The Thai royals have roots here since the 1920s in this oldest and most traditional Thai holiday resort which oozes seaside charm.
Hua Hin, south west of Bangkok, is a friendly, cosmopolitan city that boasts beautiful beaches, a slew of restaurants, world class golf, incredible national parks and leafy vineyards, first rate shopping, luxury accommodations, and much more.
Celebrities and the well to do have always flocked to Hua Hin, but don’t be fooled into thinking that this once quiet fishing village, now glittering resort town, is reserved for the rich and glamorous — it’s surprisingly easy to make to most of this stunning destination without breaking the bank, with plenty to do, see and devour.
Let’s take a look…
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Hua Hin Weather
A popular destination all year round, the weather in Hua Hin is pleasant during any month.
Hot and sunny, the dry season here runs from March to June, and sees daytime temperatures rocketing up well into the mid 30s. Nights also are hot and humid, and there is very little rain during this time — just a few light showers.
Thailand’s tropical climate is well known for bringing monsoon rains, and whilst Hua Hin is no exception, it’s sheltered location means it experiences less annual rainfall than most other parts of the country.
By Ahoerstemeier (CC BY-SA 3.0 licence)
Hua Hin’s rainy season lasts from roughly July to October, but average temperatures remain high at around 28°C, with daytime humidity creating rain showers in the afternoons, but showers never last for long.
The benefits of visiting Hua Hin during the rainy season are fewer tourists and cheaper prices.
The dry season from November to February is the time of year that attracts the most tourists. Temperatures are a little cooler with averages of around 26°C, nights are cooler and less sticky, and there is plenty of sunshine.
Bangkok to Hua Hin
Weekend trippers flock to Hua Hin to escape the chaos of bustling Bangkok and get some down time.
The journey is an easy 100 miles, and even the slowest forms of transport take only a few hours to make the trip.
By Coach / Bus
Both public bus and coach services are available, departing daily every half hour until midnight from Sai Mai Tai, the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok.
This is a dependable way to travel, but can be a little slow — taking around 5 hours.
With prices starting at around 300 THB however, this is a very cheap way to make the journey from Bangkok to Hua Hin.
Air conditioned 24 seat coaches also depart directly from Suvarnabhumi Airport, leaving 6 times daily from 7 am onwards.
By Taxi
An effortless air conditioned 3 hour drive from Bangkok to Hua Hin in a taxi has the added advantage of taking you pretty much door to door (and with plenty of space for your luggage), however prices are definitely steeper — varying from anywhere between 1800 to 2200 THB, with private minibuses being even more expensive.
That said, if you’re travelling with other passengers and can spread the cost, making the journey by taxi is a good option.
By Train
Taking the train from Bangkok to Hua Hin is a good way to avoid city traffic jams.
Some southbound trains out of Bangkok’s Hualumphong Station stop at Hua Hin, with a convenient early morning express train departing at 7:45 am and arriving at 11:00 am, with tickets costing around 650 THB.
Aside from the express train, there are both morning and afternoon departures by regular train with prices as low as 50 THB — although don’t anticipate having much space or air conditioning.
Expect your railroad journey to take around 4 hours before you arrive at the pretty little Hua Hin train station in the centre of the city.
Things to do in Hua Hin
Hua Hin Night Market
An absolute must when visiting Hua Hin, the vibrant night market in the centre of town is overflowing with stalls selling everything from cheap knock off handbags and DVDs, to fashions, jewellery, and Thai handicrafts.
The real attractions here, however, are the rows of seafood restaurants that line the roadside. Freshly caught crab, lobsters and huge prawns, and all sorts of fish and shellfish are available to choose from.
Enjoy your seafood grilled to perfection in this atmospheric spot. A treat for the tastebuds and very entertaining, a visit to Hua Hin Night Market is a great way to spend an evening.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
By Thanate Tan (CC BY 2.0 licence)
The first marine national park of Thailand, Khao Sam Roi Yot encompasses towering limestone mountains beside the sea dotted with mysterious caves and sheltered coves, freshwater marshlands and mangrove swamps, as well as some breathtaking panoramic viewpoints.
Located about 60 miles south of Hua Hin along the south-western coast, this incredible natural wonder is home to abundant flora and fauna, including more than 300 species of birds and over 50 species of mammals.
The hugely diverse terrain here means you can experience land dwelling creatures, marine life, and freshwater animals all in one place.
Top on the list of animals to look out for are porcupines, slow loris, eagles, monkeys, pangolin, and even occasionally dolphins.
