Thailand

The city and beach resort of Hua Hin is located approximately 200 km south of Bangkok. It serves as a pleasant stop to enjoy the beach, not far from the capital. In fact, this is why people from Bangkok love to spend their weekends here with family or as a couple.

History

Before becoming a renowned beach resort, Hua Hin was a small fishing village where time passed slowly but steadily. The locality only began to prosper in the early 20th century. In 1911, the construction of the railway line linking Hua Hin to the capital, Bangkok, was completed. This prompted people from the bourgeois class of the time to spend their holidays in this peaceful coastal city in the south. Later on, the royal family also came to Hua Hin to enjoy its tranquil setting.

After the arrival of high society figures and members of the monarchy, numerous private residences flourished all along the coast. The Minister of Public Works during Rama V's reign notably built a residence at the southern end of Lam Hin. Apart from the construction of private complexes, the first hotels, villas, and beachfront bungalows also appeared.

Today

Since its tourist boom in the 1920s, the beach resort has grown significantly, but it has not lost its charm and relaxing atmosphere.

What to visit in Hua Hin?

Hua Hin Beach

The beach resort of Hua Hin is lined with a long beach stretching for about 7 km. The most pleasant location is in the south (near Khao Takiab Hill) where the sand is fine and the sea is suitable for swimming.

Beach Activities:

Kitesurfing

Jet skiing

Beach volleyball

Beach soccer

Horseback riding along the shore

Golf

Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

The construction of this teak wood palace dates back to the early 1920s. Its plans were designed by an Italian architect, and its style combines Thai and European architecture. The royal chambers and royal apartments have been transformed into a museum. You will see various artifacts and old photographs there. It's worth noting that taking photos in certain rooms of the palace is prohibited. Also, before visiting this royal residence, remember to dress appropriately for temple visits (flip-flops, shorts, mini-skirts, and tank tops are to be avoided).

Klai Kangwon Palace

This royal palace, whose name translates literally to "far from worries," was built by King Rama VII in 1926. It has beautiful gardens and houses a seashell museum. To access it, you need to obtain authorization from the Royal Household Office.

Panee butterfly garden

This garden is located opposite Kangwon Palace, and besides housing numerous butterfly species, you can also admire several plant species. The site is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Khao Takiab

This is a hill located about 8 km from the city center. From here, the view of Hua Hin Bay is breathtaking. Generally, people go there early in the morning to capture sunrise shots. Macaques have made this hill their home, and some of them can sometimes be aggressive, so stay vigilant.

Hua Hin markets

Cicada market

This is a night market held every weekend south of Hua Hin. The products sold here are mainly local handicrafts.

Hua Hin night market

Unlike Cicada, this one takes place every day on Soi 72, just a few steps from the train station. In this night market, all kinds of items are sold, and there are also numerous restaurants.

Plearwan day market

Its particularity lies in the style of its building, which immerses visitors in 1950s Hua Hin. This nostalgic feeling is felt as soon as you face its facade. On-site, you will see many shops sporting a retro style with their vintage posters. You can also find photo studios, sellers of antique toys (tin), and even a record store specializing in the sale of crooner vinyl records from the 1950s and 1960s. If you're feeling hungry, you can order a delicious Thai dish at one of the market's restaurants. On the menu, there is, among others, kuay-jub, pad thai, or keaw-pla-tha-chaloam.

Pa La-U Waterfall, a natural wonder to discover near Hua Hin

Namtok Pa La-U, as the locals call it, is a splendid 11-tier waterfall located about sixty kilometers west of the beach resort. To reach it, you have to cross a tropical forest that houses a multitude of bird and butterfly species.

Climate

Hua Hin enjoys a warm tropical climate, with average temperatures often ranging between 30°C and 34°C from January to April. As for the sea temperature, it's pleasant all year round, averaging between 28°C and 30°C.

If you want to enjoy favorable weather conditions in Hua Hin, plan your stay in January, February, or December. The months to avoid are May, September, and October, as they typically correspond to the rainy season.

How to get there?

By train

From Bangkok, head to Hua Lamphong station to catch the train to Hua Hin. Lines depart daily from this terminal. The journey takes about 3 hours. This mode of transportation is indeed the slowest, but it allows you to appreciate the landscapes of southern Thailand. Moreover, upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to admire the picturesque Hua Hin station, which is one of the oldest in all of Thailand. The building itself resembles a temple with its roof and bright color.

By bus

With this mode of transportation, the travel time remains roughly the same as by train but can sometimes be reduced when traffic is light. Moreover, most companies connecting Hua Hin and Bangkok have comfortable bus fleets. To take a bus to Hua Hin, go to the southern bus terminal of Thonburi. The first bus usually departs as early as 4 a.m, followed by others throughout the day.

By minivan

To quickly reach Hua Hin by road, there is nothing better than this mode of transportation. Indeed, if traffic is light, the journey can be completed in just 2.5 hours with this type of vehicle. If you're in Bangkok, you can find them at Victory Monument. The ticket price is about 180 baht (approximately €5).

By plane

The coastal city of Hua Hin has an international airport located about 5 kilometers from the city center. This airport is served from Bangkok by local airlines with about 3 flights per day. The planes used are small and can carry a maximum of about ten people, so it's advisable to make a reservation in advance.