here is only one beach, Hua Hin Beach (ชายหาดหัวหิน Hat Hua Hin) which runs from one side of Hua Hin to the other. Basically it's one long beach. Hua Hin Beach extends some three kilometers southwards from a rocky headland until a southern headland where a Buddhist temple cling to the cliffs. Fine white sand, resort hotels and many water sports opportunities lend the resort its distinctive ambiance. At the south end of town, the hill of Khao Takiabinterrupts the beach. On the other side (technically not Hua Hin anymore) is a lovely swimming beach with a view of Khao Takiab's South face. Just a little further on, Suan Son beach is owned by the Thai army, but open to the public. Notable for the tropical sea pines lining the shore. A little south of the Marriott, watch for tiny sand crabs digging industriously, leaving odd patterns of tiny sand clods around their beachfront property.
Parts of the beach closer to the town may have greenish water, in this case continue walking down the beach where the water appears cleaner. There is ample supply of deck chairs along the beach, however many places will charge for their hire (100 baht is common). Deck chairs that are part of a beachside cafe may be free (in the assumption you will buy food or drink).
The hill of Khao Takiab, 14 kilometers from Hua Hin town, supports Buddhist temples and offers a commanding view of the resort, particularly early in the morning. A local bus service from Hua Hin to Khao Takiap is on the seashore. Khao Takiab is one of the highest area in Hua Hin, by going up this mountain by driving you will see the whole Hua Hin and also nice beaches. This is another good place to wait for the sunset as well. Also the food on Khao Takiab is very delicious too.
- Hua Hin Railway Station (สถานีรถไฟหัวหิน). This is Thailand's most beautiful train station of which the local people are very proud. The wooden building used to be a royal pavilion in Sanamchan Palace, Nakhon Pathom province. It was rebuilt at Hua Hin in 1968.
- Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre (ศูนย์ศิลปหัตถกรรมหัวหิน). daily 11PM-6:30PM. This is situated in an old typical house on Naepkhehat Road. It has a collection and exhibition of many contemporary works of Thai artists, as well as old furniture and many pictures about Hua Hin in the past. Free.
- Klai Kangwon Palace (พระราชวังไกลกังวล), ☎ 0 3251 1115. daily 9AM-4PM. King Rama VII commanded the Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace to be built in 1929. This Spanish-style summer palace faces the sea and dominates an extensive ornamental garden. The Thai Royal Family still customarily spend the hottest months of the year, usually March through April, there. Members of the public can visit the palace every day, when the Royal Family is not in residence. 20 baht.
Nature
- Khao Hin Lek Fai (เขาหินเหล็กไฟ). Situated 3 kilometers west of Hua Hin district, Khao Hin Lek Fai or Flint Mountain is 162 meters high and is accessible by a road. On the mountaintop, there is a public park and scenic spots from where the scenery of Hua Hin and its surrounding area can be seen. edit
- Khao Tao (เขาเต่า). Between Km 243 and 244 markers, 13 kilometers south of Hua Hin, there is a 1- kilometer branch road on the left which leads to the spot with two beautiful beaches called Hat Sai Noi and Hat Sai Yai. Bungalows are available. edit
- Namtok Pa La-u (น้ำตกป่าละอู), ☎ 0 3245 9293. This 11-tier scenic waterfall, some 60km west of Hua Hin, is located within a yearlong verdant forest where various kinds of birds and butterflies are found, especially in the morning. Visitors can take a local transport called a songthaew from Hua Hin to this waterfall. The best time to visit the waterfall is from November to April. This place is in charge of Kaeng Krachan National Park. Camping in the park is allowed and a tent can be rented at 250 baht per night. Call for more information. 200 baht.
Sam Roi Yot National Park
Located about 60km from Hua Hin Town, with an area of 98 square kilometers, is renowned for its limestone mountains, mangrove swamps, beaches and several species of local and migrating birds during the cool season. There are many ridges with the most popular being Khao Sam Roi Yot with 300 peaks. The park can be reached by following the direction signs marking the remaining distances of 38 and 15 km. at Km. 256 and Km.286.5, respectively.
Some attractions within t he park:
- Hat Laem Sala is a beach 16 km north of the park office and can be reached by boat or on foot across a hill from Bang Pu Village. The well-known cave there Tham Phraya Nakhon has a large hole in it so sunlight can shine through, so allowing plantation to grow. There is Phra Thi Nang Khuha Kharuhat which is a Thai-style pavilion with a scenic view of the cave. It was first built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn before ebing dismantled and reconstructed with the cave. There is also a viewpoint on Khao Daeng which is 400km from the park office and Ban Khao Daeng, the latter of which offers boat trips to watch wild birds.
