 baht high season . ( updated Jan 2016 )
• Chom-Haad Guesthouse , 178/175 Soi Hua Hin 80 ( Close to Tientong, San Paolo Hospital, and Grand Hotel ), ☏ +66 86 803 1796 , [email protected] . Nice rooms, on a quiet road with lots of guesthouses. Nice fresh-looking furniture in bright colours. 700 baht .  
• 12.566645 99.957742 4 Citin Loft Hua Hin ( โรงแรม ซิติน ลอฟ หัวหิน บาย คอมพาส ฮอสพิทอลิตี้ ), 120/22 Soi Huahin 78, Petchakasem Rd ( Near Hua Hin Night Market ), ☏ +66 32 533778-81 , fax : +66 32 53722 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Fifty comfortable guest rooms each with a private balcony overlooking the green hills beyond; rooftop pool, sundeck, Internet stations, restaurant and a free shuttle service to Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin Market Village, and Hua Hin Night Market. THB 935+ per night . ( updated Oct 2022 )
• Dolphin Bay Resort , 217 Moo 4 Phunoi, Sam Roi Yot , ☏ +66 32 599 333 . Beach resort for families.  
• Hotel Pananchai ( Coming from the north, get off at the clock tower on your left. Look back along the street which leads off to the northeast. You will see the hotel sign from there a couple of hundred metres up the road ). A basic hotel with breakfast, although this is only a couple of small slices of toast and jam, with a cup of tea or coffee. The hotel has air conditioning and TV. The rooms are quite small. There are restaurants nearby. The beach is 300 m away and all the tourist restaurants are close by. 650 baht .  
• Nicha Suite Hotel , 4/125 Soi Hua Hin 98 Nongkae, Petchkasem Rd ( 100 m south of the bus station, 3-4 km south of the main part of town ). Clean and modern, with friendly and helpful staff. Breakfast included. The rooms have large flat screen TV with plenty of channels, and there are tea and coffee making facilities provided. No lift. 1,200 baht .  
• 12.567072 99.958417 5 Royal Express Hua Hin , 79/9 Petchkasem Rd ( Opposite Soi 78, near train station ), ☏ +66 32 533 778-81 , [email protected] . Small hotel within a few minutes walk to the beach, restaurants, and convenience stores. The rooms are well-designed with a simple, cosy and modern style with flat screen TV, en suite bath, and free Wi-Fi. 622+ baht .  
• Thipurai City Hotel , 8/5-7 Soi Kanjanomai, Poolsuk Rd ( In the heart of Hua Hin ), ☏ +66 32 533 555 . 1,350+ baht .  

• Aleenta Resort and Spa , 183 Moo 4, Paknampran, Pranburi ( 20 min south of Hua Hin ), ☏ +66 25 148 112 , fax : +66 25 394 373 , [email protected] . A beautiful and relaxing beachfront complex of 22 luxury sea-facing villas, suites, and residences. 4,125 baht .  
• Anantasila Resort , 33/15 Moo Bann Huadon, Petchkasem Rd, Nongkae . 2,000-15,000 baht .  
• 12.540108 99.964915 7 Chiva-Som International Health Resort , 73/4 Petchkasem Rd , ☏ +66 32 536 536 , [email protected] . Named Conde-Nast's Best Destination Spa in 2020. Very private. Top quality. 74,151+ baht per person, minimum three nights .  
• Chomview Hua Hin ( Near Kao Takeab ). On the beach with beachfront swimming pool. Nice, not big, but cheap, clean. 1,550+ baht .  
• Devasom Hua Hin Resort , 1446/23 Petchkasem Rd (km221) , ☏ +66 32 442789 , [email protected] . A small luxury beach resort on the beach between Cha-am and Hua Hin, with only 24 villas and rooms, all with sea view and charmingly decorated. Excellent food and services. 13,040+ baht .  
• Dhevandara Resort and Spa , 451 Hua Hin, Huay Mongkol Rd. Hin Lek Fai ( Near Grape Farm, 8 km from Hua Hin ), ☏ +66 32 576 300 . Resort with private pool. 3,097+ baht .  
• 12.571663 99.960333 8 Fulay Hotel , 110/1 Naresdamri Rd ( Follow the road just inland from the Hilton Hotel downhill about 75 m. Hotel on left ), ☏ +66 32 513670 , [email protected] . Sparkling clean, accommodating staff, great location. Has a terrific little restaurant on the ground floor. Air conditioning, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, minibar, convenience store open until 01:00 adjacent. Just far away from the bar scene to offer 2 min access but quiet ambiance. 850 baht low-season; 1,500+ baht high season .  
• Haven Hua Hin ( on Hua Hin beach ), ☏ +66 32 653 154 . Boutique resort. 4,000-15,000 baht .  
• The Hideaway Hua Hin , Hua Hin Soi 9, Petchkasem Rd . 2,500-3,000 baht .  
• Hyatt Regency Hua Hin , 91 Hua Hin-Khao Takiap Rd ( on the beach ), ☏ +66 32 521234 , [email protected] . 204 rooms and suites. The hotel is on 12.5 acres of tropical landscaped gardens on a 200 m long beachfront. The Barai Spa is on-site.  
• 12.548445 99.963135 9 Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort , 33/33 Phetkasem Rd ( Adjacent to Bluport Mall ), ☏ +66 32 616 999 . Has a beach wing and a Bluport wing. Everything you would expect from a luxury resort and excellent location. 6,120 to 73,440 baht . ( updated May 2019 )
• Nern Chalet Hotel , 144/7 Nongkae-Takieb Rd , ☏ +66 32 655 211 , [email protected] . On the beach, relaxing atmosphere, free Wi-Fi. 3,500+ baht .  
• Pattawia Resort & Spa , 9/21 Moo 5, Pak Nam Pran Beach , ☏ +66 87 0265515 . Spa, swimming pool, and sea view rooms. 2,400 baht .  
• 12.527573 99.972003 10 The Rock Hua Hin , 4/44 Moo Baan Takiab Rd ( Left side of Takiab Rd on the way to Khao Takiab. ), ☏ +66 32 537 100 , [email protected] . Luxury hotel, resort, and spa with seaside view at Hua Hin Beach. It has a seafood restaurant and a beachfront bar and lounge.  

Renting a house for a long stay

If you're staying for a month or more, then Hua Hin has great options. The price for renting a nice villa with private pool can be as low as 20,000 baht. Houses have modern furniture and are ready to move into. Best way to find a house is to go to realty agencies around the Hilton Hotel. They pick you up from your hotel and show options for your budget and taste. Best strategy is to contact by them email a week before, so they will make a selection beforehand.

It would seem that if you are not Thai, you are viewed by the Thai police as a walking ATM. Should a cop be short of beer money and see you not wearing a helmet while on a motorbike, you are likely to be stopped and shaken down for cash. The police box at the SE corner of Soi 61 and Phetkasem Road seems to be where they send officers who are short of cash. The cop on duty will often signal farang to the roadside for some infraction, often trumped up, or for a sobriety test. Most of the time, you will pay cash on the spot, 200 baht and up, to be allowed to go on your way. Another danger spot is Phetkasem Road between Sois 67 and 69. There is a pedestrian bridge across the road there that affords the cops some shade, plus a Family Mart so that they are never short of cold drinks. At this spot they stop all vehicles, usually in late morning, to check for driver's licenses or proof of rental or passports or whatever else they need to have you pay on the spot. The good news is that this roadblock does not operate when it is too hot, rainy, on weekends or at hours requiring the payment of overtime.

• Hua Hin Tide Tables . Plus lunar/solar rise/set. ( updated May 2017 )

Immigration

• 12.553449 99.899258 15 Hua Hin Immigration (Main office) , 439 Moo 1 Thap Thai ( Next to Smart House Village, 9 km west of town center. Take Rtes 3218 and 2004. ), ☏ +66 32 520 617 . M-F, 08:30-noon; 13:00-16:30 . The office moved to an inconvenient locale in February 2019. Residence verifications downstairs in back. Visa extensions and other weighty matters upstairs. Copy/photo shop way in the back in a separate building. For simple matters (e.g., 90-day report, TM30) see the Bluport office listing. It may be more convenient. ( updated Nov 2016 )
• 12.547673 99.962379 16 Hua Hin Immigration (Bluport office) , Bluport Mall ( East side of basement floor in Bluport, between SCB and Krungsri Banks ). M-F, 10:00-17:00; Sa, 10:30-noon . A "one-stop service center" that handles minor matters like tourist visa extensions, reentry permits, and 90-day reports. ( updated May 2017 )
• 12.565234 99.959407 17 Immigration Photos ( C.R. Express and Wedding Studio ), 87/14-15 Phetkasem Rd ( Roughly opposite Bliss Cafe (sea side of Phetkasem) ), ☏ +66 32 513516 . Daily, 08:00-20:00 . Immigration will require passport-type photographs for some services. This is the place to get them. Six 4 by 6 cm photos, 200 baht. ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 12.620527 99.949081 18 Legal Services Hua Hin , Unit 1-2 @Makro Food Services, 58/164, Soi 4, Phetkasem Rd ( Makro is about 5 km N of city centre, inland side of Phetkasem. The office is in a separate building to the right of Makro entrance ), ☏ +66 84 881 8396 . M-F, 10:00-17:00 . Small but excellent legal office presided over by Ms Parichat Martin ("Mod"). Handles immigration issues, property matters, legal documentation. Mod speaks excellent English and provides fast and competent service and lots of good advice. Price varies with complexity . ( updated Feb 2018 )
• 12.568269 99.958204 19 Thailand Post , Soi 61, Hua Hin 77110, Thailand ( Central Hua Hin, Soi 61 opposite police station ). M-F, 08:00-20:00; Sa-Su, holidays, 09:00-12:00 . There are at least two post offices in Hua Hin: one in town centre on Soi 61 and a larger one adjacent to the Roong Reuang Coach Terminal about 7 km north of town on Phetkasem Road. The central office has a Poste Restante window, so if you need to have mail sent to you in Thailand this is a possibility. The larger of the two post offices handles bulk shipments like motorbikes. There is also a commercially-operated postal service on the third floor of Market Village at the east end of the building (nearest Phetkasem Rd). ( updated Mar 2017 )
• 12.547993 99.962229 20 Mail Boxes etc , Bluport Mall ( In the NW corner of Bluport basement ), ☏ +66 99 363 2392 , [email protected] . Daily, 10:00-20:00 . UPS services; mailboxes; postal services; freight; faxes; custom packing; packing supplies. ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 12.557706 99.959952 21 PS Post ( 3rd floor, Market Village, SE corner ). Daily, 10:30-19:00 . Commercial mailing service provides most, if not all, of Thailand Post services. ( updated Jun 2018 )

Medical and dental

Perhaps due to the population of aged foreigners, there are two large private hospitals in Hua Hin, both on Phetkasem Road. Medical and dental clinics are not hard to find on the main road also.

• 12.554847 99.960838 22 Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin , 888 Petchkasem Rd ( Just S of Soi 94/1, inland side of Phetkasem ), ☏ +66 32 616-800 . 24/7 . Has a dental clinic as well as most medical specialties except dermatology. JCI-accredited. Drugs very expensive. Cut on arm requiring 12 stitches, 12,000 baht . ( updated Oct 2022 )
• 12.574968 99.954498 23 Hua Hin Central Lab , 34/23 Phetkasem Rd ( Across Phetkasem Rd from Bangkok Bank in central Hua Hin, inland side of road ), ☏ +66 32 513 524 , [email protected] . Small, usually empty, medical lab clinic. The can analyse your body fluids for HIV and other STDs, liver function, pregnancy, hepatitus, and a bunch of other indicators. Much cheaper than going to a private hospital. Results in several hours or maybe a day. Pregnancy test, 80 baht; HIV, 300 baht; gonorrhea/syphilis, 100 baht; cholesterol, 60 baht . ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 12.608043 99.948065 24 Hua Hin Hospital , 30/2 Phetkasem Rd ( Between Sois 10 and 12, inland side of Phetkasem ), ☏ +66 32 523 000 . 24/7 . Thai government hospital, not especially geared to foreigners. To use it, best to have a Thai accompanying you. Appears to be the largest hospital in Hua Hin, certainly the busiest, probably the cheapest. ( updated Feb 2019 )
• 12.563988 99.959622 25 San Paulo Hospital , 222 Phetkasem Rd ( Between Sois 84 and 86, inland side of Phetkasem ), ☏ +66 32 532 576 , [email protected] . 24/7 . Cheaper than Bangkok Hospital and seemingly as good. Has a helpful German physician who hangs around the lobby helping foreigners with medical advice and language support. ( updated Feb 2019 )
• 12.552198 99.961781 26 Nana Dental Clinic , 256/6-7 Soi Hua Hin 94/3 ( Just off the inland side of Phetkasem Rd, S of Bangkok Hospital ), ☏ +66 99 145 9949 , [email protected] . M-Sa, 09:30-19:00 . It is surprisingly difficult to find a good dental clinic in Hua Hin. This one, named for its lead dentist, Dr Nana, is new (2017) and modern. Dr. Nana, after her Thai dental training, studied at New York University for a year specialising in implants and crowns. She also did a stint at the University of Frankfurt. Her English is excellent and she speaks some German as well. Equipment: state-of-the-art. Prices: competitive and reasonable. Staff: friendly and accommodating both in Thai and English. Cleaning, 750-1,500 baht; root canal, 6,000-10,000 baht; crown, 8,000-13,000 baht; inlay, 10,000-15,000 baht. ( updated Oct 2019 )
• 12.573206 99.956235 27 Pongsak Skin Clinic ( Soi 55 downtown, just off Phetkasem, sea side ), ☏ +66 851 755 595 . Immaculate clinic for anti-aging treatments, skin tag and tattoo removals. Dr Pongsak is as taciturn as they come, but competent. ( updated Nov 2019 )

Reading matter

There are a number of English-language publications, offering a variety of styles, as well as information and entertainment. Long-time visitors to the town will have been familiar with the free monthly Hua Hin Observer magazine found around the town, but in Jan 2010, this became an on-line-only publication. Another monthly publication is the Hua Hin Today newspaper which can be a little dry for tourists, as it contains plenty of local government and local dignitaries news along with details of the latest infrastructure projects and housing developments. Its on-line presence is more of a portal for international news and selling property than a local site.

