Home › Destinations › Hua Hin
Hua Hin, ประเทศไทย - Things to Do in Hua Hin

Things to Do in Hua Hin

Hua Hin, ประเทศไทย - Complete Travel Guide

Hua Hin is Thailand's original beach resort town, located on the Gulf of Thailand about 200 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. Once a quiet fishing village, it became the royal seaside retreat when King Rama VII built his palace here in the 1920s, and it has maintained its regal charm ever since. The town offers a perfect blend of royal heritage, beautiful beaches, excellent golf courses, and vibrant night markets, making it a favorite destination for both Thai royalty and international visitors. Unlike some of Thailand's more party-focused beach destinations, Hua Hin maintains a sophisticated, family-friendly atmosphere with its long stretches of clean sand, historic railway station, and proximity to national parks. The town seamlessly combines traditional Thai culture with modern resort amenities, offering everything from street food markets and fishing villages to luxury spas and championship golf courses. Its convenient location makes it an ideal weekend getaway from Bangkok, while its year-round appeal attracts visitors seeking both relaxation and cultural experiences.

Top Things to Do in Hua Hin

Visit Hua Hin Beach and Pony Rides

Hua Hin's main beach stretches for several kilometers and is famous for its colorful beach ponies that offer rides along the sand. The beach is perfect for long walks, especially during sunrise and sunset, with relatively calm waters ideal for swimming. The iconic pony rides have been a tradition here for decades and make for memorable photos against the backdrop of the Gulf of Thailand.

Booking Tip: Pony rides cost around 200-300 THB for a short ride. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best experience and photos. No advance booking needed, but negotiate prices beforehand and ensure the ponies look well-cared for.

Explore Hua Hin Railway Station

This historic railway station, built in 1911, is one of Thailand's most beautiful train stations and serves as an iconic symbol of Hua Hin. The distinctive red and cream colored royal waiting room was built for King Rama VI and features traditional Thai architecture. The station is still operational and offers a glimpse into the town's royal heritage while serving as a popular photography spot.

Booking Tip: Entry is free and the station is open daily. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photos. You can also catch trains to Bangkok from here - book tickets in advance during peak seasons for around 44-100 THB depending on class.

Experience Hua Hin Night Market

The bustling night market comes alive after sunset with dozens of food stalls, souvenir shops, and local vendors. It's the perfect place to sample authentic Thai street food, from fresh seafood and pad thai to mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream. The market also offers shopping opportunities for local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs at bargain prices.

Booking Tip: No booking required - the market operates daily from around 6 PM to midnight. Bring cash as most vendors don't accept cards. Start with smaller portions to try more varieties, and prices are very reasonable with most dishes costing 50-150 THB.

Visit Khao Takiab (Monkey Mountain)

This scenic hill located about 7 kilometers south of Hua Hin offers panoramic views of the coastline and is home to a Buddhist temple and hundreds of macaque monkeys. The golden Buddha statue at the summit provides a spiritual element to the visit, while the monkeys add entertainment (though caution is advised). The beach at the base of the hill is also excellent for swimming and less crowded than the main Hua Hin beach.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, but bring 20-50 THB for temple donations. Avoid bringing food or loose items as monkeys can be aggressive. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds. Taxis or songthaews cost around 100-200 THB from central Hua Hin.

Golf at Championship Courses

Hua Hin is renowned as Thailand's premier golf destination, home to several world-class championship courses including the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, Thailand's first 18-hole course built in 1924. The courses offer stunning views, excellent conditions year-round, and cater to all skill levels. Many courses feature unique challenges like seaside holes and mountain backdrops, making golf here a truly memorable experience.

Booking Tip: Green fees range from 1,500-4,000 THB depending on the course and season. Book tee times in advance, especially during peak season (Nov-Mar). Many hotels offer golf packages. Early morning rounds (7-9 AM) are cooler and often cheaper.

Getting There

Hua Hin is easily accessible from Bangkok by multiple transportation options. The most convenient is by bus from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), with VIP and first-class buses taking about 3-4 hours and costing 150-300 THB. Trains from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station offer a scenic journey taking 4-5 hours with tickets ranging from 44-600 THB depending on class. For those preferring speed and comfort, private cars or taxis take about 2.5-3 hours and cost around 2,500-3,500 THB, while flying to nearby Hua Hin Airport (domestic flights only) takes just 30 minutes but is more expensive at 3,000-5,000 THB per person.

Getting Around

Hua Hin is a relatively small town that's easy to navigate. Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) are the most common local transport, running fixed routes for 10-20 THB per person. Tuk-tuks are available for short distances at 60-150 THB per trip, though prices should be negotiated beforehand. Motorbike taxis are quick and cheap for solo travelers at 40-80 THB for short rides. For more flexibility, rent a motorbike (200-300 THB/day) or bicycle (100-150 THB/day). Many attractions within the town center are walkable, and most hotels offer bicycle rentals or shuttle services to the beach and main shopping areas.

Where to Stay

Hua Hin Beach Road
Hua Hin Town Center
Khao Takiab Area
Cha-Am Beach
Pranburi
Kao Tao Beach

Food & Dining

Hua Hin's dining scene perfectly balances street food culture with upscale resort dining. The night market is the heart of local cuisine, offering fresh seafood, traditional Thai dishes, and international options at incredibly affordable prices. Beachfront restaurants serve excellent fresh catches of the day with tables literally on the sand, while the town center features everything from family-run noodle shops to sophisticated international restaurants. Don't miss trying the local specialty 'Hua Hin-style' fried noodles, fresh grilled seafood, and tropical fruits. Many resorts also offer high-end dining experiences with royal Thai cuisine and international fusion menus, often with stunning ocean views.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Thailand

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Khao-Sō-i Soi Convent Silom

4.8 /5
(3862 reviews)

Moom Muum Park Soi 11

4.8 /5
(2415 reviews)

The Family

4.8 /5
(2317 reviews) 1

Try Me Thai & Vegetarian Restaurant

4.8 /5
(2081 reviews) 1

Suda - Thai & Vegetarian Restaurant

4.9 /5
(1416 reviews)

THE SIXTH 6th

4.7 /5
(1356 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

Hua Hin enjoys a tropical climate and can be visited year-round, but the best time is during the cool and dry season from November to February when temperatures are most comfortable (20-30°C) and rainfall is minimal. March to May can be quite hot and humid, though it's still manageable for beach activities. The rainy season from June to October brings afternoon showers and occasional storms, but mornings are often clear and it's the least crowded time with better hotel rates. The town is busiest during Thai holidays and weekends when Bangkok residents escape to the coast, so weekdays generally offer better prices and fewer crowds regardless of season.

Insider Tips

Visit the Cicada Market on weekends for a more upscale arts and crafts market experience with live music and gourmet food options
Take a day trip to nearby Kaeng Krachan National Park for hiking, waterfalls, and wildlife spotting - it's Thailand's largest national park and less than an hour away
Book spa treatments at luxury hotels during weekday afternoons for significant discounts compared to weekend rates, and many offer day-use packages for non-guests

Explore Activities in Hua Hin