Hua Hin is a little different from other beach resorts in Thailand but visit this city and you’re in for a surprise. With a mix of city life and beach life, some excellent restaurants, plenty to do, and a selection of great accommodation, Hua Hin offers something for everyone. Here’s all you need to know about this classic beach resort.
History of Hua Hin
Hua Hin has a regal past – in the 1920s Rama VI (King Vajiravudh) and Rama VII (King Prajadhipok) constructed summer homes in Hua Hin to escape from the humidity and heat of Bangkok in the summer. The most famous regal palace is the “Far from Worries Palace” (Phra Ratchawang Klai Kangwon)which is located around 3km from the center of Hua Hin and is still used by the royal family today. Since the arrival of Thailand’s royals, Hua Hin has been a popular getaway for the elite of Thai society. Today, Hua Hin welcomes the rich and the not-so-rich – all of the main hotel chains have hotels here, and there are many condominiums owned by Thai residents as well as foreign visitors. You don’t have to be wealthy to visit here, as the food is affordable and tasty and there are plenty of options for accommodation.
Image via Clay Gilliland / Flickr
Hua Hin Features and Benefits
The main attraction of Hua Hin has to be its laid-back atmosphere. The city has some great historic charm, along with excellent public services and modern hotels and amenities. Unlike many Thai resorts, Hua Hin has not been taken over by high rise buildings. There is only one high rise in the center of town, the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, and the middle of Hua Hin is delightfully atmospheric – it is not overdeveloped and spoiled.
What Can I Do in Hua Hin?
The five-mile-long sandy beach is the biggest attraction in Hua Hin and attracts Thai and foreign visitors alike to laze on the sand and chill out by the sea. If you want to do something a bit more active, watersports are popular. You can go kite boarding, sailing, swimming, and snorkeling. On dry land, play a game of golf or go hiking to explore the caves, parks, and waterfalls of this interesting area.
Nightlife in Hua Hin
After dark there is such a wide variety of things to do that you will be spoiled for choice. Bars, restaurants, cafes, clubs and shows mean you won’t get bored if you want to go out in the evening.
Hua Hin Restaurants
Visit the seafood restaurants perched on stilts jutting out into the sea for authentic, tasty, and affordable seafood. Wherever you eat, try the seafood because Hua Hin is famed for fresh seafood and it is plentiful and low in price. If you want to eat cheaply try the stalls at the night market which serve tasty Thai fare. Or there are inexpensive restaurants on the Naresdamri Road.
Hua Hin Climate
The climate of Hua Hin is tropical, like the rest of the country. You will experience high humidity and some rain. However, Hua Hin is not stifling like Bangkok in the summer and you will generally be able to enjoy the climate all year round. The hot season lasts from March to May, when the temperature climbs into the high 30s, while the cool season lasting between November and February is a lovely time to visit. The rainy seasons lasts from June through October – during this time it does not rain every day and rain showers are typically short and intense. Therefore, Hua Hin is a year-round destination with a climate that allows you to enjoy the beach throughout the year.
How to Get to Hua Hin
Take a convenient train from Bangkok to Hua Hin – the train station in Hua Hin is in the center of town. However, it is a much longer trip by train than it is by car or bus. There are plenty of trains leaving Bangkok and the price is affordable. Or, you can go by VIP bus or regular bus to reach Hua Hin. Minibuses also drive this route and represent a convenient way to access Hua Hin.
Getting Around
You can easily take tuk tuks and taxis to get around town, although the price varies and many taxis charge a high rate to foreigners. If you want the freedom to get around on your own then rent a motorcycle or a bike to be able to see all the place has to offer. Local minibuses take locals and visitors around town to the most popular places.
Image via Chi King / Flickr
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