There are a number of other printed publications and Internet sites relating to Hua Hin, but they are mostly concerned with selling or renting property, or promoting another local business. There are also a couple of non-English language publications with a small distribution.

Recycling electronics

• Bluport Shopping Mall ( Ground floor, parking garage, outside food court, SW corner of building ). A kiosk outside Bluport in the parking garage accepts batteries, light bulbs, cell phones, fluorescent tubes, aerosol containers. Next to it is a bin for soi dog food donations. Free . ( updated Oct 2019 )

Surveillance

Thailand is rapidly becoming a surveillance state. CCTV cameras are being installed at a rapid pace. To send a package, purchase a bus ticket, SIM card, or hotel room you will need to produce a passport. As of October 2019 coffee shops are required to keep a log of all web browsing done on their premises for 90 days.

• Chumphon - ferry to Ko Tao
• Damnoen Saduak
• Kaeng Krachan National Park - Thailand's largest national park is just west of Hua Hin
• Kanchanaburi
• Ko Tao – for diving
• Pattaya – via 2 hr ferry, short cut to Trat's Ko Chang
• Phetchaburi - an hour away by train (13-43 baht depending on train type). A good option is to take the 11:46 train and return in the evening (several trains, the first at 16:11).
• Samut Songkhram
• Surat Thani
• Wildlife Rescue Centre and Elephant Refuge

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A Long Weekend in Hua Hin: What to Do & Where to Stay

Located approximately a 3-4 hour's drive south of Bangkok (200 km), Hua Hin is a pretty seaside town on the Gulf of Thailand.

It boasts a five-mile long beach, and the highest density of world class golf courses in Thailand.

A historic fishing town that neighbors the also popular Cha-am, Hua Hin long been a favorite getaway place for Thai high-society, with businessmen and movie stars escaping the intensity of the city for a weekend of fresh air and relaxation.

Hua Hin is perhaps most famous for Klai Kangwon Palace (meaning Far From Worries), which was built in 1928 by King Rama VII . The Palace remains an official royal residence. Notably, King Rama 9 stayed there from 2002-2006.

Hua Hin has a reputation for being sleepy, largely because there isn't much to the center of town, and there really isn't much going on after 9pm.

But it's that place you can book last minute, that getaway you can plan on a Friday night and leave Saturday morning, and that trip that forces you to relax. Don't expect amazing beaches, but pick the right hotel and you'll have a lovely stay.

No, I didn't stick a TTL sticker on there before someone reports me!

What's the Weather Like?

The weather in Hua Hin remains warm to hot throughout the year, with only small variations in temperature.

There is a much greater variation in the amount of rain. The average is 4.1mm in January and slightly over 200mm in October and November.

For me , the best time to visit is in December through February. At this time temperatures are warm and the chance of rain is low.

The hottest time to visit is between April and May, with temperatures around 34° Celsius

The monsoon season arrives in May. Rains then ease from June to August. The heaviest rains begin in September and continue through November.

What's the Beach Like in Hua Hin?

My brother and I trudging slowly over wet sand. The main stretch of Hua Hin beach is very wide.

If you’re looking for an out of town beach getaway for a couple of days then หัวหิน (the Thai spelling) is perfect.

It's not the best beach in Thailand, I must admit, but it's a decent option for a Bangkok getaway.

Parts of the beach are really long and wide, making it perfect for long walks and kids to play.

If you hire a car, Cha-Am is only 20 km down the road, which has a worthwhile beach offering various water sports and delicious Thai street food.

Cha'am beach is popular with locals and Thai tourists, but if you want the authentic Thai beach experience, this is it: chilling, eating, talking, playing games and NOT going in the sun until after 4pm!

Hua Hin beach isn’t a tropical looking beach as such – it lacks the coconut trees and marine blue water – but it's openness and decent views across the bay make it worth the visit.

The main appeal of the beach is that it tends to be much quieter than the popular beaches down south.

One thing that does annoy me about the main beach is the donkey/horse riding in high season. This is generally confined to one area of the beach, though.

There are  jellyfish  in the sea all year round but they tend not to come too close to shore until the rainy  season , probably due to the direction of the sea currents and tides.

Occasionally the water here suffers from an influx of jellyfish, but this is generally not a problem until rainy season when the current and tides are affected by the weather. Paddling here is fine outside of the rainy season, and your hotel / signs will warn you if there's a jellyfish problem.

5 Things to Do in Hua Hin

Other than strolling along the beach and visiting the popular night market, there are a number of activities you can consider for the family.

1. Sea Cruise to Khao Sam Roi Yot

Like all tourist destinations in Thailand, Hua Hin offers the usual Thai massage and spa places, cooking courses, trekking, cycling, diving, snorkeling, and water sports. But for something a little different, check out the sea cruises to Sam Roi Yod National Park.

Khao Sam Roi Yot is a marine national park that covers 98 km, of which 20 km are marine areas. The park was established in 1966 and was the first coastal national park of Thailand.

Also the year England won the world cup! (Sorry, I had to get that in).

Image Credit: Sasha Popovic

2. Kiteboarding

In recent years, Hua Hin has become a popular destination for kite-boarders. People flock from far and wide to catch the coastal winds, which on some days are quite strong given how open the area is.

Of course, this is largely a seasonal activity in the windier months, but if you like a thrill, you might want to check out this wind map.

There's lessons available for tourists, with all the kit provided.

3. Hua Hin Railway Station

Hua Hin boasts Thailand's most famous railway station, which dates back to the 1920s. It's a lovely site to visit and well worth the photo opportunity. It's easily walkable from anywhere in town.

I wouldn’t recommend catching a train though,  as the schedule seems somewhat relaxed (Thai style) – it was four hours behind when I enquired about the next train!

Worth seeing but not waiting for a train!

4. Kaeng Krachan

I recommend a visit to Kaeng Krachan National Park and climb the waterfalls. The layers seem to go on indefinitely but I believe there are 16.

Make sure you take a big bottle of water though, or you might struggle on the way down without a drink, as I did in the soaring heat.

You can also bathe in the pools and just hang out there.

It's a fair drive from Hua Hin, so get a taxi if you haven't got a car. You could do the journey on a moped but it would be a fair old trip.

In hot season there isn't much water flowing over the rocks.

5. Wat Huay Mongkol

You really shouldn't leave without visiting this temple   either.   It   was home to the immensely popular monk Luang Pu Thuat, who was famous for performing miracles.

The beautiful Wat Huay Mongkol houses the largest statue of Luang Phor Thuat in Thailand, situated in a park-like setting. Seriously, you won't believe how big this is!

6. Cicada Market

Lastly, for more shopping check out the charming Cicada Market.

This is a delightful weekend market is nestled under huge, old trees and offers contemporary art, handicrafts and general cool stuff. Besides the crafts market, you’ll also find an art gallery, beer garden and live music.

• Opening Hours : 16:00-23:00 (Friday, Saturday), 16:00-22:00 (Sunday)

Nightlife in Hua Hin

Hua Hin is pretty quiet after dark, which suits the type of holiday you'll have here.

Don't get me wrong, there are bars and clubs to be found, and even karaokes and naughty massage spots. But the vibe isn't anywhere near as energetic as Bangkok, Pattaya, Patong or Chaweng.

The majority of visitors spend their evenings down at the Hua Hin Night Market, which, even though it says shuts at 1AM, is, in my experience, dying down by 9pm.

The market is a lot smaller than the night markets you'll find in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but it's got the traditional vibe and has everything you'd expect, including restaurants, clothing stalls, handicrafts and souvenirs.

Even if you aren't up for filling your suitcase full of stuff you don't need, it's cool to just have a stroll, try some Thai treats and soak up the atmosphere.

If you want a night cap once you've had a meal and bought a Hua Hin t-shirt, you'll need to head over to the “Farang area” behind the Hilton Hotel.

Or, if you want the Walking Street Bars (girly), head over to Soi Bintabaht, which isn't far. In fact, pretty much all the nightlife is walkable from the Hilton Hotel.

If you want something a little classier than the “lady bars” I suggest heading for a drink at the Lotus Sky Bar, housed at the top of the Hua Hin Hilton Hotel – the view is incredible!

Hua Hin isn't really for the party animal and the pace is pretty slow, but its beauty is that it's “different”. And that's one thing I've come to love about Thailand: every corner of the Kingdom has something unique to offer, be it tradition, food or architecture.

How to Get to Hua Hin

Hua Hin railway station is part of the southern rail route that starts in Bangkok.

Trains run all day and night between the cities. Don't expect to arrive or leave on time.

There are buses direct from Bangkok to Hua Hin, and those that make numerous stops on the way. Pay extra and go direct. This will take about 7 hours.

Catch a minivan for approximately 200 Baht from Bangkok. The journey takes about 4 hours.

If you can afford it, I advise a private minivan, which will cost around 3,000 Baht each way.

The shared minivan may be a bit squashed and may do some drop-offs along the way that delay you.

Flights to Hua Hin from Bangkok still haven't resumed and it doesn't look like they will any time soon.

3 Superb Hotel Recommendations for Hua Hin

Each time I've been to Hua Hin I've stayed in different hotels. Below are three of my top picks:

1. Chalelarn Hotel

This small hotel is close to the city centre.

It's a good choice for one or two people but I wouldn't recommend it if you have kids.

The rooms are average in size but wonderfully decorated in authentic Thai style. There are rooftop views of the coast and city and a small pool on top of the hotel.

The breakfast is average and the dining room small, but it's central, very clean and 5-minutes walk from the beach. It's pleasant and means you don't need transport into town.

+ Click here to view the Chalelarn

2. Sheraton Resort & Spa

This hotel is simply amazing.

If you want a real family treat that the kids will love, this is worth every penny.

You can lie on a lounger and stare out to sea, as the hotel backs onto a stretch of beach.

The pool is huge and the grounds are lovely.

The swimming pool flows around the hotel and is accessible from all pool-facing rooms.

The breakfast spread is to die for, and you can stuff some bits in your bag to cover lunch too.

Spa treatments are available on site, and they have a great gym and a kids clubs too – which my daughter loved.

+ Click here to view the Sheraton Hotel

3. Asara Villa & Suite

The Asara rivals the Sheraton.  Like the Sheraton, it's on the outskirts of town, though a little closer in than the Sheraton.

It too is situated on the beach, and also has a massive pool.

There are three restaurants to choose from on-site, and a bunch of workshops you can do like yoga and cooking.

Massage treatments and spa are also available.

The rooms are bigger at the Asara, but the pool and the breakfast at the Sheraton are epic.

Both hotels offer a mini-van into town and back in the evening. And you can book the minivan for the daytime too.

+ Click here to view the Asara Hotel

Hua Hin, in Summary

If you fancy getting out of the bustle of Bangkok for a few days, or want a long weekend doing nothing in a nice hotel with your partner, Hua Hin is a lovely seaside escape.

The beach gets better and wider towards the town, but don't expect it to be tropical island-like.

The sea is good for water-sports and paddling, but for swimming you might be better to go up to Cha-am. My advice is pick a hotel like the Sheraton or Asara and swim there, and when you fancy a walk on the beach just step out the back of the hotel.

The Hilton Hotel is also worth looking at, but it's usually very busy.

Hua Hin is perfect for a relaxing short break. Chilling, walking, shopping in the markets, eating, and dipping in the pool should be your main plans. Three or four days is perfect.

The town closes early, except the bars down near the Hilton, so don't centre your holiday around nightlife.

My advice: Treat yourself to a top hotel with great facilities, chill all day and take the free shuttle into town and back in the evening.

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Last Updated on May 12, 2021

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Hua hin Tourism

• Hua Hin Hills Vineyard
• Plearn Wan Shopping Village
• Cicada Market
• Maruekhathaiyawan Palace ChaAm
• Black Mountain Water Park
• Hua Hin Railway Station
• Khao Takiab
• Hutsadin Elephant Foundation
• Wat Bor Fai
• Ratchapak Park
• View all 10 places
• Things to do
• Best time to visit
• How to Reach
• Tourist Map

Other Suggested Reads for Hua hin

• Places To Visit in Hua hin
• Things to do in Hua hin
• How to Reach Hua hin
• Best time to Visit in Hua hin
• Hua hin Tourism History
• Food in Hua hin
• FAQS about Hua hin
• Hua hin Tourist Map

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Information about Hua Hin

Hua hin travel guide.

Information about Hua Hin can be found at the tourism office website, the office for Thailand's tourism authority or public tourist information centres found throughout the district. Hua Hin has a tropical savannah climate with hot and humid temperatures all year long. The dry season is from December to April and is the best time to explore. The district is served by rail, sea and road. The main railroad station is Hua Hin Railroad Station in the northern region. Daily ferry service runs between Hua Hin and Pattaya.

