24 Things To Do in Hua Hin –Our Top Picks
Hua Hin is about beaches, eating out, drinking at bars, massages and enjoying relaxation in the tropical heat as much as any other Thailand destination. However, we all need a little bit of something to do in between chilling out, and others like to see what’s going on and check out the attractions to see things and points of interest.
The rather scenic Hua Hin can be found by heading south-west out of Thailand’s capital. The distance between the two locations can be covered in little more than a couple of hours or so, which makes this entire region a particularly desirable and peaceful inland holiday destination for Bangkokians.
It’s true that many visitors to Thailand often overlook Hua Hin’s key features and character, preferring instead to head for the tried-and-tested southern beach regions like Phuket, Phang Na, and Samui. And anyway, Hua Hin’s quite reserved by comparison in some respects.
Certainly, there are some lovely stretches of beach and a few great characteristics like monkey temples on mountains and white sandy beaches. There is much more to be seen and experienced in this rather nice seaside town in Thailand as well though, and it holds particular appeal and charm for anyone wishing to avoid too much chaos or nightlife.
Let’s see if we can dig a bit deeper into that with 24 things to do in Hua Hin.
1. Hua Hin Beach
Hua Hin beach is considered the main stretch running past the central parts of the town. For the most part the beach is relatively white and sandy-looking, although there have been increasing complaints from locals over recent years regarding an increase of litter and other waste.
To be sure, this is not close to the exotic tropical scenery of the southern isles with its white beaches and clear azure waters. For many though, it’s good enough for a weekend or a few days away from the city.
The main entrance is closest to Damnoen Kasem Road, which is typically lined with taxis, vendors, etc, and plenty of activity. If you’d rather bypass that, head further north and be met with scenarios more along the lines of wide open space.
From this central stretch of beach, it’s possible to get to some much more scenic ones in either direction, like Khao Takiab and Suan Son.
—Beach Length: Approximately 7km
—Address: Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
2. Khao Takiab Beach
Khao Takiab Beach is a relatively quiet and slightly more exclusive stretch of beach on the southern end of the town. It is in fact next to Suan Son Pradipat Beach, and the sand is clean and white with water suitable for paddling and swimming.
This side of the town and coast is quite peaceful and relatively natural, although there are resorts, hotels, and restaurants. Visitors will still find various activities to indulge in such as horse riding and jet skiing.
One of the best things about Khao Takiab Beach is the giant Buddha image at the foot of the big hill/mountain that the beach name comes from, although in translated terms it is also known as Chopstick Hill.
—Beach Length: Approximately 1.5km
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: 7km
—Additional costs: Activities like pony rides
—Address: South of Hua Hin Beach
3. Chopstick Hill (Khao Takiab) & Wat Khao Takiab
Khao Takiab–translated as “Chopstick Hill” is a fairly unique local temple scenario–in this case Wat Khao Takiab located atop the hill that also happens to be home to more than just the odd monkey.
This is a fully-functioning temple inhabited by monks who are a familiar sight around the area collecting alms and rendering blessings in the early morning. Both the hill and the temple are visible from the centre of Hua Hin and some impressive views are available from this vantage point.
There are various signs warning visitors of the potential hazards of encountering the resident monkeys. These typically go unobserved until first-hand experience hits home–like the monkeys leaping into your open car window and stealing something or even whisking away a can of soda off the top!
—Opening times: 6am-6pm
—Address: Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Approximately 7km
—Additional costs: 20 baht songthaew from other regions in the town if not on foot.
Vana Nava Water Jungle is a great water park with a variety of thrilling rides for all ages. It claims to be the first ecologically aware community water park in the area and it comprises 20 rai of tropical jungle scenarios combined with state-of-the-art technology and modern facilities.
The park features more than 20 attractions including signature rides and thrill-seeker slides, as well as Thailand’s first ‘Underwater Studio’. Vana Nava Hua Hin is definitely a touch above the average water park and some of the standout attractions have names like the Abyss, Master Blaster, and Free Fall, which can make for an exhilarating experience.
