Hua Hin is a seaside city located some 200 km south of Bangkok. Facing the Gulf of Thailand, it offers a more local and less crowded alternative to the country’s traditional destinations.
Thanks to its long beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, Hua Hin has become a popular beach resort town for both Thais and tourists over the years, particularly for families, retirees, and expats seeking long-term stays.
WHY TO VISIT HUA HIN
The area of Hua Hin gained popularity in Thailand at the beginning of last century, when King Rama VII chose it as his royal summer residence. Royal palaces, public gardens, and a train station connected to Bangkok were built. The first beachfront resorts followed shortly after.
Here you can stay in excellent hotels by the sea, less expensive than in the rest of Thailand. The choice of seafood restaurants and classic Thai dishes is almost endless, whilst beaches offer a wide range of activities including walking, horseback riding, water sports, or simply enjoying the seaside.
With its quiet vibe, Hua Hin is particularly suitable for travellers over 35 and families. We recommend it less for younger tourists or those seeking the buzzing Thai nightlife typical of Bangkok or Phuket.
HUA HIN WEATHER – WHEN TO GO
Bangkokians love to visit Hua Hin on weekends, escaping the chaotic pace of the capital. Over the years, the number of foreign tourists has slowly but steadily increased too.
Hua Hin has a rather dry microclimate compared to the rest of Thailand. The peak season is November to February, when it rarely rains. From March to August, the rain and especially the humidity gradually increase, with the monsoons peaking in September and October.
In our experience, the weather in Hua Hin is quite pleasant from mid-October to March. At most, there may be short thunderstorms, which nevertheless provide a break from the heat.
Also due to its favourable climate, Hua Hin was the first city in Thailand to open a golf course, and it continues to be one of Asia’s top golf destinations.
HOW TO GET TO HUA HIN FROM BANGKOK
It takes about 3 hours to travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin. Here are the main options:
- By train from Bangkok to Hua Hin: A dozen trains connect Hua Hin to the capital every day, a historic and scenic route, although it’s not the fastest option. The trip takes 3-4 hours depending on the train category. Very affordable fares range from 120 baht ($4) in third class to 240 baht ($8) in second class with AC. Buy Bangkok-Hua Hin train tickets here.
The train is also convenient when arriving from southern Thailand. For example, from Surat Thani (for Koh Samui), you can use sleeper trains starting at $25-30. Book Hua Hin-Surat Thani tickets. - VIP bus from Bangkok Airport to Hua Hin: A very comfortable option, VIP service means a spacious 20-seater bus with wide, comfy seats. The bus connects Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Hua Hin in about 3 hours, depending on traffic around the capital. Tickets cost 325 baht + fees ($12) per person. Bangkok BKK-Hua Hin bus tickets.
If you’re not landing at the international airport, catch the bus from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport: Bus Bangkok DMK-Hua Hin. - Minivan from Bangkok to Hua Hin: Some minibuses or minivans connect Hua Hin with Ekkamai and Mochit bus stations in central Bangkok. Minivans are less spacious than the VIP bus but cheaper, starting at 200 baht ($6). Bangkok-Hua Hin minivan tickets.
- By private taxi from Bangkok to Hua Hin: The quickest option is to take a taxi from the airport or any other area of Bangkok. Cars and taxis can be booked for 1,500-2,500 baht, depending on the type of vehicle you prefer. Ideal for sharing with family or friends, a taxi trip is quicker, taking about 2.5 hours without traffic. Taxi prices from Bangkok to Hua Hin.
- By plane to Hua Hin: The city has a small domestic airport, but it only serves one destination in Thailand, Chiang Mai, in the north. However, if you plan your Thailand itinerary carefully, you could fly to/from Chiang Mai and then travel to Bangkok or the islands in the south. Search Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flights.
Once you arrive in Hua Hin, you can get around on foot, rent a scooter from your hotel, hail a taxi using the Grab (iPhone/Android) or Bolt (iPhone/Android) apps, or hop on the local open bus system called “songthaew,” which runs along Hua Hin’s main road for just 15 baht (0.50$ cents) a ride.
HOTELS IN HUA HIN – WHERE TO STAY
Here are some recommendations for resorts and hotels in Hua Hin, sorted by budget, style and area (see map):
Budget:
- Thipurai Beach Hotel: A budget stay just steps from the beach, excellent for short trips. Close to the Market Village shopping mall. Under the same management, Thipurai City Hotel is within the nightlife area with restaurants, clubs, and a night market.
- Chalelarn Hotel Hua Hin: A good-quality hotel located nearby the night market and shops, 500 m from the beach.
