Hua Hin is a popular vacation destination amongst the locals as Thais relate Hua Hin to romantic and elegance. This is due to the royal presence in this seaside town since 100 years ago, thanks to the fascination of King Prajadhipok with the place. However, in recent years, this royal town is slowly gaining popularity amongst the foreign tourists too. We were in Hua Hin for 3 days and 2 nights last year and we will definitely return to this charming coastal town one day. Here’s our take on 10 things to do in Hua Hin.
More information in our full itinerary : 6D5N in Bangkok & Hua Hin – Purely R&R, Food & Shopping
We really enjoyed our stay at Rest Detail Hua Hin. This luxury boutique resort with 52 rooms is excellent in every respect. We loved the relaxed atmosphere and all the little attention to details that ensure we truly surrender to the charms of this tropical seaside resort. There are many other villas Hua Hin such as Let’s Sea, Dusit Thani, Devasom and V Villas. Each of them is unique in their own way and it is a great way to experience Thai’s creativity and hospitality.
Rest Detail Hua Hin
19/119 Soi Hua Hin 19
Tambol Hua Hin, Amphur Hua Hin
Prachuabkhirikhan 77110 THAILAND
Phone: +66 (0) 32 547 733
http://www.restdetailhotel.com/
2. Experience the ‘royal touch’ at Hua Hin Railway Station
Hua Hin Railway Station is indeed Thailand’s most beautiful train station. The rise of Hua Hin also began with the construction of this railway station in year 1968. Its main feature is The Royal Waiting Room that used to welcome King and his court when they were visiting the town.
3. Wine tasting at Hua Hin Hills Vineyard
Since we were in Hua Hin, it is almost obligatory to make a trip to the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard. It’s about 40 km away from Hua Hin into the mountains area on the way to the as Pala U water fall.
Shuttle service is available at THB 300 per person. It departs from Market Village at 1030 am or 300pm and return at 200pm or 600pm. It is almost a must to make a reservation 032-526351/081-9043888 as each shuttle bus can only fit 10 passengers each time.
It was lovely to be sit by the open balcony above the vineyard. Just look at the picturesque view! We were there during October, the weather was perfect as the cool season runs from November until the end of February.
It was one of our best lunch experience as the view overlooking the vinyard was superb!
Hua Hin Hills Vineyard
204 Moo 9, Baan Khork Chang Patana Nong Plup, Hua Hin, Thailand
Tel: + 66 (0)81 701 0222
Email: info@huahinhillsvineyard.com
Website: http://www.huahinhillsvineyard.com/ (tour booking can be done here)
4. Walk down the memory lane in Plearn Wan Eco Village
Plearnwan Hua Hin is Thailand’s first eco vintage village. It was built in late 2009 to recapture to recapture the classic charm of old Hua Hin. Plearn means enjoy and wan refers to yesteryear in Thai language.
Plearnwan is an open lawn area with a two storey wooden building around. It offers visitors about everything you can imagine the kind of store you might wish to see, including boutiques selling clothes, a beauty salon, food stalls, a massage centre, a jewellery outlet, as well as record stores and restaurants.
Plearnwan Eco Vintage Village
Located between Hua Hin soi 38 and 40, opposite Klai Klangwon Palace
Monday – Thursday from 10 am – 10 pm
Friday from 10 am – midnight
Saturdays from 9 am – noon
Sundays from 9 am – 10 pm
5. Buy souvenirs at Hua Hin Night Market
Hua Hin Night Market is located in the centre of town and runs up from Petchkasem Road to the railway line and opens from around 18.00. Hua Hin is a coastal town, hence seafood is aplenty over here. We found a lot of huge size crustaceans here; one just need to pick and the hawker owner will grill it on the spot. Other than the food, there are a wide variety of local handicrafts, souvenirs and clothing on sale.
