Hua Hin, the complete guide to discover the seaside resort

Hua Hin is a city in the south of Thailand, 200 km from Bangkok, and is one of the oldest and most famous seaside resorts.

Description of Hua Hin

Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Hua Hin has a population of 84,883 inhabitants in an area of 911 km².

It is one of the eight districts (Amphoe) of Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

It owes its success, like Pattayaits proximity to BangkokIt is only a 2.5 hour drive from the capital.

The 8 km long beach is nice and clean, more so than Pattaya.

Hua Hin is a resort for foreigners and Thais alike.

Popularised as a seaside resort in the early 1920s by King Prajadhipok, Hua Hin is closely associated with the Thai royal family.

History

In 1834, before the name Hua Hin was coined, some agricultural areas in Phetchaburi province were affected by a severe drought.

A group of farmers moved south until they found a small village that had bright white sand and a row of rocks along the beach.

They settled there and gave it the name Samore Riang (Samo Riang), which means 'rows of stones'.

In 1921, the director of the National Railway, Prince Purachatra, built the Railway Hotel near the beach.

Prince Krom Phra Naresworarit was the first member of the royal family to build a group of palaces in Ban Laem Hin, called Sukaves, and named the beach next to his palace "Hua Hin".

King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) liked this place so much that he built a summer palace here, which was later called "Klai Kang Won" (away from worries).

The Klai Kangwon Palace

From 2004 to 2006, it was the full-time residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)He worked as a teacher in a number of schools until health problems forced him to return to the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok.

Best time to visit Hua Hin

The city has a tropical climate with high humidity and occasional rainfall, it is a city with a pleasant climate that can be enjoyed all year round.

Generally, the best time of year to visit Hua Hin is during the cool season from November to February.

The hot season is from March to May.

The rainy season (although it doesn't rain every day) is from June to October, with September being the rainiest month.

Where to stay in Hua Hin?

There are hotels to suit all tastes and budgets.

The northern part of the city is mostly composed of luxury hotels, without a lot of animation, for those who like calm.

The city centre near the clock tower is very lively, with a wide range of accommodation.

The south, Khao Takiab, is a quieter, more authentic area with a pleasant beach, some activities and good value accommodation.

What to see and do in Hua Hin

Tourist information can be found at the corner of Petchkasem Rd and Damnerkasem Rd (Soi 76), close to the railway station.

In addition to sunbathing, snorkelling and swimming, visitors can also enjoy golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls, shopping, seafood and nearby national parks.

The city is clean, friendly and relaxed, which is ideal for families and couples.

Hua Hin night market

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park (the mountain with 300 peaks)

It is a national marine park located 60 km south of Hua Hin, a visit not to be missed, as the scenery is magnificent.

But it is difficult to get there by public transport, so you have to either rent a motorbike or go through an agency.

The Buddha statue at Khao Takiab

A large standing Buddha stands at the base of Khao Takiab (Chopstick Hill) and at the top of the hill there is a shrine and a magnificent view of the coast.

Turtle Hill

A little further south are Khao Tao (Turtle Hill) and Tam Khao Tao (Turtle Hill Cave) where you will find shrines and a giant Buddha on the hill.

Transport to Hua Hin

You can get an idea of the transport prices and book your bus, train, boat or plane tickets with our partner 12go.asia :

Getting to Hua Hin by Train

The train is an easy way to get to Hua Hin, as the station is right in the city centre.

The journey from Bangkok to Hua Hin by train takes about 4 hours.

Getting to Hua Hin by bus

Many buses and minibuses leave for Hua Hin from Bangkok's southern terminal, Sai Tai Mai.

There are also buses to Hua Hin from Mochit and other bus stations.

The journey from Bangkok to Hua Hin takes about 3.5 hours.

Getting around Hua Hin

By bike The city is flat, so it's easy to get around by bike, although in some places the traffic is quite heavy.

By scooter You will easily find them for rent at around 300 baht per day, but remember that the biggest danger in Thailand is the road.

If you don't have a good knowledge of two-wheelers and no good insurance, it is better to use other means of transport:

By tuk-tukIt is a very expensive way to travel, you have to haggle hard to get the right price which will always be much more expensive than the song taew.

En song taewThese are pick-ups fitted with two benches at the rear (song = 2 and taew = bench), they are white or green in Hua Hin.

This is the cheapest way to get around, between 10 and 40 baht depending on the route, just tell them where you want to go and they will tell you if it is on their route.

Video on Hua Hin

A short video presentation of the city

Map of Hua Hin

Source: Wikipedia Photos: HuaHin Beach 1 and 2: Digital_D_DayKhao Sam Roi Yot: Preecha.MJ, Khao Takiab Buddha: AdamHillTravelHuaHin Night Market: Krista,