When people think of Thailand, they often picture Bangkok, Chiang Mai or the tropical islands in the south. But did you know that Hua Hin is also a surprisingly charming destination? Many travellers skip this coastal town and head straight to Chumphon to catch the ferry to Koh Tao. A shame, really, because Hua Hin has much more to offer than you might expect. During previous trips to Thailand, I explored the islands near Krabi, travelled through the north and spent time on Koh Chang. This time, I decided to focus on Hua Hin and its surroundings, which truly surprised me. In fact, I absolutely loved it here! In this article, I’m sharing my tips on the best things to see and do in Hua Hin: from must-visit attractions and lively markets to great places to eat and beautiful spots in the area that are just an hour’s drive away.
Read this article in DutchA bit more about Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a seaside town on Thailand’s eastern coast, along the Gulf of Thailand, located about a three-hour drive south of Bangkok. Once a quiet fishing village, Hua Hin transformed in the 1920s into a beloved retreat for the Thai royal family. Even today, the town remains especially popular among locals. On weekends, many residents of Bangkok escape here to enjoy the beaches, markets and laid-back atmosphere. Unlike many other popular destinations in Thailand, you’ll find relatively few Western tourists in Hua Hin, giving the town a more authentic vibe. Getting here is easy: you can take a direct train from Bangkok, drive down by rental car or book a minivan with a driver, which is what we chose to do.
Things to see and do in and around Hua Hin
You won’t run out of things to do in Hua Hin, even if you stay for a longer period. I’m spending two weeks here and I keep discovering something new every single day. The town itself offers plenty to explore, from lively markets and charming streets to peaceful spots in nature where you can completely unwind. Hua Hin is also the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area. Within an hour’s drive, you’ll find stunning national parks, unique temples and beautiful viewpoints. Whether you rent a car or use Grab or Bolt, getting around is simple and convenient. Curious about what you shouldn’t miss during your visit? Below, I’ve listed some of Hua Hin’s most interesting attractions and experiences.
Hua Hin Railway Station
The charming old railway station is perhaps the most famous landmark in Hua Hin. Built in the early 20th century during the reign of King Rama VI, the station immediately stands out with its elegant colonial architecture and colourful wooden facades. One of its highlights is the Royal Waiting Room, specially designed for the Thai royal family when they visited Hua Hin. While a new railway station has recently opened and the old one is no longer in use, it remains a beloved attraction thanks to its atmosphere, intricate details and rich history. If you’re visiting Hua Hin, make sure to add this beautiful spot to your must-see list.
Mangrove Forest Park in Sirindhorn International Environmental Park
Just north of Hua Hin, in Cha-Am, you find the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park. Established in 2003 on the initiative of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the park focuses on restoring the damaged mangrove forest. The Mangrove Forest Park is part of this larger area, which also hosts plenty of educational activities for children. It’s a lovely place to walk and learn more about the local ecosystem. Along the paths, you find plenty of informational signs about the animals and plants that live here. A new boardwalk is currently under construction, but the existing paths are well-maintained and lead to a viewpoint tower overlooking the mangroves and the coastline. Be sure to end your visit with a stop at the nearby beach: a quiet, clean and wide stretch of sand connected to the beach of Mrigadayavan Palace (more about that later in this article).
Tip: Avoid visiting around sunset. While we wait for our Grab driver after sundown on the quiet road near the beach, we’re suddenly surrounded by a group of barking stray dogs. It seems they become more active at night and may see people as intruders in their territory. During the day, however, the park feels completely safe and you’ll see plenty of walkers and joggers enjoying the area.
Khao Takiap Village
At the foot of Wat Khao Takiap (Monkey Temple) in Hua Hin lies Khao Takiap Village, a small and charming fishing village. Here, you find a picturesque little harbour filled with colourful wooden fishing boats that head out to sea each day to bring back fresh fish and seafood. Early in the morning, you can watch the fishermen return with their catch and sell it directly at the small market stalls along the road. Opposite these stalls, you’ll find simple food vendors and small restaurants where you can enjoy freshly prepared fish and other delicious local dishes. Khao Takiap Village has a wonderfully authentic atmosphere and offers a refreshing contrast to the busier centre of Hua Hin.
Tamarind Market
What would Hua Hin be without its night markets? Luckily, there are several to choose from and one of my favourites is the Tamarind Market. This lively market is known for its relaxed atmosphere, cozy lighting and the wide variety of delicious food on offer. You’ll find dozens of street food stalls here, serving everything from Thai classics like pad thai, satay and mango sticky rice to fresh seafood dishes and international bites. In the middle of the market, there are tables and chairs where you can sit and enjoy your food while listening to live music in the background, which gives the place a laid-back, almost festival-like vibe. Besides food, you’ll also come across a few stalls selling local products, clothing, jewellery and souvenirs. The Tamarind Market is smaller and more manageable than other markets in Hua Hin, which makes it feel even more welcoming and intimate.
