Complete Travel Guide to Hua Hin – Beaches, Temples & Things to Do

Welcome to Hua Hin, a picturesque beach town nestled on the Gulf of Thailand just a few hours south of Bangkok. Known as the first resort town in Thailand, Hua Hin has long been a favorite among Thai royalty and urbanites seeking a peaceful coastal retreat.
 

Unlike Thailand’s party islands or tourist-packed beaches, Hua Hin offers a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere with family-friendly attractions, rich cultural sites, world-class golf, vibrant night markets, and excellent seafood.

📍 Hua Hin at a Glance

📍 Location: Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand

🛏️ Type: Seaside town, resort city

🚗 Distance from Bangkok: ~200 km (3–4 hours by car or train)

👑 Known For: Royal summer palaces, beaches, golf, seafood

🌟 Why Visit Hua Hin?

Hua Hin blends royal elegance, cultural charm, and seaside relaxation. It’s ideal for couples, families, retirees, and digital nomads who want to enjoy the beauty of Thailand without the chaos.

Top Reasons to Visit Hua Hin:

🏖️ Relax on peaceful, family-friendly beaches

🏯 Visit royal palaces like Mrigadayavan Palace

🛍️ Explore lively night markets and street food scenes

⛳ Play golf on world-class courses

🌿 Discover scenic vineyards, waterfalls, and national parks nearby

🏖️ Top Things to Do in Hua Hin

1. Hua Hin Beach

Stretching for 7 kilometers, Hua Hin Beach is clean, scenic, and relatively uncrowded.

Activities: Horseback riding, beach walks, water sports, kite surfing

Best Time: Early morning or sunset

Quick Tip: Avoid midday heat and bring sun protection.

2. Cicada Market

An artistic weekend market with handcrafted products, street food, and live performances.

Open: Friday to Sunday, evenings

Great for: Souvenirs, boho vibes, music, and local eats

Don’t Miss: The beer garden and live acoustic sets.

3. Hua Hin Night Market

The town’s most famous night market, open daily.

Highlights: Fresh seafood, local snacks, Thai massages

Must-Try Dish: Grilled squid or mango sticky rice

4. Mrigadayavan Palace

A beautiful seaside teakwood palace built by King Rama VI in the 1920s.

Features: Long wooden corridors, colonial-style architecture

Dress Code: Modest clothing (knees and shoulders covered)

Fun Fact: Nicknamed the “Palace of Love and Hope.”

5. Khao Takiab (“Monkey Mountain”)

A hilltop temple offering sweeping sea views and cheeky macaques.

What to See: Giant Buddha statue, Wat Khao Takiab temple

Caution: Keep bags closed—monkeys love snacks!

6. Vana Nava Water Jungle

Asia’s first water jungle theme park—great for families and thrill-seekers.

Rides: Water slides, lazy river, wave pool

Tip: Buy tickets online for discounts

7. Black Mountain Water Park & Wakeboard Park

Ideal for sporty travelers, families, and wakeboarding fans.

8. Hua Hin Railway Station

One of the oldest and most beautiful train stations in Thailand.

Built during the reign of King Rama VI

Features a royal pavilion and classic architecture

Photo Opportunity: The red-and-white wooden station hall.

9. Wat Huay Mongkol

A spiritual site featuring the massive statue of Luang Phor Thuad, a revered monk.

Peaceful atmosphere, large Buddha images

Located ~15 km west of Hua Hin

🍇 Day Trips from Hua Hin

1. Kaeng Krachan National Park

Thailand’s largest national park, home to elephants, gibbons, and waterfalls.

Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, kayaking

Best Time: November to April (dry season)

2. Hua Hin Hills Vineyard (Monsoon Valley)

Enjoy wine tasting with views of rolling vineyards and elephants roaming nearby.

Wine: Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Rosé

Dining: On-site restaurant with wine pairings

3. Phraya Nakhon Cave (Sam Roi Yot National Park)

A magical cave with a royal pavilion illuminated by sunlight.

Getting There: Hike or boat to Laem Sala Beach, then climb to the cave

One of Thailand’s most Instagrammable natural spots

🏨 Where to Stay in Hua Hin

🏝️ Beachfront Luxury

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas – Iconic colonial-style hotel

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin – Family-friendly with water slides

💼 Mid-Range Comfort

Putahracsa Hua Hin – Stylish boutique resort near the beach

Cape Nidhra Hotel – Private plunge pools and elegant design

💰 Budget Options

Hub Hua Hin 57 Hotel – Clean and central

Chalelarn Hotel – Rooftop pool with sea views

🍽️ What to Eat in Hua Hin

Seafood: Fresh prawns, crabs, squid—try the Hua Hin night market

Thai-Style Crepes: Sold at night stalls, topped with banana or chocolate

Khao Krieb Woonsen: Glass noodles served with spicy sauce and seafood

Pad Thai Hua Hin: Local version of Thailand’s famous noodle dish

☀️ When to Visit Hua Hin

🚆 How to Get to Hua Hin

🚗 By Car

3–4 hours from Bangkok on Highway 35

Convenient and scenic coastal drive

🚆 By Train

Regular trains from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station

Takes 4–5 hours

Hua Hin Station is walkable from the town center

🚌 By Bus or Van

Minivans and buses from Bangkok (Victory Monument or Ekkamai)

Comfortable, budget-friendly

🛫 By Air

Flights available to nearby Hua Hin Airport from select cities

More common is flying into Bangkok and driving down

🧘 Wellness, Spas & Golf in Hua Hin

💆 Spas & Wellness

Chiva-Som International Health Resort – World-renowned retreat

Let’s Relax Spa – Affordable and professional treatments

⛳ Golf

Black Mountain Golf Club – Championship-level course

Banyan Golf Club – Scenic and luxurious

Royal Hua Hin Golf Course – Thailand’s oldest golf course (1924)

🛍️ Shopping in Hua Hin

Bluport Mall – Modern mall with international brands

Market Village – Shopping and dining under one roof

Tamarind Market – Weekend market with food, crafts, and music

📸 Photography Tips

Sunrise at Hua Hin Beach

Sunset at Khao Takiab

Daylight at Phraya Nakhon Cave

Night scenes at Cicada Market

🙏 Travel Tips

🧴 Bring sunscreen and insect repellent

👕 Dress modestly when visiting temples and palaces

💧 Stay hydrated—especially in the hot season

📶 Most cafes and hotels have Wi-Fi; SIM cards widely available

🧼 Carry tissues and hand sanitizer for local restrooms

🌿 Responsible Travel in Hua Hin

💚 Respect wildlife and don’t feed monkeys at Khao Takiab

♻️ Reduce plastic use; bring reusable water bottles and bags

🙏 Be courteous and polite—Thais value respectful behavior

🚲 Explore by bicycle or tuk-tuk to lower your carbon footprint

🧳 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Hua Hin

Hua Hin may not shout for attention like Thailand’s more boisterous destinations, but its quiet elegance, rich history, and beachside serenity will leave a lasting impression. Whether you're sipping wine in the hills, wandering palace corridors, or savoring grilled seafood on a moonlit beach, you’ll feel the timeless charm that has enchanted Thai royalty for generations.

It’s not just a vacation—it’s a graceful pause.