Hua Hin Travel Guide

Your ultimate travel guide to Hua Hin - the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local culture, and more. Plan your trip now!


Comprehensive Guide to Hua Hin Travel

Welcome to Hua Hin, a charming seaside city in Central Thailand that boasts of long, wide beaches, stunning national parks, cultural sites, and delicious cuisine. If you’re planning to spend a few days or weeks in this beautiful place, this guide will help you make the most of your trip. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and where to stay in Hua Hin. Let’s get started.

Introduction to Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a picturesque town situated about 200 kilometers south of Bangkok, on the Northern Gulf Coast. This popular destination amongst tourists combines modern luxuries with traditional charms that make it unique. The city is famous for its beautiful beaches, scenic landscape, iconic landmarks, and lively nightlife.

List of Places to Visit in Hua Hin

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Mrigadayavan Palace - A summer palace built in the early 1920s for King Rama VI.

  2. Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park - A beautiful park that offers visitors a glimpse into the historical and artistic aspects of the town.

  3. Hua Hin Railway Station - One of the most photographed spots in Hua Hin, this historical train station is famous for its architecture and location in the heart of the city.

Natural Attractions of Hua Hin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park - A stunning national park known for its limestone hills, wetlands, and marine life.

  2. Huay Mongkol Temple - A significant temple situated in the mountains, with breathtaking scenic views.

  3. Kaeng Krachan National Park - One of Thailand’s largest national parks, famous for its waterfall, dam, and hiking opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hua Hin

Hua Hin boasts plenty of beautiful trails and biking routes for the active nature lovers, but the most popular ones include:

  1. Khao Hin Lek Fai - a small hill that offers sweeping views of the town and the sea.

  2. Hua Hin Beach - a scenic shoreline that runs nearly six kilometers long and perfect for a morning jog or bike ride.

  3. Kao Takiab Hill - a famous landmark offering views of the nearby temples and beaches.

Best Things to Do in Hua Hin: Activities and Tours

  1. Pala-u Waterfall - a breathtaking waterfall in the heart of the national park, with picturesque landscapes surrounding it.

  2. Elephant Village - a place where you can learn about elephants, ride them, or even bathe them.

  3. Night Market - a bustling night market with delicious street food, clothing, and souvenirs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hua Hin

Day 1: Visit the historical sites, including Mrigadayavan Palace and Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park.

Day 2: Explore Huay Mongkol Temple and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.

Day 3: Rent a bike and visit Khao Hin Lek Fai and Kao Takiab Hill.

Day 4: Spend the day at Hua Hin Beach, walking, soaking up the sun, or swimming.

Day 5: Visit Pala-u Waterfall

Day 6: Learn about elephants at Elephant Village

Day 7: Shop for souvenirs and eat street food at the Night Market

Food and Drink Scene of Hua Hin

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Khao Tung Na Tung - Spicy rice crackers

  2. Kanom Jeen Nam Ya - Noodles with fish curry

  3. Tom Yum Goong - Spicy shrimp soup

Local Beverages

  1. Cha Yen - Thai Iced Tea

  2. Singha Beer - A Tiger-head logo is synonymous with the Hua Hin.

  3. Moo Juice - Fresh milk served in a bottle.

Where to Stay in Hua Hin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hua Hin has plenty of hotels, hostels and guesthouses to suit various budgets. Some of the best ones include:

  1. Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

  2. InterContinental Hua Hin Resort

  3. Hua Hin Paradise Boutique Guesthouse

What to Buy in Hua Hin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Kites - Kites are popular in Hua Hin, and you can find unique ones at the night market.

  2. Handmade Crafts – You get beautiful handmade crafts made by the locals, including dragon-whistle pots, ornaments made from silver, brass, clay, and handmade bags.

  3. Thai Silk – Exquisite Thai silk is a perfect gift to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a predominantly Buddhist town, and you’ll find religious temples, shrines, and other structures scattered throughout the city. The locals dress conservatively, and it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a house, temple, or shrine.

Best Time to Visit Hua Hin

The best time to visit Hua Hin is during the dry season, from November to February, when the temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and bigger crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hua Hin

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.

  2. Dress modestly while visiting temples and shrines.

  3. Try street food without hesitation

Don’t:

  1. Don’t touch or feed Buddha statues.

  2. Avoid hiring jet skis as it’s generally a scam.

  3. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hua Hin

Hua Hin is generally safe for tourists, but like everywhere in the world, caution should still be exercised and valuables kept in safe places. In case of an emergency call 191.

Health in Hua Hin

Healthcare facilities in Hua Hin are of a high standard. It’s important to carry a basic first aid kit with insect repellent and sunscreen.

Getting to Hua Hin: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hua Hin

The closest airport to Hua Hin is Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok’s main airport, which is about 3 hours away by car.

Bus Stations Near Hua Hin

Hua Hin has a bus station, but most tourist buses arrive in Bangkok.

Other Options

Taxis, minivans, and trains are available between Bangkok and Hua Hin.

How to Get Around in Hua Hin

There are several transportation options available, such as songtaews, motorbike taxis, tuk-tuks, bicycles, and even traditional horse-drawn carriages.

Where to Go Next from Hua Hin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hua Hin serves as a gateway to other popular destinations in Central Thailand, including:

  1. Phetchaburi - a nearby city famous for its historical attractions and beautiful temple.

  2. Prachuap Khiri Khan - A quaint beach town nearby famous for its beautiful beaches, seafood and WWII attraction - Ao Manao.

Conclusion

Hua Hin is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the best of both worlds. From beaches to historical landmarks to delicious cuisine, this town has something for everyone. We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Hua Hin, so pack your bags and get ready to have some fun!

Hua Hin Beach, Hilton Hotel in the background Hua Hin Beach, Hilton Hotel in the background Clock tower (หอนาฬิกา), central Hua Hin Clock tower (หอนาฬิกา), central Hua Hin Hua Hin train station Hua Hin train station Charging station for electric vehicles on the grounds of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) at 2/7 Phetkasem Rd, Hua Hin, Thailand. Charging station for electric vehicles on the grounds of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) at 2/7 Phetkasem Rd, Hua Hin, Thailand. Beach in Hua Hin Beach in Hua Hin Monks outside Hua Hin Railway Station Monks outside Hua Hin Railway Station Bronze statues of seven Thai kings, Rajabhakti Park Bronze statues of seven Thai kings, Rajabhakti Park A monkey on Khao Hin Lek Fai A monkey on Khao Hin Lek Fai Siam Pearl cruise ship to Sam Roi Yod National Park Siam Pearl cruise ship to Sam Roi Yod National Park Hua Hin Market village Hua Hin Market village Fresh lobster for dinner? Fresh lobster for dinner? Hua Hin hotels Hua Hin hotels