Hua Hin, Thailand

Hua Hin, Thailand

Hua Hin is a charming seaside town located about 200 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, renowned for its royal history, relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and lively markets. Once a favorite retreat for Thai royalty, it has developed into a top tourist destination while still retaining its unique, laid-back vibe.

 

Tourist Attractions:

  1. Hua Hin Beach

    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
    • Highlights: Hua Hin’s iconic beach stretches along the Gulf of Thailand, with soft sand, gentle waves, and palm trees. It’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports. You can also enjoy horseback riding along the shore or beachfront massages.
    • Activities: Kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are popular water sports.

  2. Cicada Market

    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Friday to Sunday).
    • Highlights: Cicada Market is a lively open-air market known for its arts, crafts, and handmade goods. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and enjoy live music performances. The food zone offers a wide variety of local and international dishes, giving visitors a taste of Hua Hin’s culinary diversity.

  3. Vana Nava Water Jungle

    • Entrance Fee: THB 1,200 for adults, THB 800 for children.
    • Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
    • Highlights: Vana Nava is a tropical water park with a variety of slides, pools, and water attractions. It’s perfect for families and thrill-seekers. The park also has a large adventure zone with rope courses, climbing walls, and more.

  4. Wat Huay Mongkol

    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Highlights: This temple houses the largest statue of the revered monk Luang Phor Thuad in Thailand. Surrounded by peaceful gardens, it’s a popular place for locals to pay respects and make merit. The area also offers scenic views of the surrounding hills.

  5. Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

    • Entrance Fee: THB 30 for adults, THB 15 for children.
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed on Wednesdays).
    • Highlights: Known as the “Palace of Love and Hope,” this royal palace is made of golden teak wood and was built by King Rama VI as a summer retreat. The palace is situated on the beachfront and features beautiful architecture with open-air corridors and lush gardens.

  6. Phraya Nakhon Cave

    • Entrance Fee: THB 200 (part of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park).
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Highlights: This stunning cave is famous for its natural beauty and the small royal pavilion built inside. The sunlight streaming through a hole in the cave’s ceiling creates a magical atmosphere. The cave is located in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, which offers scenic views and hiking opportunities.

How to Get to Hua Hin:

  • By Train: Hua Hin is accessible by train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station, with a scenic 4-5 hour journey. Tickets range from THB 50-200, depending on the class.
  • By Bus/Van: Buses and vans leave from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) and Ekkamai Bus Station, taking around 3 hours. Fares range from THB 150-300.
  • By Car: Driving from Bangkok to Hua Hin via Highway 35 (Rama II Road) takes approximately 2.5-3 hours.
  • By Private Transfer: Private vans or taxis can be arranged for a more comfortable and direct trip, costing around THB 1,500-3,000.

How to Get Around:

  • Tuk-tuks: These are widely available and charge between THB 50-150 depending on the distance.
  • Songthaews: Shared pickup trucks with benches in the back, popular for traveling along fixed routes. Fares range from THB 10-30 per trip.
  • Motorbike Taxis: Convenient for short distances, costing around THB 20-60 depending on the ride.
  • Car or Motorbike Rental: Renting a car or motorbike is an excellent way to explore Hua Hin and surrounding areas at your own pace. Motorbikes can be rented for around THB 200-300 per day, while cars typically start at THB 1,200 per day.

Popular Local Food:

  1. Khao Kruk Kapi: This flavorful dish is rice mixed with shrimp paste and served with sweet pork, shredded green mango, and other condiments.
  2. Pla Phao (Grilled Fish): Freshly caught fish from the Gulf of Thailand, grilled over charcoal and served with spicy dipping sauces.
  3. Hua Hin’s Seafood: The town is famous for its fresh seafood, especially in the night markets, where you’ll find grilled prawns, squid, crabs, and fish.
  4. Pad Thai: A classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish found in almost every market in Hua Hin.
  5. Roti: A popular street food, roti in Hua Hin is often filled with banana or eggs and topped with condensed milk.

Top Nightlife Spots in Hua Hin:

  1. Hua Hin Night Market

    • Location: Dechanuchit Road (city center).
    • Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
    • Highlights: A vibrant market with street food, local crafts, and live music. Although not a typical nightlife spot, the night market is open late and offers a lively atmosphere with various food and drink options.
    • Happy Hours: Some bars near the market offer happy hours from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

  2. Saxophone Lounge Hua Hin

    • Location: Soi Naeb Kehardt.
    • Entrance Fee: None.
    • Highlights: A stylish jazz bar offering live performances, great cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere. Popular among tourists and locals alike for its live jazz and blues performances.
    • Happy Hours: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM with discounts on cocktails and beer.

  3. Oceanside Beach Club & Restaurant

    • Location: Putahracsa Hua Hin Resort.
    • Entrance Fee: None (but food and drinks are charged).
    • Highlights: A chic beachfront venue where you can enjoy cocktails, fresh seafood, and international dishes with ocean views. It’s perfect for a more upscale evening out, with live DJs playing on weekends.
    • Happy Hours: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM with drink specials.

  4. Binta Bar

    • Location: Soi 61.
    • Entrance Fee: None.
    • Highlights: Known for its vibrant nightlife and live music, Binta Bar is a local favorite. The atmosphere is casual, with affordable drinks and a good mix of locals and tourists.
    • Happy Hours: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM with discounts on beers and cocktails.

  5. Hua Hin Brewing Company

    • Location: Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa.
    • Entrance Fee: None (but food and drinks are charged).
    • Highlights: A microbrewery and pub with a lively atmosphere, offering live bands, great beer, and a range of international food. It’s a great spot for a fun night out with friends.
    • Happy Hours: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with discounts on local and imported beers.

Getting to Nightlife Spots:

  • Tuk-tuks and Motorbike Taxis: Easily available throughout the town and are the best way to get to various nightlife spots. Fares range from THB 50-150 depending on the distance.
  • Walking: Many nightlife venues are located near Hua Hin’s central beach area, making them accessible on foot if you’re staying nearby.

Hua Hin offers a delightful mix of daytime relaxation and vibrant nightlife, making it a top destination for those looking to escape Bangkok’s hustle while enjoying beachside charm and cultural experiences.