Hua Hin
Attractions
News & Events
Shop & Dine
Hua Hin
Hua Hin, just 280km south of Bangkok, a pleasant 3-hour drive or a 45 minute small plane journey, is fast becoming the destination in Thailand. You can experience leafy, picturesque village streets, enchanting long stretches of beach and authentic Thai seafood restaurants overlooking fishing boat views.
From its quaint railway stations, built in the 1920’s, to its 5-star luxury spa resorts and international golf courses (8 within 30 km), Hua Hin is an ideal place in which to live, holiday or invest.
Providing a perfect holiday destination for couples and families alike, Hua Hin is firmly in the tour operators’ brochures. Enjoy the luxury of unspoiled beaches where the emphasis is on peaceful relaxation.
Khao Takiab, located 5km south of Hua Hin town centre proudly sits alongside a 7km stretch of wide beach reaching as far as Khao Tao. Perfect for walking, jogging, horse riding, water sports and of course swimming, Khao Takiab is a favourite among local expats for a second home by the beach due to its relaxed atmosphere and friendly neighbours.
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Attractions
There are lots of things to see and do in and around Hua Hin. You can hire your own car or we can help you find a car and driver to visit the waterfalls, go to the nearby National parks or visit secluded bays and coves around the area.
There is everything you need from great seafood restaurants, elephant rides, horse riding, water sports and lovely leafy paths around the village environment, great for bicycle riding and walking. Within an hours drive from Hua Hin you can find trendy fashion outlets providing the latest designer clothes up to 80% discounted from city boutiques. Additionally, you can visit secluded beaches, national parks and caves. Everything you need to keep all members of the family occupied.
If you wish to venture further, Kaeng Krachan National Park extends along the Burmese border from Petchburi Province, north of Hua Hin. Thailand’s first marine national park, Khao Sam Roi Yot, is approximately 35 km to the south. Additionally, in Kanchanaburi province there are five more national parks, Erawan, Sai Yoke, Sri Nakarin, Khao Laem and Chalerm Rattanakosin, all of which are easily accessible.
Check out some of these places and activities:
Klai Kangwon Palace
Located north of Hua Hin, this palace was built by King Rama VII for his Queen. It is used today as a summer residence by the royal family. When not being used, the public may visit the beautiful gardens and some of the buildings.
Hua Hin Railway Station
This quaint railway station, built during the King Rama VI must be visited if you do not arrive from Bangkok by train.
Sofitel Hotel, formerly The Railway Hotel (1923)
Beautifully positioned in Hua Hin beach the Sofitel is the epitomy of class. If you can’t afford to stay there, visit for a drink in the gardens or a special meal at one of the terrace cafes.
Maruekhathaigawan Palace
Situated approximately 8km south of Cha-Am at the Camp Rama VI military compound, this summer palace, designed by an Italian in the 1920s, is a lovely example of the architectural style of the era making use of teak wood, long walkways and design features to capture the light at different parts of the day.
Kaeng Kratchen National Park
Approximately 40km from Hua Hin, this 3,000 square kilometer park is Thailand’s largest. A variety of animals live in the rainforest and lowland habitats, such as tigers, bears, deer and elephants. You can also visit the huge Pa-La-U waterfall in the park, though check the weather before visiting as it can be dangerous in the rainy season.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
A short drive south (60km) of Hua Hin, this large park is worth a visit, if not just for the Tham Phraya Nakhon cave located inside its borders. Climbing down to the cave to see the pavilion built for King Rama V is challenging but rewarding.
The park is dotted with limestone peaks, marshes and mangrove swamps which conceal a variety of wildlife including deer and many species of birds.
Water Sports
You can find a local company promoting water sports in Khao Takiab beach daily. Activities such as paragliding, water skiing, jet skiing and the infamous banana boat can be tackled if you are that way inclined.
For snorkeling and scuba diving, you will find better waters further south at Koh Talu.
Horse Riding
As horse riding enthusiasts ourselves, we are delighted that ponies are available on the beach. Some are better behaved than others, as can be true of their owners, so choose your horse wisely.
Golf
Spas
Hua Hin has blossomed into a professional spa resort location in the last few years. All of the large and expensive hotels provide spa treatments and can be contacted directly.
Chiva-Som International Health Resort
73/4 Phetchakasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan 77110
Tel +66 (0) 3253-6536, Fax +66 (0) 3251-1154
Anantara Resort & Spa (Mandara Spa)
43/1 Petchakasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan 77110
Tel +66 (0) 3252-0250, Fax +66 (0) 3252-0259
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa (Mandara Spa)
107/1 Petchakasem Rod, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan 77110
Tel +66 (0) 3251-1881, Fax +66 (0) 3251-2422
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa
33/3 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan 77110
Tel +66 (0) 3251-2888, Fax +66 (0) 3251-1135
Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort (Centara Spa)
1 Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khirikhan 77110
Tel +66 (0) 3251-2021-38, Fax +66 (0) 3251-1014
Evason Hua Hin & Six Senses Spa
9 Moo 3 Paknampran Beach, Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77220
Tel +66 (0) 3263-2111, Fax +66 (0) 3263-2112
However, do not disregard smaller, local salons as we have found some of them to be excellent value for money.
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News & Events
Hua Hin Jazz Festival takes place in June boasting great names and performers who play directly on the beach. It is a superb event that should not be missed.
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Shop & Dine
Within the area of Khao Takiab village, you can find a good selection of small local shops selling food, handicrafts, newspapers and toiletries. There is a 7-Eleven with an ATM outside if you do not want to go to the centre of Hua Hin.
Eating is very easy as there are lots of restaurants dotted around Khao Takiab and Hua Hin. In fact, the town has become something of a culinary hotspot. The Boat (Rua Rintarn) Restaurant in Khao Takiab is excellent and within walking distance of Baan Thai Villas. Many of the stalls on the beach also offer very good food at ridiculously cheap prices.
Shopping for your basic necessities could not be easier at the Shopping Mall situated half way between Khao Takiab and Hua Hin town. This huge mall provides everything that you need from an English paper to Thai furniture.
The night market cannot be missed with its mixed variety of stalls offering lots of items such as movies, souvenirs, snacks, bags, clothes.
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