Hua Hin is one of the most famous beach destinations among Thais thanks to its proximity to Bangkok. On weekdays, without traffic, Hua Hin can be reached from Thailand’s capital in about two and a half hours.
That means many Bangkokians make weekend or multi-day getaways to Hua Hin, and some even have their second home there.
Hua Hin has also suffered a great construction boom in recent decades but, perhaps, more controlled than in Pattaya. Unlike Pattaya, Hua Hin has a reputation for being a more family-friendly destination, thanks also 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. Many expats, especially Western retirees, have also made Hua Hin their home.
Hua Hin in Thailand is a recommendable destination not so much for its beach, which is rather average, but because it is a good place to spend a few days relaxing enjoying all that the place has to offer: good food, night markets, a waterfall, the famous Phraya Nakhon cave in Sam Roi Yod national park, kitesurfing, etc.
Hua Hin: beaches you have to visit
Hua Hin only has a beach of about 7 km that ends in a small peak called Khao Takiab (where there is a temple and a good number of monkeys). From that point and to the south there are a lot of kilometers of coastline where we will find many beaches. Here I highlight the most important until you reach the Sam Roi Yot National Park.
Hua Hin Beach
Hua Hin beach changes a lot 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, in the morning there is little sand. From April to October the color of the sea is more greyish but the tide is usually lower and there are fewer people.
In April, moreover, it is extremely hot and few people go to the beach during the sun’s best hours.
Suan Son Pradipat Beach
It is the beach just after Hua Hin. Suan Son Pradipat Beach is a 6 km pine beach that is owned by the Thai Army, but is open to the public. The army has some resorts, but the beach is mostly untouched.
The locals take advantage of it, especially in the afternoons to have a picnic. It is also an ideal place to run. In the northern (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
Khao Tao beach is actually the same as the previous one, Suan Son Pradipat, but it is its southern part. The only thing is that since they don’t belong to the military, they call it by a different name.
In it, you will find some resorts and a restaurant facing the sea: Gusto Et Cosy. The resorts in this area are very quiet and have direct access to the sand, such as The Blue Sky Resort.
Pran Buri Beach
Pranburi is about 26 km south of Hua Hin. In the Pranburi area we first find Paknam Pran beach, which is smaller and quieter. Then, we have the main beach of Pranburi, which is very long, about 8 km.
On both beaches there is a hotel offer, although quite limited. In general, it is a very quiet area and kitesurfing when the wind allows it.
Thao Ko Sa Forest Park
The Thao Ko Sa Forest park is an area where you will find a small mangrove forest where they have built a path with wooden boards. It can be covered in about twenty minutes and is a pleasant walk through the woods. 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.
Khao Sam Roi Yot
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). A recommended one to go with the family is Dolphins Bay.
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 30-40 minute mountain path 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 you have to pay THB 200 for adults and THB 100 for children.
Hua Hin: What to see and What to do
Without needing to be in Hua Hin with a map you can know which activities are most in demand in the area :
Hua Hin Night market
It is a night market in the center of the city that opens every day of the year and where you will find a wide range of food for dinner, as well as desserts and ice cream. It also has many stalls selling clothes and souvenirs for tourists.
- Hours : every day from 6:00 p.m.
Tamarind night market
It is an ideal market for dinner, probably the best in all of Hua Hin, since its food offer is very good. You have both Thai food and stalls with western food. There are quite a few tables where you can sit and there is usually live music. Highly recommended.
- Hours : every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Cicada weekend market
It is located right next to the Tamarind Night Market. It is a much larger market and very well designed. The paraditas are very well cared for and sell interesting things aimed at tourists. There is also a wide range of food that is somewhat more expensive than in the previous market.
- Hours : every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Kitesurfing
Hua Hin is one of the best destinations in Thailand to practice Kitesurfing from the beginning of November to the end of March. The wind is usually not excessively strong and the sea is not very rough either.
There are several schools where one can rent the material or take courses. I took a course with a Spanish instructor at the KBA School and it was very good. Expect European prices.
Monkeys at Khao Takiab
At the end of Hua Hin beach we find the small Khao Takiab mountain and, on its top, there is a beautiful temple with great views of Hua Hin beach. At the top there are also many monkeys wanting to steal what they can. So be careful!
Bars with a view
Both the Hilton hotel and the Holiday Inn have great rooftop bars to have a drink enjoying excellent views and a pleasant sea breeze. The Hilton is in a much better location, in the heart of Old Town, and not too expensive.
Sam Rot Yod National Park and Phraya Nakhon Cave
Sam Rot Yod National Park, south of Hua Hin, is a great 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. A place to remember.