- Ibis Hua Hin: Halfway between the city centre and the Takiab area, this Ibis hotel offers budget-economy accommodation.
Rooms here typically cost between 800–1,500 baht/night, or $25–50.
Mid range and ideal for families:
- Kundala Beach Resort: Excellent value and comfort at this 4-star resort, featuring a nice swimming pool and convenient beach access.
- NH Hua Hin: Beautiful, modern hotel with swimming pool and additional amenities. Close to the beach and to Bluport shopping mall.
- iSanook Resort Hua Hin: Located in the southern part of Khao Takiab, a quiet and family-friendly area, with two beaches just minutes away.
- Maven Stylish Hotel: One of the newest hotels in the city, an excellent location for those who prefer to get around on foot.
These 4-star hotels always have a pool, spa, gym, and breakfast available. Prices range from 1,600 to 2,800 baht depending on the season, approximately $50-90 per night.
Luxury:
- 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.
- Nearby Centara Grand Beach Resort is Hua Hin’s historic hotel, the first resort built for visitors arriving from the train station. It still retains its colonial charm today.
- InterContinental Hua Hin Resort: The hotel from the well-known chain is located on the beach and connected to the Market Village shopping mall, for a relaxing stay.
- Holiday Inn Resort: The tallest hotel in Hua Hin, it’s located in the area of the Cicada and Tamarind night markets, featuring a rooftop pool and unique views. You can also go up to the rooftop bar without staying at the hotel; packages for the Holiday Inn Skybar are available here.
- Anantasila Beach Resort Hua Hin: Perfect for families, nestled in a quiet area of Takiab. It has an excellent restaurant on site, direct beach access, and a sea-view swimming pool.
These 5-star resorts are designed for a relaxing holiday with top-notch amenities and spectacular sea views. Prices rise during high season (December-February), but deals start at 3,500 baht per night ($100 and up) if you book in advance.
ATTRACTIONS – WHAT TO DO IN HUA HIN
The urban area extends along the main strand, Hua Hin Beach, stretching for over 10 km. This is the heart of the city, home to numerous resorts, hotels, and restaurants.
The surrounding area boasts several natural attractions, as well as classic Thai temples or wat, making for a variety of day trips.
BEACHES, NATURE, PARKS
Among the main activities, going to the beach is certainly one of our favourite things to do in Hua Hin. The most accessible in the city are Hua Hin Beach, Takiab Beach, and Hua Don Beach.
Let’s be honest: the sea water in Hua Hin isn’t as turquoise as the waters around Phuket or Krabi. However, swimming in the sea is always pleasant in Thailand, especially in high season. Beware of high tides, which can cover some beaches entirely, but not all! We talk about this in detail in our article The best beaches in Hua Hin.
If the high tide falls during the day, plan a day-trip from Hua Hin:
- Phraya Nakhon Cave: This is the most popular grotto in the area, with its famous royal pavilion built in the cave’s entrance. It takes an hour’s drive plus an hour’s trek to reach it, but trust us, it’s worth it! Phraya Nakhon Cave is located within Sam Roi Yot National Park, a beautiful natural park offering a stunning scenery south of Hua Hin. You can reach it on your own or by joining a Phraya Nakhon Cave guided tour from Hua Hin.
- Bueng Bua boardwalk: This is another attraction in the same national park, but less strenuous. It’s a 1km-long panoramic walkway that crosses a lake with lotus flowers and mangroves. All this against the backdrop of the park’s mountains, a truly spectacular sight at sunrise and sunset. Boats can be rented on the lake. Technically, it can be accessed with the same day ticket as Sam Roi Yot Park (200 baht), although combining the two visits in one day is pretty tiring.
- Kui Buri National Park: Kui Buri is among the most authentic parks in Thailand to see wild elephants. A rare opportunity among the more or less ethical “elephant sanctuaries” around the country. Safari-style trips are available here to spot Thailand’s iconic animal. Kui Buri is 45km from Hua Hin; we recommend visiting in the afternoon to see the largest number of elephants. Book your Kui Buri excursion from Hua Hin.
- Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand: The WFFT is an animal rescue centre that has saved more than 1,000 animals from exploitation over the years. Here, you can learn about and support the work of volunteers who care for rescued monkeys, bears, tigers, and even an Australian cassowary. Visitor numbers are limited, reservations are required. Check WFFT info and prices here.
- Pala-u Waterfall: This is the most famous waterfall around Hua Hin, about an hour and a half away. Pala-u Waterfall is deep within Kaen Krachan National Park, a jungle trek is required to reach the scenic waterfall. Browse Pala-u Waterfall tours from Hua Hin.
