Neil Aronson (Updated Jan 2025) Hua Hin is one of the top tourist destinations and beach escape in Thailand for its great attractions, activities, and close proximity to Bangkok. Only about a two and a half hours drive from Bangkok, and can be reached by busses and train, or even a flight from Chiang Mai.
The city has many incredible beaches, mountains, night markets, water parks, nature and outdoor activities. National parks, hiking, waterfalls, and amazing golf courses are all nearby.
This area features a beautiful, powdery sand beach, numerous seaside 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, Wat Takiab ‘Monkey 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 and bird watching spot. Read more below on this national park.
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Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
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Why go to Hua Hin
Hua Hin sits right by the sea and has a vast white sandy beach that stretches the city’s coastline, which has been cited as the country’s oldest beach destination. The city has a good mix of vibes from the chilled out beach area to the thriving art scene and from the 20th century architecture to the seedy bars and tourists sites, there is a bit of everything here.
There are some nice and easy spots to venture to that give you some peace and tranquility, beautiful views, as well as markets, parks, waterfalls, boat tours, trekking and much more.
As with most larger tourist cities in Thailand, you will be able to find all types of great restaurants and street food from all over the globe.
There are touristy areas as well as cheaper local places to go, too, and that goes for the same for bars and nightclubs. Because the city receives a lot of tourists, there are plenty of accommodation options including budget ones all the way up to 5 star hotels that mostly line the beachfront.
Top Things To do
If you are like me and love outdoor activities, then this is a perfect area to go to. It is drier than most areas of Thailand which makes it easier. You have the beach, mountains, parks, water sports, etc. Of course if you just want to lay on the beach or pool, eat great street food, or drink at the bars, you have all that too.
Relax On The Beach
Hua Hin’s main beach is long, sandy, and perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or taking long strolls. You can also try water sports like jet skiing, kiteboarding, and banana boat rides.
Play Golf
The area is a destination for golfers from around the world, including professionals. Some of the top courses include Black Mountain Golf Club, Springfield Country Club, Majestic Creek Golf Club, Palm Hills Golf Club, Imperial Lake View Golf Club, Royal Hua Hin Golf Course and Sea Pines Golf Course.
Pineapple Valley Golf Club Hua Hin (formerly Banyan Golf Club) opened in 2009, and despite being newer, it is leading the pack for golf in Hua Hin. Built on the site of a former pineapple plantation, the golf course features many elevated greens, sloping fairways, meandering creeks, and well-placed bunkers. Pineapple Valley Golf Club has been awarded as “The Best New Course in the Asia Pacific” in 2009 by the readers of Asian Golf Monthly.
Visit the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park
Also known as Khao Wang, this historical park features a hilltop palace complex built by King Rama IV. Explore the royal residences, temples, and gardens while enjoying panoramic views of Hua Hin.
Kaeng Krachan National Park
Kaeng Krachan National Park is located in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces, about 60 km from Phetchaburi and 75 km from Hua Hin. It is the largest national park in Thailand.
Considered one of the best national parks in the country. Likely no other protected site in the country has such a big variety of animals. The park is very popular for wildlife watching, camping, hiking and it’s impressive viewpoints for the sea of mist. The park has also a few medium size waterfalls and a couple of smaller caves.
Visit Wat Huay Mongkol
This Buddhist temple is famous for its enormous statue of Luang Phor Thuad, a revered monk. It’s a peaceful place to explore and learn about Thai Buddhism.
Explore Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is located on the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province right south of Hua Hin. It is the first marine national park of Thailand.
Just a short drive from Hua Hin, this national park is known for its limestone hills, caves, and diverse wildlife. You can hike, bike, or take a boat tour to explore the park’s natural beauty. Easily take a tour with Viator.
Vana Nava Water Jungle
(Family Fun) Covering 8 acres (3 hectares) of downtown Hua Hin, Vana Nava Water Jungle is one of Thailand’s largest water parks. In addition to around 20 slides and rides, some of which will thrill even adults, the park has a kids’ zone, food options, massage stations, and retail outlets. The adventure area features a ropes course, surf simulator, and climbing wall.
Hua Him Night Market
The night market has become a so-called travelling tradition for Hua Hin visitors to enjoy the sea and other outdoor activities by day, and roam the Hua Hin night market by night. The walking street of the Market is closed entirely to traffic and becomes a focal point for vending stalls, particularly consumer goods and souvenirs. Along this road are many popular seafood restaurants, which we tried a couple.
Therefore, when taking a stroll through the Night Market and shopping for some small gifts, visitors can enjoy the tantalising aroma of grilled seafood. The Hua Hin Night Market is located where Decha Nuchit Road and the well-known Phetchkasem Road cross.
The food is good at these restaurants but of course a little pricy as it is mostly tourists. We are at this one, Koti, which gets very busy.
Enjoy The View
White Lotus Skybar is the classy rooftop bar at the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa that offers the best views in the whole city. The 17th-floor setting has a sweeping ocean vista, across the town and off toward the mountains.
Visit The Hua Hin Railway Station
Built during the reign of King Rama VI, the Hua Hin Railway Station is a charming blend of Thai and Victorian architecture. It’s one of the oldest train stations in Thailand and worth a visit for its historical significance.
Cook Thai Food
Taking a cooking class is a lot of fun. Start the day with a visit to Hua Hin’s popular Chatchai Market to shop for ingredients, then travel to the cooking school in an open-air pickup truck. Learn how to prepare traditional Thai dishes like curry, tom yum soup, pad Thai, and a delicious dessert with coconut cream. During downtime, sip tea or relax around the koi pond.
