Asia
20+ things to do in Hua Hin: complete guide from north to south
Sep
Looking for things to do in Hua Hin? This underrated beach town is a favourite for Bangkok locals for a weekend getaway. From the royal summer palace to beach cafes and temples, there are plenty of attractions in Hua Hin whether you are there for a weekend trip or en-route south.
- See how to get from Bangkok to Hua Hin
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions on Hua Hin
Is Hua Hin worth visiting?
Yes! Hua Hin is definitely worth visiting. While it is less easy to get around than Bangkok and not as famous as Pattaya in the tourist scene, the charming beach town has many attractions around it as well!
Is there anything to do in Hua Hin?
While Hua Hin is a beach town, it’s also near many national parks with mountains and forests waiting to be discovered. You can also find many different beaches, temples (which are often viewpoints as well), and night markets.
There are also other activities like water parks, beach clubs, cafes, and seafood restaurants! And a lot of beautiful resorts and hotels.
How many days in Hua Hin is enough?
Most people spend around 3 days in Hua Hin, but I’d budget more time if you are here to discover the nearby national parks – because there are many! You can see my suggested Hua Hin itineraries here.
What is Hua Hin, Thailand known for?
Hua Hin is known for its long stretches of beach, boutique resorts and hotels, and the best destination to go kite surfing.
Getting around Hua Hin
Hua Hin has a very simple layout of a city linear to the beach either sides of a main road. However, it has very limited public transport options with no grab bike, only grab car available. Getting a grab is also not the easiest so the best option is to rent a car or a motorbike, or plan to hang out by the beach or join day tours.
Here is a guide on getting around Hua Hin:
Hua Hin Songthaew Route
Or wait by the main road to flag down a large green tuk tuk. Be on the right side for your direction.
This website has all the routes listed but I’ve only personally used the green one.
Green Songthaew Route
It starts at the nightmarket and ends near Wat Khao Talia. Common places it stops at are by the Market Village and various other malls. It runs around every 15 minutes and you can press the bell on the roof to let the driver know to stop at pretty much any point.
Renting a motorbike or car
If you can drive, renting a motorbike or even a car is the best thing to do in Hua Hin as distances are quite large.
The roads are flat all around and relatively quiet aside from the highway itself.
If you want a better car, it’s advisable to book early. Easy Car Rental Hua Hin is well-rated and reviewed.
We ended up renting through a street side rental place and the car was pretty dated and ate a lot of gas. But when the handle broke from age/overuse it wasn’t charged on us so overall it was a good experience.
We paid 3000 baht to rent a car for 2 days at Mr.Wichai Bicycle & Motorbike for rent. He stays open quite long and is a friendly guy.
Attractions in Hua Hin
I’ll start with the Hua Hin attractions and make my way down with increasing distance. I have separated other things to do in Hua Hin so it’s easier to categories the locations for the attractions:
Hua Hin beach
I didn’t expect much for Hua Hin Beach, but it was surprisingly beautiful and pleasant. The entire stretch will take you hours to walk down, and only the section by the town center is Hua Hin Beach. You can see both ends of the bay with limestone mountains, which reminds me of Rio from the photos I have seen.
By the Centara entrance to the beach, there is a rock cluster that makes for beautiful photos with small pools of water. Locals with horses stand by the entrance or along the beach and you can ride a horse for photos or fun too.
Note: the beach faces east, so it’s not good for sunset, only sunrise
Hua Hin Train Station
Hua Hin Train station is smaller than expected but the red and beige Thai style pavilion is eye-catching and pretty. It was built and renovated in the 1910s and 1920s with Victorian Style influence. The interior is decorated in tiles and half open air, with many travellers waiting for their train seated around.
There is an old style cafe to the left of the platform and the right side is also good for photos, since most people are hiding from the sun under shade.
Hua Hin Night market
There is a daily night market north of the main road diagonally across from the clock tower where you can find many snacks. An original-flavoured roti starts at 15 baht and you’ll also find pancake, ice cream, and other stir fried food for cheap. I often grab a roti if I’m not full from dinner or was in need of a snack.