- Hat Sam Phraya located 3.5 km north of the park office, is a lovely beach with a line of pine trees. Accommodation is available there.
- Tham Kaeo, situated around 23 km from Pran Buri (15 km north of the park office) is a cave with an abundance of stalactites and stalagmites. For exploring the cave, oil lamps can be rented at a nearby village.
- Tham Sai, 9 km north of the park office, is a cave which can be explored in no time. Oil lamps can be rented at a nearby village.
[edit]Further away from Hua Hin
- Dan Singkhon is in Khiong Wan sub-district and is the Thai-Burmese border pass.
- Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park is located west of town. To get there travel along Highway No. 4 till Km. 331-332, then turn right and drive for another 8 km. There are nice narrow walks leading out to wide rocky landscape on a mountain top with scenic views of the town.
- Ko Singto (Lion Island) is named after the shape of the island. It is a popular island for diving and snorkeling and offers visitors the chance to explore the Hua Hin and Khao Takiab shorelines.
- Wa Ko has been of historical importance since the reign of King King Mongkut when he viewed a full-moon eclipse. There is a long atmospheric sandy beach fringed with pine trees. It is located at Km. 335 of Highway No. 412 km south from the town.
Do
Golf
Golf is extremely popular in Hua Hin and the place has several high quality courses up to international standards and designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus.
Hua Hin and its surroundings are a golfer's paradise with at least 7 quality courses within a 30 minute drive. There are also two brand new golf courses under construction and a preview of the latest images can be made from the fairways. Most courses offer transportation to and from the course.
[edit]Spa
Spas in Hua Hin offer luxurious treatment which suits every budget. The treatment includes both traditional remedies and modern techniques. Facilities at spas in Hua Hin may also include a Jacuzzi and steam bath. Over the past few years these spas have become leaders in Thailand.
Many Spas in Hua Hin also offer traditional Thai healing arts as form of treatment. There is also alternative treatment such as Rieki. Resorts offer many detox programs. The most popular treatments are chi organ massage, karsai genital detox massage, deeper skin detox and herbal skin detox.
Hua Hin has a world class Chiva-Som International Health Resort. Focusing on greater well-being and vitality, Chiva-Som offers extensive fitness, spa, spa cuisine and holistic health facilities to help you relax, restore and rejuvenate.
[edit]Massage
Traditional Thai massage, characterized by its holistic approach to health is aimed at enhancing not only one’s physical and emotional state but also to allow one to grow spiritually.
There are over 50 massage shops in Hua Hin. All good hotels in Hua Hin offer traditional Thai massage service. In Hua Hin, at Petchkasem Road next to the Golden Palace and the Royal Palace one can be massaged by very good professional blind masseuses. This is a royal project. Very little English is spoken but don't worry as you will be in professional hands.
[edit]Other
- Sand and sea. This is the number one attraction of Hua Hin, also according to tourist information.
- Fishing and eco-cruises can be done in Hua Hin, both at sea and inland.
- Kite-boarding is a very popular pastime in Hua Hin. There are several schools giving lessons and tuition with equipment for hire.
- Fitness and Martial Arts can be practiced either in gymnasiums around town or in the top hotels.
- Elephant camps and trekking can be found just west of town. There is also an elephant camp.
- Walking and cycling are popular in Hua Hin due to the quietness of the roads.
- Creative Arts are a plentitude in Hua Hin including handicrafts, silk weaving, embroidery, basket making, pottery and wood carving.
- Go Karting can be enjoyed at the karting track near the airport. The 700m circuit has a banked curve for speed, pits floodlighting, beer garden and catering.
- Water Sports in Hua Hin include swimming, banana boat rides, waterski-ing, jet-ski-ing, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba-diving.
- Pony Rides can be found on Hua Hin beach
[edit]Festivals
- Thailand’s International Kite Festival is during March, April and May and features stunt kites, big kites, little kites, high tech kites, traditional Thai kites, and displays of international kites. Visitors also enjoy a variety of opportunities for shopping, sightseeing, and simply having a good time.
- Hua Hin Jazz Festival June is the time of the year when 'jazz on the beach' happens at the annual Hua Hin Jazz Festival. The popular event attracts world class jazz musicians from Thailand and all over the world.
- Hua Hin Vintage Car Rally Hoteliers, the Vintage Car Club of Thailand, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand annually sponsor a 'parade' of vintage and classic cars starting at the Sofitel Central in Bangkok and ending in at the Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort. The cars, with drivers and passengers decked out in 1920's attire, make the 225km promenade in December of each year. The festivities culminate with a 1920's party at the Sofitel, which appropriately is a Victorian-style structure built in the 1920's.
