If you’re looking for an out of town beach getaway for a couple of
days is perfect. It’s not the best beach in Thailand, I must admit, but
it’s the best option for a Bangkok getaway.The beach is also really long
and wide, so if you like walks and the kids love space to play then
it’s spot on. And, if you hire a car, Cha-Am is only 20 km down the
road, which also has a worthwhile beach offering various water sports
and delicious Thai street food.You’ll find mainly Thais at Cha’am beach,
but if you want the authentic Thai beach experience, this is it; pure
chilling, eating, talking, playing games and NOT going in the sun until
after 4pm.Hua Hin beach isn’t a tropical looking beach as such,
but it’s vast and thought-provoking spaciousness coupled with great
sunsets and epic views make it rather special in my opinion.Its core
appeal is that it tends to be much quieter than the popular beaches down
south, and therefore makes it a great place to walk and catch up with
your thoughts, so to speak.While it may lack the coconut trees of Samui
or the rock-blessed hills of Phuket, it really does offer a different
experience. And although the donkey rides can be a tad annoying during
high season, the main strip that runs alongside the Hilton Hotel
pleasantly lacks the hassling hawkers and over bearing tourist presence
of the likes of Chaweng in Samui or Kata in Phuket.
but it’s vast and thought-provoking spaciousness coupled with great
sunsets and epic views make it rather special in my opinion.Its core
appeal is that it tends to be much quieter than the popular beaches down
south, and therefore makes it a great place to walk and catch up with
your thoughts, so to speak.While it may lack the coconut trees of Samui
or the rock-blessed hills of Phuket, it really does offer a different
experience. And although the donkey rides can be a tad annoying during
high season, the main strip that runs alongside the Hilton Hotel
pleasantly lacks the hassling hawkers and over bearing tourist presence
of the likes of Chaweng in Samui or Kata in Phuket.Other than strolling along the beach and watching the divine sunsets, there are a number of activities you can consider for the family.Like all tourist destinations in Thailand there’s the usual Thai massage and spa places, cooking courses, trekking, cycling, diving, snorkelling, water sports, and fishing. But for something a little different check out the sea cruises to Sam Roi Yod National Park.In recent years Hua Hin has become renowned for its kite-boarding. People flock from far and wide to this coast to catch the winds that come off the sea and provide the thrill of surfing with a kite.Of course this is largely a seasonal activity in the windier months, but if you like a thrill, you might want to check out this wind map.My personal “must do” list starts with the pretty Hua Hin railway station. It’s Thailand’s most famous, dating back to the 1920s. I wouldn’t recommend catching a train though, as the schedule seems somewhat relaxed.I suggest you also visit Kaeng Krachan National Park and climb the waterfalls. The layers seem to go on indefinitely but I believe there are 16. Be sure to take a big bottle of water though, or you might struggle on the way down, as I did in the soaring heat. It’s a fair drive from Hua Hin, so get a taxi if you haven’t got a car. You could do the journey on a moped but it would be a fair old trip.You really shouldn’t leave without visiting Wat Huay Mongkol, either, This temple was home to the immensely popular monk Luang Pu Thuat, famed for performing miracles. The beautiful Wat Huay Mongkol houses the largest statue of Luang Phor Thuat in Thailand in a park-like setting.
After Dark in Hua Hin:-Hua Hin after dark is pretty quiet, which suits the type of holiday you’ll have here. And once you’ve had a nice meal, it will be time to head off to the Hua Hin Night Market. The market is a lot smaller to the night markets you’ll find in Chiang Mai, for example, but it houses some great restaurants serving both Thai and European food. It’s also a treat just to soak up the vibe and have a stroll. You may find things are a tad pricier than Bangkok, but then it’s always good to contribute to the local economy, and they’ll be a fair few nik-naks you won’t resist, I’m sure.Once you’ve had a meal, eaten Svenson’s and bought a Hua Hin t-shirt, you’ll need to head over to near the beach road to find a bar, most of which are pleasant enough, but a tad dingy all the same.It’s not as bad as some of the bars you might run into in downtown Bangkok, but if you want something a bit classier I suggest heading for a drink at the awesome Lotus Sky Bar.As Hua Hin is a Royal town and also the oldest beach resort in Thailand, it's not suprising that the town is steeped in history and full of attractions.If you take the time out to hunt some of these down, you will better understand the country, the people and the culture.The following pages will highlight the main attractions, giving some brief historical details, how to find them and how to behave and dress to ensure you do not cause offence.Try to visit some of these. They are mostly directly in Hua Hin, or very close to it and you will find your visit to Hua Hin all the more rewarding for having made the effort to do so.
Hua Hin Beaches
As Hua Hin is located on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, it's hardly surprising that it is well-endowed with some great beaches. Most are wide and long, whilst depths are generally shallow with very mild currents. As a result, they are safe for all the family.
Hua Hin Royal Residences
Known as Klaikangwon Palace, meaning "far from worries", this residence is only accessable by invitation and there is an exclusion zone around it that stretches out to sea.
Hua Hin Temples
Thailand is some 95% Buddhist and so temples are a common sight all over the country and Hua Hin is no exception to this rule.
Hua Hin Railway Station
Hua Hin's popularity began to increase in the 1920's as the railway line from Bangkok was constructed and King Rama VI built Klai Kangwon Palace as a summer retreat.
Thailand is some 95% Buddhist and so temples are a common sight all over the country and Hua Hin is no exception to this rule.
Hua Hin Railway Station
Hua Hin's popularity began to increase in the 1920's as the railway line from Bangkok was constructed and King Rama VI built Klai Kangwon Palace as a summer retreat.
Hin Lek Fai
If you're looking for some spectacular views of Hua Hin, you need search no further than Khao Hin Lek Fai (Flintstone Hill).
Hua Hin Animal Park
A little known animal park/zoo lies around 10km north of Hua Hin. It appears to be setup as a government funded "deer research center" so there are no English language signs to or in the place.
Hua Hin Cicada Market
This market has recently opened in Khao Takieb and features an artists market, shopping and good food.
The Vic Hua Hin Art Complex
Situated a few kilometers south of the Khao Takieb flyover, this complex features an air-conditioned theatre, performing arts, workshops, visual art exhibitiona and film screenings.
Plearnwan Eco Vintage Village
Found on the left hand side of Petchkasem Road, just north of the traffic lights at the King's Palace, this complex covers two floors offering a glimpse back into Hua Hin's past.
Thailand Today
If you're looking for some spectacular views of Hua Hin, you need search no further than Khao Hin Lek Fai (Flintstone Hill).
Hua Hin Animal Park
A little known animal park/zoo lies around 10km north of Hua Hin. It appears to be setup as a government funded "deer research center" so there are no English language signs to or in the place.
Hua Hin Cicada Market
This market has recently opened in Khao Takieb and features an artists market, shopping and good food.
The Vic Hua Hin Art Complex
Situated a few kilometers south of the Khao Takieb flyover, this complex features an air-conditioned theatre, performing arts, workshops, visual art exhibitiona and film screenings.
Plearnwan Eco Vintage Village
Found on the left hand side of Petchkasem Road, just north of the traffic lights at the King's Palace, this complex covers two floors offering a glimpse back into Hua Hin's past.
Thailand Today
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