6. Get artsy at the Cicada Market
Cicada Market is open every Friday and Saturday from 04:00 to 11: 00 p.m. and Sunday from 04:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Suansri, Hua Hin. We missed the opportunity to go there as we left before the weekend. However, my sister who recently went said that it is a beautiful art market with great atmosphere. Local artists will feature their handmade decorative items, fashion clothes, collective secondhand items and SME products with innovative ideas. One can also enjoy live performances sitting on the lawn in the beautiful garden with many tall trees.
Cicada Market is located on Khao Takieb-Hua Hin Road or Hua Hin 87, at the entrance to the Hyatt Regency Hotel and before Sasi Theatre.
7. Go to Santorini Park without flying to Greece
Santorini Park is gaining its popularity amongst tourists. This huge retail space is built with the idea of an island city which is famous and has its own character, and the answer is Santorini. Remember to take lotsa photos here.
Santorini Park
555 Moo 3 | Khao Yai, Cha-am 76120, Thailand
8. Cycle in Marukhathaiyawan Palace (Palace of Love & Hope)
Palace of Love & Hope was built in 1923 as a summer palace of His Majesty King Vajiravudh, Rama VI. King Rama VI made the first designs of the palace himself. He assured good ventilation with high ceilings and fretwork on all walls. Building the entire structure on stilts ensured the ground could be kept clean. Ants were controlled by niches for water around each concrete pillar and along the plaster walls that connect to the ground. Bringing all his ideas together, His Majesty chose an Italian architect, Ercole Manfredi, who worked in the Civil Works Department to make the final architectural drawings.
The palace consists of three groups of building. All buildings are one story high, built of golden teak, and stand on a total of 1,080 concrete pillars. Covered wooden corridors connect all the buildings.
King Vajiravudh was able to spend only 2 summers, in 1924 and 1925 in this Palace. Then he passed away on November 25, 1925.
Palace of Love & Hope
In Rama VI Camp,
Petchakasem Road,
Huei Sai Nua,
Cha-Am District,
Phetchaburi Province, Thailand.
OPENING HOURS:
Monday- Friday from 8.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Weekend and Public Holidays from 8.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
9. Eat at Jek-Be-Ak Seafood Restaurant
During our stay in Hua Hin late last year, we became regular patrons of Jeck Be-Ak Restaurant located on the intersection of Dechanuchit Road and Naeb-Khehars Road. Just look out for the old wooden house across Hua Hin night market.
The kitchens of Jek Be-Ak specialises in seafood stir fry and sukiyaki hot pot. Much to our delight, there is also an English menu for our perusal.
This little no frills seafood restaurant was a great find! We loved the authentic taste that comes with very reasonable price.
Restaurants Som Moo Joom and Jeck Be-Ak
51/6 Dechanuchit Road,
Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan,
Thailand 77110
Hours: Som Moo Joom 06.00-14.00. Jeck Be-Ak 17.30-20.30
10. High Tea at Sofitel Hua Hin
Sofitel Centara. It is a classic colonial-era Railway hotel that has occupied an idyllic spot on Hua Hin beach front for almost a century. Sofitel Centara is well known for its colonial style architecture and topiary gardens full of bushes shaped like animals.
Afternoon Tea at “The Museum”, a beautiful tea room which features the many histories of the old Railway Hotel is a great experience.. ‘The Museum’ is overlooking the gardens within the main hotel and another at the other side of the lounge area overlooking the topiary garden. As we studied the vintage black and white photos and various old ornaments in The Museum, we felt as if we were being transported back to the 19th century.
The Museum
Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas,
1 Damnernkasem Road,
Hua Hin 77110, Thailand
Tel: (+66) 32512021
Email: reservation@sofitel.co.th
Hai… nice reading. I will be travelling to Hua Hin on June 15. Do you happen to know where got nice and happening night life there? Thanks
Hi,
Im bringing my parents and daughters for Hua Hin trip this coming CNY.
Your post is really helpful and comprehensive. May i know how do u travel around in Hua Hin? I have a total of 4 pax.