Learn
Hua Hin Cooking courses are on offer to those tourists who would like to learn about cooking their favourite Thai dishes when they return to their home country.
A few Thai Cooking schools have sprung up in Hua Hin where foreign tourists can learn the art of serving up their favourite Thai dishes such as: Phat Thai (Thai-style fried noodles), Tom Yum Kung, Panaeng with Beef and Chicken and Cashew Nuts. Courses vary in length from just the single day to a few. Courses are also available at most of the large hotels but you will have to ask around.
Sukkasart Institute (The Institute of Healing Arts), 20/48 Petchkasem Rd. (Hua Hin 106), ☎ 66(0)32 515725, [6]. Provide various training of healing Arts from Tradition Thai Massage, Meditation, Reiki and Energy Healing.
Buy
Shop at the night markets. Things that you can buy range from t-shirts to antiques. shirt will cost you around 300 baht (£5) . It is also a great place for shopping including contemporary art handicrafts, hand-woven printed cotton, silk fabric, silk weaving, embroidery, basket making, pottery, wood carving, gemstones and jewelry (including sapphires and rubies). Bartering is advisable to get the best prices possible.
Note that there are two night markets. The better known is in the middle of Hua Hin, and is rather tourist oriented. The one the Thais favor is known as theGrand Market because its in the parking lot between Grand Hotel and Sao Paulo Hospital. More diverse and interesting, but does not operate Mondays and Tuesdays. For local handicrafts, the Hua Hin Bazaar, about 100 meters west of the beach, should be your first stop.
Happening only on Tuesdays is Pae Market near the Royal Hua Hin Golf Club. Here is a good place to get the feel for a traditional Thai market.
- Night Market and Other Markets Although there is no large shopping mall in town but there are famous markets in Hua Hin. Located in the centre of town adjacent to Dechanuchit Road, just west of Phetkasem Road is the Hun Hin Night Market which is a great place to eat. There is a market devoted primarily to tourist shops along Dechanut Road.
- Nightly Street Market (ตลาดโต้รุ่งหัวหิน). This is a favourite venue for shoppers. Such excursions offer opportunities for shopping, enjoying native-style seafood cooked on the spot and witnessing local people's lifestyle.
Local souvernirs
One of Hua Hin's most renowned local product is pha phim khommaphat or printed cotton, a typical product of Hua Hin which is to be sold by the yard. The finished product of the Khommaphat print is colourful and can be turned into shirts, handkerchiefs, wraps, even toy elephants or fish, as well as decorative pieces such as pillows, bags, fans, etc. Contact: 0-3251-1250, 0-3251-3506.
A large variety of other cotton products are also obtainable, such as placemats, table clothes, and pillowcases. Most of the products, fresh and dried seafood, souvenirs, dishes made of seafood are available at Hua Hin Market.
For hand-woven cotton go to Baan Khao Tao, there is the Baan Khao Tao Handicraft Centre which was founded in 1964. In 2003, the centre's works were registered as the province's four-star OTOP product. Hand-woven cotton is offered for purchase in different forms, such as in the Yok Dok print, bathing cloths, sarongs, even large pieces of fabric like bed sheets.
A traditional duster made from Sisal is popularly grown around Khao Takieb. It resembles a broom but is smaller in size and much more colourful. The duster is of good quality, it is durable, and can be used to brush away dust in small corners. To use them as decoration is an innovative idea as well. The dusters are priced at 10-30 baht per piece, according to size. They can be purchased on Hua Hin Beach. When buying a duster, choose one that has its leafstalk securely attached to the handle, which should be easy to grip.
Souvenirs from Hua Hin District include accessories from coconut shells, Khommaphat printed fabric, the printed fabric in traditional Thai patterns, brooms, utensils made of sisal fibre, bamboo woven products, as well as fresh and preserved food.
- Sukkasart Institute (The Institute of Healing Arts), 20/48 Petchkasem Rd. (Hua Hin 106), ☎ 66(0)32 515725, [5]. Provide various training of healing Arts from Tradition Thai Massage, Meditation, Reiki and Energy Healing.
Eat
There are plenty of eating options around Hua Hin. Those close to the beach and atop Khao Takiap are touristy, while some good local options can be found on Phetkasem Rd along the way to Khao Takiap. Hua Hin is famed for its delightful fresh seafood which can be found in abundance at the Night Market, restaurants and hotel restaurants. Naresdamri Road is a fine place for great inexpensive restaurants while serving up romantic sea-views. Some hotels offer buffets consisting of open cooking stations, including a Seafood BBQ, and also offer live entertainment like traditional Thai music and dancing.
