Hua Hin travel guide
Hua Hin Tourism | Hua Hin Guide
You're Going to Love Hua Hin
The resort town of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand is a perfect place to escape from the bustling city and take in the famous beaches and natural tropical landscape of Thailand.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Hua Hin
1. Klai Kangwon Palace
This Spanish-style summer house for Thai royalty was built in 1928 and features a beautiful garden right along the waterfront.
2. Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand
Visit the non-profit wildlife conservation center just 25km outside of the city to view native elephants, gibbons, monkeys and more.
3. Khao Hin Lek Fai
Hike up the Flint Mountain for a nice afternoon picnic and take in the spectacular views of Hua Hin below.
4. Khao Tao
Just outside of the city are the two tucked away beaches of Hat Sai Noi and Hat Sai Yai where you can swim and rent a bungalow to spend the night.
5. Chiva-Som International Health Resort
This resort offers a world-class spa with massages and holistic wellness services to help rejuvenate visitors.
What to do in Hua Hin
1. Chatsila Night Market: Lights, Food & Fun After-Hours
This is one of Hua Hin's most recent night markets, occupying a more intimate space but no less alive and well-lit than its predecessors. Chatsila Night Market is the place to go for a selection of local street food, along with more gourmet eats and packages for easy, on-the-go eating. It operates all day but comes alive at night. Because it's so close to the transit stops, it's a prime night market for travelers looking for local souvenirs like handmade clothing, postcards, notebooks, small home décor pieces and t-shirts with funky designs.
2. Cicada Market: Not Just for a Quick Sale
The vibrant and eclectic Cicada Market brings together local artists, designers and craftsman and connects them with tourists, travelers, students and night-market lovers. Instead of being a chaotic and bright free-for-all that most night markets usually feel like, the Cicada Market focuses on specialized artwork, hosting creative activities and supporting vendors selling handmade crafts as well as exhibitions featuring outdoor music, dance and theatre performances. The Cicada Market is divided into four distinct areas: The Cicada Cuisine, Art A La Mode, Art Factory and Ampitheatre.
3. Mrigadayavan Palace: A Place of Love & Hope
Tucked away on the extensive ground of the palatial Mrigadayavan Palace is the royal history and heritage of Thailand's King Vajiravudh, who ruled Siam from 1910 to 1925. Even though it was constructed simply a holiday villa, the Mrigadayavan Palace is no less impressive in its beautiful architecture. It's also known as the Palace of Love and Hope and consists of 16 golden teak buildings over sprawling manicured lawns. The interior consists of majestic high ceilings, beautiful fretwork and a design that keeps the entire building breezy and cool.
4. Black Mountain Water Park: Making a Splash
Located just 15 minutes away from the center of Hua Hin, the Black Mountain Water Park is a favorite of adults and children alike. The water park features wave pools, water slides, splash parks and fountains that children can engage with as well as water buckets and lots of other pool equipment. Start a game of water volleyball, traverse the obstacle courses in the large pool and, when you've finally worked up an appetite, dig into delicious local cuisine for a very affordable price right on the premises. While the young ones splash around, you can lounge on the deck, work up a tan or float around on a pool noodle.
5. Wat Huay Mongkol: Climb the Steps to Enlightenment
Unforgettable and larger-than-life, the statue of Luang Phor Thuad, a beloved southern Thai monk, draws thousands of visitors every year. Disciples travel from far and wide to be in the presence of the statue as it was said that the beloved monk could perform miracles. Even if you're not a believer, it is hard not to be awestruck as you approach the Wat Huay Mongkol, with Luang Phor Thuad rising like a watchful protector. There is also a mini elephant sanctuary and vast sunflower fields in the surrounding area.
1. Chatsila Night Market: Lights, Food & Fun After-Hours
This is one of Hua Hin's most recent night markets, occupying a more intimate space but no less alive and well-lit than its predecessors. Chatsila Night Market is the place to go for a selection of local street food, along with more gourmet eats and packages for easy, on-the-go eating. It operates all day but comes alive at night. Because it's so close to the transit stops, it's a prime night market for travelers looking for local souvenirs like handmade clothing, postcards, notebooks, small home décor pieces and t-shirts with funky designs.