The all-inclusive ticket option is probably one of the best options as the prices onsite are fairly high including the use of towels and storage. One of the oft-reported downsides is that the food is expensive inside the park, but it’s still an overall great place for some fun water activities.
— Opening times: 10.30 am-4.00 pm (Mon-Thu, closed Wed), 10.30 am-6.00 pm (Fri-Sun)
— Distance from Hua Hin centre: Approximately 4 km
— Additional costs: Entrance fees are upwards of 600 baht per person (around $20)
— Address: 129/99 หมู่บ้านหนองแก, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
5. Black Mountain Water Park
Black Mountain is another established and popular Hua Hin water park. The park is modern and exciting, and is operated to specific quality standards.
The attractions include a tower close to 20 metres in height from which nine different slides originate. The wave pool claims to generate the biggest waves in Thailand, and there’s a lazy river, a beach area, a kids’ pool, and much more.
—Opening times: 11 am-4 pm and 4 pm-7pm for a slightly reduced entrance fee
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: 15 mins from centre
—Additional costs: 300-600 baht each with concessions for kids and later entrance time
—Address:1 หินเหล็กไฟ 2 Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
6. Santorini Amusement Park
This park is a quaint leisure outlet featuring rides, entertainment, and shopping. It was constructed with a nod to the Greek Islands of the Aegean Sea and includes attractions such as a 40-metre-high ferris wheel and rides with names like XD Dark Ride, Slider, and Wallhola.
There’s also the 3-D artwork of the Trick Art Museum, also known as the Alive Museum, and Funtastic Island offers amusement for kids aged between around 4 and 10 along with Junior Super Fun Packages.
Just across from the parking lot and within the same complex is Santorini Water Park, one of Hua Hin’s newer water parks, for anyone who fancies cooling off with a different kind of amusement. And if you just can’t get enough of this place in a day there is also a stylish, boutique-style B&B-type guesthouse again within the same complex–a huge operation!
—Opening times: 9.30am-6.30pm
—Distance/Time from Hua Hin centre: 30 minutes
—Additional costs: Entrance Fee approximately 150 baht, and rides are typically priced at around 120 baht per person with exceptions for the XD Dark Ride, the Alive Museum, and the Cage, which are twice the price.
—Address: 555 Moo 3, Khao Yai, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120
7. Maruekhathaiyawan Palace
Maruekhathaiyawan Palace is located somewhere between Hua Hin and neighbouring resort town Cha-Am.
This unique structure apparently came about when a Thai King decided to demolish another of his buildings further south. It was decided that the teak wood from this place would be used to construct a new palace–and so it was–on pillars facing east across the sea towards the Cha-Am district.
The architecture and style were attributed to both the king and one Ercole Manfredi–an Italian architect hired to complete existing design ideas. In many ways the style is completely unique among other Thai palaces, particularly of that period.
—Opening times: 8.30am-4.30pm except Wed
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Approximately 10 km
—Additional costs: Small admission fee of around 10 baht with various concessions
—Address: 1281 เพชรเกษม Thanon Phet Kasem, Cha-am, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120
8. Wat Khao Sanam Chai
Wat Khao Sanam Chai is a temple established under the patronage of the famous Thai monk Pra Worawit Worathammo. The original intention behind the construction of the temple was to facilitate meditation practices according to interpretations of the Buddhist Tipitaka.
The temple is situated on a hill that allows some great views across the region’s sea and coastline from the cliff. And this might be one of the reasons for the popularity of Wat Khao Sanam Chai today as a meditation place.
—Opening times: 8.00 am-5.00 pm
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Approximately 7km off main highway
—Additional costs: Songtaew, taxi, or other paid transportation
—Address: 1 3 Petchkasem Rd, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
9. Wat Huay Mongkol
Another scenic Hua Hin temple, Wat Huay Mongkol is most famous for its huge image of one of Thailand’s most revered monks of 400 years or more known as Luang Phor Thuad.