To get to the cave you must first arrive at Laem Sala beach, 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’s all uphill, so bring enough water, but it’s worth the effort.
Sam Rot Yod National Park also has other caves and some very interesting viewpoints.
Chocolate Factory
In Hua Hin there is a wide range of cafes, some facing the sea. One of the most famous is the Chocolate Factory, which, although without a view of the beach, offers a wide selection of chocolate cakes and cookies that will satisfy the appetite of anyone who craves a good dose of sweet.
Pa La-u waterfall
Just over an hour’s drive from Hua Hin, you will find this small river with some waterfalls. It is an ideal place to cool off among nature and spend an entertaining morning.
Elephants in the wild at Kui Buri
One of the most interesting excursions you can do from Hua Hin is to the Kui Buri National Park.
This is one of the few places in Thailand where you can easily see elephants in the wild. Upon arrival, you can hire the park tour service in which, riding in a pickup truck, you go through part of the park to see the elephants from a safe distance.
You will be able to enjoy seeing these magnificent animals in total freedom and with a 100% clear conscience.
Market Village and Bluport Malls
If the heat is pressing and you want a good offer of good restaurants at a good price, it is not a bad option to go to one of the two largest shopping centers in Hua Hin : The Market Village or the Bluport.
They are similar and both offer similar shopping and dining options. The Market Village also has a cinema where the latest news is shown. It is also a good place to shop at the supermarket or brand name stores (prices equal to or more expensive than in Spain).
Tea in the Royal Palace of Mrigadayavan
The Mrigadayavan Royal Palace is one of the many palaces of the Thai monarchy. The interesting thing about visiting this palace is its tearoom facing the sea.
One can have afternoon tea in a very nice setting overlooking the ocean. They are only open from Friday to Sunday and from 09:00 to 16:00 and tea with snacks costs 350 THB per person.
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand
It is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue of abused animals, especially elephants, but also gibbons and other animals.
It can be visited in one day by paying 1600 THB. This price does not include transportation there, you must arrive on your own or hire their pick-up service in Hua Hin for about 200 THB more per person . It is about a 50 – minute drive from Hua Hin.
How to get to Hua Hin
Hua Hin is 200 km from Bangkok. So if you want to know how to go from Bangkok to Hua Hin, there are several ways:
- Train – Perhaps one of the most interesting ways, but also slower. By train (Bangkok-Hua Hin, Hua Hui-Bangkok) it will take between 4 and 5 hours each way.
Hua Hin station is quite beautiful. There are about 10 trains a day from Bangkok’s central Hua Lamphong station (a station that will close in 2021 and move everything to the new Bang Sue Grand Station). You can see the timetables on the Official Website of the Railway of Thailand. It costs between 100 and 400 THB depending on the category.
- Bus : a faster way to get around than the train. From the southern station of Bangkok, Sai Tai Mai Bus Station, there are buses every 20 minutes going to Hua Hin. It takes about 3.5 hours. Tickets cost about 160 THB.
- Taxi : a taxi from Bangkok to Hua Hin will cost you about 2000 THB.
How to get around Hua Hin
Hua Hin is not very big, so if you are in its most historic area you can basically get around on foot. In any case, if you have a bike or, above all, a motorcycle or a car, you can visit many more places. All of these transportation methods can be rented there.
In Hua Hin you will also see red vans continuously circulating along its main street. They are taxis and one can stop them and ask them to take you. Normally you pay about 10 or 20 THB, unless you want to go to a destination outside your route and then the price is negotiable.
The weather in Hua Hin
The weather in Hua Hin, Thailand is fairly stable all year round with temperatures ranging from 25º to 35º.
Hua Hin is a destination you can always go to. That said, it is true that the main beach of Hua Hin is more beautiful and pleasant from the end of November to the beginning of March. From April (a very hot month) to October, the color of the water is not so pretty.
The rainy season in Hua Hin is from June to October, with September being the rainiest month, but it is not a destination where the rains are very heavy either.
Recommended hotels in Hua Hin
In Hua Hin there are resorts, hostels, hotels and many Airbnb apartments. It is easy to find beachfront accommodation or multi-bedroom houses with private pools in surrounding developments.
Personally, I usually hire apartments, since I go with my family, but there is a wide range of hotels with good prices.
- Hostels : The JettyHuaHin Hostel has good reviews and is well located. We haven’t tried it, but it looks good.
- Hotel 3* : if you go as a family and you don’t mind being away from the town on a quiet beach, the Dolphin Bay Resort is usually very popular.
- 4* Hotel : the new Holiday INN Hua Hin has a spectacular pool and bar with views.