Taxi cab and bus services are everywhere. The currency is the Thai baht. To save money, avoid taking the more expensive taxi cabs and tuktuks, eat street food instead of sit-down meals, and be prepared to haggle for your purchases.

Useful information about Hua Hin

Getting Around Hua Hin

Getting around Hua Hin is fairly easy, as it's a small enough beach town to explore by bicycle or motorbike. But if you plan to get down to Khao Takiab, Pranburi, or up to Cha-Am, a songtaew (passenger-carrying trucks) would be a...

6 Best Festivals in Hua Hin

The best festivals in Hua Hin are great for experiencing Thailand's unique culture with fun-loving locals. The coastal city may host traditional ceremonies like Loy Krathong and Songkran, but it also has plenty of annual festivals of its own.  From world-class...

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Discover Hua Hin: Your Guide To A Thai Seaside Sojourn

A trip to Hua Hin is incomplete without sampling its seafood, soaking in the sunsets, and relaxing in your resort villa. (Image from Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin .)

When I first visited Thailand many years ago (more than I care to remember), an experienced traveller to the kingdom suggested Hua Hin as an idyllic seaside resort far from the cares of the world.

After doing my due diligence on the destination, I gathered that Hua Hin was the Thai people’s ‘little secret’, kept as an exclusive holiday domain for the locals. Popular seaside destinations such as Pattaya and Phuket were for tourists, but Hua Hin was for Thais.

Now, Hua Hin is still very much a destination for local Thais, especially those from Bangkok. However, this is changing as more foreigners discover the charm of this historic seaside retreat.

Being just a three-hour drive south of Bangkok and without an airport catering to large aircraft means that Hua Hin isn’t as accessible as other Thai beachside destinations. Although visitors need to use land transport to travel to Hua Hin, once there, it’s a most agreeable destination with some excellent resorts, delicious Thai food – especially seafood, and a relaxed lifestyle that many will love.

Humble beginnings of a fishing village

Hua Hin has been a fishing village for centuries, and even today, the numerous flickering green lights at sea each evening indicate that fishing is still an important industry for many locals. However, these days, tourism forms the backbone of the economy.

Hua Hin was developed during an era of rapid regional rail expansion . The then-king was a rail enthusiast whose interest had been ignited after being given a rail set by Queen Victoria. Siam’s first significant railway headed south from Bangkok, down the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand.

It first reached the coast of Hua Hin in 1922. The quiet fishing village and its beaches soon became popular with tourists who travelled there by train. Visionary railway administrators quickly appreciated the importance of Hua Hin as a holiday destination and constructed the aptly named Railway Hotel, immediately adjacent to the golden sands lining the Gulf of Thailand.

Historic seaside retreat

Thailand’s high society seized the opportunity to take a seaside holiday after the king established a royal residence just north of the town centre. As the king held court during the summer, those seeking favour had no choice but to travel there by train and stay in the Railway Hotel. This well-heeled clientele demanded the best, and the hotel delivered.

Since then, the hotel has developed a Raffles-like reputation for offering gracious hospitality in its beachside setting. The hotel has had a few make-overs and extensions over the years, but several sections remain very much as they have for the past century. These additions and renovations have preserved the hotel’s architectural integrity and the grounds, with their botanical topiary, encouraging guests to take a turn around the gardens.

Now operating as the Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin, the hotel stands as the grand heritage property in the resort town. Guests can settle into a traditional English afternoon tea in the Museum Café and imagine just what it would have been like when the hotel first opened.

Budding resort town

Development followed the arrival of the railway as the line continued further south towards the Siam-Malaya border. Eventually, travellers could take a break in Hua Hin between their travels on an epic rail journey all the way from Singapore to Bangkok.

While the changes within the resort have been gradual and sympathetic to the original architecture, the same can’t be said for Hua Hin itself. Thailand’s ‘little secret’ is no more, as international hotel chains clamber for beachfront presence. However, all is not lost, as Hua Hin still retains much of its charm.

Horse rides were, and are still popular along the soft sand, with numerous handlers on hand to guide guests across the sands. This is indeed a rare sight in Asia and an iconic image of this holiday destination.

Resort time: Rest & relaxation

My accommodation in Hua Hin was the Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin, a boutique property of 54 pool villas and 42 suites. It is located along the coast, just north of the town, and within lush gardens.

Mövenpick combines the Swiss efficiency of the brand’s heritage with caring Thai hospitality. All villas and suites are located in either beautiful gardens or overlooking serene lily-lined ponds. Its rooms are beautifully appointed to create an oasis of tranquil privacy.

My private pool villa was very spacious and enclosed within high walls and sheltering plants to ensure complete privacy. The villa featured a large turquoise-tiled pool, loungers, and an outdoor dining setting. Inside, the bedroom was separate from the living area, and the bathroom, featuring a stand-alone tub, was very spacious.

There are two resort pools, with the one at the rear of the resort, the less-used and thus the quietest. Asara Spa has six treatment rooms, with Yin Yang Chakra Therapy being one of its signature treatments. The adjoining compact gym is accessible around the clock, while children are cared for in the Little Birds Club.

Chocolate Hour is a signature Mövenpick activity, and the Hua Hin interpretation served in the afternoon in Kampu Restaurant included a chocolate fountain, beverages, cakes, and desserts.

Let’s Sea Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort is a boutique adult-only resort that lies to the south of the town centre near the Hyatt. Its restaurant here had been recommended to me, and before dinner, I looked around the suites lining a long pool and was most impressed.

Hua Hin’s seafood scene

While it’s possible to enjoy a latté to-go at Starbucks or a value meal at Burger King, Thai food such as the delicious gai yang and other delicacies are on offer too, especially in the evening open-air market in the centre of the town.

The popular Hua Hin Night Market is not the only market in town. The Cicada Market, just 7 kilometres south of the town, is within walking distance of the Let’s Sea Resort. Immediately adjacent to the Cicada Market is the Tamarind Market, so weekend visitors are spoilt for choice. The former is more for upmarket arts, crafts, and fashion, while the Tamarind Market is more food-oriented.

Baan Dum Oceanfront Seafood Restaurant, located beside the sea and the Mövenpick property, offers a relaxing seafront setting. I enjoyed several delicious dishes including prawns, fish, and tom yam .

Seaside tipple and dining

A very pleasant surprise was Let’s Sea Restaurant and the adjoining Beach Bar and Terrace. If you are not staying here, plan to drop by as the sun sets for the low-light romantic ambience; you won’t witness the sunset here as the terrace faces eastward. Choose a lounge on the decorative terrace or in the gardens and enjoy a pre-dinner beverage. The food and wines are taken very seriously here, with some contemporary Western, Thai, and Thai fusion dishes from which to choose. The wine list is superb; try the Austrian Grüner Veltliner to discover how this variety is the perfect pairing for many Thai dishes.

The recently opened Vana Nava Sky rooftop bar, at the Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava to the south of the town centre, is an atmospheric bar that offers the best window on the Hua Hin landscape. Visit for more than the views as the cocktails and food are superb. Plan to visit just after it opens at 5pm to take in the sunset. There is a good selection of cocktails and wines, and the food is taken seriously with dishes such as Linguini Seafood, Wagyu Skewers, and Hokkaido Scallops.

For those who are prepared to travel a few extra kilometres to reach the resort town, Hua Hin is a delightful seaside resort destination with a comprehensive range of accommodation options and resort activities that make it perfect for relaxation.

Hua Hin travel tips

Getting there: AirAsia flies to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, and from here, land travel to Hua Hin can be arranged. The railway from Bangkok southward through Hua Hin is being progressively double-tracked and upgraded, and in the not-too-distant future, improved rail connections will be available. The current rail services are slow and not convenient for most visitors. Where to stay: Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin or Let’s Sea Resort. When to visit: Thais visit year-round, but take note that the low season, in the middle of the year, coincides with the monsoon season.

David is a photojournalist specialising in travel, wine, trains, and the environment. He's lived in Asia for three decades and has written several books including 10 in the Enchanting Series (Enchanting Penang was awarded the best book on Malaysia at Tourism Malaysia’s Awards 2016). He has also written books on railway journeys in Australia/New Zealand, Asia, and Europe.

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• Hua Hin Itinerary: how to get there from Bangkok and what to do

This is post 32 of 37 in the series “Thailand”

Thailand is like a rite of passage for everyone. The land of smiles is also the land of cheap and amazing Thai massages, delicious street food, and many national parks and historic monuments.

From temple hopping to trekking to find the largest flower in the world, or snorkeling in pristine water, there’s so much to do in Thailand! And here are my best guides for you:

• Elephant chasing in Chiang Mai – Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Review
• Zip lining: Flying through the jungles in Chiang Mai
• The Ultimate Price Guide to Chiang Mai
• Chiang Mai Markets: there is one for every day of the week (2024 update)
• Chiang Mai Temple Run – Top 5 + Tips
• Venture with Impact: living in Chiang Mai for a month
• 5 best Chiang Mai day trips: discover the nature and culture
• Escape to the Chiang Mai countryside: a getaway with Panviman Spa
• Bangkok Itinerary: 4 days of shopping, culture, and seafood
• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport guide for those who arrive late or early
• Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok
• Best temples in Bangkok besides Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun
• Food to eat in Bangkok: a comprehensive foodie guide
• Zazz Urban Bangkok: a hotel review
• Amphawa Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market day trip review
• Sakon Nakhon: one day in Northern Thailand’s indigo capital
• Postcards from Thailand – a giveaway with MyPostcard
• Zeavola: unexpected barefoot luxury in Koh Phi Phi
• Cheow Lan Lake Tour in Khao Sok: what to expect on an overnight tour
• Koh Phi Phi Island Itinerary: beaches and tour guides + more
• Koh phangan in 36 hours: a first timer stopover guide for non-motorbike riders
• Thailand 2 week itinerary: the best from north to south
• Chatuchak Market guide by a Bangkok market addict (updated 2024)
• Test & Go Thailand and Thailand Pass: all questions answered (April 2022)
• Itinerary for Krabi: 3 to 5 days perfect for beach and nature lovers
• The Pavilions Anana Krabi – Ao Nang Krabi’s best kept secret
• Phuket Old Town: what to see and where to eat
• Chiang Mai Massage: best and cheap places to go (updated 2024)
• Sustainable luxury in Phuket: Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay Review
• Best Chiang Mai restaurants, street food, and vegan places
• A first timer’s guide to Khao Sok National Park and its tours
• Street Food in Chinatown Bangkok: a foodie’s guide
• Dragon Crest Mountain: best hiking in Krabi
• Where in Bangkok to Stay: best areas, first timers, and more!
• Thai Massage in Bangkok: best Bangkok Massage Parlors + where to get deals
• Bangkok Night Markets: where to go and when to go

Are you wondering what to do in Hua Hin? Hua Hin is 4 hours from Bangkok and a great alternative to Pattaya for people seeking a beach escape. It makes for a great stop for anyone who wants to head from Bangkok to the southern islands. However, I’m here for its national parks and while I didn’t hit all of them, I made a good dent:

(You can skip straight to the end for a suggested Hua Hin itinerary):

• Planning on Hua Hin only as a stop on your Thailand trip? See my 2 week Thailand itinerary .
• Coming down or going back up to Bangkok? Here is a Bangkok itinerary and some amazing food you must eat in Bangkok

How to go to Hua Hin from Bangkok

Wondering how to get to Hua Hin? Most people looking to get there would do so from Bangkok, though you can also travel up from the south and make a stop there. Hua Hin has its own airport, but it mostly serviced flights from Kuala Lumpur, Chiang Mai, and Udon Thani.

I like to book my transfer using 12GoAsia because it saves me from using cash and also allows me to book well in advance and not through my hostel.

Bangkok to Hua Hin Distance

The driving distance between Bangkok to 198.7 km. It takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes but in reality the driving time is often longer due to traffic, especially when exiting Bangkok city.

Bangkok to Hua Hin by Bus

There are two main points for buses from Bangkok to Hua Hin: Khao San Road or the Suvarnabhumi Airport. Unless you are staying in the old town or near Khao San Road, it’s easier to get to the airport in my opinion. I was staying in Ratcha and the BTS and Skytrain got me to the airport in half an hour or so.

The bus was surprisingly spacious and comfortable and the 4 hour flew by. That said, we spent almost an hour alone getting out of Bangkok so it’s definitely not the best choice if you have limited time.

Bangkok to Hua Hin Train

While slower than bus, the train is actually a cheaper option and the rail station in Hua Hin is in the center of town. Trains depart from Hua Lamphong in Bangkok and run roughly every 1-2 hours and take 4 to 4.5 hours.

Bangkok to Hua Hin minibus

The minibus options for Bangkok to Hua Hin gives you more departure time option but it’s known to be more cramped. It’s less suited for those with big luggage. You can set off from Ekkamai, Asoke, or Mochit.

Bangkok to Hua Hin Taxi

If you are in a group, a private transfer directly to and from your accommodation is the fastest way. Especially if you are not near any of the bus or train stations. 

Driving Bangkok to Hua Hin

If you’re a confident driver and prefer to make your trip from the capital by self-drive. It’s likely going to take 4 hours accounting for traffic. You’ll find better deals renting a car in Hua Hin locally, otherwise, it’s probably easiest in terms of pick up and driving to do it at the airport.

