Hua Hin is famous for its long sandy coastline, stretching for dozens of kilometres from Cha-Am in the north to Sam Roi Yot and Prachuap in the south.
The Gulf of Thailand is relatively calm for most of the year, and the beaches are wide, with more or less amenities depending on their location.While in the city high tide can cover the beach for a few hours, and resorts offer sun beds and umbrellas, there are more beaches out of town lined with palm trees and sea pines.
In this post, we’ll talk about the best beaches in Hua Hin, highlighting the most popular in the city and those further away for a relaxing day by the sea.
If it’s your first time in Hua Hin, learn more by reading our guide on What to do and see in Hua Hin.
BEACHES AND SWIMMING IN HUA HIN
Over the past few decades Hua Hin has developed as a beach resort for both Thais and foreigners. Its proximity to Bangkok makes it a convenient destination to reach in just a few hours without having to fly.
Along the main Hua Hin Beach, there are numerous hotels and resorts welcoming tourists seeking a few days of relaxation.
We should warn you right away that the sea in this area is not as spectacular as it is around the islands of southern Thailand. The water is rarely crystal clear, but it’s mostly warm, shallow, and pleasant for swimming.
One of Hua Hin’s strong points is the opportunity to enjoy the beach for walks or runs, dining by the sea, trying water sports or horseback riding. All this while enjoying the convenience of restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, and spas just steps from the coast.
HUA HIN CITY BEACHES
Let’s start with Hua Hin’s beaches within the city. These can be reached on foot if you’ve chosen a hotel near the sea (see our recommended hotels below), or in 10-15 minutes by taxi or scooter. Use this map to check distances and navigate.
HUA HIN BEACH
The main beach is simply known as Hua Hin Beach. It’s the very long coastline that stretches from beyond the airport down to Khao Takiab.
Hua Hin Beach is undoubtedly the most convenient and accessible. Every resort has access to the beach via steps, and even the two large shopping malls, Bluport and Market Village, have pedestrian walkways over Hua Hin’s main road for easier access to the sea.
The most famous “postcard” view of Hua Hin Beach can be seen from the stretch in front of the Hilton, where a few rocks in the sea and palm trees lined up create an idyllic landscape when the sun shines. This is among the best places to swim in Hua Hin.
You can rent beach chairs for 100 baht per person ($3), get a massage (300 baht), and dine with a sea view. With the exception of a few fishermen’s piers that briefly interrupt it, both the north and south sides of the beach are sandy and walkable.
While at low tide you can stroll for dozens of metres in the water, the only drawback of the main beach is that when high tide gets above 2 metres, the beach disappears! This is because the seafront resorts have erected walls to block the waves, effectively cutting the beach narrow.
In this case, plan B is choosing one of the beach clubs or resorts that offer a Day Pass to use the pool, lounge chairs, and amenities or… simply change beaches.
KHAO TAKIAB BEACH
Khao Takiab or Takiab Beach is the stretch of beach located beneath the promontory of the same name, on which the temple of the same name stands! Wat Khao Takiab at the top of the hill, with its golden Buddha, provides a unique backdrop to the surrounding landscape.
Luckily Takiab Beach hasn’t been exploited like Hua Hin Beach, and remains enjoyable even at high tide. The temple is well worth a visit, go in the morning before it gets too hot to take in the views from above.
Takiab Beach is ideal for sunrise and sunset strolls, a game of beach volleyball, and for a drink at the bars on the side of the promontory.
HUA DON BEACH
Just behind Khao Takiab is another wide beach: Hua Don Beach. It’s sometimes confused with the previous, as it’s in the same area. However, it differs because it’s more protected from the waves. This is thanks to the stone piers built at the mouth of the river, the area used as a harbour by local fishermen.
Hua Don is a small neighbourhood south of Hua Hin. The vibe is much more local than at the main beach. There are a few restaurants on the sand, kites and jet skis for hire, massage places, and you can walk and swim with no issues at both low and high tide.
When the wind picks up, the most exposed part of Hua Don Beach gets waves of 1-1.5 metres, where Pineapple Surf Club offers surfing lessons. The Anantasila Beach Resort is the best hotel in the area.
Due to the width of the beach below the mountain, Hua Don often hosts events and festivals on weekends, coinciding with the full moon and low tide.
SUAN SON PRADIPAT BEACH
Carrying on south, past the golf course, Suan Son Pradipat Beach begins. This beach is largely untouched by urbanization, with pine trees lining the sea. These are the original and typical beaches of central Thailand, where the trees provide shelter from the scorching sun.
It’s no coincidence that Suan Son Pradipat is beloved by Thais, who flock to the campground during the holidays. Here, you can spend half a day in the shade of the pine trees, rent a lounge chair for a few baht, and eat at the local restaurant. The beach is so famous in Thailand that it even has its own train station!
When the tide is low, you can walk for several kilometres and even move between Hua Don Beach and Suan Son Pradipat while on the beach (about 2 km, 30 minutes).
KHAO TAO BEACH
Ten kilometres south of Hua Hin, Khao Tao is a town where some luxury resorts have been built. Inland, however, residents and a small expat community live a quiet life around beautiful Khao Tao Reservoir.
This has created a laid back environment, a mix of the holiday spirit of tourists and the slow pace of Thai life. Khao Tao Beach reflects this feel, sleepy yet charming.
Be mindful, as Khao Tao Beach isn’t very much equipped or sheltered from the sun, unless you’re walking towards Suan Son Pradipat. During the hottest hours, take refuge at Wat Khao Tao.