- 5* hotels : the Dusit Thani Hua Hin is a very nice resort facing the sea but it is a bit far from the town. The Hilton Hua Hin and the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin are among the best located in town.
Are you planning to go to Hua Hin? Now you know how to enjoy the city to the fullest.
Does Hua Hin have a beach
Hua Hin Beach is the main beach in the Hua Hin region. A clean beach that has many resorts and restaurants running along it, it can get quite busy on weekends when visitors from Bangkok and nearby cities and towns stream in. Weekdays are mostly isolated.
Does Hua hin have good beaches
Located on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The year-round warmth of the seas off the coast of Hua Hin has helped make this city a popular destination for foreigners and Thais alike.
Is Hua Hin Beach good for swimming
It is a very popular beach very popular and totally different from the main beach, the palm trees and the small island off the coast, very nice, it is the part that we stayed. Whatever the reason the beach is very wide and several km long and you get a wide beach at all times of the day.
Is Hua Hin Beach Clean
Hua Hin is a clean beach with fine sand and clear water, suitable for swimming. When comparing Bankok to Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Hua Hin is the most beautiful beach among all.
Can you swim in the sea in Hua hin?
Various places around Hua Hin Beach. The signs are intended to provide tourists with the following advice: Do not swim anywhere the water is cloudy.
How long is Hua Hin Beach
Hua Hin Beach stretches 3 kilometers south from a rocky outcrop to a southern promontory where a Buddhist temple clings to the cliffs.
Is Hua Hin or Pattaya better?
If you want a relaxed beach town feel, Hua Hin is the right choice. If you like to live in the middle of the action, with a greater range of things to do, Pattaya is the winner. It is simply more established and has a longer development history in terms of western-style villas and condominiums.
Hua Hin is much more laid back, laid back and laid back than its big sister Pattaya. The city is a beloved weekend destination for locals and expats living in Bangkok. Hua Hin has modern luxuries and a cosmopolitan feel, yet retains the charm of a sleepy seaside town.
Is Hua Hin or Phuket better
In general, Phuket restaurants are geared more towards international travelers, while Hua Hin is a perfect destination for those looking for delicious Thai food. The thing is that Hua Hin are very popular weekend destinations for Bangkokians, who drive here to enjoy not only the beaches but especially the seafood.
Is it worth visiting Hua hin
Why should you visit Hua Hin at least once in your life? If you are looking for a uniquely diverse vacation destination, Hua Hin in Thailand is simply the best choice. With sweeping beaches and the perfect mix of city culture, you’ll soon forget when your vacation began and wish it never ended.
Is Hua hin a good holiday destination
If you are looking for a unique and diverse vacation destination, then Hua Hin in Thailand is simply the best choice. With sweeping beaches and the perfect mix of city culture, you’ll soon forget when your vacation began and wish it never ended.
Can you swim at Hua Hin Beach
In addition, there is a small cabin that offers visitors the opportunity to have a relaxing massage. Unlike some of the other beaches around Hua Hin, Khao Tao falls off quickly, making it one of the best swimming beaches.
Can you swim in the sea in Thailand?
However, it’s really only jellyfish that swimmers might be concerned about, and these aren’t much of a problem on the Andaman coast of Thailand.
Why is Hua Hin popular
Most of the people who come to this quiet city come here for the beach? While other beach towns in Thailand are all about nightlife, Hua Hin is a much quieter destination where you can actually lie on the beach for hours of quiet relaxation. Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations for its plethora of attractions and activities, plus it’s not far from Bangkok. The city has many amazing beaches, mountains, viewpoints, temples, night markets, water parks, and great eateries for you to choose from and enjoy any time of the year.
Does Hua hin have a red light district
To be fair, it’s pretty obvious that this is part of the Hua hin red light district. Very entertaining bars and many women sitting on the street. Great places to have a drink and watch the world go by.
Are Thailand beaches safe
In general, security levels in Thailand are the same as in other Southeast Asian countries. The entire country, including the beaches of Thailand, is a very safe destination for families and single travelers.
Are the beaches of Thailand Clean
Because of this, the beautiful sandy beaches, dotted with vibrant green palm trees, have been kept perfectly clean and generally bounce-free.
They are warm Thailand beaches
While most of Thailand is usually quite warm, you’ll probably experience a bit of rain on your vacation. Depending on which part of the country you’re heading to, some months are drier than others and provide those postcard-perfect beach days.
Is the water safe in Thailand
Can I drink the water in Thailand? Do not drink tap water in Thailand, stick to boiled or treated water. Don’t worry too much about the ice, as there is an extensive network of ice factories that use purified water. It’s easier for companies to use commercial ice rather than go to the expense of making their own.