Cicada Market
By Ratana Limnararat (CC BY 2.0 licence)
The hippest place to shop in Hua Hin, the weekend Cicada Market on Phetkasem Road is an artistic hub divided into 4 areas: an outdoor area for eating, an indoor art gallery selling paintings and sculptures, a huge outdoor space where you can buy clothing, jewellery and homewares, plus an open air amphitheatre where local art groups, musicians, dancers, theatre groups and more express their creativity through public performance.
This is a place to come to be entertained in more ways than one.
Aside from the open air entertainments and artisan shopping on offer, the open air food court with bar dishes up a wide variety of tasty local and international delicacies in a pleasant garden setting.
Tamarind Market
Another outdoor night market, Tamarind Market is situated right alongside the bigger Cicada Market on a leafy tree lined street.
With a slightly more laid back vibe in a setting a little more intimate than Cicada Market, Tamarind Market has an incredible variety of food stalls with a mix of traditional Thai favourites and Western dishes, as well as a well stocked bar area.
Choose what you’d like to eat and take a seat and enjoy the food whilst listening to live music from street entertainers, or take a stroll round the stalls selling such as handicrafts, electronic goods, clothing, and more.
Phraya Nakhon Cave
By Niels Mickers (CC BY 3.0 Netherlands licence)
Simply stunning and ethereally beautiful, Phraya Nakhon Cave is buried deep within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
Getting here requires a lengthy jungle hike which allows you to experience spectacular natural vistas before arriving at the cave itself.
This enormous cave was discovered around 200 years ago, and it was deemed so beautiful that the Thai locals built a temple inside it.
Arrive between 10:30 and 11:30 am and witness the 2 vast cave chambers being flooded with golden light from above, illuminating the temple.
Seenspace Hua Hin
Hua Hin’s first beachfront shopping mall, Seenspace Hua Hin is a cluster of low rise, architect designed buildings housing high end shopping brands.
There’s a huge focus on a chilled atmosphere and food and drink here, and the complex also features exclusive outdoor pool bars, live music, and a plethora of restaurants and cafes where you can relax after a hard day’s shopping.
Wat Khao Takiap
By josef knecht (CC BY 3.0 licence)
This Buddhist temple complex rises 890 feet high above town at the top of a mountain.
The mountain is also known as both ‘Chopstick Mountain’ and ‘Monkey Mountain’ due to the gangs of cheeky macaque monkeys that inhabit it.
The hilltop temple itself is picturesque, with a pretty white lotus shaped shrine, an eclectic collection of Buddha images, and wonderful sweeping views out across the sea.
Khao Daeng Viewpoint
An achingly beautiful viewpoint in the heart of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Khao Daeng Viewpoint occupies a privileged position on an isolated limestone cliff with amazing 360° views of the surrounding coastline, islands, shrimp farms, and lush mountains.
A half hour climb up a steep 500 metre rocky trail takes you 137 metres above sea level, so bring your hiking boots.
Wat Khao Noi
Another hilltop temple with a dramatic setting and a fantastic viewpoint, Wat Khao Noi boasts a huge and colourful standing Buddha figure (built in 2014) overlooking the Royal Palace below.
To get to the temple requires climbing a huge staircase built into the hillside, and once at the top you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views. You can also buy small souvenirs from the monks here.
Hua Hin Beach
By neajjean (CC BY-SA 2.0 licence)
The long, wide, pristine stretch of soft sand at Hua Hin Beach has a central location right in front of downtown Hua Hin and runs almost the entire length of the city.
As you would expect, this beach can get busy, but that’s largely to do with the fact that there is so much on offer here.
The beach is the perfect place for families, sun seekers, and water sports enthusiasts who come here for kite boarding, sailing and jet skiing.
Big beach front resorts line the edge of Hua Hin beach, all with beach side restaurants and bars to refuel and relax and watch the sun dip beneath the waves.
Just behind the resorts there’s also some of the best shopping in Hua Hin to be found.
Pala-U Waterfall
By celebrityabc (CC BY-SA 2.0 licence)
Often explored as part of an organised tour which includes stopping off at nearby hill tribes, Pala U Waterfall lies 60 kms west of Hua Hin city in the Kaeng Krachan National Park right next to the Myanmar border.
Set in lush 1000 year old tropical jungle, this spectacular and magical set of falls is one of the highest in Thailand, and features 16 levels of crystal water which cascade into a large pool below where you can swim with the fish.
It’s worth noting that the Pala U Waterfall is most impressive just after the rainy season between July and November.
