Khao Hin Lek Fai Guide–Is it Worth Visiting?

Khao Hin Lek Fai has long been lauded as the place to get some of the best views of the entire region. Certainly the views stretch far and wide, and from the viewpoint you can see Hua Hin spread out before you and the coastline winding its way towards Cha-am. 

A visit to Khao Hin Lek Fai is among the top choices of things to do in Hua Hin and Attractions.

So, if you like views, the outdoors, and maybe a spot of photography, you’ll find that Khao Hin Lek Fai is well worth visiting. Let’s take a closer look at some of the finer points of this spot and its scenic surrounding areas.

How Do I Get to Khao Hin Lek Fai? 

If you are staying in the central regions of Hua Hin it’s typically just a 10-minute drive to the viewpoint. Khao Hin Lek Fai is about 3.5 km from the town centre, and there are a few options for getting up there. 

Transportation is easy enough to arrange whether going by car, songthaew, or bike, and the paved route up to the viewpoint can even be walked by those who like a bit of a trek and aren’t bothered too much by the heat. If you fancy this you might want to allow around an hour each way. 

Anyone driving from the centre of town can get to the viewpoint via Soi 88 or Soi 77 from Chomsin Road, which leads across the roundabout near the railway before turning onto Khao Hin Lek Fai Road. 

If you don’t have your own transport you can either try and negotiate with a local taxi or tuk tuk operator or just call Grab which has been available in the area since 2018. For the local option you are looking at a negotiation over a couple of hundred baht, probably with added waiting time, which can easily be bypassed by downloading and using his popular Grab transport app.

Is the Viewpoint Easily-Accessible? 

You can get right to the top in a vehicle and you’ll be met by a parking lot and a short walk to the various viewpoints. Once in the pretty large parking lot, you’ll see a map to the right directing you to the various viewpoints from which to view the different directions. 

It’s possible to access the viewpoints on foot although locals are more likely to use some kind of vehicle. If you go any of the way on foot similar warnings need to be heeded here as when heading up Chopstick Hill in Khao Takiab. 

This basically means there is the possibility of monkeys snatching unattended items. These usually tend to be food or drink items but the monkeys are known ‘grab-and-run’ merchants always on the lookout for potential swag, and there are usually a few hanging around the viewpoint route. 

You’ll also likely encounter various other types of animals on the road up to the viewpoint and its surrounding areas, particularly birds like wild fowl and even a few peacocks. 

The Viewing Areas 

At the top of the mountain you’ll encounter well-kept gardens surrounding the main area at the viewpoint, along with a coffee shop. If you look down on the central regions before you you’ll be able to make out various features of the landscape and scenery such as the Gulf of Thailand and the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course. 

There are five areas in all although only two (4 and 5) are equipped with platforms and safety barriers for a more perfunctory view. There tends to be at least a little scrambling involved with the other areas, but there are no sheer drops or any other major dangers waiting at the edge. 

Either way you can be privy to some pretty impressive and dramatic views of Hua Hin from this vantage point. 

1. Viewpoint 1 on the map seems to have disappeared and the second one is just before the coffee shop.
2. Viewpoint 2 offers decent views southwards featuring the Gulf of Thailand and you’ll see the distinctive ‘Chopstick Hill’ of Khao Takiab (talking of which, you may even spot a few monkeys in the vicinity of the viewpoint).
3. Viewpoint 3 is a bit more unremarkable view-wise and not even signposted. It takes in scenery from the southern and southwestern directions.
4. Viewpoint 4 is nearest to the parking lot and features eastern views of the Gulf of Thailand and southeast stretches in the region of Khao Takiab.
5. Viewpoint 5 is panoramic and partly-paved although some scrambling is required before you get to the platform. Views east of the Gulf of Thailand await as do those of the coastline heading north towards Cha-am, and many believe the best and broadest views are available from this lookout.
6. Viewpoint 6 meets with 4 and 5 in the main area and features a short hike leading to northeasterly views in the direction of the Royal Golf Course and  Cha-am.

Are There Any Other Nearby Attractions? 

Hua Hin has many attractions, and many of them require some kind of transportation to access. That said, it’s always an idea to combine some of them into one day if you have your bearings (or a guide), and if you’re heading up to the viewpoint you may find it interesting to schedule a stop-off at one or two other attractions nearby. 

Some of the closest popular attractions to Khao Hin Lek Fai are a temple, a zoo, and a water park. 

Huay Mongkol Temple 

The temple is something of a landmark in the area due to its huge image of a famous 16^th-century Thai monk. It’s about 20 km from Khao Hin Fai Lek and less than a 30-minute drive. 

It’s worth stopping off at the temple and its huge monument if you have even a passing interest in Thai culture. The temple has various other features as well and can get quite busy with locals at some times, especially during holiday and festival periods. 

Hua Hin Zoo 

Just over 10 km and a 15-minute drive away is Hua Hin Zoo. Admittedly zoos are not everyone’s cup of tea these days, especially with Thailand’s reputation for somewhat questionable animal treatment.

And this is not necessarily going to turn out to be the best zoo in the world for many visitors either, but it may still be worth a visit by families. 

• Animals likely to be seen may include peacocks and other large birds, horses, deer and a few other species.
• Ticket prices are reasonably cheap at around 250 baht and 150 baht for adults and kids respectively, but they are unfortunately still dual-priced.

Black Mountain Water Park 

The Black Mountain Water Park is a decent place for anyone with youngsters in tow to spend a couple of hours. 

• Not too far out from the town centre, and is 12 km southeast of the Hin Fai Lek viewpoint, around a 20-minute drive.  
• The water park features decent modern equipment and safety standards, and one of the main features is a 17-metre high tower with 9 different slides.
• The waves in the wave pool are also deemed the biggest in Thailand, and the usual water park features like the lazy river, infinity pool, children’s pool, etc. can all be found here. 

This park is very handy for a spot of family fun and offers various concessions on entry fees such as allowing kids under 110 cm in height free entry, and a 50 % discount for seniors.

Final Thoughts 

So if you find yourself in Hua Hin either on a day trip or a longer vacation, you’ll definitely need to check out the views of the town and the coastline along the Gulf of Thailand from this vantage point at least once.  

It’s an ideal place for those who don’t normally have a head for heights due to the inclines on the rocks. You could also find yourself landing some of your best-ever panoramic photography shots from the viewing points at Khao Hin Fai Lek, especially at sunrise.