2. Cicada Market: Not Just for a Quick Sale
The vibrant and eclectic Cicada Market brings together local artists, designers and craftsman and connects them with tourists, travelers, students and night-market lovers. Instead of being a chaotic and bright free-for-all that most night markets usually feel like, the Cicada Market focuses on specialized artwork, hosting creative activities and supporting vendors selling handmade crafts as well as exhibitions featuring outdoor music, dance and theatre performances. The Cicada Market is divided into four distinct areas: The Cicada Cuisine, Art A La Mode, Art Factory and Ampitheatre.
3. Mrigadayavan Palace: A Place of Love & Hope
Tucked away on the extensive ground of the palatial Mrigadayavan Palace is the royal history and heritage of Thailand's King Vajiravudh, who ruled Siam from 1910 to 1925. Even though it was constructed simply a holiday villa, the Mrigadayavan Palace is no less impressive in its beautiful architecture. It's also known as the Palace of Love and Hope and consists of 16 golden teak buildings over sprawling manicured lawns. The interior consists of majestic high ceilings, beautiful fretwork and a design that keeps the entire building breezy and cool.
4. Black Mountain Water Park: Making a Splash
Located just 15 minutes away from the center of Hua Hin, the Black Mountain Water Park is a favorite of adults and children alike. The water park features wave pools, water slides, splash parks and fountains that children can engage with as well as water buckets and lots of other pool equipment. Start a game of water volleyball, traverse the obstacle courses in the large pool and, when you've finally worked up an appetite, dig into delicious local cuisine for a very affordable price right on the premises. While the young ones splash around, you can lounge on the deck, work up a tan or float around on a pool noodle.
5. Wat Huay Mongkol: Climb the Steps to Enlightenment
Unforgettable and larger-than-life, the statue of Luang Phor Thuad, a beloved southern Thai monk, draws thousands of visitors every year. Disciples travel from far and wide to be in the presence of the statue as it was said that the beloved monk could perform miracles. Even if you're not a believer, it is hard not to be awestruck as you approach the Wat Huay Mongkol, with Luang Phor Thuad rising like a watchful protector. There is also a mini elephant sanctuary and vast sunflower fields in the surrounding area.
Where to Eat in Hua Hin
The Sea Harmony Eco Cafe has a wide selection of Thai, vegetarian and Asian fusion dishes. A typical meal costs around 250-300 baht.
When to visit Hua Hin
The best time to visit is between November and February when there is less humidity, rainfall and the temperature is more mild in general.
How to Get to Hua Hin
Plane
There are no international direct flights to Hua Hin airport. Instead, a one way ticket from London to the capital of Bangkok costs 13,700 baht.
Train
Hua Hin Railway Station is located in the heart of the city. Tickets from Bangkok cost around 250 baht, with the journey to Hua Hin taking 4.5 hours.
Car
Route 35 and Route 4 will bring you from Bangkok to Hua Hin, as well as connecting you down south to Phuket.
Bus
There are several non-stop air-conditioned buses that make the trip from Bangkok to Hua Hin in around 3.5 hours. A one-way ticket costs 269 baht.
Airlines serving Hua Hin
Where to stay in Hua Hin
Hua Hin Beach - This area houses the popular Cicada Market as well as many hotels and beaches for tourists.
Popular Neighborhoods in Hua Hin
Khao Takiap - Set on top of a mountain, this area featuring Buddha temples also has a nice panoramic restaurant that's popular among visitors.
Huay Mongkol - This area is the site of the giant statue of Thailand's enlightened monk named Luang Phor Thuad.
Where to stay in popular areas of Hua Hin
Most booked hotels in Hua Hin
How to Get Around Hua Hin
Public Transportation
Songthaews, or open air trucks, start at 15 baht for a ride. Negotiate the price and pay when boarding the truck.
Taxi
Taxis cost 35 baht for a starting tariff, and 60 baht is a fair price for a journey within the city limits.
Car
There are many companies with daily rental vehicles starting at 650 baht. Cars are available at the airport or downtown pick-up locations.
The Cost of Living in Hua Hin
Shopping Streets
Most locals shop at the night markets to haggle over traditional crafts, food, jewelry and clothes. The Hua Hin Market Village is the main indoor shopping mall.
Groceries and Other
Villa market JP Co.,Ltd. and Tesco are the two main grocery markets. A dozen eggs costs 53 baht.