Getting around Hua Hin

Hua Hin has a very simple layout of a city linear to the beach on either side of a main road. However, it has very limited public transport options with no grab bike, only grab car available. Getting a grab is also not the easiest so the best option is to rent a car or motorbike, or plan to hang out by the beach, or join day tours.

Here is a guide on getting around Hua Hin:

Hua Hin Songthaew Route

Or wait by the main road to flag down a large green tuk-tuk. Be on the right side of your direction.

This website has all the routes listed but I’ve only personally used the green one.

Green Songthaew Route

It starts at the night market and ends near Wat Khao Talia. Common places it stops at are by the Market Village and various other malls. It runs around every 15 minutes and you can press the bell on the roof to let the driver know to stop at pretty much any point.

Renting a motorbike or car

If you can drive, renting a motorbike or even a car is the best thing to do in Hua Hin as distances are quite large.

The roads are flat all around and relatively quiet, aside from the highway itself.

If you want a better car, it’s advisable to book early. Easy Car Rental Hua Hin is well rated and reviewed.

We ended up renting through a street side rental place and the car was pretty dated and ate a lot of gas. But when the handle broke from age/overuse it wasn’t charged on us so overall it was a good experience.

We paid 3000 baht to rent a car for 2 days at Mr.Wichai Bicycle & Motorbike for rent . He stays open quite long and is a friendly guy.

There is no grab bike, only grab car in Hua Hin. The prices run on the higher end so I would use it when there’s nothing else available.

If you can drive, renting a motorbike or even a car is the best thing to do in Hua Hin A’s distances are quite large.

The roads are flat all around and relatively quiet aside from the highway itself.

What to do in Hua Hin Thailand

There are quite a few places to visit in Hua Hin, as well as around it. I’ll start with the Hua Hin attractions and make my way down with increasing distance.

Hua Hin Thailand attractions

Hua hin beach.

I didn’t expect much for the Hua Hin Beach, but it was surprisingly beautiful and pleasant. The entire stretch will take you hours to walk down, and only the section by the town center is Hua Hin Beach. You can see both ends of the bay with limestone mountains, which reminds me of Rio from the photos I have seen.

By the Centara entrance to the beach, there is a rock cluster that makes for beautiful photos with small pools of water. Locals with horses stand by the entrance or along the beach and you can ride a horse for photos or fun too.

Note: the beach faces east so it’s not good for sunset, only sunrise

Hua Hin Train Station

Hua Hin Train station is smaller than expected but the red and beige Thai style pavilion is eye-catching and pretty. It was built and renovated in the 1910s and 1920s with Victorian Style influence. The interior is decorated in tiles and half open air, with many travellers waiting for their train seated around.

There is an old style cafe to the left of the platform and the right side is also good for photos, since most people are hiding from the sun under shade.

Chopstick Hill (Wat Khao Takiap)

At the southern end of Hua Hin is the Chopstick Hill where Wat Khao Takiap and a giant standing Buddha statue stand.

It’s over an hour’s walk from the city center, so you either have to pay 150 baht from the main town by Grab or take the big green tuk tuk for 10 baht to its end stop. From the end station, go towards the beach and up the flight of stairs to the standing Buddha statue.

You can also get a great view of the whole coastline of Hua Hin here. Wat Khao Takiap is further on, I recommend continuing on instead of taking the stairs as there are a lot of monkeys up there and one ended up jumping on my back. And it’s less easy to get lost in the abandoned complex directly above the stairs.

Wat Khao Takiap itself is smaller than expected, a small golden roof temple atop a long flight of stairs. The design is reminiscent of a Nepalese temple with bells circling the shrine in the middle.

It’s free to visit but not particularly interesting in my opinion.

Note: avoid eye contact with the monkeys and wear socks since you have ascend to the temple barefoot.

Cha Am Hua Hin

Cha Am is the name of the stretch of beach north of the Hua Hin main city that is home to a plethora of sea-front hotels and resorts. It’s a gorgeous place to stay, just note that it is not close to Hua Hin city itself. If you stay in this area, it’s best to drive or be prepared to take taxi or Grab to get around outside of your hotel.

Rajabhakti Park – 7 King Monument Park

The Rajabhakti Park is known as the 7 King Monument Park on the outskirt of Hua Hin. It was built by the army with a military base right next door. The large park is set in front of distant mountains with the statues of the 7 influential kings from Sukhothai all the way to the modern era standing in 14m tall bronze glory.

There is a large, dedicated parking space at a corner of the park and visitors can get on the free golf-cart shuttle to get close to the statues. The driver gave commentary in Thai, so unfortunately I didn’t understand it. But there are information boards in the pavilion nearby the statue, so you don’t have to worry about not knowing who is who. The 7 kings are:

• King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Also known as Ram Khamhaeng, he was the Pho Khun (aka King) of Sukhothai between 1279 – 1298. He created the Thai alphabet and established Theravada Buddhism in the country.
• King Naresuan the Great He was a King in Ayutthaya between 1590 – 1605. He is better known as Prince Naret the ‘Black Prince and battled against the Tougoon Empire (Burmese).
• King Narai the Great The Ayutthaya King reigned between 1656 – 1688 and developed a diplomatic relationship with France. His reign was influential and one of the most famous kings.
• King Taksin the Great He reigned from 1767 to 1782 and moved the capital after the fall of Ayutthaya.   Although he had a short reign, he reunited the country and fought against the Khmer, Burmese, Vietnamese, and Chinese. 
• King Rama I The Great Rama I was the first king of Chakri Royal Family and a gifted military leader. He moved the capital to Rattanakosin City and reigned from 1782 to 1809.
• King Ramam IV Mongkut He is the 4th king of the Chakri Dynastic and a notable scientific scholar. He left monkhood to ascend the throat at urges of the royal family and ministers after the previous king’s passing and reigned from 1850 to 1868. 
• King Ramam V King Chulalongkorn the Great is the son of Rama IV and abolished slavery, and furthered public services and education following the west. He reigned from 1868 to 1910 and is one of the most beloved kings of Thailand.

Address: 8 Petchkasem Rd, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

Opening times: 8:00 – 17:00

Pranburi Forest Park

The mangrove forest of Pranburi Forest Park is less than half an hour’s drive south of Hua Hin. It has a nice wooden boardwalk that meanders through the 3.2 km² mangroves with an option to take a boat ride out in the river.

It’s easy to reach using google Maps and there is plenty of parking by the park entrance. It was free to park and enter, and since I arrived before 9am, it was relatively quiet.

It’s a loop route that goes in a clockwise direction and the most scenic part of the walkway is towards the ‘end’. There is a watch tower that gives you a great panorama of the surroundings and all the way to the city.

Address: 14 ผาสุกวนิช 16 Pak Nam Pran, Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77220, Thailand

Opening times: 6:00 – 18:00

Free entry, I read online that it’s 400 baht for the boat ride

Hua Hin Cafe hopping

If you go on Instagram and search for Hua Hin, you’ll see many hip and gorgeous cafes. Most of them are beach-side and here are two that I have found on Instagram and went to:

1d+ Day Artist

1d+ Day Artist is close to Pranburi, a beach cafe right on the sand with hammocks, swings, and photogenic tents and flags. They serve a mostly western menu and you have to order a drink first before being seated.

It’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid having to step on the fiery hot sand. The prices are on the higher end for Thailand but it’s a great place to sit and relax. They have occasional live music, too. They have free parking by the cafe and it wasn’t too busy on the morning I visited.

Address: เขาเต่า หัวหิน Pak Nam Pran, Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77220, Thailand

Opening times: 10:00 – 20:00

bOnnie on the Beach

If you prefer an option to be inside an air-conditioned space, bOnnie on the Beach is between Cha Am and Hua Hin Beach located in a resort complex that was slightly confusing to drive in. But the cafe itself is a modern-day fairytale white concrete block with outdoor seating on grass and bean bags on the beach.

It has unblocked view and access to the beach and is sandwiched between two resorts, making it fairly quiet. They have coffee, tea, soda, and also some sweet treats, and WiFi!

Cost: it was around 140 baht per drink.

Address: 849, 21 Petchkasem Rd, Tambon Cha-am, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120, Thailand

Opening times: 9:00 – 19:00

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

About 30 minutes south of Hua Hin is the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park known for its karst caves and mountains, it reminds me of Vang Vieng in Laos and a much smaller version of Ninh Binh in Vietnam. The name means three hundred peaks, a reference to the park’s many jagged peaks.

There is no public transport to the national park, so the only option is to either rent your own vehicle or hire a car with a drive r. I ended up finding two companions through Instagram and dug around Facebook and found a driver from 9am to 5pm for 1800 baht. That didn’t give us enough time to visit everything in the national park, so I settled on the top 3:

Note: no drone flying is allowed in the national park

Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk

A sea of lotus with a network of wooden boardwalks, the Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk is a swamp bordered by towering karst mountain on one side and a beautiful sight to behold.

There are boat rides available if you are interested, but going around the boardwalk itself is decent enough. While the boardwalk looks extensive, you can only go about 500m in before a barricade.

The rest of it appears to be in despair, so we spent around 40 minutes there before heading to the cave.

Phraya Nakhon Cave

The most famous site in the national park is the Phraya Nakhon Cave, discovered 200 years ago by a ruler seeking shelter and subsequently named after him. But it’s best known for the temple that sits under a doline in a cave within a cave. 

To get there is no easy task. From the beach where the car park is, you can either hike across the mountain or take a boat to shorten the 30 minutes journey. The trail consists of slippery marble rocks polished by the throngs of locals and tourists paying pilgrimages to the temple.

The boat will shave 20 minutes off the hike but you do have to walk through water to board and disembark the longtail boat. Personally, I think the hike not only saves you money but also offers some good views.

There is a restaurant at the beach as well as holiday huts if you are interested in refreshments or even staying a night here. The trail to the cave continues away from the beach with a similar footing as the trail over the hill.

It’s best to wear close-toed shoes with good grip but there are people who manage in sandals.

The descend into the first cave is made easier with good stairs and the small forest under the doline lends it an otherworldly air.

A narrow pass riddled with stalagmites and stalactites to the side would lead you to the temple, or rather the Kuha Kharuehat Pavilion.

It was built on the order of King Rama V in the 19th century and was consequently visited by Rama VII and Rama IX, all of them leaving their handwriting to the right of the pavilion.

If you visit around midday, the light from the doline shines directly onto the pavilion, giving it an ephemeral glow. However, if you want to avoid the crowd, it’s best to visit after. It took us around an hour in the car to get to the cave and another 45 minutes to visit.

Khao Daeng Viewpoint

No national park visit is complete without a viewpoint and Khao Daeng has been on my radar since I saw photos of it on Instagram. It shows a view of the land and sea, of fields and mountains, but not much about the hike itself. As our driver pulled into the parking lot that was well marked on google map, it appeared to be a very small area.

A guardhouse stands in the middle of the lot, who came over to issue a warning on the hike difficulty, as did the other signs around. A small pack of monkeys eyed us from a corner but otherwise didn’t make a move.

To my surprise, the trail, although not as well paved as the one to the cave, is clearly marked and not that difficult. It was, however, steep, and it took us half an hour up to get up. A sign proclaims that it is the Khao Daeng Viewpoint with a sweeping view of the river flowing into the sea and small villages dotted around.

The smaller outcrop on the other side is also beautiful and looks back towards the national park.

While I don’t think it’s as difficult as advertised, do bring lots of water and wear good shoes as going down is also slippery and no steps.

Kui Buri National Park

Kui Buri National Park is known for being the place to spot wild elephants in Thailand. But like all things, seeing the majestic creatures in the wilderness requires some luck. The national park advertises that 99% of visitors see elephants, but I would say that real number is perhaps a little lower.

The national park covers 969 km² and it’s about 1.5 hours drive from Hua Hin. You can go to Pranburi in the morning, stop for lunch, then head off to Kui Buri. Other animals in the part include gaurs, deers, hares, wild boars, golden jackals, gibbons, and even tigers, leopards, and tapirs.

It’s a nice experience to be on the back of the jeep roaming the roads of the national park, especially for those who have never been on an animal safari. We had a driver and a guide with us, the latter would point out wild animals here and there but doesn’t speak good enough English to engage in more conversation. They drive along a set route with a few stops at scenic spots and viewpoints. We saw a few bison and plenty of birds, but no elephants, unfortunately.

Tips: it’s best to come here in the wet season and in the early morning or late afternoon when the animals are more active.

Cost: for 2 people, it was a total of 1250 baht. It’s cheaper to share the Jeep, which is 800 baht with 200 baht entrance fee per person. I can’t remember where the extra 50 baht fits!

Note: it’s encouraged to tip your guide and driver here

Address: 3J4G+Q9, Hat Kham, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77150, Thailand

Opening times: 8:00 – 16:30

It’s free to park at the Pran Buri National Park. 

Tham Khao Luang Cave

The Tham Khao Luang Cave is in Phetchaburi about one hour north of Hua Hin. It’s en route if you’re driving to or from Bangkok and Hua Hin yourself, and still worth a visit otherwise.

The cave is famous for the doline (collapsed top) that let sunlight streams into the cave.

The temple is relatively new, built by King Chulalongkorn there to honour his father King Mongkut, who had visited the cave. There are Buddha statues and shrines spread across all three caverns, with a reclining buddha and a Buddha in lotus position.

I spotted an old flight of stairs at the very back of the cave, too!