This area is the site of the Hua Hin Fishing Harbour and in the early morning, fresh-out-of-the-water seafood can be snapped up.
Moreover, there are numerous dining spots serving Western, Indian and Japanese food.
For cheap eats, check out the night market. Budget tourists having problems with the local fare will be happy to know that at the Tesco in the posh Market Village mall, there's street-style Thai food with modern fast food hygeine: 25-45B, and real coffee for 10B.
Drink
If you want English songs better go in the downtown area of Hua Hin, where Hyatt Hotel is located. If you go there, most of the people will be foreigners. There's active tourist night life between Dechanuchit Road and Soi Bintabaht with mostly middle-age and older customers.
- El Murphy's. The place for live music,located in the heart of Hua Hin on Soi Selakam 20M. from the Hilton Hotel.This Irish Bar is the nightly home of Hua Hins own The Stonehead Band,these boys have been rocking Hua Hin for more then 15 years with their great rock and blues classics.Sometimes there is an early opening act.
- Style. One of the best nightspots in Hua Hin, with hip hop music and techno. Popular for teenagers around that area. Open from 6PM to 2AM, but most people come around 10PM onward. Live music as well, but thai music. Frequently overcrowded.
- Bluestation Country Pub. Very popular with local folks, but nearly unknown to tourists. Located behind the older of Hua Hin's two bus depots, by the intersection of Chomsin Road and the railroad track (only rail crossing in central HH, so easy to find). The house band is excellent, playing all Thai country (Peu Chiwit) songs. Before 10PM, there's an opening act that some nights (but irregularly) consists of a duo of Thai on guitar and farang on accordion, doing all Thai songs. One of a kind, and pleasant listening.
- Satchmo Club (แซชโม คลับ) Main Lobby of the Sofitel Central Hua Hin.); The Satchmo Club is Hua Hin’s ultimate in classy entertainment. Featuring a vibrant Filipino Band, The Flash Band, Satchmo features delicious drinks, including a Mojito such that you will only taste in Mexico. Located underground below the main lobby, Satchmo Club is both hip and modern - a relaxing venue from the bustle of Hua Hin.
Sleep (Accommodation)
Hua Hin is quite tourist oriented at least in the central parts and thus there's mostly hotels there, but also some guest houses and motels are available.
[edit]Budget
True budget beds are less common than they might have been a few years ago, at least during high season.
- Tientong has rooms with private bathrooms for between 400 baht [low-season] and 600 baht. Includes high-speed wifi. Located downtown at end of secluded street near market. Friendly staff. Nice views of hillside from communal balcony. Ten minutes walk from beach. Address: 226/107 Petchkasem Rd -- behind Grand Hotel. Near station. Tel: +66 89 224 9353; tientong2001@yahoo.com;
- Kings Home Hua Hin is a quite small and very friendly guesthouse in the centre of Hua Hin with prices ranging from 800 to 1200 baht a night.It is really very safe place.
- 21 Guesthouse advertises 100-300 baht rooms with AC and television on their signage, but on arrival will offer you only a 500B room or a disgusting, mosquito-infested 100B with unspeakable stains on the sheets.
- Sukwilai Hotel and Guesthouse on western Soi Bintabaht near a "150 meters to Burger King" ad offers fan rooms for 300 baht, or 350 with cable TV. Also upper scale rooms available in the main building. Guest house is opposite to some bars playing quite loud until 2 AM.
- Mod Guesthouse is near 21 Guesthouse and the Hilton.
- Memory GuestHouse is near 21 Guesthouse and costs 200 for single room and 300 for double.
[edit]Mid-range
- Citin Loft, 120/22 Soi Huahin 78, Petchakasem Rd (in the heart of Hua Hin), ☎ +66 3 253 3778-81 (enquiry@citinlofthuahin.com, fax: +66 3 253 3722), [6]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: noon. Offers 50 comfortable guestrooms each with a private balcony overlooking the green hills beyond. Facilities of this cozy hotel include a rooftop pool, sundeck, Internet stations, restaurant and a free shuttle service to Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin Market Village & Hua Hin Night Market. edit
- Anantasila Resort [7] 33/15 Moo Bann Huadon, Petchkasem Rd.
Nongkae, with several room types. Price ranges between 2000-15000 Bht/night.