- Pran Buri Forest Park: For an easier nature excursion, opt for Pran Buri Forest Park. A boardwalk crosses the dense mangroves, where you can spot crabs and birds typical of the area. A 30-minute drive from Hua Hin, admission to the area is free.
THAI TEMPLES AND MARKETS
As in the rest of Thailand, beautiful Buddhist temples abound here too, both in the city and beyond. Another typical aspect of Thai culture are classic night markets, that come to life at sunset. We list them here from north to south (see map above):
- Wat Tham Chaeng: This temple near Cha-Am, half an hour north of Hua Hin, is known for its impressive Naga statue. Naga is the snake god, highly revered in Thailand. Combine your visit with nearby Khao Nang Panthurat Forest Park or visiting Cha-Am beach.
- Wat Hua Hin: The city’s main temple, within walking distance if you’re staying in the central area.
- Wat Huay Mongkol: This is where the giant 12-metre-tall statue of monk Luang Pu stands. In this area of Hua Hin’s hinterland, you’ll also find Pranburi Dam, which offers panoramic views.
- Temples in Takiab: In the southern district of Takiab there are three important temples: Wat Khao Sanam Chai, Wat Khao Krailart, and Wat Khao Takiab. All stand on high ground offering sweeping views of the city and the sea, accessed via a steep stairway. Watch out for monkeys here, keep your valuables safe!
- Saphan Pla Night Market: A local market on Hua Hin’s fishing pier, open every weekend near the town centre.
- Hua Hin Night Market (Soi 72): This is the most popular night market in town, extending across Soi 72 every night. You’ll find plenty of food and souvenirs here, plus live music on the railway end.
- Cicada & Tamarind Market: Heading back south to Takiab area, these are Hua Hin’s two newest adjacent markets. Cicada Market offers a mix of food and handicrafts, with stages for live music and large spaces ideal for families. Open Friday-Sunday from 6:00 PM onwards.
Tamarind Market is dedicated entirely to good-quality Thai and international food. It’s open four nights a week (Thursday-Sunday).
ACTIVITIES & FREE TIME
For those spending a week or more in Hua Hin and looking for some fun, the list of activities gets longer.
- Cinema & Shopping: the two shopping malls in town are Bluport and Market Village. Home to cinemas, arcades, trendy shops, banks and currency exchanges, food courts and large supermarkets.
- Siam Cruises: Offers half-day mini-cruises with sunset dinner on the boat. Siam Cruises Hua Hin details here.
- Horseback Riding: In Hua Hin, you can take short or long horseback rides along the beach; you’ll see curious Thai cowboys parading on horseback all day. Prices range from 400-800 baht depending on the duration of the activity.
- Hua Hin Bikers: Motorcycle and bicycle tours depart regularly from the city, exploring the hinterland.
- Monsoon Valley Winery: There’s even a small vineyard in the hills where you can enjoy food and tastings, a popular option among European and American expats. Monsoon Valley wine tastings can be booked here.
- Black Mountain & Vana Nava Water Park: These are the city’s two water parks. The first is a bit older and cheaper, while the second is more modern and expensive (Vana Nava Park tickets), located next to the Holiday Inn. The latter is the tallest building in the city, and from the 27th-floor rooftop you can enjoy 360-degree views of Hua Hin, complete with a glass skywalk. Skybar packages are available for non-guests too.
- Mini Golf World: A nice mini-golf course with a family-run restaurant on site. Open from 12:00 to 8:00 PM with glow-in-the-dark lights at night.
- Go-Karting: North of Hua Hin, near the airport, there’s also a cool go-kart track, open daily.
- Feast Thailand are known for organising great food tours in Hua Hin, allowing you to explore the city while enjoying traditional Thai cuisine. Join a Thai food tour in Hua Hin.
CONCLUSIONS AND USEFUL LINKS
Our travel guide to Hua Hin ends here. A destination that combines beaches, nature, markets, and a relaxing atmosphere.
We recommend Hua Hin to those who want to see a different and less stereotypical Thailand, to families, and to those who love exploring Southeast Asia away from the big crowds.
Below you’ll find other useful links for planning your trip to Thailand.
Enjoy your stay in Hua Hin!
ALSO READ:
– Sleeper train Bangkok-Chiang Mai
– The best 8 temples in Ayutthaya, Thailand
– 20-day itinerary guide to Thailand
– The bridge on River Kwai, Kanchanaburi
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