Cicada Night Market
The weekend-only Cicada Market is popular for tourists and locals alike. It has a laid-back vibe, plenty of seating area, grassfield, and hanging lanterns. The market is divided into four main zones, each offering something unique:
- A la Mode & Idea Shop: Here, you’ll find a variety of fashionable clothing, handmade gifts, and unique decorations. It’s the perfect place to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
- Amphitheatre: This open-air theatre hosts live performances, including music, dance, and even magic shows. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy some local talent.
- Art Factory: Art lovers will be in heaven with the array of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks on display. Many pieces are available for purchase, making it easy to take a piece of Hua Hin’s creative spirit home with you.
- Cuisine: The food zone is a highlight, offering a wide range of Thai and international dishes. From grilled seafood to delicious desserts, there’s something to satisfy every palate
Opening times: Friday & Saturday from 4pm to 11pm, Sunday from 4pm to 10pm (Closed weekdays)
Chopstick Hill (Wat Khao Takiap)
At the southern end of Hua Hin is the Chopstick Hill where Wat Khao Takiap and a giant standing Buddha statue stand. It’s over an hour’s walk from the city center, so you either have to pay 150 baht from the main town by Grab or take the big green tuk tuk for 10 baht to its end stop and walk up.
From the end station, go towards the beach and up the flight of stairs to the standing Buddha statue. You can also get a great view of the whole coastline of Hua Hin here. Wat Khao Takiap is further on, I recommend continuing on instead of taking the stairs as there are a lot of monkeys up there and one ended up jumping on my back. And it’s less easy to get lost in the abandoned complex directly above the stairs.
Wat Khao Takiap itself is smaller than expected, a small golden roof temple atop a long flight of stairs.
The design is reminiscent of a Nepalese temple with bells circling the shrine in the middle. It’s free to visit but not particularly interesting in my opinion.
Note: avoid eye contact with the monkeys and wear socks since you have the ascend to the temple barefoot.
Rajabhakti Park – 7 King Monument Park
The Rajabhakti Park is known as the 7 King Monument Park on the outskirts of Hua Hin. It was built by the army with a military base right next door. The large park is set in front of distant mountains with the statues of the 7 influencial kings from Sukhothai all the way to modern era standing in 14m tall bronze glory.
There is a large, dedicated parking space at a corner of the park and visitors can get on the free golf-cart shuttle to get close to the statues. The driver gave commentary in Thai, so unfortunately I didn’t understand it. But there are information boards in the pavilion nearby the statue, so you don’t have to worry about not knowing who is who. The 7 kings are:
- King Ramkhamhaeng the Great
Also known as Ram Khamhaeng, he was the Pho Khun (aka King) of Sukhothai between 1279 – 1298. He created the Thai alphabet and established Theravada Buddhism in the country. - King Naresuan the Great
He was a King in Ayutthaya between 1590 – 1605. He is better known as Prince Naret the ‘Black Prince and battled against the Tougoon Empire (Burmese). - King Narai the Great
The Ayutthaya King reigned between 1656 – 1688 and developed diplomatic relationship with France. His reign was influential and one of the most famous king. - King Taksin the Great
He reigned from 1767 to 1782 and moved the capital after the fall of Ayutthaya. Although he had a short reign, he reunited the country and fought against the Khmer, Burmese, Vietnamese, and Chinese. - King Rama I
The Great Rama I was the first king of Chakri Royal Family and a gifted military leader. He moved the capital to Rattanakosin City and reigned from 1782 to 1809. - King Ramam IV Mongkut – He is the 4th king of the Chakri Dynastic and a notable scientific scholar. He left monkhood to ascend the throat at urges at the royal family and minster after the previous king’s passing and reigned from 1850 to 1868.
- King Chulalongkorn the Great is son of Rama IV and abolished slavery, furthered public services and educations following the west. He reigned from 1868 – 1910 and is one of the most beloved kings of Thailand.
Address: 8 Petchkasem Rd, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening times: 8:00 – 17:00
Free entry
Things to do in in Hua Hin Thailand
I have separated things to do in Hua Hin as activities that you can do that aren’t necessarily proper tourist attraction sites. Because there are plenty of other fun things in Hua Hin.