On my visit, we were not allowed to drive up to the cave but to park at the temple nearby ( coordinates here ). After purchasing tickets, we got on a songthaew that took us up to the base of the stairs before walking up. It’s not a long walk but be wary of the monkeys loitering!

Address: 4WJJ+VXQ, Thongchai, Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi 76000, Thailand

Opening times: 8:00 – 16:00, open until 17:00 on Sunday

Admission fee: 25 Baht

Khao Wang is the nickname for the Phra Nakhon Khiri Royal Palace in Phetchaburi, which stands for mountain palace. It was built by King Rama IV and is an eclectic blend of different architectural styles. The palace, pagodas, and temples of Thai, European and Chinese styles are spread over three hills. It reminds me a little of the Marble Hill complex in Danang, Vietnam.

The best way to go up is by cable car, which is more like an open-air funicular. Or you can also hike up the 92m high mountain. You buy the entry ticket once you get off the cable car and the brick paths are all well-shaded with clear signposts.

Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum

The palace is now a museum with many of the rooms kept in original condition for visitors to see. You have to take off your shoes and wear shoe covers to visit and photography is not allowed inside. 

It’s an interesting glimpse into the lives of the royal family and it has a great view of the surrounding.

Great White Pagoda

The Great White Pagoda is just like its name, a round stupa that occupies the hill top it is on. You cannot go inside but it’s quite lovely to see. There is a trail that leads down the mountain right next to it.

Wat Phra Kaew Noi

If you’re wondering why it looks familiar, it’s because King Mongkut ordered it to be built in the same style as the Emerald Buddha in Grand Palace in Bangkok.

You’ll also see the red Pra Prang Daeng pagoda, Phra Sutthahasela Chedi, and the ordination hall.

Note: you can’t drive up Khao Wang – this is the address for the cable car with plenty of parking.

4W5P+H2W, Khlong Kra Saeng, Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi 76000, Thailand

(If that doesn’t work, try JM Cuisine noodle shop)

Opening times: 8:30 – 16:30

Admission fee: 50 baht for cable car, 150 baht entrance fee

Pala-U Waterfall

The Pala-U Waterfall is the most famous attraction in Kaeng Krachan National Park about an hour’s drive east of Hua Hin. It’s a great swimming hole to escape to with many falls along the river and it’s possible to trek around in the national park as well.

If you don’t want to drive, y ou can do a full day vi sit through a join-in tour that includes a transfer.

Where to eat in Hau Hin

Rod fai seafood.

When you are by the seaside, seafood is naturally a must-try. I ended up at Rod Fai twice since it’s fuss-free and value for money. There are two restaurants of the same name and this one is not on google map, but one of the many restaurants lined on the north end of the nightly night market.

We had soup and two dishes with rice each for 160 baht per person on average. I particularly liked their calamari fried with garlic!

Oraya restaurant

For somewhere more sit-down but still affordable and casual, Oraya is highly rated. It’s on a side street near the beach in what resembles a sort-of red light district.

Prices run at average 100 baht per person with a decent portion size! I had their pineapple fried rice (with no meat) which was above average.

Address:  23/2 Selakam Alley, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

Opening times: Mon – Sat 11:00 – 22:00

Fame restaurant

Fancy some western food? I had a great burger with fries and a Fanta for 180 baht at Fame Restaurant. The burger was a little salty but otherwise good. They have an outdoor seating area as well as indoor seating and faces one of the busier roads in Hua Hin, so a good spot for people watching.

Address:  Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

Opening times: 8:30 – 23:30

Sip it cafe

I came across Sip It Cafe on my way back to my hostel during a really hot day. A thai milk tea was exactly what I needed so I ducked into the quaint vintage-western style cafe for one. It’s only 40 baht and it’s air conditioned inside!

Address: 92 2 Petchkasem Rd, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

Opening times: 9:00 – 21:00

Night market

There is a daily night market north of the main road diagonally across from the clock tower where you can find many snacks. An original-flavoured roti starts at 15 baht and you’ll also find pancakes, ice cream, and other stir-fried food for cheap.

I often grab a roti if I’m not full from dinner or was in need of a snack.

Massage in Hua Hin

Ava massage.

By far one of the best foot massages I’ve had, Ava Massage is one of the many massage shops lining the night market street. I ended up choosing it because it has a better decorated interior than the others.

For 200 baht, it’s definitely value for money.

Hua Hin Itinerary Suggestion

How many days should i stay in hua hin.

The optimal time to spend in Hua Hin depends on what you want to do. To get through everything on the list, it would be best to budget 4 to 5 days to get through everything on the list at a leisurely pace.

Since I’ve covered the attractions in detail above, I’ll use bullet points here.

Hua Hin Day Tour

Some people might opt for a Hua Hin tour from Bangkok, but given that traffic often makes the trip a 4 hour journey one way, I would say that it’s best to spend more time in Hua Hin if you can.

If you don’t have time, it’s still possible to take a day trip. This one has great reviews and takes you to both Tham Khao Luang and Khao Wang .

Alternatively, you can opt to get a car with a driver and plan your own itinerary .

Hua Hin 2 day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hua Hin, visit Chopstick Hills and relax on Hua Hin Beach. Visit a night market or seafood restaurant for dinner.

Day 2: Day trip in Khao Sam Roi Yat National Park (or Pranburi) depending on time, stop by a cafe in Hua Hin on the way out.

Hua Hin 3 day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hua Hin, visit Chopstick Hills and relax on Hua Hin Beach. Visit a night market or seafood restaurant for dinner. 

Day 2: Day trip in Khao Sam Roi Yat National Park or Phetchaburi. If you prefer nature, visit Pran Buri in the morning, stop by a cafe for shade and lunch, then visit the 7 King Monument before driving to Kui Buri for an elephant safari.

Day 3: Day trip to Phetchaburi before leaving Hua Hin

Hua Hin 4 day Itinerary

Day 2: Day trip in Khao Sam Roi Yat National Park

Day 3: Visit Pran Buri in the morning, stop by a cafe for shade and lunch, then visit the 7 King Monument before driving to Kui Buri for an elephant safari.

Day 4: Day trip to Phetchaburi before leaving Hua Hin

Hua Hin 5 day Itinerary

Day 4: Pala-U Waterfall day trip with trekking

Day 5: Day trip to Phetchaburi before leaving Hua Hin

Where to stay in Hua Hin

Budget to midrange:.

I stayed at the Moon Hostel , which is right by the clock tower. The facilities are good and clean, but the vibe is not very friendly. The day receptionist was better, but the night one was mostly preoccupied with her phone. The signs around are all warning and fines, which didn’t add to it being welcoming. There’s also no lift/elevator, but there’s 4 floors so you would have to carry your luggage up. 

A non-dorm choice is EU – Bakery Guesthouse , which also has no lift but is otherwise highly rated for its spacious and clean room. Anchan Hotel & Spa is another great choice but it is nearer to the nightlife which means it doesn’t get quiet until after 1am.

Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa has its own space near the center and beach with a spa and a pool. Another nearby choice is Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa with similar facilities.

Hi, my name is Nam. I am 24 and spent half my life in Hong Kong and the other half in UK. I believe there's endless experience and beauty in the world and this is me chronicling how to experience the best at the best price.

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Travelers guide to the amazing beach resort town of Hua Hin, find out the best things to do, places to go, travel tips and advice.

Hua Hin Travel Guide Contents

Places To Go | Things To Do | Hotels & Resorts | Tours | Getting There & Around | See & Do | Where To Stay | Typical Costs | Money Saving Tips | Safety Tips | Recommended Resources | Transport | Travel Blog

Welcome to Thailand Travel Hub’s complete guide to Hua Hin. Here you can find everything you need to know about this wonderful seaside resort only two hours drive from Bangkok, which is a popular getaway destination for locals, tourists and ex-pats alike. Less touristy than the likes of Phuket or Pattaya, Hua Hin offers a more authentic experience of Thailand, with the added bonus of not having to negotiate the throngs of tourists that you would find in Patong, Chaweng or Walking Street.

Hua Hin was popularised around a century ago when it became known as a retreat for the Thai royal family, and since then it has developed into a thriving, but more laid-back destination which everyone can enjoy. Visitors can see spectacular caves, temples, national parks, waterfalls, world-class golf courses, restaurants, nightlife and of course, the beautiful 3km white sand beach which is noticeably cleaner than that of Pattaya across the Gulf of Thailand.

All in all, Hua Hin is developed enough to offer something for everyone, and whilst it is certainly no longer the sleepy fishing village that it started off as, it’s still noticeably more charming and relaxing than Thailand’s more popular tourist destinations.

Places To Go View All

Phraya Nakhon Cave

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Wat Huay Mongkol

Pa La-U Waterfall

Hua Hin Night Market

Things To Do View All

Sam Sam Bar

KBA – Kiteboarding Asia

el Murphy’s Irish Bar & Grill

Hua Hin Divers

Hotels & Resorts View All

Hub Hua Hin 57 Hotel

Thipurai City Hotel

Price ฿1000 - ฿3000

Amari Hua Hin

Price ฿2000 - ฿10000

Tours & Activities View All

One-Day Pass: Vana Nava Water Jungle Hua Hin

Hua Hin – Sam Roi Yod National Park Tour

Hua Hin: 3.5-Hour Lunchtime Food Tour

Price $54.00

Bangkok Airports: Transfer Pattaya, Hua Hin, and More

Price From $50.00

Hua Hin Travel Guide Map

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Weather & When to Go to Hua Hin

Hua Hin is relatively hot and humid all year round with temperatures in the range of 28-35°C, which can take some getting used to for many visitors. However, in general the daily temperature is actually fairly consistent throughout the year, with the amount of rainfall varying greatly between the seasons. The monsoon season tends to hit around October/November and during this time the downpours can be absolutely torrential, which means you will probably be stuck inside. The best time to visit is after the monsoon has ended so that temperatures are cooler, and this period falls between December and February.

Despite this, you can visit Hua Hin at any time of the year and enjoy yourself, in fact if you aren’t bothered by the rain, you will find that during monsoon season the town is less crowded and you will be able to get a better deal on your hotel rate, it’s really up to you. The hottest time of the year for Hua Hin will be around April and May, when you can expect average highs around the 33-35°C mark which is great for some, but sticky and uncomfortable for others.

In any case, April is still an amazing time to visit Thailand as this is when the Songkran festival takes place, which is one of the best festivals anywhere on the planet and has to be experienced by everyone at least once. So realistically, any time of year will be a good time to come, but just make sure your schedule is flexible if you come during the rainy season.

Getting to Hua Hin & How to Get Around

Taxi - There is no airport in Hua Hin so to get there you will need to fly to Bangkok and travel from there. There are many different ways to get from Bangkok to Hua Hin, but from one of the Bangkok airports the easiest would be to take a private taxi all the way. At Suvarnabhumi airport, you will need to go down to the bottom floor and speak to the people at the desk outside about going to Hua Hin, the fee should be around 2200 baht ($72), and this should be fixed no matter how many passengers are going. The journey should take between two and two and a half hours depending on traffic and how fast your taxi driver likes to drive.

Train - Alternatively, if you are already in Bangkok you may find it easier to just head to Hua Lampong train station and go from there. You’re looking at around 300 baht ($10) per person, just ensure you buy your ticket at the ticket counter and ignore any touts at the station. Thai trains are old and rickety, and are much slower than traveling by car meaning the journey takes around five hours. Just bear in mind that if you go third-class, you will probably be sat on a hard wooden bench for five hours.

Buses - There are also buses from Bangkok to Hua Hin, you can catch the bus either at the Sai Tai Mai bus terminal (at Taling Chan) or at the airport, they take around 3.5 hours and cost 150-300 baht depending on which bus you get and where you embark. Buses are a good compromise and information about departure times and bus numbers can be found both at the airport and the bus terminal.

Minibus - Alternatively, the many travel agents in Bangkok operate hundreds of minibus services, if you inquire at one near your hotel you should be able to buy a one way ticket to Hua Hin for around 400 baht ($13) which will usually involve a hotel pick up, which can be a great idea if you have heavy luggage.

Getting around Hua Hin - Once you arrive in Hua Hin, you have several options for getting around the city, consider hiring a motorbike if you are able to, at under 300 baht ($10) per day, they can be very convenient and cost effective. However, Hua Hin has plenty of transportation options, including several songthaew routes, tuk tuks, taxis and motorcycle taxis, all of which are relatively cheap and reliable. Tuk tuks are the most expensive as they are popular with tourists, with short trips costing upwards of 100 baht ($3.30).

TTH Recommendation: Getting to Hua Hin is relatively easy, whether you are coming from Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Samui or even Pattaya across the gulf of Thailand. There are a number of travel options available to you from buses, minivans, taxis and ferries. We recommended booking tickets online with 12Go Asia , they have an easy-to-use booking system and helpful staff on hand to help you with your booking and getting tickets.

Check Transport Routes and Book Tickets on 12Go Asia

Best things To See & Do In Hua Hin

Visit The Spectacular Temples & Caves

Hua Hin is home to some truly spectacular Thai temples and incredible caves which should not be missed. In fact, Hua Hin arguably has the best selection of temples outside of the capital, with many intricate and ornate temples within a few kilometres of the city centre, and the beautiful Wat Hua Hin in the city centre. Also, there are hilltop temples, temples with giant buddhas and the amazing Phraya Nakhon temple which is located inside an open-top cave complex, which should undoubtedly be at the top of your list as it is simply stunning, and a fantastic opportunity for budding photographers.

