HUA HIN
Tourism Authority of Thailand
: Singapore Office
Nestled along the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is a coastal town that has long been a favorite destination for both locals and international travelers. With its serene beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, Hua Hin offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern appeal, making it an ideal getaway for anyone seeking a tranquil seaside retreat.
Hua Hin's rise to fame began in the 1920s when King Rama VII chose it as the location for Klai Kangwon Palace, a royal summer residence whose name means “Far from Worries.” This marked the transformation of a quiet fishing village into a fashionable resort for the Thai elite. Even today, the palace remains a symbol of Hua Hin’s royal heritage and adds an air of prestige to the town, reminding visitors of its historical significance.
The town’s beaches are among its most alluring attractions. The main Hua Hin Beach stretches along the coastline with soft sands and gentle waves, offering the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, or even horseback riding—a unique experience rarely found on other beaches in Thailand. For those seeking quieter shores, nearby beaches like Khao Takiaband Suan Son Pradiphat provide peaceful escapes with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand.
Beyond the beaches, Hua Hin offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The iconic Hua Hin Railway Station, with its distinctive architecture, stands as one of the oldest and most charming train stations in Thailand. Nearby, nature enthusiasts can venture to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, a stunning landscape of limestone mountains, wetlands, and hidden caves, including the famed Phraya Nakhon Cave, where a royal pavilion is illuminated by a natural skylight, creating a magical scene.
Food lovers will find Hua Hin a culinary delight, with its diverse dining options ranging from fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants to vibrant night markets such as Cicada Market and Hua Hin Night Market. Here, visitors can savor a mix of traditional Thai dishes, international cuisine, and local delicacies like mango sticky rice and Thai crepes, all served in a lively, open-air atmosphere.
Hua Hin is also a family-friendly destination, offering attractions for visitors of all ages. Water parks like Vana Nava Water Jungle provide exciting adventures, while the Hua Hin Artists Village (Baan Sillapin) offers art workshops and exhibitions that showcase the creativity of local artists. These experiences add depth to a visit, blending fun with cultural discovery.
Whether you're drawn by its royal history, pristine beaches, or vibrant culinary scene, Hua Hin offers something for every traveler. It is a town where the past and present coexist harmoniously, inviting visitors to relax, explore, and immerse themselves in its timeless charm. With every step along its sandy shores or through its bustling markets, Hua Hin promises an unforgettable experience by the sea.
10 Things TO DO in Hua Hin
Offering you a curated list of must-try activities that capture the essence of this captivating destination.
Classical Sites in Hua Hin
The Old Hua Hin Railway Station, which is over a hundred years old. While the station has recently been retired and replaced by a new one nearby, traveling by train from Bangkok (a journey of just over 2 hours) and taking a photo at the old Hua Hin Railway Station is an activity not to be missed.
Horseback Ridding on the Beach
Riding a horse allows you to enjoy the stunning views of the beach from a different perspective. The wider strides of the horse enable you to feel the breeze more intensely than walking on foot. Additionally, horseback riding provides the opportunity to capture beautiful photos.
In Hua Hin, horses are available for rides along the beach, with services starting at approximately 400 baht for 20 minutes.
Café
Hua Hin is home to numerous charming cafés. Some are beautifully decorated beach clubs by the sea, while others are cozy shophouse cafés serving high-quality coffee crafted by skilled baristas. All of these delightful spots can be easily found with a simple search for "Cafe in Hua Hin."
Stay in Boutique Resorts
Hua Hin boasts a diverse array of accommodation options, but what truly stands out are its boutique resorts. These small hotels are often managed by owners who are artists and creatives, designing and decorating the spaces with unique beauty. Staying in these hotels transforms your visit into an adventure in the world of art, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
Road Trip to Sam Roi Yot
Khao Sam Roi Yot is a national park located not far from Hua Hin, approximately a 1 to 1.5-hour drive away. It is an area of stunning natural beauty to explore, such as Phraya Nakhon Cave, a large cave with a hundred-year-old royal pavilion located under a natural skylight.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy a boat tour along the Khao Daeng Canal, which offers beautiful scenery, and explore the Bueng Bua Sam Roi Yot nature trail, a picturesque bird-watching spot.
Water Sport
Hua Hin is an ideal place for kiteboarding, which combines surfing with the use of a kite (similar to a parachute) to pull you across the water's surface. You can use your kite-handling skills and wind direction to determine your movement. While it might seem challenging at first, it's not too difficult to get started.
Seafood Market
Aside from the fresh seafood served at many upscale restaurants in Hua Hin, you can also enjoy fresh seafood at fishing villages not far from the city. For example, Khao Takiab village has numerous seafood restaurants run by locals. Additionally, you can purchase fresh seafood along the roadside (sold by weight) and have restaurants cook it for you at surprisingly affordable prices.
Local Foods (& Sweets)
Hua Hin, being an old tourist town, has been densely populated for a long time, resulting in a plethora of local foods and desserts that are passed down through generations, adding to the city's charm.
Night Markets
During the evening and night time, there's nothing quite like strolling around to admire the colorful lights and indulge in street food, and Hua Hin offers plenty of options ; Hua Hin Night Market, Cicada Market, Tamarind Market.
Pa la-u Wild Durian
For durian lovers, when visiting Hua Hin, you must not miss out on tasting the wild durian from La-U Village. This durian variety is cultivated exclusively in the villages of the Pa La-U sub-district within the Hua Hin district and is highly renowned.
