There are lots of amazing places in Thailand to explore. During our first trip to the Land of Smiles in early 2024, we decided to base ourselves in one of them for a month – Hua Hin. Although it’s not the most remote of Thailand’s exciting getaways, we had a wonderful time, and I’d like to tell you all about it.
Hua Hin is about a 3.5-hour drive from Bangkok but is also accessible by train. The coastal town has an abundance of Thai charm while catering nicely to ex-pats and tourists. The beaches are fantastic, and we enjoyed some of the best food that the country has to offer while in Hua Hin.
So, let’s dive into why this often-overlooked location is one of the most amazing places to visit in Thailand.
Why We Chose to Stay in Hua Hin
Our style of travel has predominantly been about long stays and embracing 1 or 2 locations before moving on. So, when traveling to Thailand for the first time, we were faced with a dilemma – do we stick to our slow travel plan or try and see as much of this wonderful country as we can?
We opted to stick to our guns and pick just two destinations for our maiden visit: Bangkok and Hua Hin. I’d always wanted to visit Bangkok, but we were also eager to explore some of the amazing Thailand beaches we’d heard so much about. Hua Hin, being within driving distance, just made logistical sense.
We have racked up a lot of airmiles in the last few years, so if we can get the experiences we are craving without flights, airports, and all the fun and games that come with air travel, we pursue it. We were able to book a private and secure taxi from Bangkok to Hua Hin for around $55 – it was so straightforward.
Accommodation Options in Hua Hin
Another aspect of our long-term travel has always been house sitting. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a house sit to match our dates for Hua Hin, so we booked an Airbnb. 28-day bookings with Airbnb often come with large discounts – check out my Airbnb Travel Tips for more ideas to save on accommodation.
Given the discount we secured, paying for a month’s accommodation didn’t hit our budget too hard. Thailand is a very affordable country, and accommodation can be secured for reasonable rates. We had a modern apartment in a complex with a pool, coworking spaces, and a gym, and it was steps from the beach.
There is an abundance of hotels to suit all budgets throughout Hua Hin and an array of Airbnb listings in the region. House sitting listings do exist in Hua Hin and wider Thailand, so always consider this option too. Click here to join Trusted Housesitters with just your email and check available listings.
The Best Beaches in Hua Hin
Hua Hin’s beaches are far more diverse than just the busy central strip. Suan Son Pradipat Beach, just south of town, is a peaceful stretch with soft sand and fewer crowds, perfect for a quiet afternoon. A hidden gem, Sai Noi Beach offers a small cove backed by cliffs, creating a picturesque escape.
If you’re up for exploring further, Khao Tao Beach has a relaxed local feel, with fishing boats dotting the shore and a scenic temple overlooking the water. Unlike many tourist-heavy Thai beaches, Hua Hin’s coastline offers many spots where you can truly unwind.
I was blown away by the clean and expansive beaches in Hua Hin – it’s a big part of what makes it one of the most amazing places in Thailand to consider exploring.
Exploring Hua Hin’s Night Markets
Hua Hin’s night markets are a food-lover’s paradise. The Hua Hin Night Market in the city center is the most famous, offering fresh seafood, Thai classics, and quirky souvenirs. We visited for dinner two or three times a week here, enjoying an array of street food on sticks and cheap beers.
If you’re craving something lively, Cicada Market combines arts, live music, and craft stalls, while Tamarind Market next door is the go-to for cheap eats in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re after a feast or just soaking up the atmosphere, Hua Hin’s markets are an essential part of the experience.
The Unexpected Side of Hua Hin
One of the biggest surprises about Hua Hin is its large ex-pat and retiree community, giving the city a unique international vibe while still feeling authentically Thai. This mix brings fantastic international restaurants, cool cafes, and even themed bars like Father Ted’s.
Hua Hin also has quirky finds like Rajabhakti Park, featuring massive statues of Thai kings, and Baan Sillapin Artist Village, a creative hub with galleries and workshops. Hua Hin may seem like a sleepy resort town at first, but scratch the surface, and you’ll discover it’s full of life and character.
Best Day Trips from Hua Hin
Hua Hin’s surroundings are packed with incredible day trips, from nature reserves to cultural sites. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is a must-visit, offering epic limestone mountains, hidden caves, and the stunning Phraya Nakhon Cave, where a golden pavilion sits beneath a massive sunlit cavern.
For a more relaxed escape, Pranburi Forest Park has peaceful mangrove trails and a scenic beach with hardly any crowds.
Visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary is one of the best things you can do. The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) provides a safe home for rescued elephants and other animals. Unlike unethical zoos or trekking camps, WFFT focuses on rehabilitation and doesn’t allow elephant rides or performances.
In Thailand, always avoid any place that chains elephants or offers direct interaction – ethical tourism ensures these incredible animals are treated with respect and helped in their recovery following cruel captivity. Sites like Viator and Get Your Guide source only ethical tours.
Getting Around in Hua Hin
When booking tours through reputable outlets, hotel/apartment pick up will either be included in the price or available for a small additional fee. But for more day-to-day trips use Grab, a service similar to Uber. It’s a cheap way to traverse town and all bookings are handled in English through an app.
One of my favorite things to do in Hua Hin was to hail the green songthaews. These pick-up truck-looking buses run up and down the length of Hua Hin all day and well into the night. Simply flag one down, hop on the back, and pay when you leave – usually around $0.50.
There are no stops, schedules, seat belts, or seemingly limits on the number of persons allowed to ride. They don’t go too fast, so it’s not overly dangerous. I always enjoyed grabbing a spot standing at the back, holding on, and enjoying the ride.
Best Things to Do in Hua Hin
I’d like to round off this article with a selection of the cool things that made Hua Hin one of the most amazing places in Thailand we visited. Be sure to check these out;
- Go for drinks at the rooftop bar at the Holiday Inn, Vana Nava. It’s an amazing location with a glass walkway high up in the Hua Hin sky.
- Catch awesome bands playing at Baan Nokkachan, close to the entrance to the Cicada Market.
- Visit the Blueport and Market Village malls. Both have epic food courts and an array of western shopping opportunities, plus local craft stalls and markets.
- Walk along the beach to the towering golden Buddhist shrine at Khao Takiab Nuea Beach.
- Climb the steps behind the Buddhist shrine to visit another temple and see lots of free-roaming monkeys.
- Take a kite surfing lesson on the beach. It’s a popular pastime, and every day you will see everyone from beginners to professionals taking to the water.
- Spend sunset at Hippie Bar. The cool beach bar is taken down and rebuilt every day. It’s a fun place to sit and watch the sun go down.
- Head to Scoozi for some of the best traditional wood-fired pizza around.
Conclusion
Hua Hin was one of the most amazing places in Thailand we came across. Although it may lack the serenity and untouched beauty of some of the country’s more remote and idyllic locations, for us, it had everything we could ever want and more. We’d go back in a heartbeat! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
For further reading about Thailand, check out my Top Ten Tips for Making the Most of your Thailand Adventure.
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