The statue is approximately 12 metres high and 10 metres wide, and visible from far away. Visitors to the temple can get close to the image by climbing the wide stairways leading up to it. This is a very peaceful and serene spot overall although it can be crowded on some weekends and Thai public holidays.
The temple is popular with natives who can be seen walking in circles under the belly of the elephants next to the statue to ensure good luck. The entire surrounding environment of the temple has the feel of a park to it and features a lake, waterfalls & streams, pavilions and other shaded areas, and even restaurants.
—Opening times: 6am-9pm
—Distance from Hua Hin centre:15-20 km west and about 30 minutes
—Additional costs: Free entrance
—Address: 3219 Thap Tai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
10. Khao Hin Lek Fai Viewpoint
Visitors to this spot will encounter yet another great vantage point from which to take in the entire area. Khao Hin Fai Lek Viewpoint is over 160 metres in height and is a couple of miles west of the town.
It’s a pleasant enough spot to spend an hour or two, especially in the early morning when you can see everything from Khao Takiab to the coast going up to Cha-am. The viewpoint is also surrounded by landscaped gardens and a few statues, which gives it something of a park feel.
—Opening times: 6am-8pm
—Address: Omsin Rd, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: 3 km
—Additional costs: N/A
11. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
The name of this national park translates as ‘three hundred peaks’, and it provides a few pointers about what to expect from the landscape and terrain in the area.
With some peaks in the park reaching elevations close to 600 metres, the national park features attractions such as the well-known Phraya Nakhon Cave but there are plenty of other places worth checking out too.
Open year-round, unfortunately the park subjects foreigners to the risible four-times-higher Thai dual pricing on the entrance fees. Tickets are day-purchase, but there are still extra fees for boat trips etc within the park.
—Opening times: 8.00am-3.30pm, year-round
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: About 70 km and a 1-hour drive
—Additional costs: Upwards of 200 baht on entrance fees
—Address: Sam Roi Yot, Sam Roi Yot District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77120
12. Monsoon Valley Vineyard
Monsoon Valley Vineyard previously known as Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is the only facility of its type in the district. Wine buffs will be pleased to discover the soil and climate conditions close to the beach are considered ideal for the production of grapes suited to wines like Columbard, Chenin blanc, Shiraz, Brunello and plenty more.
The vineyard is connected to the Siam Winery in the town centre where pickups for tours of the 200-rai vineyard are available. Groups are welcome, and special wine-tasting packages are available for around 150 baht a person. Harvest season is between February and March, which is one of the best times to visit.
—Opening times: 11.00am-6.00pm daily except Mondays
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Approximately 30 km
—Additional costs: Wine tasting and transportation
—Address: Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
13. PranBuri Forest Park
This is a small but quiet and exotic mangrove forest park located 25 km or so south of Hua Hin in Pran Buri District. This is a protected national park with various attractions, including Had Sai Khao Beach with available camping.
The main attraction is a mangrove forest walk along a kilometre of boardwalk. It’s also possible to do a boat tour of the forests according to weather conditions. The mangrove forest walk attracts a lot of birds and so is popular with nature enthusiasts and birders.
Stretches of the park run near the PranBuri River which in turn eventually reaches the Gulf of Thailand–meaning that tides may be a factor along with the rainy season (May to November) when planning suitable times to visit the park.
—Opening times: 8am-5pm
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Approximately 25 km
—Additional costs: N/A–Free entrance
—Address: Pak Nam Pran, Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77220
14. Artist Village (Baan Sillapin)
Hua Hin Artist Village is basically a combination of local-style art galleries and studios. It has a few additions like an open-air cafe next to a small lake, and a decent Thai restaurant. Activities such as craft workshops and other hosted classes are offered.