There are many other caves in the vicinity, including the Lub Lae, Kailon and Dao caves which are all located west of the city and the Kaeo and Sai caves located south. Many of the cave formations are extraordinary and contain buddhas and trinkets left behind by Thai visitors for good luck, they are a fascinating way to spend a few hours.

Explore Night Markets & Shopping Malls

For shoppers, Hua Hin has a number of interesting and inexpensive night markets, where you can buy anything from Thai fruits and vegetables to designer clothes, Thai handicrafts and souvenirs to take back home. There are no less than 4 night markets in the city, plus the Hua Hin Bazaar, with most of them open every night. The night markets also have many great value restaurants where you will see the locals eating, which is always an indicator of good quality food in Thailand. Night markets are a really great place to get an authentic taste of Thailand and see people going about their daily lives, not to mention somewhere to grab yourself a bargain.

If you prefer to shop in air-conditioned comfort, then you’re in luck as Hua Hin has two large shopping malls which are open until at least 9pm daily. The newer Bluport Hua Hin was only opened in 2016 and has lots of modern designer brands, whilst the older Market Village Mall is more of a standard Thai-style shopping mall.

Explore The Beaches & Water Sports

Hua Hin beach stretches for almost 4km and is clean and beautiful, offering powdery white sand and in most places the water is crystal clear and inviting. Compared to other Thai beaches you may have been to, it is noticeably quieter and more relaxing with fewer visitors and without the hawkers trying to coax you into buying something. There are a few restaurants along the beach, but mostly it is lined with hotels and resorts, you can easily while away an afternoon on the beach with a book without being hassled.

Alternatively, for those looking for a bit more excitement, there are numerous water sports offered along the beach. These include kite-boarding which is very popular with lessons available, or there is jet-skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing, scuba diving and snorkeling. It is also possible to hire a boat to go out for sea fishing or snorkeling trips, which can usually be arranged at your hotel or guesthouse.

Indulge In Fantastic Food & Restaurants

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that Hua Hin has a huge range of restaurants serving all kinds of different cuisine from around the globe. There are Indian restaurants, Chinese, steakhouses, pizza joints, Mexican, fish and chips, seafood restaurants, bakeries, vegan cafes, literally anything you could possibly want. Of course, there are the ubiquitous fast food joints such as KFC, Burger King and McDonalds, but you didn’t come to Hua Hin for those, did you? And it goes without saying that there are street food vendors dotted around all over the city selling steaming bowls of noodles, grilled fish, pad Thai, and much, much more besides.

Bangkok is a food mecca and Hua Hin is not much different, all tastes and budgets are catered for here. The availability of good quality food is not something you need to be concerned about when visiting Hua Hin, just use the usual trick of avoiding places which have no or few customers.

Experience The Hua Hin Nightlife

Hua Hin’s nightlife is definitely a step down from places such as Pattaya or Patong, but there are still plenty of places to enjoy yourself after the sun goes down. There are several sports bars, some bars with live music (usually local bands covering Western songs to a varying standard) and a couple of Thai discos. The official closing time for these venues is 2:00am but many ignore this, depending on how many customers are still there enjoying themselves. Also worth mentioning is that generally these venues will be good value if you are used to partying in Bangkok or Phuket, and with a friendly atmosphere you may end up staying later than you intended.

Although the nightlife may be a bit tamer than other Thai destinations, there are still a few clusters of beer bars which play loud Thai music, and they have plenty of staff who will sit and play Connect-4 or pool with you – just be prepared to cough up for a drink if you lose!

TTH Recommendation: There are literally hundreds of travel agents and tour companies lining the streets of Hua Hin, however if you like to plan ahead and want to conveniently book online, we recommend both Get Your Guide and Viator . Both companies are very well established and have excellent customer service. Another plus to booking online is that you can check customer reviews and experiences before you make your booking! As well as this, both Get Your Guide and Viator have a good cancellation/refund policy, in case your travel arrangements change.

Check The Best Hua Hin Tours & Activities On Get Your Guide

Where To Stay In Hua Hin

Visitors coming to Hua Hin will either stay in the city centre itself, or in Cha-Am, Khao Takiab or Pranburi.

City Centre - If you want to be close to Hua Hin beach and all the restaurants and nightlife, then you should definitely stay in Hua Hin city centre, just note that you will probably spend a little more for the convenience (although costs will be much lower than in, say, Phuket). For the majority of visitors, the city centre will be the best option, as it generally has all the amenities that travelers could possibly need within a relatively small area, and other attraction and destinations can be reached fairly easily either on motorcycle or public transport.

Cha-Am - If you’re not interested in nightlife, and are only interested in chilling on the beach, Cha-Am might possibly be a better option for you. It’s north of Hua Hin, so closer to Bangkok and more convenient for many travelers, plus it’s cheaper than Hua Hin too. There are a handful of restaurants and bars but it’s generally much quieter than Hua Hin, and the beach is arguably cleaner and nicer and has noticeably fewer tourists.

Khao Takiab - Khao Takiab is 10km south of Hua Hin and mostly consists of luxury resorts aimed at people who want a quiet and relaxing getaway. There are very few dining and nightlife options, those are mostly taken care of in your resort, but there is a pristine and tranquil white sand beach which doesn’t attract too many tourists. Aimed at visitors wanting to truly get away from it all, there are some great resorts at varying price points.

Pranburi - Pranburi is noticeably further – around 30km south of Hua Hin city centre, but is very close to the Khao Sam Roi Yot national park. More suited to those looking for a bit of nature, Pranburi has some beautiful scenery, a great coastline with deserted beaches, and is ideally suited to couples looking for a romantic getaway or adventure seekers looking to explore the park. There are no real dining, shopping or nightlife options in Pranburi, but then that’s what makes it so relaxing.

TTH Recommendation: Hua Hin offers a huge range of accommodation, for all types of budget, from hostels, guest houses, bungalows and hotels to five star high end resorts. It's best to book accommodation in Hua Hin online well in advance, especially during peak season. We highly recommend both Agoda.com and Booking.com for online bookings, they also have good cancellation policies in case your travel arrangement change and customer service has always been been excellent. Another advantage to booking online is that you can see reviews and experiences from other people to help you decide and find the perfect place to stay.

Check Latest Accommodation Deals On Agoda

Prices, Expenses & Typical Costs

Accommodation - Accommodation costs in Hua Hin are very reasonable indeed. A double room in a guesthouse generally starts at around 300 baht ($10) a night for the most basic places which may have a shared bathroom and a fan instead of air conditioning. Up your budget to 600 baht ($20) per night and you can find somewhere a bit more comfortable and in a better location, or at this price point you can find serviced apartments. At 1000 baht ($33) per night, you can find very nice boutique-style hotels and apartments offering every kind of amenity you can think of. Five star accommodation starts at around 3000 baht ($100) per night and can go as high as 23,000 baht ($755).

Transportation - Transportation costs will vary wildly from person to person, if you are brave enough to use the Thai public transport, your costs will be markedly lower than if you rely on taxis and tuk-tuks. The public transport in Hua Hin consists of songthaews, which you may or may not already be familiar with. The way they work is that they drive set routes in a circle, and to get on board you must flag one down – there are no official stops. The drivers don’t speak English but if you say the name of where you want to go they will nod if they can get you there. When you arrive at your destination, press the bell on the ceiling and he will stop, rides are 10 baht ($0.33) during the day and 15 baht ($0.50) at night.

Taxis are much more expensive and drivers may often try to inflate the price by not using their meter. The meter starts at 35 baht ($1.15), and short trips should cost 50-80 baht ($1.65-$2.62). Tuk-tuks will usually want to start at 100 baht ($3.30) and cost more per km (the whole sum will be agreed on in advance).

Food & Drink - With such a wide choice of food and drink in Hua Hin, what you spend is up to you. At the very minimum, a street side bowl of noodle soup and a bottle of soda will set you back 50 baht ($1.64), or a meal of steak and lobster by the sea with a bottle of French wine could cost you 7000 baht ($230). Western food will cost a little more than local food, but generally most meals at a restaurant will fall in the 150-400 baht ($5-$13) range.

A large bottle of beer will around 70-100 baht ($2.30-$3.28), cocktails go for around 150-300 baht ($4.92-$10), and wine can easily be 1000 baht ($33) and upwards per bottle. Prices for alcoholic beverages vary quite a lot depending on the establishment, with many offering happy hours or two for one deals.

Recommended Budget - Assuming you want to stay in a boutique style guesthouse, eat at a restaurant twice a day, see a few sights by taxi during the daytime and then have a few beers in the evening, a good budget for Hua Hin would be 3000-3500 baht ($98-$115) per day for everything. Budget travelers could survive on 1000 baht ($33) a day.

Money Saving Tips

Avoid expensive taxis - Avoid expensive taxis and tuk-tuks and use songtaews where possible, you’ll get the hang of how they work very quickly and they are fun! Alternatively, you can rent a motorcycle for around the cost of one tuk-tuk trip, but only do so if you are a confident rider and always wear a helmet.

Eat street food - Eat street food for your lunch every day, at 40-80 baht per meal these dishes offer fantastic value and can be just as good, if not better than what you get in the restaurants. Look for where the locals are eating as this is a sure sign of quality food. They usually give you free drinking water too.

Exchange money in Thailand - Don’t buy your currency in your home country. You will get 10-15% more by changing it once inside Thailand. Even at the airport in Bangkok you will get a much better rate than back home, but they are very picky about torn or defaced bills.

Don't forget to haggle - Don’t be scared to offer less – Thais respect a decent haggler! You can definitely haggle with tuk-tuk drivers and at markets, but not in shops or restaurants. Don’t come in so low that you insult the vendor, about 50% or a little more is a good place to start proceedings.

Don't ring the bell - If you go out drinking in the evening, do not ring the bell which you will see in the bar. This means that you are buying a drink for every customer and depending on how many people are there, this could very easily cost you 1500 baht ($50) per time. Best to sit far away from it!

Get clued up at the ATM - The cost of using a foreign bank card in a Thai ATM is scandalous. There is an unavoidable charge of 220 baht ($7.25) per transaction, plus your bank bank home will slap on a fee and possibly give you a sub-par exchange rate. This can mean you lose $25-$30 every time you visit an ATM. There are ways to avoid this, so do some research beforehand about what is available in your country (accounts with no charges, prepaid cards, travelers cheques, or just bring enough cash with you and keep it in the hotel safe).

Is it Safe To Travel Around Hua Hin

Absolutely. Hua Hin is a very safe place to visit and you are very unlikely to be the victim of crime, in fact you will probably find that Hua Hin is safer than your home town. Single female travelers should have no problems walking home in the evening, although the usual precautions should be taken. As in almost every part of the world, flashing wads of cash or wearing lots of expensive jewelry is unwise and will only attract the attention of unsavory characters.

Be extra careful on the roads - The biggest source of danger in Hua Hin will be the roads, most tourists who get hurt do so in motorcycle accidents. Only rent a motorcycle if you hold a motorcycle license in your own country and have experience of riding one, and always wear a motorcycle helmet. If the rental place will not provide a helmet or provides a poor quality one, you can buy one very cheaply in Big C or Tesco and give it to the shop when you go home.

Be mindful of natures creepy crawlies - Hua Hin is also home to spiders, venomous snakes, scorpions and centipedes. Although you are incredibly unlikely to even see one of these, and even less likely to end up getting bitten, if it does happen try to get a good look at the culprit and head to the hospital. In most cases you’ll end up with something akin to a bad wasp sting, but the centipede bites can be very painful indeed.

Keep your wits about you - Although Thai people are very kind and welcoming, amongst the types who hang around in bars and strike up conversation with tourists you will get the occasional bad egg. Be careful of the company you keep, decline invitations to go somewhere you aren’t sure of, and keep an eye on your drink as drink spikings, although rare, still happen. Don’t be afraid to take your drink into the bathroom with you.

Make use of the hotel safe - When venturing out, make sure that you put any valuables in the hotel safe, security at some guest houses can be very lax, and ask yourself if you really need to bring that brand new MacBook Pro with you – in many cases you won’t need it anyway. Just be sensible and don’t leave valuables in plain sight and remember that many Thai people in the service industry earn under $10 per day.

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Top 20 Places To Visit In Hua Hin

Hua Hin may have begun as a sleepy beach town, but it has since developed into a bustling port city. You can try to visit the Hua Hin Temples and Hua Hin Street Art . This small town turned tourist hot spot is an exciting beach, dining, and shopping destination right on the Gulf of Thailand, two and a half hours south of Bangkok.

Places to Visit in Hua Hin

1. maruekhathaiyawan palace.

You’ll love exploring this chic seaside palace where Thai and Victorian styles collide. King Vajiravudh erected the palace in 1923 to serve as the family’s residence. The colorful teak mansion, perched atop sturdy pillars and overlooking Cha-Am Beach, stands tall and protected from potential floods while vast, well-kept landscapes roll on around it. Cool breezes blow in through covered boardwalks that connect each of the pavilions. Even from a distance, this Palace of Love and Hope stands out as one of Hua Hin’s most remarkable places to visit. Today’s magnificent chambers all reflect the rich past they stand for. Its magnificent photographs and royal artifacts, which serve as a reminder of the opulent lifestyles it once witnessed, make a stroll through it a treat of discovery. For the sake of respect, it is imperative to dress appropriately when visiting this palace.