Get a Massage in Hua Hin
BARAI Spa
BARAI Spa is an award winning spa inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Hua Hin. The exclusive spa only has 18 rooms and 8 exclusive residential spa suites. Its design is inspired by ancient Khmer to inspire serenity and tranquility.
They offer a blend of traditional Thai and the western treatments and revolve around the balance of the four elements.
Address: 29 91 Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening times: 10:00 – 19:00
Ava Massage
By far one of the best foot massages I’ve had, Ava Massage is one of the many massage shops lining the night market street. I ended up choosing it because it has a better decorated interior than the others. For 200 baht, it’s definitely value for money.
Address: 236, 33 Hua Hin 88/2 Alley, Hua Hin, Amphoe Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening times: 10:00 – 22:00
Kitesurfing in Hua Hin
Hua Hin is the best place to try out kitesurfing in Thailand, making it a top destination for both beginners and experienced kitesurfers. The town’s long, shallow beaches and consistent winds create an ideal environment for this thrilling water sport.
Hua Hin enjoys two main kitesurfing seasons:
- November to January: the northeast monsoon season offers 15-25 knots of wind,
- February to May: the thermal season provides more predictable 12-20 knots.
The sandy shoreline and shallow waters make it safe and enjoyable for kitesurfers of all levels. There is a vibrant kitesurfing community with numerous local and international kitesurfing competitions. In order to kitesurf, you’ll need to join a course:
Top Kitesurfing Schools and Clubs
- KBA – Kiteboarding Asia: The first kite school in Thailand, offering lessons, equipment rentals, and a shop.
- Duotone Kiteboarding Club: Known for its prime location and comprehensive lessons tailored to individual needs.
- Hua Hin Kitesurfing: Offers lessons and equipment rentals with convenient locations along Hua Hin beach.
Visit a Waterpark in Hua Hin
As a family-friendly destination, there are a few waterpark in Hua Hin for a fun day out.
Vana Nava Hua Hin
One of the most popular waterparks in Hua Hin is Vana Nava Water Jungle. Spanning over 8 acres, this waterpark is designed to resemble a tropical jungle, complete with lush greenery and thrilling water rides. With around 20 slides and attractions, including the Abyss, Boomerango, and AquaLoop, there’s something for everyone1. The park also features a kids’ zone, food options, massage stations, and retail outlets, making it a perfect destination for a full day of fun.
Address: 129/99 Soi Moo Baan Nong Kae, Tambon Nong Kae, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri
Opening time: 11:00 – 17:00
Entrance fee: 38.35 USD including locker, towel, and virtual slices (childern and senior tickets available) – buy tickets here
Black Mountain Water Park
Another must-visit is the Black Mountain Water Park, located just 15 minutes from central Hua Hin. Spread over 40,000 square meters, this waterpark offers a variety of attractions, including thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and a relaxing lazy river. Opened in 2011, it has quickly become a favorite among tourists and locals alike. The park’s scenic location and well-maintained facilities ensure a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.
Address: 1 หินเหล็กไฟ 2 Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening times: Thurs – Tues 11:00 – 17:00
Entrance fee: Day pass at 17.75, save and buy here
Things to do in Pranburi
Pranburi is the area south of Hua Hin and often lump together when talking about things to do in Hua Hin since it’s a short drive away. Some of these places are top tourist attractions in Hua Hin like Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
I’ll list the locations out from north to south – making it easy for you to plan your road trip.
Pranburi Forest Park
The mangrove forest of Pranburi Forest Park is less than half an hour’s drive south of Hua Hin. It has a nice wooden boardwalk that meanders through the 3.2 km² mangroves with an option to take a boat ride out in the river.
It’s easy to reach using google map and there are plenty of parking by the park entrance. It was free to park and enter, and since I arrived before 9am, it was relatively quiet.
It’s a loop route that goes in a clockwise direction and the most scenic part of the walkway is towards the ‘end’.
There is a watch tower that gives you a great panorama of the surrounding and all the way to the city.