Various forms of art or craft are displayed or sold throughout the winding village, which is definitely worth taking a stroll around. The area has established itself over the last couple of decades as the central hub of the creative Hua Hin community.
—Opening times: 10am-5pm
—Address: 299/8 3218 Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Approximately 5km
—Additional costs: Admission fees for kids and adults 20 baht and 40 baht respectively and other activities like workshops are extra
15. For Art’s Sake (Rainy Day Activity)
This place is what you might consider a 4-D art museum. It is full of opportunities to capture fun photos amidst the artwork covering the walls and floors. The art creates visual illusions that are fun for children and adults alike, allowing visitors to literally become part of the artwork.
The facility is divided in several zones, each with its own theme featuring scenarios like local beaches, Hua Hin railway station, and the monkeys up at Khao Takiab.
There’s plenty of abstract stuff too featuring Ferraris, UFOs, magic tricks, and Tibetan monks meditating and levitating. There’s a scary zone featuring invading zombies, skeletons, and monsters making a grab for you, and lots of other abstract, virtual reality-type imagery going on here.
—Opening times: 9am-6pm
—Address: Petchkasem Rd, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Approximately 5km
—Additional costs: Entrance fees for adults and children 300 baht and 200 baht respectively.
16. Sam Phan Nam Floating Market
This is a small market established along the water in traditional style. It is home to a variety of local shops selling reasonably cheap clothes, accessories, and other items, as well as a couple of restaurants.
Unfortunately foreigners seem to be the only entrants subjected to an entrance fee to the market, which has brought in its fair share of criticism in reviews. If this is your first visit to Thailand the market may be the type of place that adds to the cultural experience, although it doesn’t compare with famous floating markets in other areas.
—Opening times: 10am-5pm
—Address: Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Approximately 5km
—Additional costs: Entry fee approximately 200 baht for foreigners (!)
17. Cicada Market
The Cicada Market is set in a nice open space where street food, art, music, theatre, and all kinds of other activities come together. The market is just one aspect of this area and it sells clothes, accessories, hand-made items, and plenty more.
The market is set towards the Khao Takiab end of Hua Hin’s beach and features a fairly large area with seating that provides a pleasant enough space for an evening. If you like a spot of shopping, eating, and taking in the sights and sounds that may even include a performance at the amphitheatre, you’ll enjoy this place.
—Opening times: 4.00pm-11.00pm Fri/Sat/Sun
—Address: 83 159 ซอย หัวถนน 21 Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Approximately 4km
—Additional costs: Food & shopping!
18. Tamarind Market
Another great night market in Hua Hin just across from the Cicada Market. There is more fantastic food on offer here although slightly cheaper and less organised than the Cicada.
There’s definitely no shortage of choice here and those with a sweet tooth will find plenty of dessert options. There’s also a popular bar area serving ice cold beer, including a fair selection of craft beers.
You might want to be early though if you fancy sampling the wares and want to grab tables and seating. You’ll also find more live entertainment going on in the background in this rather crowded but worth-visiting market that is largely about food and drink.
—Opening times: 5pm-11pm Fri/Sat/Sun
—Address: 117 75 ซอย หัวถนน 23 Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: 4km
—Additional costs: Food & drink bill!
19. Hua Hin Night Market
Another night market that is fairly unique with a huge variety of street foods and a bunch of local-style restaurants. The market covers two street-like areas consisting of rows of stalls peddling clothes, accessories and souvenirs etc.
Seafood is a speciality here, and you can watch it being prepared while indulging in a cold beer or two. The market is fairly central and is a good place to wander around in the evening for a bit of light shopping and some decent food and drink, and it is suitable for families with kids.
—Opening times: 6pm-Midnight
—Address: ซ, Hua Hin 72, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: In town centre near clock tower
—Additional costs: Food, drink, and shopping!
