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Hua Hin, Thailand - Things to Do in Hua Hin

Things to Do in Hua Hin

Hua Hin, Thailand - Complete Travel Guide

King Rama VII built his palace here in the 1920s, transforming a quiet fishing village into Thailand's first beach resort town. Hua Hin sits 200 kilometers southwest of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand, and it has kept its royal charm ever since. Royal heritage remains strong. The town blends beaches, golf courses, and night markets without the party atmosphere plaguing other Thai destinations. Long stretches of clean sand, a historic railway station, and nearby national parks make this a sophisticated family spot. Perfect weekend escape material. Hua Hin combines traditional Thai culture with modern resort amenities easily—everything from street food markets to championship golf courses. Year-round appeal draws visitors seeking relaxation and cultural experiences in equal measure.

Top Things to Do in Hua Hin

Visit Hua Hin Beach and Pony Rides

Hua Hin's main beach stretches several kilometers and features colorful beach ponies offering rides along the sand. The beach works well for long walks, especially during sunrise and sunset, with calm waters ideal for swimming. These ponies stay iconic. The pony rides have been tradition here for decades and create memorable photos against the Gulf of Thailand backdrop.

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

Built in 1911, this historic railway station ranks among Thailand's most beautiful and is an iconic Hua Hin symbol. The distinctive red and cream royal waiting room was built for King Rama VI and features traditional Thai architecture. Still operational today. The station offers glimpses into the town's royal heritage while serving as a popular photography spot for visitors.

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 busy night market comes alive after sunset with dozens of food stalls, souvenir shops, and local vendors creating energy and excitement. Sample authentic Thai street food here—from fresh seafood and pad thai to mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream. Perfect food hunting ground. The market also offers shopping for local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs at bargain prices that won't break budgets.

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 sits 7 kilometers south of Hua Hin offering panoramic coastline views, a Buddhist temple, and hundreds of macaque monkeys. The golden Buddha statue at the summit provides spiritual elements to visits, while monkeys add entertainment—though caution is advised around them. Decent wildlife experience. The beach at the hill's base offers excellent swimming and stays less crowded than main Hua Hin beach areas.

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

Thailand's premier golf destination. Hua Hin hosts several excellent championship courses including Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, Thailand's first 18-hole course built in 1924. The courses offer impressive views, excellent year-round conditions, and cater to all skill levels appropriately. Many courses feature unique challenges like seaside holes and mountain backdrops, making golf here memorable for players of any experience level.

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

Multiple transportation options connect Bangkok to Hua Hin without hassle. VIP and first-class buses from Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) take 3-4 hours and cost 150-300 THB. Most convenient option available. Trains from Hua Lamphong Station offer scenic 4-5 hour journeys with tickets from 44-600 THB depending on class. Private cars or taxis take 2.5-3 hours and cost around 2,500-3,500 THB for speed and comfort. Domestic flights to Hua Hin Airport take just 30 minutes but cost 3,000-5,000 THB per person.

Getting Around

Hua Hin stays manageable. Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) run fixed routes for 10-20 THB per person—the most common local transport option. Tuk-tuks work for short distances at 60-150 THB per trip, though you'll need to negotiate prices beforehand. Motorbike taxis move fast and cheap for solo travelers at 40-80 THB for short rides. Rent motorbikes for flexibility. Motorbike rentals cost 200-300 THB daily, bicycles run 100-150 THB daily, and many town center attractions are walkable anyway.

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

Top-Rated Restaurants in Thailand

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

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Khao-Sō-i Soi Convent Silom

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Try Me Thai & Vegetarian Restaurant

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Suda - Thai & Vegetarian Restaurant

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THE SIXTH 6th

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When to Visit

November to February offers the best weather conditions. Hua Hin enjoys tropical climate year-round, but the cool and dry season brings comfortable temperatures (20-30°C) and minimal rainfall. March to May gets hot and humid, though still manageable for beach activities. Perfect timing matters. The rainy season from June to October brings afternoon showers and occasional storms, but mornings stay clear and crowds thin out with better hotel rates. Thai holidays and weekends bring Bangkok residents to the coast, so weekdays offer better prices and fewer crowds regardless of season.

Insider Tips

Visit Cicada Market on weekends for upscale arts and crafts with live music and gourmet food options that beat typical tourist markets.
Take day trips to nearby Kaeng Krachan National Park for hiking, waterfalls, and wildlife spotting—Thailand's largest national park sits 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 looking for premium experiences.

Explore Activities in Hua Hin

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Itineraries

Sample trip routes and plans for Hua Hin

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Hua Hin

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Hua Hin

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Hua Hin

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