Hua Hin — Royal Seaside Resort★★
Thailand's oldest seaside resort (since the 1920s) is located 200 km southwest of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand — and is the preferred retreat of the Thai royal family. King Rama VII had the Klai Kangwon Palace (»Far from Worries«) built here in 1926, and since then, Hua Hin has retained a touch of royal elegance.
Hua Hin is not a backpacker destination and not a party place — it is a relaxed, somewhat upscale seaside resort with long beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, golf courses (eight in the area), and a charming night market. The target audience is Thai families, expat retirees, and travelers looking for a beach without a full moon party.
The wide, 5 km long sandy beach is pleasant but not a postcard paradise — the water is more murky than turquoise. Hua Hin's strengths are the atmosphere, the food, and the excursion possibilities: national parks, vineyards, a floating market, and spectacular cave temples.
Sights & Excursions
★★★ Phraya Nakhon Cave (Sam Roi Yot National Park)
45 min south of Hua Hin: one of the most spectacular caves in Thailand. A collapsed cave roof lets a beam of light fall on the royal pavilion Kuha Karuhas (built in 1890 for King Rama V). With the right lighting (morning 10–10:30 a.m.), the scene looks unreal — a golden-lit pavilion in a huge cave. The ascent takes 30 min over steep steps.
Sam Roi Yot: 200 THB entrance. Boat to Laem Sala Beach: 400 THB/boat (up to 8 people). Then 30 min uphill.
★★ Hua Hin Night Market
Every evening from 5 p.m., Dechanuchit Road transforms into a lively street food market. Grilled seafood (shrimp from 100 THB/approx. €2.60, whole fish from 150 THB/approx. €4), Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, fresh fruit juices. At the end of the street: souvenir stalls with silk goods and coconut oil products.
★★ Hua Hin Railway Station
The most beautiful train station in Thailand — a wooden Victorian building in red and cream yellow with the former royal waiting pavilion. Perfect photo opportunity, still in operation. Free access.
★ Khao Takiab (Chopstick Hill)
5 km south: a hill with a temple, dozens of monkeys, and a panoramic view over the entire bay of Hua Hin. Large standing Buddha statue on the summit. The beach at the foot is quieter than the main beach.
Hua Hin Hills Vineyard
Yes, there is wine in Thailand — and it's surprisingly good. The Monsoon Valley Vineyard offers wine tastings (from 250 THB/approx. €6.60), a bistro, and elephant tours through the vines. 45 km west of Hua Hin.
Eating & Accommodation
€ Budget (under 200 THB / €5.30)
Jek Pia Coffeeshop · Dechanuchit Rd
Since 1958 — Hua Hin's most legendary breakfast spot. Hainanese Chicken Rice, pork noodle soup, Thai coffee. All under 80 THB (approx. €2). Only mornings until noon.
Chatchai Market · Phetkasem Rd
Covered market with dozens of food stalls. The best value for money in town: complete meals from 40–60 THB (approx. €1–1.60).
€€ Mid-range (200–600 THB / €5.30–16)
Koti Restaurant · Naresuan Rd
Legendary for seafood — since 1957. Grilled tiger prawns, squid with garlic, fish in lime sauce. Portions for 2: 400–800 THB (approx. €10.50–21). Reservation recommended in the evening.
Lung Ja Seafood · At the fishing harbor
Fresh from the boat to the plate. Large selection of fish and seafood by weight — you choose, they cook. 300–500 THB (approx. €8–13) for a sumptuous meal for two.
Accommodation
€ Budget: Guesthouses from 400 THB (approx. €10.50) in the old town. Baan Manthana — charming small hotel, double rooms from 800 THB (approx. €21).
€€ Mid-range: Amari Hua Hin — beach hotel with pool, double rooms from 2,500 THB (approx. €66). Putahracsa Hua Hin — stylish boutique hotel, double rooms from 3,000 THB (approx. €79).
€€€ Luxury: Centara Grand Beach Resort — the historic Railway Hotel (1923), colonial style, tropical garden, right on the beach. Double rooms from 5,000 THB (approx. €132). InterContinental Hua Hin — modern luxury, infinity pool, from 6,000 THB (approx. €158).
Arrival & Practical Information
From Bangkok
- Bus (recommended): From Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). Every 30 min. 1st class with air conditioning: 200 THB (approx. €5.30). Duration: 3–3.5 hours.
- Minivan: From Victory Monument or Khao San Road. 250 THB (approx. €6.60), 3 hours.
- Train: From Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue. 4 hours. 2nd class: 232 THB (approx. €6). Slow, but the pretty station in Hua Hin compensates.
- Car: 200 km via Highway 35 + Route 4. Approx. 2.5–3 hours.
On Site
Songthaew (green shared taxis) run up and down Phetkasem Road: 10–20 THB. Scooter (200–300 THB/day) for trips to the surroundings. Tuk-Tuk in the city: 50–100 THB per ride. For Sam Roi Yot National Park, you need a scooter or rental car.