- Nern Chalet Hotel - Private Beach, excellent services, relaxing atmosphere, free wireless internet [8] or E-mail to rsvn@nernchalet.com
- Chom View Resort - very nice, not big, cheap, clean. Near Kao takeab, private beach.
- Preeburan Resort - you can feel warm welcome with local Thai greeting, beachfront unique design villas. [9]
- The Hideaway Huahin [10] located at Hua Hin Soi 9, Petchakasem. Price ranges between 2500-3000 Bht/night. Pool access is recommended.
- Thipurai City Hotel, 8/5-7 Soi Kanjanomai Poolsuk Road, Hua hin, Prachuabkirikhan 77110 Thailand, ☎ +66 (0) 32 533 555, [11]. Thipurai City Hotel is in the heart of Hua-Hin. Since the 1920's Thai people started to come here on their weekends because of the city's tranquil atmosphere. Retreat into luxury, as the Junior Suite is our finest accommodation establishment. This room has larger living area and the bathroom is equipped with a bath-tub. The view from the room is also more privileged. Premier Deluxe Rooms are just smaller with same facilities. Deluxe rooms are recommended to big groups. Superior rooms are suitable for couples and single travelers. Best rates on official website start at 1,350 Baht. edit
- Pattawia Resort & Spa Hua Hin, 9/21 Moo 5, Pak Nam Pran Beach, Pranburi, Prachuap Kiri Khan, 77220 Thailand, ☎ +66 (0)87-0265515, [12].Located on a beach with many other 5 star and 4 star resorts lies the large Pattawia Resort & Spa Hua Hin. It boasts an excellent spa, the biggest swimming pool and Sea View rooms for everyone and it is typically extremely quiet during weekdays, making it an ideal location to getaway and rest and get the full attention of the staff at all times. 2400 Baht. edit
- NICHA SUITE HOTEL: 4/125 Soi Hua Hin 98 Nongkae, Petchkasem Rd.
This hotel is some 100 metres south from the bus station (3/4 Km south of the main part of town). Is very clean and modern, with friendly and helpful staff. Breakfast is included. The rooms have large flat screen TV with plenty of channels, and there are tea and coffee making facilities provided. B1200 walk in price, at Nov 2010. There is no lift so you may have to walk up the stairs.
- Dolphin Bay Resort, 217 Moo 4 Phunoi, Sam Roi Yot Prachuab Khirikhan, 77120 Thailand, ☎ +66 3 259 9333 (admin@dolphinbayresort.com),[13]. Beach resort for family holiday. edit
[edit]Splurge
- Asara Villa [14], 5 star luxury hotel, by HuaHin beach. Price ranges between 4000-18000 Bht/night.
- Haven Huahin [15], boutique resort, by Hua Hin beach. Price ranges between 4000-15000 Bht/night.
- Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, 91 Hua Hin - Khao Takiap Road (on the beach-front), ☎ +66 3 252 1234 (hotel.hrhuahin@hyattintl.com), [16]. 5 star hotel with 204 rooms and suites. The hotel is within 12.5 acres of tropical landscaped gardens and has a 200-metre long beach-front. Host to The Barai Spa. edit
- Dhevandara Resort and Spa [17] 451 Hua Hin, Huay Mongkol Rd. Hin lek Fai, room rate: 2000-8000 Bht/night. near Grape Farm and off 8 kms from Hua Hin Town. Luxury and boutique resort with private pool.
- Veranda Resort - very nice, cozy resort, not too big, service is excellent and all rooms are unique.
- Chiva-Som International Health Resort, 73/4 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Prachuab Khirikhan, 77110 Thailand, ☎ +66 3 253 6536(reservation@chivasom.com), [18]. one of the best Destination Spa resorts in Thailand, very private. And well known to tourist as well. Pricy but the quality you get back is the best. edit
- Evason Hideaway- Nicest pool villas, luxurious/secluded 5 star hotel, 6 senses spa (one of the best in Thailand)
- Le Bayburi De Pran (เลอ เบย์ บุรี เดอ ปราณ), Beach Front Rd., Pak Nam Pran Buri, Pranburi, Prachuab Kirikhan, ☎ +66(0) 2696 8233, [19]. Le Bayburi Villa’s is a private complex of 4 privately owned luxury beachfront villas, operated as vacation home rentals for short and long stay guests. Guests can choose between the four themed Villas, each with completely self contained facilities, including private pool. Located at romantic Pranburi, just 20 minutes south of Hua-Hin. Pranburi is unique in that it has only boutique private resorts along the beachfront, so even in high season the area is peaceful and quiet.
