Hua Hin travel guide
Royal retreat and weekend favourite with Bangkok families, Hua Hin is a more low-key tourist destination that offers a genuine seaside experience. Situated on the western side of the Bight of Bangkok, about two hours from the capital, it has lovely long beaches, surf and some great natural attractions nearby.
Hua Hin is far less touristy than the southern islands and presents an ideal two-day escape from Bangkok. The resorts, many of which front the beach, are of a high quality and are spread out along this elongated coastline. A few highrises make it feel vaguely like southern Spain, but the atmosphere is quintessentially Thai.
Apart from the beaches, there are some local attractions such as the bizarre, Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park lovely Pa La-u multi-tiered waterfalls and the sacred Mirror Mount with its lofty temple that offers good views. A good day trip is Sam Roi Yot National Park with its unusual topography, and unspoilt beaches and mangroves. In the town itself are a number of interesting temples and if you’re lucky you can arrange a tour of the Royal retreat palace - Klai Klangwan (meaning: far from worries in Thai).
Several activities can keep you busy in Hua Hin, the most obvious being the horse rides along the beach - a signature activity of this town. There is golf on offer, as well as several watersports and some pretty good surf if the tides are right.
Since Hua Hin caters to a regular crowd from Bangkok every weekend, its nightlife can be quite lively (it even has a bar girl scene, a sure sign of tourists), and boasts some fine restaurants both in the modest town centre or resorts. You might prefer to wander the Night Market and join the locals for fresh seafood. All in all, it’s a very Thai holiday experience which is refreshing.
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HotelsThere’s plenty to choose from along this coast, to suit all budgets, find out which beach is best for you and take your pick here from dozens to book online...more |
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Bars and restaurantsDon’t miss out on fresh seafood, and loads of eateries from posh hotel venues to humble stalls that are favoured by visiting Thais in the know, authentic Thai food...more |
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Attractions & activitiesGo horse riding on the beach, surf a few waves, play golf, visit some brilliant natural attractions nearby or simple relax in a spa, there’s quite a bit laid on...more |
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TransportationOnly two and half hours from Bangkok, Hua Hin is easy to get to by car, bus, train or even air, with some pretty scenery along the way, here’s how...more |