Address: 14 ผาสุกวนิช 16 Pak Nam Pran, Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77220, Thailand
Opening times: 6:00 – 18:00
Free entry, I read online that it’s 400 baht for the boat ride
Wat Tham Khao Tao
Khao Tao is the name of the headland south of Pranburi Forest Park and is translated as Turtle Island. Wat Tham Khao Tao is located on top of the headland, a Buddhist shrine that sees influences from both Chinese and Thai Buddhism.
The temple is multi-level and it’s worth the climb up to see the view itself.
Address: FX4J+Q25, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening times: 7:00 – 18:00
Pranburi Beach
Located just 30 kilometers south of Hua Hin, Pranburi Beach is a serene escape from the bustling tourist spots. Known for its tranquil atmosphere, this beach offers a perfect retreat for those looking to unwind. The pristine sands and clear waters make it an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming.
For the more adventurous, activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, and cycling are available. The area is dotted with chic boutique hotels and resorts, catering to a range of budgets and preferences.
Koung Sai Beach
Unlike the more commercialized beaches, Koung Sai offers a peaceful environment where visitors can truly connect with nature. This is mostly because you have to hike to the beach! It is about 1km on mountain, so best be mentally (and physically) prepared and arm yourself with mosquito repellent.
You can also find some sandstone folds for photos in a ‘not so hidden corner’.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
About 30 minutes south of Hua Hin is the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Known for its karst caves and mountains, it reminds me of Vang Vieng in Laos and a much smaller version of Ninh Binh in Vietnam. The name means three hundred peaks, a reference to the park’s many jagged peaks.
There is no public transport to the national park, so the only option is to either rent your own vehicle or hire a car with a driver. I ended up finding two companions through Instagram and dug around Facebook and found a driver from 9am to 5pm for 1800 baht. That didn’t give enough time to visit everything in the national park, so I settled on the top 3:
Note: no drone flying is allowed in the national park
Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk
A sea of lotus with a network of wooden boardwalks, the Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk is a swamp bordered by towering karst mountain on one side and a beautiful sight to behold. There are boat rides available if you are interested, but going around the boardwalk itself is decent enough.
While the boardwalk looks extensive, you can only go about 500m in before a barricade. The rest of it appears to be waiting renovation, so we spent around 40 minutes there before heading to the cave.
Phraya Nakhon Cave
The most famous site in the national park is the Phraya Nakhon Cave, discovered 200 years ago by a ruler seeking shelter and subsequently named after him. But it’s best known for the temple that sits under a doline in a cave within a cave.
To get there is no easy task. From the beach where the car park is, you can either hike across the mountain or take a boat to shorten the 30 minutes journey. The trail consists of slippery marble rocks polished by the throngs of locals and tourists paying pilgrimage to the temple.
The boat will shave 20 minutes off the hike but you do have to walk through water to board and disembark the longtail boat. Personally, I think the hike not only saves you money but also offers some good views.
There is a restaurant at the beach as well as holiday huts if you are interested in refreshment or even staying a night here. The trail to the cave continues away from the beach with similar footing as the trail over the hill.
It’s best to wear close-toed shoes with good grip but there are people who manage in sandals.
The descent into the first cave is made easier with good stairs and the small forest under the doline lends it an otherworldly air.
A narrow pass riddled with stalagmites and stalactites to the side would lead you to the temple, or rather the Kuha Kharuehat Pavilion. It was built on the order of King Rama V in the 19th century, and consequently visited by Rama VII and Rama IX, all of them leaving their handwriting to the right of the pavilion.
If you visit around midday, the light from the doline shines directly on to the pavilion, giving it an ephemeral glow. However, if you want to avoid the crowd, it’s best to visit after. It took us around an hour on the car to get to the cave and another 45 minutes to visit.
Khao Daeng Viewpoint
No national park visit is complete without a viewpoint and Khao Daeng has been on my radar since I saw photos of it on Instagram. It shows a view of the land and sea, of fields and mountains, but not much about the hike itself. As our driver pulled into the parking lot that is well marked on google map, it appeared to be a very small area.