Khao Takiap Beach
By Sergey (CC BY-SA 2.0 licence)
Running from north to south around the base of Khao Takiap mountain, the attractive Khao Takiap Beach also attracts a population of monkeys who come down from the mountain forest to profit from generous tourists and swim in the ocean.
The north section of the beach is quite built up with resorts and is a favourite spot for dining, with excellent seafood restaurants right on the sand.
The south end of the beach is much more tranquil, with shallow swathes of soft sand shaded by trees.
Black Mountain Water Park
Spread over 40,000 square metres just a short 15 minute drive from Hua Hin centre, the Black Mountain Water Park offers endless hours of splashy fun for all the family.
This state of the art water park sports a 17 meter high tower with 9 different crazy slides, 6 different pools including a mammoth wave pool which makes the biggest waves in Thailand, a lazy river (A relaxing ride in a tube carried by a current), and a spa pool.
Also on site is a restaurant serving Thai and Western food, small snacks, and — perhaps most importantly for the adults — a poolside bar.
Hua Hin Hotels
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin
5 star luxury with old world charm awaits guests at the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin.
Originally built in the 1920s, the resort has been sensitively extended and renovated with a wide expanse of gardens, and a prime town centre location.
Set on the beachfront, the resort offers elegant rooms, suites, and private villas with decorated in tropical hardwoods and natural fabrics.
All accommodations feature balconies or terraces and some villas benefit from private plunge pools.
The resort spa offers a unique blend of Southeast Asian spa therapies, including Ayurvedic and Balinese, with a special focus on traditional Thai treatments. There are 5 refined dining options, including afternoon tea, grilled beachside seafood, Thai and European specialities, and Japanese.
- 4 outdoor swimming pools
- Luxury spa and wellness centre
- Beachfront location
- Town centre location
- Fitness centre
- Choice of 5 dining options
- 2 bars
- Tennis courts
- Beauty salon
Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa
Situated right on the pristine beach in sunny Hua Hin and close to all the city’s entertainments, the 5 star Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa boasts well appointed rooms and spacious suites stylishly decorated to blend Thai accents with modern style, with private balconies, feather beds, marble en suite bathrooms, and high-speed internet and satellite televisions.
5 dining and drinking options include innovative international cuisine fused with Asian elements, as well as a poolside restaurant and grill.
Guests are invited to pamper themselves at the Quan Spa with a wide range of soothing massage therapies and beauty treatments.
For something more invigorating, blow off some steam at the resort’s fitness centre or cool off in one of the many outdoor swimming pools.
- Beachfront location
- Close to all amenities and entertainments
- Fitness centre
- Spa and wellness centre
- Multiple outdoor swimming pools
- Choice of five restaurants
- Bar
Hyatt Regency Hua Hin
5 star Hyatt Regency Hua Hin is located in the stunning area of Khao Takiap.
213 luxurious rooms and spacious suites have views of the landscaped tropical gardens, lagoon or pool.
Each accommodation boasts private balcony, 32-inch flat screen LCD TV, coffee making facilities, and elegant bathroom.
The award-winning THE BARAI Spa is a true temple of sanctuary, featuring an extensive range of relaxing treatments using traditional Thai rituals and innovative modern therapies.
The Figs Restaurant offers classic Italian cuisine and an international breakfast buffet, whilst beachfront restaurant Talay Thai offers authentic Thai cuisine and seafood delicacies.
The McFarland House bar and restaurant offers fine dining with one of the best ocean views in Hua Hin, and the beachfront bar entertains guests with live music in the evenings.
- Beachfront location
- Choice of 3 dining options
- Choice of bars
- Spa and wellness centre
- Fitness centre
- Tropical gardens
- Large lagoon pool with waterfall, Jacuzzi and slide
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort
Combining Eastern and Western design heritage, InterContinental Hua Hin 5 star beachfront resort lends to Thailand’s premier seaside community unrivalled style, sophistication and comfort.
Spacious rooms, suites and villas are set in two wings and some benefit from private pool and deck area.
All accommodation at resort features extravagantly appointed bathrooms, rich furnishings, and stylish décor enhanced by the works of local designers and artisans.
The resort spa is set in a secluded and tranquil sanctuary, and offers a range of facial, massage and beauty treatments, as well as morning yoga sessions on the beach.
The 55 metre infinity pool is the perfect place for a refreshing dip, or relax at the beach bar with music and gaze at the stars.
The resort’s 4 dining options offer beachfront luxury with authentic Thai flavours, fresh, local seafood, and imported international specialities.
- Beachfront location
- 3 dining options
- 4 bars
- Outdoor infinity pool
- Spa and wellness centre
- Well equipped fitness centre
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