Wat Khao Takiap
Wat Khao Takiap, also known as the Monkey Temple, sits on top of the hill of the same name in the southern part of Hua Hin. The temple is especially famous for the large group of monkeys that roam freely here, creating a lively and sometimes even hilarious atmosphere. You reach the top by climbing a long staircase decorated with colourful details and once you arrive, you’re rewarded with panoramic views over Hua Hin and the coastline. On the eastern side of the hill, you find the beautifully decorated Chinese temple Phra Mae Kwan Im Shrine, rich in vibrant details. On the northern side, there’s the impressive standing Buddha statue. A good tip is to take a taxi to the top of the hill, directly to the temple and then walk down afterwards so you can stop by the nearby Khao Takiap Village mentioned earlier. Be mindful of your belongings: the curious monkeys aren’t shy. If you’re carrying food or drinks, they’ll grab it straight out of your hands or bags. It’s best not to bring any snacks or drinks when visiting this temple to avoid unwanted attention.
The Chocolate Factory
The Chocolate Factory in Hua Hin is a fun and stylish restaurant entirely dedicated to chocolate and sweet indulgence. The concept started in 2014 in Khao Yai and has since grown into a popular chain with several locations across Thailand. You can enjoy modern Thai dishes here, but what The Chocolate Factory is truly famous for are its delicious desserts. It’s a great experience to stop by for dessert after dinner at another restaurant or, like we do, make an entire lunch out of desserts only. After all the sweetness, you can browse the shop, where you’ll find handmade pralines, chocolate bars and other treats to take home. This spot is an absolute must-visit for chocolate lovers!
Eating at the best spots in Hua Hin
Hua Hin is full of amazing places to eat and drink, ranging from cozy beach bars and trendy coffee shops to lively restaurants with stunning sea views. Whether you’re in the mood for a long, relaxed lunch, a quick snack or just a refreshing drink, there’s always a perfect spot to match your vibe. One of my favourite places is Chaplu Café & Restaurant, located right on the beach. Part of the restaurant is designed with small private rooms and charming patios, decorated with colourful furniture, atmospheric lighting and unique details. It’s the perfect place to settle down for a drink or a laid-back lunch while enjoying the beautiful view of the sea.
Hua Hin Night Market
The Hua Hin Night Market is one of the most famous and lively markets in the city and is definitely a must-visit. Every evening, part of Dechanuchit Road transforms into a bustling street filled with food stalls, small restaurants, shops and souvenir stands. You’ll find a bit of everything here: from fresh fish and seafood grilled right in front of you to local snacks, handmade jewellery, clothing and charming little trinkets. The atmosphere is vibrant and energetic, with mouthwatering aromasdrifting through the air from every direction. It’s the perfect place to wander around in the evening, sample different street food dishes and pick up a few souvenirsto take home.
Beaches of Hua Hin
The beaches of Hua Hin stretch for kilometres along the coastline, meaning there’s always a spot to suit your mood. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, there are plenty of secluded areas where you’ll hardly see anyone. The further you move away from the centre, the calmer the beaches become. Though you should keep in mind that there are fewer facilities there as well. A beautiful, almost deserted beach can be found near the Mangrove Forest Park, which I mentioned earlier. Closer to the centre, you’ll find more lively beaches with sunbeds, watersports activities and restaurants. Do keep in mind that the beaches don’t always look the same throughout the day. With the tides, the beach can be much wider during low tide, but I find it often looks less appealing then, as it sometimes leaves behind debris like leaves, branches and coconuts.
Mrigadayavan Palace
The Mrigadayavan Palace, also known as the Palace of Love and Hope, is built between 1923 and 1924 by order of King Rama VI as his seaside summer residence. The palace consists of 16 elevated buildings connected by long, covered corridors. During our visit, we see that renovation work is still ongoing in several parts of the palace, which means that not all areas are currently accessible. To access the first floor, where you can see the former royal family’s living quarters, you need to pay an additional fee. This palace is truly worth a visit, a beautiful and serene place with a fascinating history.
Hua Hin Fishing Pier
The Hua Hin Fishing Pier is a great place to mingle with the locals. On weekends, you find a lively market here, mostly visited by Thai people. You can feel the relaxed atmosphere right away and the prices are pleasantly low. You’ll come across a mix of fresh fish, tropical fruit, street food and small stalls selling clothes and trinkets. It’s a lovely place to stroll around, soak up the local activity and sample a few tasty treats; all far away from the busier, more touristy night markets in Hua Hin.
