Best described as having a comforting and relaxing atmosphere, Hua Hin is famous for its harmonious combination of the beach and the town’s other attractions. The transformation of the once sleepy village into an incredibly fashionable weekend getaway spot could be attributed to Thailand’s royal family building summer palaces at the fishing village in the 1920s. It’s perfect for a brief escape from the stresses of work, school, or the busy city of Bangkok itself.
The overall wholesome ambience of the seaside resort city isn’t just perfect for a solo excursion. It’s also perfect for lovers, a group of friends, and families. It is worth noting that Hua Hin is regarded as an organic “Thai” vacation spot because most of the people who frequent the place are Thai residents who want to take a quick vacation near Bangkok. Foreigners seldom set foot in Hua Hin beach’s sand.
It could almost be regarded as the best place for those who want to experience the rawness of Thailand at its best.
Touchdown Bangkok — How to reach Hua Hin
It was mentioned that Hua Hin is preferred by Thais because it’s near Bangkok, but there are lots of ways to reach Hua Hin without the need of availing a rental car to Hua Hin. These options offer the chance to appreciate the scenery instead of focusing on the road.
There are five alternatives to rental cars when travelling to Hua Hin:
- By taxi — this is for those opting for an all-out extravagant vacation. Preparing a lot of Thai Baht on hand is necessary.
- By bus — this is for those who don’t easily get lost, as locating the right bus could be a little tricky. There are VIP coach buses that go straight to Hua Hin from the airport, and if it’s out of budget, regular buses from Bangkok leave every 20 minutes.
- By boat — there are ferries from Pattaya to Hua Hin, and vice versa.
- By train — perfect for those who want to take their time, as trains slowly chug away from Bangkok. On the bright side, this is great as the station is right at the centre of Hua Hin. It also has a very traditional Thai design.
- By minivan — there are minivans that go to and from Hua Hin and easily get one right at the airport.
Pro-tip:
* With regards to mobile internet in Hua Hin, there is a portable pocket Wi-Fi that you can rent in the airport, which can accommodate up to three people, helping you to keep contact with the outside world and share pictures on the spot.
Accommodation and Transportation
Finding the perfect accommodation in Hua Hin isn’t drag because most of the resorts are empty on weekdays. A list is provided to choose between the best hotels according to budget:
Budget-friendly hotels:
- Chalelarn Hotel — receives high reviews on different review sites. It has great facilities, and it is surrounded by restaurants & shops.
- Royal Pavillion — close to Hua Hin night market. It has many rave reviews as well.
Luxurious Hotels:
- Anantara Hua Hin — a five star hotel located at the beachfront in Hua Hin with a luxurious range of facilities. Offers great access to basic amenities.
- Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa — another five star hotel located at the beachfront, it offers plush rooms and great views of the Gulf of Thailand.
Car rentals are easy to find but could be expensive. Here are some alternatives to car rental in Hua Hin if the budget is tight.
- Tuk tuks — if you are unfamiliar with Bangkok, tuk tuk is great when travelling in a small group. A big group can simply take multiple tuk tuks. Cost is much cheaper compared to hiring a taxi.
- Motorcycle rentals — Hua Hin has lots of motorcycle rentals. The city centre’s bars, restaurants, and night markets can be covered on foot.
- Bicycle rentals — good for enjoying the scenery at your own pace. However, bicycle rentals in Hua Hin are a bit hard to find.
Top Sights for Excursion in Hua Hin
When on vacation, shopping for souvenirs is a given. Shopping in Hua Hin is relatively easy in the town center that offers a lot of great options. You can also find a lot of activities, and a few attractions. Trying Thai massage is one of the best experiences you can have in Hua Hin, what with multiple massage parlours situated near the main hotels.
Of course, trying the food is one of the most awaited aspects of an excursion. In Hua Hin, there are restaurants situated in almost every corner, depending on your personal preference. Some restaurants offer a great view of the beach. Whatever type of food you fancy, and even if you are in a budget, there is something for you.
Hua Hin’s great atmosphere and scenery contribute to Hua Hin’s reputation as the perfect location for portrait street photography. Hua Hin has tons of attractions and places for sightseeing – even if you prefer budget-friendly and cheap excursions. These places are perfect for a photoshoot, whether professional or not:
- The Venezia Hua Hin — a Venice-themed park with a canal and amusement facilities, it would surely entertain the kids.
- Santorini Park — a Santorini-inspired park complete with whitewashed buildings and a shopping centre.
- Phraya Nakhon Cave — mystic and beautiful, the pavilion is hidden inside the cave is perfect for photos with its stunning visuals.
- Milsim Shooting Range — perfect for the adventurous spirit, there is a military simulation facility called Siam Milsim. It offers a wide array of activities to add to the fun. Find out more in one of the recent traveller’s blog review about Siam Milsim.
Nightlife in Hua Hin
Despite being known as a quiet town, Hua Hin has a range of entertainment places for when the sun goes down. Hua Hin has discos, bars, restaurants, live music, and even night markets. So who’s to say that Hua Hin can’t be relaxing in both day and night? Nightlife in Hua Hin comes to life with Soi Bintabaht, a walking street filled with bars that are not too expensive and perfect for a pub crawl.
Shopping in Hua Hin is not just done in broad daylight, but at night as well. Here’s a list of the Night Markets in Hua Hin:
- Cicada Market — open on weekends, Cicada market sells a variety of goods, from clothes to art, and even entertainment.
- Tamarind Market — also a weekend night market. Despite offering fewer selections, Tamarind Market is more laid back, which makes for a more intimate dining and shopping experience.
- Hua Hin Market — a night market open at 18:30 onwards, it is situated in the town centre.
- The Grand Night Market — opening and closing earlier than Hua Hin market, The Grand Night Market is for those seeking a flea-market type of shopping experience.
Hua Hin is perfect for any type of traveller because of its duality and versatile nature. It can accommodate any type of planned excursion. It displays the euphony that contributes to making Hua Hin a perfect little world of its own.
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