The majority of foreign visitors spend their holidays to Thailand cycling through a standard rotation of stops that includes Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, and are completely unaware of some of the Kingdom’s lesser-known, but equally worthwhile destinations. Topping the list of those hidden gems is Thailand’s oldest, and most-storied resort town, Hua Hin.
Perched along the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is highly popular with Thai nationals because of its quiet beauty and relatively small number of Western tourists. Its beaches and waters are clean (especially in comparison to those found across the Gulf in Pattaya), its surrounding landscape is lush and unspoiled, and the town itself has retained the feel of a small resort village despite its rapid growth over the years.
Despite the fact that Hua Hin has more of a local flavor to it than some of Thailand’s better-known beach destinations, foreigners are welcome and there are a number of restaurants, bars, and hotels in and around the town catered toward farangs. Because the area is also home to some of Southeast Asia’s most-famous golf courses and fishing spots, Hua Hin’s foreign tourism has increased dramatically over the past decade. In other words, it’s still off the beaten path enough to give you a taste of the authentic Thailand, but not so much so as to make the average foreign visitor feel uncomfortable.
Getting to Hua Hin
Because the town of Hua Hin is roughly 200 km southwest of Bangkok, it can be a bit of a long drive (about three hours, depending on traffic) should you choose to travel there by car or taxi. The town does have a small airport that operates daily flights to and from Bangkok, but be advised that these are in small, twin engine aircraft and may be a little bit different from what you’re accustomed to using elsewhere on your Thailand holidays.
A popular, and quite scenic, means of traveling to Hua Hin is via train. The town is home to one of Thailand’s oldest wooden train stations, and the nearby railway is still in use today servicing passengers on the north-south route from Bangkok. It is also possible to take a ferry across the Gulf from Pattaya to Hua Hin if you’d like to travel by sea.
Things to Do in Hua Hin
Even though most visitors to Hua Hin come to relax and enjoy the area’s slow pace, there is an impressive number of things to do if you’re more activity-minded. The town of Hua Hin itself is the only place where you’ll find any significant number of dining and entertainment options, but daytime activities abound up and down the coast from Phetchaburi in the north to Khao Kalok in the south.
Beaches, Fishing, and Water Sports
Whether you’re staying in a resort outside the town, or somewhere in Hua Hin proper, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself just a stone’s throw from the waters of the Gulf. The area’s beaches and waters are clean enough to accommodate most sunbathers and swimmers, and there are a great number of Jet Ski, kiteboarding, and fishing boat operators waiting to rent their equipment to you as well.
Golfing
Between Hua Hin and neighboring Cha Am, there are eight world-class golf courses waiting to challenge visiting golfers on their Thailand holidays. The most-notable of these courses are Palm Hills (which has played host to the Thailand World ProAm ), the historic Royal Hua Hin (Thailand’s oldest golf course), and the famed Springfield Royal Country Club which was designed by Jack Nicklaus, and regularly hosts the PGA’s Thai Open.
Visiting the Royal Summer Palaces
Thai royalty has made its summer residence in Hua Hin for centuries and, as a result, the surrounding area is home to several significant palaces of former Thai kings. Tours are readily available to these enchanting, historic structures for interested visitors.
Please note, however, that no tours are available to Klaikangwon Palace near Cha Am – the full-time residence of Thailand’s current king and queen. Visiting this particular palace requires a royal invitation, and the surrounding exclusion area is patrolled by Thai military who keep sightseers at a distance.
Pala-U Waterfall and Kaeng Krachan National Park
Located approximately one and a half hours west of Hua Hin is Kaeng Krachan National Park, home to the Pala-U Waterfall. The park and its falls are popular not only for their natural beauty, but also for their carefully-preserved wildlife. Those who enjoy rock climbing are welcome to climb the falls, while less-adventurous types bathe in the pool at its base or hike in the surrounding forests.
Koh Talu and Singto Island
These two islands are located just a short distance off the coast of Hua Hin, and offer visitors the authentic “deserted tropical island” experience. Ferries run daily tours to both islands and can be arranged through most hotels and travel offices.
Where to Stay in Hua Hin
Regardless of what type of accommodation you’re looking for, Hua Hin not only has it, but likely offers it at the lowest price you’ll find of any major beach resort in Thailand. It is this variety and affordability that make the town so immensely popular with Thai nationals, and has led to a recent influx of foreign visitors as well.
In general, if your preference is to stay in a high-end resort, you’ll most-likely want to look at places just north or south of town. Popular facilities in these areas include the Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas, Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa, and Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. Nearby Cha Am (about 20 km north of Hua Hin) is also excellent for these types of accommodations, featuring both Dusit Thani and Sheraton resorts, as well as several others that feature their own private beaches.
Those seeking mid-range and budget accommodations will be better served to search in Hua Hin’s town center. Everything from affordable boutique hotels, to charming little guest houses can be found there.
Summing Up Hua Hin
Hua Hin is one of the Kingdom’s most-beloved locales among the Thai people. It is revered not only for its beauty and tranquility, but also for its long history as the summer home of the monarchy, and playground of the nation’s rich and famous (it isn’t uncommon to spot Thai movie starts about town).
While it may not have enough entertainment options to keep some visitors occupied, it is the perfect place to spend a few days for those looking to get away from the country’s touristy side during their Thailand holidays. If that sounds like you, then give Hua Hin a chance.