2. Hua Hin Railway Station

When King Rama VI was in power, this railway station was constructed. It is a must-see attraction and is conveniently located if you are in the city center. The wooden structures are Thai-style and brightly painted, but they also have a Victorian feel to them. Since there were no roads at the time leading to this undiscovered beach paradise, Hua Hin served as a seaside retreat for the royals, who arrived at this historic railway station. The appeal of a train ride was even more sophisticated, more avant-garde than a boat ride at the time, and greatly preferred. Bangkok and Singapore, a fishing village that once flourished into a lavish resort for the wealthy, were connected by a railway line. Soon after, upscale hotels and roads appeared. It is now a must-see attraction because it ensures that this location is known to the outside world. You can even take the train to or from Bangkok for a different journey for a lovely glimpse into the past.

3. Cicada Market

There is a lot of art here because that is the theme. You will undoubtedly find what you’re looking for here if you want to bring something special and memorable back with you to liven up your décor. There are a lot of other things as well. Clothing, home goods, decorative items, and handmade accessories are all available outside. There are drawings, sculptures, and paintings inside that each expresses a different artistic style. There are inventive little trinkets all over, and of course, you have to taste all the treats you find that will undoubtedly pique your palate. A great place to unwind and take in live music in the beer garden. Unquestionably, one of the best ways to experience Hua Hin’s spirit is to spend an evening here.

4. Hua Hin Night Market

Every night of the week from 5:30 p.m. until late, a night market is held in the city center. You can find many inexpensive foods here as well as crafts, clothing, art, CDs, and DVDs. Although you can get a better deal elsewhere, the cool thing about this night market is that it gives you a real sense of local culture. The market is fun to stroll through because it is constantly so lively and enjoyable. The good thing about this area is the affordable, high-quality food. Since you are in Hua Hin, you must try the seafood at one of the many restaurants there. It’s a great place for exploring and lazing around, taking in the relaxed atmosphere and local culture.

5. Plearn Wan Shopping Village

This outdoor mall will make you feel as though you’ve traveled back in time to the 1950s. The stunning structure houses a variety of everything-you-need shops in classic architecture. The unusual entrance is striking. Chances are good that you’d wander inside this establishment out front out of curiosity. The atmosphere is incredibly joyful at night and brings back memories of life nearly 70 years ago. A fairground with a Ferris wheel, game booths, and an outdoor theater can also be found at Plearn Wan. There is so much to do that you might want to stay for a while. The guesthouse’s rooms are definitely worth the extra money.

6. Black Mountain Water Park

Playing at this water park while in Hua Hin is a great way to have fun, whether you have kids or are just a kid at heart. There are nine different water slides here as well as a lazy river, wave pool, kids’ pool, and beach pool, to name a few, and it is only 15 minutes from Hua Hin town. This 40,000 square meter piece of land is even more spectacular with the view of the mountains and lake in the background. If you’d rather stay dry and play some rounds of golf, there is one across the street. This park is lovely because it has lots of vibrant trees and open spaces where you can get away from the attractions. The park is also very considerate in offering visitors small waterproof bags and distinctive electronic bracelets that function as your locker key for easy storage of your belongings. Try to arrive early because the midday sun can be very strong.

7. Khao Takiab

This is the location of Monkey Mountain if you’ve ever heard of it. Whatever you want to call it, it is technically known as “Chopstick Mountain” and is home to a huge number of monkeys. Additionally, there is a hilltop temple nearby that offers truly breathtaking aerial views of Hua Hin. You’ll need your hiking boots, but the stunning views of the mountain and the surrounding countryside are unquestionably worth it. It’s a great idea to stop by Khao Takiab Bay nearby for fantastic Thai food and ocean views. Additionally, there are numerous water sports and Wat Huay Mongkol, another temple, is nearby.

8. Wat Huay Mongkol

Don’t overlook this Buddhist temple while you’re on monkey mountain. The largest statue of none other than Luang Phor Thuad, a revered Thai monk rumored to have worked miracles, is located here. Being respectful is important while visiting this place where a significant statue of the Thai people is located. A pavilion honoring the spirits of the teak trees surrounds the statue; one of the trees is said to be magically powerful and has fallen. People congregate here to worship and pray in the hopes that their every wish will be granted. Another great stop on your Hua Hin adventure is a stunning waterfall that’s nearby.

9. Pa La-U Waterfall

You will arrive at this lovely waterfall that plunges into pools of fish-filled water after traveling through this forest that is 1,000 years old. Go up and test yourself as you go, but the comfortable pools at the top are worth the effort to reach. You might encounter slower-moving streams or calmer ones, depending on the pools. Be mindful of the slick rocks and take them slowly. It is such a beautiful location, and it is essentially what you think of when you hear the word paradise.

10. Phraya Nakhon Cave

You really ought to try your hardest to get here because inside this difficult-to-access cave is a magnificent pavilion of gold and green. It is well worth your time to visit this cave, which is located in the Khao Sam Roi Yoy National Park not far from Hua Hin. You can climb the stairs with the assistance of a guide; it may be challenging for some but will undoubtedly be worthwhile in the end. The second cave, the main attraction, is even more beautiful than the first cave, which is a stunning sight with a natural stone bridge they call “hell bridge.” Then there is the Kuha Kharuehat pavilion, which is lit up by the circle in the cave’s ceiling. We advise going early if you want to see it in its full splendor.

11. Santorini Park Cha-Am

In this replica set, a park with whitewashed structures and exquisitely painted windows, the Greek islands visited Thailand in 2012. A mecca of great fun no matter what you’re into, stone-paved paths and domed towers beckon with shops, restaurants, and an amusement park. There are five distinct zones, so it’s easy to spend the entire day here. A Ferris wheel and a beautiful carousel are among the amusement park rides and games in one area. Try the giant swing or reverse bungee if you’re looking for something more exhilarating. In a section with a village theme, you can stroll around, shop, and eat.

12. The Venezia Hua Hin

The Venezia aims to provide the same excitement in a village setting, much like Santorini Park. Venice in Hua Hin offers a unique experience and is 73,600 square feet in size. It is a paradise of stunning photo backdrops and is packed with dining, shopping, and other activities. The mini zoo, 3D museum, miniature train ride, Ferris wheel, and carousel are some of the unique features here, but the highlight has to be the romantic gondola rides.

13. Mrigadayavan Palace

King Vajiravudh, also known as Rama VI, who ruled Siam from 1910 to 1925, once lived in this palace. It’s incredible to think that this former king only made two trips to his opulent summer palace. One of the longest teak buildings in the world is housed in this summer palace, which is situated by the sea. The pastel-colored walls made a stunning contrast to the surrounding lush greenery.

14. Monsoon Valley Vineyard

International grape varieties flourish here, just 45 minutes from Hua Hin town, and provide a wonderful way for any wine enthusiast to spend the day in Thai wine country. There are many thrilling activities available at the vineyard, including riding mountain bikes and spending time with elephants. Here, you can choose to partake in a gourmet wine tasting and have your meals paired with wines.

15. Vana Nava Water Jungle Hua Hin

The Vana Nava Water Jungle is regarded as Asia’s first water jungle. This 3.2 hectares, which was once an empty plot of land, is now home to a man-made tropical jungle with lush vegetation and cutting-edge facilities that offer Hua Hin visitors 19 thrilling rides, slides, and an underwater studio. It is a historic location that sets the standard for the rest of Asia to follow. The innovative water rides here keep things exciting and cool in the sun, and there’s also a ropes and obstacles course.

16. Chatsila Night Market

Another well-known night market in Hua Hin Town’s center is Chatsila Night Market. This location, which is close to the Hua Hin Night Market, has a distinctive charm. If you enjoy vintage souvenirs, head to this modestly sized night market that is surrounded by historic wooden houses. Here, you can find a ton of clothing shops and locally made goods for sale. Additionally, you can see one-of-a-kind accessories that can be altered however you like. Never empty, the walls in this night market are covered in breathtaking murals that add color and life to the area.

17. Inu Café

This will be a paradise for you if you love Shiba Inus and dogs. This Shiba Inu cafe is a small private residence on Naebkehardt Road that is home to several adorable Shiba Inus. There is no entrance fee, but you must order food from their menu to enter the premises. The cafe offers decent food, but that’s okay because the adorable seven resident dogs who live here are the real draw to this trip. Just be aware that an additional THB 20 fee will be added to your bill to support their cause of helping the local stray dogs.

18. Seenspace Hua Hin

Don’t pass up the chance to visit Hua Hin when you are in Thailand. Once upon a time, this seaside resort town was just a small fishing community. Today, travelers fly there for a relaxing getaway. It’s a great location for water sports and has upscale hotels next to surfside seafood shacks for a classic beach vibe. Here is a list of the top 20 Hua Hin tourist attractions.

19. Hua Hin Beach

With so many natural and historical attractions, Hua Hin has bigger adventures in store for you. It feels like you’ve traveled back in time. Additionally, there are plenty of night markets, which are the best places to discover the local culture. Hua Hin not only has a lot of beautiful scenery but also fantastic, real Thai food.

20. For Art’s Sake

The first 4D art museum in Thailand, For Art’s Sake, has two stories and over 90 pieces of art. This location, 22/141 Phetkasem Road, is great for gathering with friends and family. Numerous odd installations, murals, and sculptures make for entertaining photo opportunities. There are 5 different zones in total, each of which will keep you occupied for at least two to three hours. The staff here is friendly and accommodating, and they will help and advise you on how to take the ideal photo.

Hua Hin, a family destination

Hua hin travel guide.

Hua Hin is one of the most famous beach destinations among Thais thanks to its proximity to Bangkok. On weekdays, with no traffic, Hua Hin can be reached from Thailand’s capital in about two and a half hours . This means that many Bangkokians take weekend or multi-day weekend trips to Hua Hin and some even have their second home there. Hua Hin has also suffered a great construction boom in recent decades, but more controlled than in Pattaya. Unlike Pattaya and sex tourism, Hua Hin is reputed to be a more family-friendly and friendly destination , also thanks to its relationship with the Thai monarchy; Since several kings have frequented this beach city on a regular basis, the previous king Rama IX spent several years residing there. Also many expats, especially western retirees, have made Hua Hin their home.

“Hua Hin in Thailand is a recommended destination not so much because of its beach but because it is a good place to spend a few days relaxed enjoying all that the place offers: good food, night markets, some waterfalls, the famous Phraya Nakhon cave in Sam Roi Yod National Park, kitesurfing, etc. “

ℹ️ Top Things to Do in Hua Hin

Hua hin night market.

Tamarind Night Market

Cicada Weekend Market

Khao Takiab Monkeys

Rooftop Bars

Sam rot yod national park.

Sam Rot Yod National Park , south of Hua Hin, is a phenomenal day trip from Hua Hin if you have your own vehicle . If not, another option is to easily rent a motorcycle or car in the city and drive to the park. One of its great attractions is the Phraya Nakhon cave with its small temple inside illuminated by a large opening in the ceiling of the cave. To get to the cave you must get to Laem Sala beach beach beforehand, either by boat or on foot for about 30 minutes from the nearest parking lot. You will have to pay 200 THB to access. Once on the beach you will have to walk again for 30 or 45 minutes until you reach the cave. It is all uphill, so bring enough water, but the effort is worth it.

Pa La-U Waterfall

Free Elephants at Kui Buri

One hour and a half by car from Hua Hin you will find the small Kui Buri National Parl, one of the few places in Thailand where you can see wild and free elephants . There you will find a project developed by the Kuiburi Wildlife Ecotourism Club in which local farmers act as drivers and guides for 2-3 hours to enter a restricted area of the park where elephants and other animals live freely. Her you have the exact places you have to drive to: Hueai Leuk .

🏨 Where to stay in Hua Hin

If you are looking for cheap accommodation, it will not be difficult to find it in the red light district of Hua Hin, near the beach and the Hilton Hotel. The cheapest rooms usually cost between THB 300-500 (€ 7.5-12.5).  If you want luxury in front of the beach, take a look at the Hilton or the Centara.

🏖 The most recommended Hua Hin beaches

These are some of the most popular and beautifull beaches in hua hin, 1️⃣ hua hin main beach.

Hua Hin Beach changes quite a bit during the year. From the end of November to the end of March is the ideal season to enjoy it, since there is a pleasant wind and the sea usually offers a more bluish and more beautiful color. As a disadvantage, at this time the tide is usually higher and sometimes there is little sand in the morning. From April to October the color of the sea is grayer but the tide is usually lower and there are fewer people. In April, it is also very hot and few people go to the beach in the sunniest hours.

2️⃣ Suan Son Pradipat and Koh Tao Beach

It is the beach just after Hua Hin. It is a 6 km pine beach that is owned by the Thai army, but is open to the public. The army has a few resorts, but the beach is largely unspoiled. Locals take advantage of it, above all, in the afternoons for a picnic. It is also an ideal place to run. In the north (military) area of the beach there is a large parking area with a restaurant, a nice cafeteria and a small massage center. Khao Tao beach is actually the same as the previous one, Suan Son Pradipat, but it is its southern part. The only thing that since she does not belong to the military, they call her by a different name. In it, you will find some resorts and a restaurant facing the sea: Gusto Et Cozy. The resorts in this area are very quiet and have direct access to the sand, such as The Blue Sky Resort.

3️⃣ Pranburi Beach

Pranburi is about 26 km south of Hua Hin. In the Pranburi area we first come across Paknam Pran beach, which is smaller and quieter. Then we have the main beach of Pranburi, which is very long, about 8 kms. There is a hotel offer on both beaches, although quite limited. In general, it is a very quiet area and kitesurfing when the wind allows it.