SAI NOI BEACH
Hua Hin’s last and smallest beach is Sai Noi Beach. A 300-metre stretch of sand nestled between the huge rocks of the mountains that border it.
At Sai Noi, you can spend a classic beach day, enjoying the sun beds and tables at the local restaurants, bringing your own towel directly to the beach (watch out for sunburns), or opting for the services of Sanae Beach Huahin resort, including the pool.
The water here becomes quickly deeper than on the beaches in town. Sai Noi Beach is located at the end of Khao Tao, 15 minutes from Hua Hin.
HUA HIN BEACHES OUT OF TOWN
For those seeking wilder, less urban beaches, here are some options near Hua Hin. These destinations are ideal for a day trip to explore the western shores of the Gulf of Thailand.
CHA-AM BEACH
The only beach we mention north of Hua Hin is Cha-Am Beach. Being slightly closer to Bangkok, Cha-Am area is popular with weekend visitors from the capital.
Cha-Am’s beachfront offers both the pleasant shade of the pine trees and various amenities such as restaurants and bars, nearby shops, beach massages, water sports, and more.
At 30 minutes from Hua Hin, a trip to Cha-Am can be combined with inland attractions such as Wat Tham Chaeng and Khao Nang Panthurat Park. Avoid weekends as it gets crowded.
KHAO KALOK BEACH
We return to the southern side of Hua Hin to discover more and more beautiful beaches. It’s no secret that the further south you go in the Gulf of Thailand, the more turquoise the waters become.
Khao Kalok Beach is located 30 km south of Hua Hin, near the town of Pran Buri. This beach lies at the foot of a steep rock face, hiding some caves.
For the more energetic, you can climb to Khao Kalok Viewpoint at the top of the rocks and appreciate the views from above. Those who prefer to relax can enjoy the beach in the shade of the palm trees.
Khao Kalok Beach is at the end of Pran Buri‘s main beach, where a few hotels and restaurants make for a convenient lunch break.
SAM ROI YOT NATIONAL PARK
Sam Roi Yot National Park extends over 100 km² of stunning mountains, lakes, caves and beaches.
The most famous attraction is Phraya Nakhon Cave, with its pavilion built inside it, a must-see in Hua Hin. Once you’ve completed your visit (and trek), cool off with a dip at Laem Sala Beach, at the base of the caves. The views are spectacular in every direction!
Also within the park is Sam Phraya Beach, on the southern side, another pristine and wild beach.
Access to the park’s beaches is subject to a fee, included in the Phraya Nakhon Cave ticket, which costs 200 baht per person. A small cost that helps keep these wonderful places clean.
Sam Roi Yot is an hour’s drive away, accessible independently or by guided tour to Phraya Nakhon from Hua Hin.
AO MANAO BEACH
We’re moving further away from Hua Hin, getting to Prachuap, capital of the Prachuap Khiri Khan region. Located 1.5 hours from Hua Hin, you may also consider spending a night in an affordable hotel, such as at nice Zea Zide Hotel.
Other than by car or motorbike, the train is an excellent option for travelling from Hua Hin to Prachuap Khiri Khan (1 hour), followed by a tuk-tuk ride to the beach. Check Hua Hin-Prachuap train schedules.
The most famous beach in Prachuap is Ao Manao Beach, a spectacular half moon-shaped bay immersed in a heavenly backdrop. The usual pine forest provides shade to the entire bay, while the clear water invites you to take countless swims in the sea.
The area is also well-equipped with shops, parking, restrooms and showers.
On weekdays, Ao Manao Beach is a true oasis of peace, worth every kilometre travelled!
BAAN KRUT BEACH
We close this list mentioning Baan Krut Beach (also known as Baan Kroot or Baan Grood), despite being more than two hours from Hua Hin. We definitely recommend combining it with an overnight stay in the area.
Baan Krut is located over 100 km from the nearest major cities, making it a slice of paradise far from the crowds. Baan Krut Beach exudes a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, with family-run restaurants and bungalows along the beach.
The perfect getaway!
HUA HIN BEACH HOTELS AND RESORTS
Below, we recommend the best areas and hotels to stay in Hua Hin. As said, we suggest taking advantage of the beachfront location so you can get around on foot.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN HUA HIN:
- Thipurai Beach Hotel: A budget stay just steps from the beach, excellent for short trips. Close to Market Village shopping mall. Under the same management, Thipurai City Hotel is within the nightlife area with restaurants, clubs, and a night market.
- Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa: The Hilton is among the city’s most popular resorts, clearly visible on the main beach. The property isn’t brand new, but it offers all the comforts of a beachfront hotel.
- Kundala Beach Resort: Excellent value and comfort at this 4-star resort, featuring a nice swimming pool and convenient access to Khao Takiab Beach.
- Anantasila Beach Resort Hua Hin: Perfect for families, nestled in a quiet area of Takiab. It has an excellent restaurant on site, and a sea-view swimming pool facing Hua Don Beach.
- Zea Zide Hotel: A nice affordable hotel in Prachuap, with stunning views of the bay, ideal for visiting the area and Ao Manao Beach.
- Ban Krut Resort: An excellent place for a short stay in Ban Krut, with beach access, pool, and bike rentals.
You can book all hotels in Hua Hin and Thailand with free cancellation here.
This concludes our guide to the best beaches in Hua Hin. You can plan your trip to Hua Hin and Thailand with our related articles.
HAVE A GOOD TIME IN HUA HIN!
ALSO READ:
– Hua Hin travel guide: what to see and do
– The Death Railway and Bridge on River Kwai, Kanchanaburi
– 9 places to see in Bangkok
– 20-day itinerary guide to Thailand
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