Hua Hin, Thailand: Your Perfect Escape Near Bangkok in 2024

Located just a few hours' drive from Bangkok is the alluring beach town of Hua Hin. Once regarded as a quiet fisherman’s village with little to offer tourists, Hua Hin has now grown into a favorite getaway for Bangkok residents and expats living or retired in Thailand. Blessed by the country's royal family, it is also home to a summer royal palace.

It’s a quaint beach town that offers a little bit of everything for everyone. So, sit back and read on as you soon discover why Hua Hin is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Thailand or seeking a place for some R&R on a weekend. 

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 11-05-2024

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Best things to do in Hua Hin in 2024

At first glance, one might assume that the only thing to do in Hua Hin is to relax by the beach—after all, it is a beach town. However, this is a place that offers a mix of landmarks, nature, adventurous recreational activities, and gastronomical delights. The list below captures the essence of Hua Hin and provides insight into must-visit sites as well as things to do. 

Rajabhakti Park

Only in Hua Hin will you find a historical theme park established for the sole purpose of honoring past Thai kings dating back to the Sukhothai era, up until the current Chakri dynasty. Here at Rajabhakti Park, one can expect to find statues standing up to 12 feet tall, lined up in a row and positioned as if they’re guardians of the land. The best part about this park is that there’s no entrance fee, so not only will you get a brief history lesson but it’ll also make for a good story to tell, and you’ll get plenty of picturesque shots. 

Night Market Escapades

Hua Hin is home to an extremely famous night market—a must-visit, even if you have just one night in town. The main Hua Hin night market offers local delicacies like freshly caught seafood, quaint stalls selling affordable clothes, shoes, and bags, as well as charming street performances. In addition to the main night market, the Cicada market is another must-see, with a focus on handicrafts, local arts, and live music.

Wat Huay Mongkol

Wondering why it's worth paying a visit to a temple in Hua Hin when cities like Bangkok already boast a variety of temples, both small and grand? Well, Wat Huay Mongkol stands out as a pilgrimage site for both locals and tourists alike. At this temple, you’ll come across a very large statue of Luang Phor Thuad, a significant figure in Buddhist history who was and is still revered for his enlightenment and magical abilities. 

Rest and Reprieve on Hua Hin Beach

Hua Hin boasts a primary stretch of beach, considered a public beach and located not far from the Centara hotel. This popular spot attracts both locals and tourists alike. Picture beach chairs with colorful umbrellas lined side-by-side, vendors strolling around offering everything from delicious bites like the famous Thai grilled chicken and sticky rice to anklets, beach mats, sand toys, and even clothing. 

>>> Read more: Best Time to Visit Phuket, Thailand? Your Ultimate Phuket Travel Guide!

It can get quite busy, especially during peak seasons, but boredom won't be an issue. You can participate in watersports or enjoy horseback riding along the beach. For those seeking a less chaotic and more relaxing public beach experience, head to Khao Takiab beach. This serene spot is renowned among both locals and tourists, especially those seeking a quiet escape.

Adventure and Entertainment awaits at Black Mountain

No trip to Hua Hin is complete without experiencing the adventure and entertainment offered at Black Mountain, which includes golf courses and a water park. Situated amidst the mountains of Hua Hin rather than the beachfront, Black Mountain Golf Club is more than just a haven for golfers and sports enthusiasts. 

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Golf enthusiasts can get their best game face on and tackle the world-class 18-hole course while basking in the alluring and magnificent landscapes such as lakes, creeks and the panoramic mountain side. There's something for everyone at Black Mountain because families can also enjoy the massive Black Mountain Water Park with rides catered to all. 

Excursion to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and Phraya Nakhon Cave

For nature enthusiasts, explore Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and Phraya Nakhon Cave. Surrounded by magnificent limestone formations, the park, named 'Khao Sam Roi Yot' (Mountain of Three Hundred Peaks), offers a marvelous treat for your eyes. The cave, a wonder to explore, rewards climbers with a haven and reveals the iconic Khuha Kharuehat Pavilion.

The most beautiful time to visit Hua Hin in 2024

While Hua Hin can be visited any time of the year, undoubtedly, the most beautiful season is during the months between November and February. Like many other beach destinations around the country, this period is considered the high season or peak season for this quaint yet alluring beach town.
During these months, you won’t experience torrential rain showers and thunderstorms. Instead, anticipate clear and bright skies with sunshine looming above you every day. With no thunderstorms, you’re also safe from jellyfish, as they tend to surface in the waters during the rainy season.
As it is also technically the winter months, along with bright and sunny skies, you can experience a touch of coolness with subtle winds and temperatures dropping ever so slightly. It's the perfect time to sit by the beach, lounging on a chair without worrying about heat stroke hitting you. 

How to get to Hua Hin?