4️⃣ Thao Ko Sa Forest Park Beach

The Thao Ko Sa Forest park is an area where you will find a small mangrove forest in which they have built a path with wooden boards. It can be covered in about twenty minutes and is a pleasant walk through the forest. In addition, in the same area you will find a very quiet beach area with some ideal tables for a picnic under the shade of a tree. There is also a cafeteria in the park itself.

5️⃣ Sam Rot Yod Beach

It is a fairly long beach where we have many resorts that are well priced and quiet. It is a good destination for those who want to disconnect and are simply looking for a small hotel in front of the sea (although a narrow road separates the hotels from the sand). One recommended to go with the family is the Dolphins Bay.

6️⃣ Laem Sala Beach

Probably the best beach in the area. It is a virgin beach with white sand and palm trees in the Sam Rot Yod National Park, which can only be accessed by walking along a mountain path of 30-40 minutes or by boat. On the beach near Hua Hin there are bungalows, shops and a national park restaurant. From this beach you can go up to the incredible Phraya Nakhon cave, to access it you have to pay 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children.

✈️ Arriving to Hua Hin

There are 3 ways to get hua hin. these are they:, 🚇 where to go next, most common destinations after bangkok:, chiang mai, the center of the north, chiang rai, the northest city, kanchanaburi, the city of the bridge, ayutthaya, the historical capital, let us design your trip to thailand. find out more, ➡️ tailor made holidays to thailand ⬅️.

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Thailand’s oldest beach resort, HUA HIN used to be little more than an overgrown fishing village with one exceptionally grand hotel, but the arrival of mass tourism, high-rise hotels and farang-managed hostess bars has made a serious dent in its once idiosyncratic charm. With the far superior beaches of Ko Samui, Krabi and Ko Samet so close at hand, there’s little to draw the dedicated sunseeker here. The town’s most distinctive attractions are its squid-pier restaurants and guesthouses on Thanon Naretdamri, characterful spots to stay or enjoy fine seafood, while at the other end of the scale the former Railway Hotel (now the Centara Grand) provides all the atmosphere you can afford. In addition, the town makes a convenient base for day-trips to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park to the south and Pala-u Falls in Kaeng Krachan National Park to the west. If none of that appeals, you might consider stopping by for Hua Hin’s well-respected jazz festival in August or for the rather more unusual elephant polo tournament, held every September.

Brief history

Soi 67 guesthouses, excursions and activities around hua hin, travel ideas for thailand, created by local experts.

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The royal family were Hua Hin’s main visitors at the start of the twentieth century, but the place became more widely popular in the 1920s, when the opening of the Bangkok–Malaysia rail line made short excursions to the beach much more viable. The Victorian-style Railway Hotel was opened in 1922, originally as a necessary overnight stop on the three-day journey to Malaysia. At the same time Rama VI commissioned the nine-hole Royal Hua Hin Golf Course (now 18 holes) to the west of the station, and in 1926 Rama VII had his own summer palace, Klai Klangwon (“Far from Worries”), erected at the northern end of the beach. It was here, ironically, that Rama VII was staying in 1932 when the coup was launched in Bangkok against the system of absolute monarchy. The current king has made many visits here too, which means that the navy is on constant guard duty in the resort and the police are also on their best behaviour; consequently both Thais and expats consider Hua Hin an especially safe place to live and do business – hence the number of farang-oriented real-estate agencies in the area.

About fifteen minutes’ walk south down the beach from the Centara Grand, or 2km by road down Thanon Phetkasem, there’s a little knot of accommodation on Soi 67. Here, facing each other across the short, narrow soi about 100m back from the beach, are a dozen little guesthouses, mainly Scandinavian–Thai run, which share a swimming pool; none comprises more than twenty rooms and most charge about B900. They’re very popular with older European couples, many of whom return for several months every winter, so booking is essential.

A popular day-trip from Hua Hin is 63km west to the fifteen-tiered Pala-u Waterfall, situated close to the Burmese border and within Kaeng Krachan National Park. Though the falls themselves are hardly exceptional, the route there takes you through a lush, hilly landscape and past innumerable pineapple plantations. There’s no public transport to the falls, but every tour operator features them in its programme. To get there under your own steam, follow the signs from the west end of Thanon Chomsin along Highway 3218. Once inside the park you’ll see hundreds of butterflies and may also catch sight of monitor lizards and six species of hornbills. A slippery and occasionally steep path follows the river through the fairly dense jungle up to the falls, passing the (numbered) tiers en route to the remote fifteenth level, though most people opt to stop at the third level, which has the first pool of any decent depth (full of fish but not that clear) and is a half-hour walk from the car park.

Hua Hin also offers excursions to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Phetchaburi and Amphawa floating market, not to mention the old summer palace of Phra Ratchaniwet Marukhathaiyawan just to the north. In addition, a number of activities are available, such as cycling and kiteboarding.

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The Ultimate Guide To Hua Hin, Thailand

Hua Hin is a stunning resort area located on the western coast of Thailand. Known as the “Royal City of the East” because of its history as a retreat for Thai monarchs, it’s an ideal destination for family travellers.

We love Hua Hin for many reasons – its delightful beach town vibe, excellent accommodation options, and easy drive from Bangkok. So if you’re looking for something exactly like this, keep reading to plan your Hua Hin holiday.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I earn a small commission at no cost to you.

When to visit Hua Hin

The best time to visit Hua Hin is during Thailand’s dry season, which runs from November through March-April. During this period, temperatures are generally mild, and rainfall is minimal. December and January tend to be the busiest months for tourists, so planning ahead is recommended if you want to avoid crowds.

That being said, the last time we were in Hua Hin was September and we had no issues with the weather. It was a little bit muggy, but the sun was out, and we only got the occasional evening shower.

Our main recommendation is that whenever you happen to be in Thailand, give Hua Hin a go, and don’t let the weather put you off.

How to get to Hua Hin

Hua Hin is easily accessible from Bangkok by car or train. The drive takes about 3-4 hours and there are several bus services that make the journey regularly throughout the day. If you’re taking a train, there are several options available with different class levels offering varying levels of service and comfort.

We hired a driver (you can pre-book a transfer from Bangkok airport to Hua Hin ) and the drive took a little under three hours along good highways. If traffic is bad, it can take up to four hours though.

Alternatively, a public bus runs between Chatuchak Bus Terminal (near the famous Chatuchak Markets) in Bangkok to central Hua Hin. This bus takes 4-5 hours and will cost around $20 AUD per person.

A train also runs from Bangkok Train Station , in the centre of the city, to Hua Hin. Again, this journey takes around four-and-a-half hours and tickets cost between $5 and $50 AUD per person – however I’d recommend paying extra for first class as some classes are cramped and not air-conditioned.

Whichever option you take will be an adventure for the children, but I’d recommend thinking about how confident you feel navigating the children through a busy train or bus station. It can definitely be part of the fun, but the easier option is to pre-book the transfer.

Where to stay in Hua Hin

Hua Hin has so many excellent places to stay, it can be hard to choose. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach resort, an intimate boutique hotel or something else entirely, this beachside town really has it all. From five-star luxury resorts to budget guesthouses, this coastal city is sure to provide the ultimate escape. However, being a family travel blog, we’re all about accommodation that really caters to the young ones and makes travel easy for the whole family.

We particularly like the Hyatt Regency and the Anantara Hua Hin for more resort-style accommodation. For villas, the Yana Villas Hua Hin are fantastic.

However, for more options, we’ve put together this guide to the best places to stay in Hua Hin. Make sure you have a read.

Things to do in Hua Hin

Hua Hin has some amazing things to do if you’re looking to get out and about (though do make sure you build plenty of beach and pool time into your itinerary!) Here are some of our favourites.

Sam Roi Yot National Park and Praya Nakhon Cave

A trip to Sam Roi Yot National Park and Praya Nakhon Cave is a must-see. This private tour offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the beautiful scenery and natural wonders of Thailand.

Starting with a visit to the park, you’ll have the chance to hike through lush forests and discover hidden waterfalls. You’ll also get to see the famous Phraya Nakhon Cave, which is home to a stunning royal pavilion and surrounded by breathtaking views.

The tour is perfect for families, with a knowledgeable guide who will make sure you have a great time and learn all about the area’s history and wildlife. You’ll even get to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Hua Hin.

Overall, this tour is a great way to spend a day in Thailand, and a perfect opportunity for families to experience the country’s natural beauty together. Click through to book the national park and cave tour from Hua Hin .

Vana Nava Waterpark

Vana Nava Waterpark is a popular destination for water lovers of all ages. This thrilling park boasts over 20 water rides, including Thailand’s largest water slide, a wave pool, and a lazy river.

Admission prices vary depending on age and time of day, with adult tickets starting at around 1,000 baht ($30 USD) and children’s tickets at around 600 baht ($18 USD). The park also offers a range of amenities, including lockers, showers, and dining options.

Overall, Vana Nava Waterpark is a must-visit attraction for anyone looking for a fun and refreshing way to beat the heat in Hua Hin. Make sure you book your Vana Nava tickets before you go.

Wildlife watching in Kuiburi National Park

Looking for a fun and educational adventure for the whole family? A private tour of Kuiburi National Park is a fantastic choice. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll have the chance to explore the park’s diverse ecosystem and observe some of Thailand’s most majestic wildlife, including elephants, gaurs, and deer.

The tour is perfect for families with kids of all ages, with plenty of opportunities to learn about the animals and their habitat. With convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, and a tasty lunch included, this tour is a must-do for any nature-loving family.

Cruise along the Pranburi River

If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing activity for the whole family, a river trip at Pranburi is the perfect choice. This tour offers a leisurely boat ride along the peaceful Pranburi River, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and mangrove forests. You’ll also have the chance to stop and explore a traditional fishing village, where you can learn about local culture and try some fresh seafood.

With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, this Pranburi river tour is a great way to spend a day in Hua Hin and make some unforgettable family memories.

Explore the ancient city of Phetchaburi

The Petchaburi Temple Tour is a fascinating and educational experience that’s perfect for families visiting Hua Hin.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore some of Thailand’s most beautiful and historic temples, including the iconic Wat Mahathat Worawihan and the stunning Khao Luang Cave Temple. Along the way, you’ll learn about Thai culture and history, and see some amazing examples of ancient architecture and art.

With convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, and a delicious local lunch included, this Petchaburi tour is a great way to immerse your family in the rich culture of Thailand and create lasting memories.

Explore Hua Hin by night on a Tuk Tuk

Get ready for a fun and unique experience with the Private Hua Hin By Night Tour via Tuk Tuk .

This tour is a great way to explore the city of Hua Hin after dark, with visits to some of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions, such as the night market, the Hua Hin railway station, and the Khao Takiab temple. You’ll travel in style in a traditional tuk tuk, which adds an extra element of excitement to the journey.

With a knowledgeable guide to show you the sights and give you insights into local culture and history, this tuk tuk tour is perfect for families who want to see a different side of Hua Hin and make some unforgettable memories.

Temples, Floating Markets, and a Vineyard

You heard that right – Hua Hin is a wine region! (And you all know how much I love wine regions)

This Private Hua Hin Day Tour is a fantastic way to experience the best of Hua Hin in one fun-filled day. You’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the stunning Wat Huay Mongkol temple, the lively Sam Chuk Market, and a local vineyard where you can sample some delicious Thai wine.

With a knowledgeable guide to show you the sights and provide insights into Thai culture and history, this tour is perfect for families who want to learn and explore together. The comfortable transportation and delicious lunch also make this tour a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

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Amelia is a health researcher and mother of two who loves inspiring other families to add more adventure to their lives. She spent ten years in the travel industry before changing careers, and A Winter Escape is her way of still helping people plan the best possible holidays around the world.

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Hua Hin Food Festival 2024 to feature over 100 booths

The Hua Hin Food Festival 2024, scheduled for August 2-4, will feature over 100 booths, according to the latest update from Hua Hin Municipality and Hua Hin Women’s Club.

As first reported by Hua Hin Today in May, the festival will be held at Suan Luang Queen’s Park (19 Rai).

On June 5, Deputy Mayor Bussaba Choksuchat chaired a preparatory meeting for the festival, following an assignment from Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul. The meeting, held at the Chomsin Room of the Hua Hin Municipal Office, included key figures such as Kwannruen Suphon, Head of the Administrative Division; Litsa Uengheng, President of the Hua Hin District Cultural Council; representatives from the Hua Hin Women’s Club; and other relevant officials.

The festival will feature over 40 booths from renowned hotels and restaurants in Hua Hin and more than 60 booths from community restaurants. Attendees can expect a variety of local dishes and specialties at affordable prices, aiming to promote tourism and stimulate the local economy.

As one of Hua Hin’s most popular annual events, the food festival draws large crowds eager to sample a wide range of culinary delights. Although the festival has been hosted at various locations throughout Hua Hin, including more recently on Khao Takiab beach, Queen’s Park 19 Rai is often considered the festival’s home.

Each year, the festival boasts an impressive lineup of food and drink vendors, from local eateries to five-star hotels, all showcasing their best dishes. A highlight of the event is the signature dish prepared by the Hua Hin and Cha Am Chefs Association. This showpiece dish, created uniquely each year, captures the essence of the region’s cuisine and is a major talking point among attendees.

The Hua Hin Food Festival 2024 promises to be a culinary celebration, highlighting the innovative and collaborative spirit of the local culinary community.

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