Hua Hin Travel Guide: Royal Resort Town on the Gulf

Hua Hin at a glance

Hua Hin is a beach town 200km south of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand coast. It’s one of Thailand’s oldest resort destinations — the royal family established a summer palace here in the 1920s and the railway connection to Bangkok made it popular with Bangkok’s upper class. Today it’s a polished, established town with a 8km beach, reliable seafood restaurants, a well-functioning golf scene, and a calmer atmosphere than either Pattaya (to the north) or the southern islands.

The town is compact — most things are within walking distance or a short songthaew ride of the beach. It’s one of the few Thai beach destinations where you don’t need a scooter to get around.

Beach and town

Hua Hin Beach — The main beach runs 8km north to south. The central section (opposite the town) is the most accessible. The northern section (near the Hilton and Intercontinental) is slightly cleaner. Deckchairs, umbrellas, and seafood restaurants are available the length of the beach.

Hua Hin Night Market — Two main night markets: the Chatchai Night Market (covered, year-round, mostly locals) and the weekend Cicada Market (more curated, arts and crafts, live music, better food stalls). The Cicada market is held Friday–Sunday and is the better option if dates align.

Hua Hin Railway Station — The most photographed building in town. A Victorian-style royal waiting room, painted pale yellow and blue. Worth a brief stop.

Klai Kangwon Palace — The royal summer palace on the north end of town. Occasionally open to the public (check before visiting — it closes when the royal family is in residence). The grounds and architecture are the attraction.

Day trips

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park — 60km south. A coastal wetland and limestone hill park where the standout attraction is Phraya Nakhon Cave — a collapsed cavern with a royal pavilion lit by a shaft of natural light through the ceiling. The hike to the cave takes about 30 minutes each way. The park also has flamingos and wetland bird species in the marshy areas.

Pala-U Waterfall — 60km northwest near the Myanmar border. A multi-tiered waterfall in a rainforest setting, least visited of the accessible day trips from Hua Hin but genuinely quiet and pretty.

Golf

Hua Hin has more golf courses per square kilometre than almost anywhere in Thailand. Black Mountain, Banyan, and Majestic Creek are the best regarded. Green fees from ฿1,500–3,500 including caddie. Courses are open year-round.

Practical information

Getting there — Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong: 3.5–4 hours, ฿65–470 depending on class. Minivan or bus from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit): 3–3.5 hours, ฿200–250. Self-drive from Bangkok via Highway 35: approximately 2.5 hours.

Getting around — Songthaews and tuk-tuks cover the central area. The beach is walkable from the town centre. Hire a driver or join a tour for Khao Sam Roi Yot.

Best time — Hua Hin is on the Gulf’s western side and benefits from a different weather pattern than the eastern Gulf. Most rain falls February–April, with October and November also wet. The driest period is May–January, which is relatively opposite to Koh Samui.