A guardhouse stands in the middle of the lot, who came over to issue a warning on the hike difficulty, as did the other signs around. A small pack of monkeys eyed us from a corner, but otherwise didn’t make a move.
To my surprise, the trail, although not as well paved as the one to the cave, is clearly marked and not that difficult. It was, however, steep, and it took us half an hour up to get up. A sign proclaims that it is the Khao Daeng Viewpoint with a sweeping view of the river flowing into the sea and small villages dotted around. This is the main peak, but the smaller outcrop on the other side is also beautiful and looks back towards the national park.
While I don’t think it’s as difficult as advertised, do bring lots of water and wear good shoes as going down is also slippery and no steps.
Kaeo (kaew) Cave
The cave is kept in its natural condition and it’s not too far from Phraya Nakhon Cave. We didn’t make it here but some said that it is too dark and dangerous to visit and only suitable for experienced trekker.
Note: the 200 baht entrance fee
Other Hua Hin attractions nearby
There are other Hua Hin attractions away from the coastline and would take a bit more driving to get to. I’ve listed them in order of popularity for you here:
Kui Buri National Park
Kui Buri National Park is known for being the place to spot wild elephants in Thailand. But like all things, seeing the majestic creatures in the wilderness requires some luck. The national park advertises that 99% of visitors see elephants, but I would say that the real number is perhaps a little lower.
The national park covers 969 km² and it’s about 1.5 hours drive from Hua Hin. You can go to Pranburi in the morning, stop for lunch, then head off to Kui Buri. Other animals in the part include gaurs, deers, hares, wild boars, golden jackals, gibbons, and even tigers, leopards, and tapirs.
It’s a nice experience to be on the back of the jeep roaming the roads of the national park, especially for those who have never been on an animal safari. We had a driver and a guide with us, the latter would point out wild animals here and there but didn’t speak good enough English to engage in more conversation. They drive along a set route with a few stops at scenic spots and viewpoints. We saw a few bison and plenty of birds, but no elephants, unfortunately.
Tips: it’s best to come here in wet season and in early morning or late afternoon when the animals are more active.
Cost: for 2 people, it was a total of 1250 baht. It’s cheaper to share the Jeep, which is 800 baht with 200 baht entrance fee per person. I can’t remember where the extra 50 baht fits!
Note: it’s encouraged to tip your guide and driver here
Address: 3J4G+Q9, Hat Kham, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77150, Thailand
Opening times: 8:00 – 16:30
It’s free to park at the Pran Buri National Park.
Kaeng Krachan National Park
Hua Hin’s location is on the thinnest stretch of Thailand bordering Myanmar and the Kaeng Krachan National Park is the lush rainforest that stretches by the border. It’s one of the lesser visited national parks and home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants, and gibbons.
The Park stretches over 2914 km2 and most people visit specific attractions or two inside the park due to time constraints. Here are some recommendations:
Pala-U Waterfall
The Pala-U Waterfall is the most famous attraction in Kaeng Krachan National Park about an hour’s drive east of Hua Hin. It’s a great swimming hole to escape to with many falls along the river and it’s possible to trek around in the national park as well.
Pala-U Waterfall has multiple levels but only 5 are open to the public, and it can get challenging to go up.
If you don’t want to drive, you can do a full day visit through a join in tour that includes transfer.
Kaeng Krachan Dam
Further north in the national park back in Phetchaburi district, the Kaeng Krachan Dam is an alternative destination to the national park. It’s a scenic place to stop to see the sunrise or sunset or go for a walk.
There is two suspension bridges you can walk across and it’s the filming location for the Thai movie “A Little Thing Called Love”, which was a high school favourite movie of mine!
That said, if you are also planning on visiting Khao Sok National Park, it is okay to give this one a skip.
Boat ride: 600 baht
Bang Tabun River
The Bang Tabun River is a tributary that enters the Gulf of Thailand by Phetchaburi. It seems unexpected but it’s known to be a good place for whale watching! The Bryde’s whales visit the area between May to December, and you’ll have to get to the departure point yourself.
