Hua Hin is located in the north of the Malay Peninsula in Thailand and it is a popular beach retreat from bustling Bangkok. Hua Hin has plenty to offer the visitor, including a nice beach and lots of interesting, affordable restaurants. Find out what to see and do in Hua Hin with this quick guide.
Beaches in Hua Hin
There is only one beach in Hua Hin, named predictably Hua Hin Beach. The beach is long and stretches from one end of the town to the other. The beach is 3 km long and is edged by a rocky headland at one end and a Buddhist temple at the other. As the beach is so long, you are sure to be able to find a space on the sand. The sand itself is fine and white. If you go further along, past the hill, you will find yourself on another beach where it is great to swim, and you have a view of the south face of the Khao Takiab hill. You will easily be able to find a deckchair or lounger on the beach but expect to pay a small charge to hire it for the day. If you go around 13 kilometers to the south of the town there are two more lovely beaches called Hat Sai Yai and Hat Sai Noi.
Klai Kangwon Palace
The Far from Worries palace is still used by members of the modern Royal Family when the weather heats up in Bangkok. The palace was built in 1929 by King Rama VII. The building is Spanish-style and has sea views plus an ornamental garden. You can visit the grounds of the palace when the Royal Family is not in residence.
Khao Takiab Hill
The Khao Takiab hill is around 8km from the center of Hua Hin and it has a number of different Buddhist temples clinging to its rocky sides. Once you have climbed the hill you are rewarded with great views over the resort town and further in the distance. Climb the hill at sunset to watch the amazing colors as dusk falls. You can catch public buses from Hua Hin to visit the hill.
Namtok Pa La-u Waterfall
Part of the Kaeng Krachan National Park and located 60km to the west of Hua Hin, this 11-tier waterfall is within a beautiful forest. You can spot many different varieties of birds and animals, and it is possible to camp in the National Park – tents can be hired for the night or bring your own.
Hua Hin Railway Station
This historic railways station is worth a visit because it is architecturally interesting. The station used to be a royal pavilion, part of a royal palace. It was rebuilt at today’s site in the 1960s. Go see the station for an example of traditional Thai design.
Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre
If you are looking for a place to see contemporary Thai art or to buy crafts and pictures, pay a visit to the arts and crafts center on Naepkhehat Road in Hua Hin. The center is free to enter.
Khao Hin Lek Fai
Around 3 km to the west of Hua Hin, Khao Hin Lek Fai or Flint Mountain is a 162-meter-high hill that has a public park and fine views over the surrounding area.
Sam Roi Yot National Park
This beautiful area is around 60 km from Hua Hin. The 98-sq-km reserve has limestone mountains, beaches, swamps, and plenty of bird life. The ridge at Khao Sam Roi Yot has 300 peaks. You can also enjoy the reserve from the ocean by booking a sea cruise. The beach at Hat Laem Sala is 16 km into the park and here you will find a cave called the Tham Phraya Nakhon. 3.5 kilometers away from the park entrance is a beach called Hat Sam Phraya which has pine trees and some fine sand.
Getting Around in Hua Hin
It is not difficult to get from your hotel to the beach and back again. Neither is it hard to access all the restaurants and attractions Hua Hin has to offer. You can take the local public minibuses between places, or travel by tuk tuk or taxi. Taxis may be a little expensive, especially if you are traveling at night. If you are doing a lot of traveling around you may want to save money by renting a scooter or a push bike for the duration of your stay.
Find out more about Hua Hin at PhuketOn. For more information about Bangkok, Phuket and Hua Hin, visit PhuketOn – restaurants, accommodation, attractions, and more.