Restaurants on stilts
South of the Hua Hin Fishing Pier, you find several piers with charming restaurants built on stilts above the water. Here, you literally dine above the sea, with beautiful views of the coastline and, on weekends, the Hua Hin Fishing Pier lit up in the distance. Most restaurants serve freshly caught fish and seafood straight from the Gulf of Thailand. These spots are perfect for escaping the busy centre for a while and enjoying an outdoor dinner while listening to the gentle sound of the water beneath you.
Vana Nava Water Jungle
Vana Nava Water Jungle, located next to the Holiday Inn Resort in Hua Hin, is a popular water park with a wide variety of slides, pools and play areas. There’s something here for all ages: from relaxing lazy rivers and children’s zones to thrilling slides for true daredevils. You don’t have to stay at the Holiday Inn Resort to enjoy the park. We stay elsewhere but buy our tickets online the day before our visit. Of course, one of the perks of staying at the Holiday Inn Resort is that access to the water park is included. If you’re visiting Hua Hin with children, this park is definitely worth it. According to many visitors, Vana Nava is also considered more fun and diverse than the well-known Black Mountain Water Park, another popular water park in Hua Hin.
THE SKY Rooftop Bar – Holiday Inn Resort
THE SKY is the rooftop bar of the Holiday Inn Resort, located right next to Vana Nava Water Jungle. Situated on the 27th floor, this bar is definitely worth a visit. From here, you have an amazing view over Hua Hin, the inland hills, the coastline and the water park below. If you’re not afraid of heights, you can step onto the glass floor at the SKY Deck. From the bar, you also have a great view of the infinity poollocated one floor below. On the same floor, on the opposite side, you’ll find the Stella Restaurant, which has a completely different atmosphere. It’s fun to combine the two: start with a drink at the rooftop bar and then enjoy dinner with a view at the restaurant. There’s no minimum spend required to access the 27th floor and you don’t need a reservation for the bar, although getting a table can sometimes be tricky without one. It’s best to dress a little smarter. For example, avoid wearing slippers, shorts or singlets. THE SKY is the perfect place to end the day in style with a drink while enjoying the stunning views over Hua Hin.
Rajabhakti Park
The impressive Rajabhakti Park is located in the southern part of Hua Hin and is built to honour seven great kings from Thai history. The massive bronze statues, each standing 14 metres tall, are lined up in a row with the green hills in the background, creating a truly striking sight. The park opens in 2015 and is an important place for Thai people, who come here to pay their respects. Among tourists, the park is less well-known, which means it’s usually not very crowded. Entry is free and the grounds are spacious, with clear information available about the history of the kings. It’s best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon, as it can get very hot here during the middle of the day.
Cicada Market
The Cicada Market in Hua Hin is a slightly more upscale night market that opens only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and people from Bangkok, many of whom come to Hua Hin for the weekend and spend an evening here. The market has a more stylish and modern vibe compared to other markets in the area. At the entrance, you often find performances or shows on the stage, while further inside there’s live music creating a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find a mix of food stalls, art stands, clothing shops and souvenir booths, all with a slightly higher-end touch. To buy food and drinks, you use coupons, which you get at the entrance. If you have any coupons left at the end of the evening, you can exchange them back for cash. The vibe here is completely different from the nearby Tamarind Market, which makes it fun to visit both.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
(Khao) Sam Roi Yot National Park, about a 45-minute drive south of Hua Hin, is a unique nature reserve known for its dramatic limestone mountains, vast wetlands, caves and quiet beaches. The park is most famous for the Phraya Nakhon Cave with its iconic royal pavilion, but there is so much more to see and do. You can enjoy scenic hikes, go birdwatching, take boat trips to places like the Kissing Cave or through the Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh, stroll along the wooden Bueng Bua Boardwalk or visit the beautiful Wat Khao Daeng temple. Set aside at least a full day to explore Sam Roi Yot, or even better, plan two days, especially if you also want to make the hike to the Phraya Nakhon Cave.
Kui Buri National Park
Just over an hour’s drive from Hua Hin takes you to Kui Buri National Park, the best place in Thailand to see wild elephants in their natural habitat. The park is much less touristy than other similar destinations and is deliberately kept small-scale to minimize disturbance to the animals. On a guided safari in a jeep, you go in search of elephants, gaur, deer and countless bird species. The chances of spotting elephants are high here, especially in the late afternoon when they often gather at open grasslands and watering holes.
Where to stay in Hua Hin
Hua Hin offers plenty of great accommodation options for every style and budget. We stay for two weeks at Villa Chan in Summerland, a quiet and comfortable spot with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a lovely garden with a brand-new tiled swimming pool. Within just ten minutes, we can reach the centre of Hua Hin by Grab and we use this villa as our base to visit all the places mentioned above. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring this part of Thailand. Prefer staying in the heart of Hua Hin, closer to the beach or perhaps in a hotel? There are plenty of options to choose from, so it’s worth browsing the wide selection of accommodations in and around the city.