20. Thai Cooking Course Hua Hin
The Thai cooking classes here have been running for close to 25 years now, providing instruction and training in all aspects of classical Thai cooking. The atmosphere is relaxed but professional and workshops interactive and hands-on.
Participants get to explore the local market and consider the various key elements and ingredients involved in some of the flavours. You can partake in various classes including one-day courses, afternoon classes and private sessions.
The kitchen facility is fully-equipped and provides a clean and enjoyable environment in which to learn how to select, prepare, cook, and present your own Thai culinary masterpiece.
—Opening times: Email for details and reservations
—Address: 19/95 Petchkasem Road, Soi Hua Hin 19 Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, 77110
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Very central and in the region of Hua Hin Hospital
—Additional costs: Contact for details
21. Feast Thailand Food & Sightseeing Tours
Food tours with various themes such as Northeastern or Southern Thai fare are offered by this company. You can communicate and book directly with them in order to book or tailor a tour that best suits your requirements.
Feast Thailand offers special Kids’ Tours, ‘Eat Like a Local Tours and private, tailored tours, along with a few others. The idea is that everyone gets the tour that allows them to make the absolute most of what Thai cuisine has to offer.
—Opening times: Check details and/or make a booking at their website feastthailand.com or at getyourguide.com
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Various locations and hotel pickup is available for most tours
—Additional costs: Approximately 1500-2500 baht per person
22. Bluport Hua Hin – Shopping
Bluport is a modern Resort Mall featuring shopping and dining options. With over 100 restaurants, a food court and the complex is a popular centre for meeting, socialising, enjoying a coffee or a spot of lunch, or checking out the clothes and other items.
More than 1,000 stores featuring lifestyle items like fashion, sports, cosmetics, IT, and entertainment can be found within the resort-like atmosphere of this pleasantly-designed and well-stocked gathering space.
—Opening times: 11.00am-8.00pm
—Address: 8 89 Petchkasem Rd, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Approx 3km from town centre (songthaew stops outside)
—Additional costs: n/a
23. Hua Hin Railway Station
The station in Hua Hin is one of the oldest in the country and is situated along the State Railway line bound for southern regions. Passengers on this line can eventually reach destinations like Surat Thani where the main ferry heading to places like Koh Samui and Koh PhaNgan is located, as well as heading across the Malaysian border.
That might seem hard to believe when you find out that Hua Hin Train Station has only two tracks and platforms, and still has much of its original, albeit re-vamped, early 1900s-style decor, architecture, and character.
The station is close enough to the centre of town and the main tourist areas to make it worth a visit. And just in front of the station you might notice a couple of old train carriages that have been adapted as part of the community library and are thus full of books.
—Opening times: 24-hours (there may be short closures seasonally depending on gaps between trains)
—Address: Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Very close–800 metres from the beach!
—Additional costs: Refreshments or train fares!
24. Soi Bintabaht
Also known as Walking Street, Soi Bintabaht is essentially that stretch of the town where you’ll find bars, food vendors, hawkers, and a few other entertaining features. It’s a decent enough area to catch some sports on a big screen and it also has girly bar elements.
There are other side streets leading off from the main soi and featuring similar bars or restaurants. The street is overall quite low-key compared to similar areas in other regions, and there is enough diversity in the bars and eateries to suit pretty much everyone.
—Opening times: 5pm-late (according to the tourism directory)
—Address: Soi Bintabaht, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
—Distance from Hua Hin centre: Very central
—Additional costs: Optional!
Mark Philip is a writer and lifestyle enthusiast from the Midlands in the U.K. With a background in martial arts and fitness, Mark upped sticks and headed out to Bangkok to delve a bit deeper into the art of Thai Boxing way back in the 2000s, starting to write initially to fund his daily training and escape the rigours of ESL teaching. Since then Mark has authored e-books, articles, and blogs across a wide range of topics for commercial, educational, factual, health & fitness, lifestyle, wellness, and leisure-based purposes.