Now that you've gained insight into why Hua Hin is a must-visit destination in Thailand, you're probably already planning your next trip. However, if transportation is still on your checklist, worry not! Below is a meticulously crafted outline detailing all the available transportation options, along with rough cost estimates ranging from low-budget to more luxurious. 

Bangkok —> Hua Hin:

• Buses: A myriad of buses frequently travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin. Board one at Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal and enjoy the 3-4 hour journey (depending on traffic). This transportation option will cost you a mere 200-300 baht, making it our recommendation for budget travelers. 
• Minivans: If buses aren't your preference, or you simply prefer fewer people during the 3-4 hour journey, consider taking a minivan to Hua Hin. Public minivans depart from various locations in Bangkok, with Victory Monument being a popular choice. This transportation mode will set you back 300-400 baht, slightly higher than taking a bus.
• Taxi/Private Car: If you're not on a tight budget and want to fully relax on your journey, consider hiring a taxi or a private car with a driver. Depending on the company, prices can range from 2000 to 3000 baht.

Phuket —> Hua Hin
There aren’t many options for hopping on a bus and heading directly to Hua Hin from the island. You'd need to take a flight or bus to Bangkok, then transfer to a bus, minivan, or opt for a taxi or private car heading to Hua Hin. The price for this will vary depending on the airline you choose and your preferred mode of ground transportation. 

Chiang Mai —> Hua Hin

• Flight + Car: Take a flight straight to Bangkok, then choose between a taxi, minivan, or private car.
• Train: While there isn't a direct train from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin, you can take a train to Bangkok first and then change trains or transportation modes. This option is ideal for those with plenty of time on their hands, as the journey will take around 10-12 hours.

Where to stay?

Now comes the part where we dive deep and provide you with some insights into what we believe are some of the best or most recommended accommodation choices for travelers. This list compiles a bit of everything, so there’s something for low-budget travelers to those who crave luxury and all the fancy shenanigans. 
Low Budget:

• Budget Hotels: If you’re on a budget but still want a space of your own, choose a budget hotel like Ibis Hua Hin. Although it isn’t situated right by the beachfront, it is located in close proximity to the night markets as well as Hua Hin main beach and Khao Takiab. A night here will set you back around 800-1000 baht.
• Hostels: If you’re really on a budget and don’t mind the lack of privacy, then hostels are for you. Choose from relatively affordable hostels like Hua Hin Night Market Hostel and expect to pay roughly around 350 baht a night. A steal if you’re planning on staying for several nights.

Mid-Range:

• Boutique Hotels: If you want a bit of luxury but don’t want to break the bank, then boutique hotels like Dusit D2 are a great choice. A night here will set you back around 2-3 thousand baht, and you can expect to relax in a nice swimming pool in a beautiful hotel.
• Resort Apartments: If you want the feel of a resort but don’t want to splurge on a room, or can’t afford to, then that’s fine as you can still experience a resort with a room at a resort apartment like the one at Marrakesh. A night here costs around 3–4k depending on the season.

Luxury: 
For luxury travelers, you’re spoiled for choice. Hua Hin boasts a range of private villas ranging from the basic kinds to the super exclusive and luxurious ones. Top choices and recommendations are the private pool villas at Baba Beach Club, V Villas, and Yana Villas. Expect huge private pools, only the finest linens and thread counts, as well as exceptional service. These kinds of villas can set you back a whopping 10k-50k a night.

Luxury doesn’t mean villas alone, but resorts too, and Hua Hin also has a plethora of those from So Hua Hin (a chic hotel) to Baba Beach Club to Intercontinental and Hilton. You have a variety to choose from. It's best to check prices with the hotels themselves as you might come across special deals and promotional prices.

Yummy Yummy Time

Food: We can’t live without it, and many who venture to Hua Hin do so because of the fresh seafood available and the delicious selection of restaurants. We've already mentioned Hua Hin night market above, but we'd like to restate that you can find delicious seafood here.

Here’s a list of Hua Hin’s recommended restaurants:

• Supatra by the Sea: One of the most famous restaurants in Hua Hin, loved by many. Supatra by the Sea gives you the chance to savor real Thai cuisine against the backdrop of the ocean.
• Chao Lay Seafood: Known for its super fresh seafood, this restaurant is right near Hua Hin’s fishing pier. Expect to be treated to dishes like the popular steamed fish with lime and chili, the classic crab curry dish, and many more delectable Thai delicacies.

And on that note…

Well, now you know why Hua Hin is a must-visit destination, being a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Not only is it located not too far from Bangkok, but it also proves time and time again to be the perfect place for a quick weekend away or a stop before you head to other parts of Thailand in 2024.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book that flight/car, and head to what might be one of Thailand’s best beach escapes, like heaven on Earth.

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• Thailand’s 10 Most Spectacular National Parks