The town and seaside resort of Hua Hin is located approximately 200 km south of Bangkok. It makes for a pleasant stopover to enjoy the beach not far from the capital. Indeed, this is precisely why Bangkok residents love spending their weekends here with family or partners.

History

Before becoming a renowned seaside resort, Hua Hin was a small fishing village where time moved slowly but steadily. The locality only prospered from the early 20th century onwards. In 1911, the railway line connecting Hua Hin to the capital Bangkok was completed. This prompted members of the bourgeoisie of the time to spend their vacations in this tranquil coastal town in the south. Later, the royal family also came to Hua Hin to enjoy its peaceful setting.

Following the arrival of high society personalities and members of the monarchy, numerous private residences sprang up along the coastline. The Public Works Minister during the reign of Rama V notably had a residence built at the southern end of Lam Hin. Beyond the construction of private estates, the first hotel establishments, villas and beachfront bungalows also began to appear.

Today

Since the beginning of its tourist boom in the 1920s, the seaside resort has developed substantially while retaining its charm and peaceful character.

What places to visit in Hua Hin?

Hua Hin Beach

The Hua Hin seaside resort is bordered by a long beach stretching approximately 7 km. The most pleasant stretch lies to the south (towards Khao Takiab hill) where the sand is fine and the sea ideal for swimming.

What to do?

• Kitesurfing
• Jet-skiing
• Beach volleyball
• Beach soccer
• Horseback riding along the shore
• Golf

Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

This teak wood palace was constructed in the early 1920s. Its design was created by an Italian architect and combines Thai and European architectural styles. The royal halls and royal apartments have been converted into a museum. You will see various artifacts and vintage photographs. It's worth noting that photography is prohibited in certain rooms of the palace. Moreover, before visiting this royal residence, remember to dress appropriately as you would for temple visits (flip-flops, shorts, miniskirts and tank tops should be avoided).

Klai Kangwon Palace

This royal palace, whose name literally translates to "far from worries", was built by King Rama VII in 1926. It features magnificent gardens and houses a shell museum. To access it, you must obtain authorization from the Royal Household Office.

Panee Butterfly Garden

Located opposite the Kangwon Palace, in addition to housing numerous butterfly species, this garden also showcases several plant varieties. The site is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Khao Takiab

This is a hill located approximately 8 km from the city center. From here, the view over Hua Hin Bay is breathtaking. Generally, people visit early in the morning to photograph the sunrise. Macaques have made this hill their home, and some can occasionally be quite aggressive, so remain vigilant.

Hua Hin Markets

Cicada Market

This is a night market held every weekend in southern Hua Hin. The products sold here are primarily local handicrafts.

Hua Hin Night Market

Unlike Cicada Market, this one operates daily on Soi 72 near the train station. This night market sells all sorts of items and features numerous restaurants.

Plearwan Day Market

Its distinctive feature lies in the building style itself, which transports visitors to Hua Hin of the 1950s. This nostalgic atmosphere is immediately apparent upon seeing its façade. Inside, you'll find numerous boutiques featuring retro styling with vintage signage. You can also find photo studios, sellers of antique tin toys, and even a record store specializing in vinyl records of crooners from the 1950s and 60s. If you're feeling peckish, you can order a delicious Thai dish at one of the market's restaurants. On the menu, you'll find, among others, kuay-jub, pad thai or keaw-pla-tha-chaloam.

Pa La-U Waterfall: a natural wonder to discover near Hua Hin

Namtok Pa La-U as locals call it is a magnificent 11-tiered waterfall located approximately 60 kilometers west of the seaside resort. To reach it, you must traverse a tropical forest that is home to numerous bird and butterfly species.

Weather

Hua Hin enjoys a tropical hot climate with average temperatures typically ranging between 30°C and 34°C from January to April. As for sea temperature, it remains pleasant year-round with an average between 28°C and 30°C.

When to visit Hua Hin?

The best period for a trip to Hua Hin is between November and February. From May to September, monsoon showers are frequent, though often brief. In October, rainfall reaches its peak. This is why October is less suitable for a stay at the resort. Also avoid May, September and October due to the rainy season.

How to get to Hua Hin from Bangkok?

By train

From Bangkok, head to Hua Lamphong Station to take the train to Hua Hin. Lines depart daily from this terminal. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. While this mode of transport is admittedly the slowest, it allows you to appreciate the scenery of southern Thailand. Additionally, upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to admire the picturesque Hua Hin train station, which is among the oldest in all of Thailand. The building itself has the appearance of temples thanks to its roof and vibrant color.

By bus

With this mode of transport, travel time remains roughly the same as by train, but can sometimes be reduced when traffic flows smoothly. Moreover, most companies connecting Hua Hin and Bangkok operate comfortable bus fleets. To take a bus to Hua Hin, go to the southern bus terminal in Thonburi. The first bus typically departs around 4 am, followed by others throughout the day.

By minivan

To reach Hua Hin quickly by road, there's nothing better than this mode of transport. Indeed, if traffic is lighter, the journey can be completed in just 2.5 hours with this type of vehicle. If you're in Bangkok, you'll find minivans at Victory Monument. A ticket costs approximately 180 baht (about 5 €).

By air

The coastal town of Hua Hin has an international airport located about 5 km from the city center. This air terminal is served from Bangkok by local airlines with 3 flights per day. The aircraft used are small and carry a maximum of about ten passengers, so it's advisable to book in advance.

How to get around Hua Hin?

By scooter

Scooters are easily rented for around 300 baht per day. However, driving in Thailand can be risky, especially if you're not an experienced driver or if your insurance is limited.

By bicycle

With its flat topography, Hua Hin is ideal for cycling. Be mindful of sometimes heavy traffic in certain areas.

By tuk-tuk

This mode of transport is colorful and convenient, but can also be expensive. Negotiate firmly to get a fairer rate, though it generally remains pricier than songthaews.

By songthaew

These shared pick-ups with two benches in the back, painted white or green, are perfect for economical trips. Fares range from 10 to 40 baht depending on distance. Simply tell the driver where you want to go, and they'll let you know if it matches their route.