When to go to Hua Hin
The climate in Hua Hin is tropical and therefore is mainly hot and humid throughout the year with the highest humidity being between March and May.
As it is one of the driest areas in the country, you will be mainly blessed with hot summer days, where you can see all the sites and do all the things to make your trip that bit more special. You might want to take a light raincoat if visiting between the months of June to October, but otherwise all you will need is sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
If you decide to go in December or January just remember that this is the busiest time of the year and we recommend booking well in advance.
Where to stay in Hua Hin
The city is full of great places to stay, and you will never be far from all types of accommodation. If you are looking for budget options then there are plenty of cheap guesthouses that fill up the spaces behind the upscale hotels that sit along the seafront.
You will also find some midrange places around the same area but it is also worth checking out places around the night market as well. Prices vary but are generally on the cheaper side of the margin, especially if you come here outside of the main holiday months of December and January.
Luxury
Hua Hin Hilton Resort and Spa, which we recently stayed at is amazing. The location of the Hilton is perfectly situated in the center of town, so you can walk all around. The rooms are very nice, and we had an ocean view room.
Breakfast was included, and maybe the most amazing breakfast spread you will ever see. They probably had 60 items to choose from, and all very good quality. The pool is one of the best in Hua Hin as well. I usually prefer a boutique hotel over a big resort, but I had a deal through a connection, and it was great, highly recommend.
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort is a luxurious beachfront property with stunning ocean views, multiple dining options, a large pool, and a serene spa. Known for its excellent service and prime location near Hua Hin’s night market.
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin is one of the most iconic resorts in the area, this historic property is located directly on the beach. It features colonial-style architecture, lush gardens, a variety of dining options, and a renowned spa.
Anantara Hua Hin Resort is known for its peaceful, tropical ambiance, Anantara is a stunning resort located just outside the main town. It features expansive gardens, a private beach, luxurious villas, and an excellent spa.
Mid Range
Amari Hua Hin is a well-rounded resort with a perfect balance of style and comfort. Offering modern rooms, a large pool, great dining options, and a prime location just a short drive from Hua Hin’s downtown.
Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort & Spa With its unique Moroccan-inspired architecture, this boutique resort stands out in Hua Hin. It offers a tranquil atmosphere, spacious rooms, and is only a short walk from the beach.
Cape Nidhra Hotel is a stylish, modern hotel right on the beach, Cape Nidhra offers spacious suites with private pools, a great spa, and a relaxing atmosphere, making it perfect for couples or families seeking a high-end but intimate experience.
Budget-Friendly Options
Ibis Hua Hin A more affordable option located near the beach, Ibis offers clean, comfortable rooms with modern amenities. It’s a great choice for those seeking a budget-friendly stay without sacrificing quality.
Hua Hin Grand Hotel & Plaza A budget-friendly, centrally located hotel that offers good value for money. It’s within walking distance to the night market and has basic but comfortable rooms and amenities.
Baan Duangkaew Resort A cozy and affordable resort set amidst lush greenery, Baan Duangkaew provides a quiet retreat while still being close to the beach and Hua Hin’s attractions.
Dune Hua Hin A small, boutique hotel with a laid-back vibe. It offers modern rooms, an inviting pool, and is located in a quiet area just a short distance from the beach.
Where to eat in Hua Hin
Hua Hin is full of various eating options with something to suit everyone, whether its romantic sea views you’re after or just to have a cheap eat at the night market. The closer you are to the beach the more touristic it gets and therefore more expensive with some of the best local digs found along Phetkasem road.
Head to the fishing harbor for the freshest catch of the day and there are plenty of western cuisines around the city to try.
Getting around Hua Hin
You won’t have any problems getting around the place with the abundance of tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis and songthaews. Negotiate your price beforehand but generally songthaews are the cheapest and start around THB10 as they are 2 bench pick-up trucks and therefore can carry as many 6-8 people.
Tuk-tuks start out a bit more expensive and the motorbikes are roughly the same, thought alternatively for a bit more money you can rent your own bike. The city is quite flat and because of that a lot of people take up bicycles as it’s one of the cheapest ways to get around or there is always walking.
Getting There
Despite there being an airport, there is only one destination served currently – Kan Air operates three flights a week between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai bringing you to the northern capital or vice versa just in two hours.
One of the best ways of getting from Bangkok to Hua Hin is by train and there you will see the historic train station, arguably the most beautiful in the whole country. Trains serve the city with Bangkok and take around 5 hours with prices from as low as TB45 to TB260 as it depends on what type of class you prefer.
In the south of the city is the bus station and from there you can go to a number of destinations including: Bangkok’s Sai Tai Mai (3 hrs, THB175), Bangkok Airport (3.5 hours, THB305), Chiang Mai (13 hrs, THB850-1150), Krabi (9 hrs), Phuket (10 hrs), Nakhon Ratchasima (7 hrs, THB600) and Suratthani (7hrs, TB530). There are more destinations available and it’s best to go to the bus station a day earlier than you intend to leave to check out prices and times etc.
Local buses can be flagged down on Sa Song Road and from there you can go to Pranburi (1 hr, THB20), Phrachuap Khiri Khan (1 hr, THB35) and Phetchaburi (1.5 hrs, THB50). There are also tourist mini buses that leave from the city centre on Phetkasem road, which serve many of the island packages like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
In 2017 the new ferry service between Hua Hin and Pattaya has been introduced. Tickets cost from THB1250 one-way and the high-speed catamaran brings you to the other side of the Gulf in about 2 hours compared to 5 hours you will spend if travelling by road.
We hope this helps with your planning to Hua Hin Thailand. As always, make sure you have Travel Insurance.
