Hua Hin

TOP THINGS TO DO

The best things to do in Hua Hin are tailor made for family fun by the seaside. It is true that most Thais envisage Hua Hin as a romantic and elegant gateway holiday destination, a notion started off about 100 years ago when the Royal Family members and the well-to-do would spend their summers here. As a result, Hua Hin now has countless lovely seaside houses, villas and a few attractive vintage summer palaces. These are all popular Hua Hin attractions, but the newer, purpose-built shopping and sightseeing villages mean there is something for all generations.  Hua Hin is usually full of people taking a break from Bangkok at weekends and as it’s just a short drive away its popularity has remained. Much of Hua Hin’s attraction lies in the town’s charming old-world feel

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Cicada Market

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Hua Hin Beach

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Hua Hin Railway Station

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Plern Wan Shopping village

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Vana Nava Water Park - Hua Hin

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Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

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Khao Takiab

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Hua Hin Night Market

TRANSPORTATION

By Bus

Buses between Bangkok and Hua Hin are served by Bangkok’s Sai Tai Mai terminal, and depart every 20 minutes for the 3 ½ hour journey. Fares for first class bus seats cost around 200 baht. There is also bus service that is scheduled to connect Hua Hin with Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport Buses to and from cities in southern Thailand are generally overnight services, departing Hua Hin around 10 pm and arriving early in the morning; such busses cost between 750-1000 baht depending on destination.

By Car

The approximately 200 km drive between Bangkok and Hua Hin can be traveled in 2 to 3 hours. The most direct driving route from Bangkok to Hua Hin is to follow Highway 35 south to Highway No. 4.

By Plane

There are currently no flights to Hua Hin.

By Taxi

Travel between Bangkok and Hua Hin by taxi costs approximately 2000 baht (prices should be negotiated beforehand), and takes about 2 ½ hours.

By Train

Most trains headed south from Bangkok stop at the Hua Hin Railway Station, so there are numerous trains leaving throughout the day that provide service to Hua Hin. Generally speaking, the train ride takes between 4 and 6 hours; considerably longer than the 2 to 3 hour car ride. However, train fare is cheaper than taxi fare, seats costing between 40 and 100 baht depending on the class and speed of the train. The Hua Hin Station Office is located on Damnoenkasem Rd. For more information, call Tel: 032 511 073 or visit www.railway.co.th

Within the town center visitors can get around Hua Hin by foot or on rental bicycles and motorbikes, which allow visitors to explore the area more quickly. By Songtaew

By Songtaew

For getting from Hua Hin town to nearby beaches, songtaews (covered pick-up trucks with benches in the back) act as local busses for trips between Hua Hin and Khao Takiab, Khao Tam, and Suan Son. Songtaew service runs approximately from 06.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m.

By Tuk Tuk

To get more quickly between destinations in and around town, tuk tuks are quite prevalent and can be hired for a single journey or a full day, the fares for both of which should be agreed upon before setting out.

By Rental Car

For more do-it-yourself tours of the area there are several rental car companies, both local and international, that provide rental car services. Be aware that only Commercial First Class Insurance provides full coverage on rental cars (as opposed to limited personal or third party only insurance). Most international car rental agencies will offer this insurance (some only for those with a valid international driver’s license) while local companies may or may not. You may wish to request a copy of their insurance policy and ensure that it states “For Commercial Use”. Regardless, inspect rental vehicles prior to rental and drive with caution, particularly as traffic in Thailand can be quite confusing, especially the habit of Thai motorcycles drivers to drive on the wrong side of the road.

By Rental Motorbike

For around 150 to 300 baht per day you can hire your own motorbike, which will typically require you to leave your passport as a deposit. Be sure to inspect bikes prior to rental and drive with extreme caution as rental motorbikes are not normally insured and accidents are frequent. Helmets are required by Thai law.

By Local Bus

Local buses from Hua Hin to Pranburi and other destinations within the province are also available for very reasonable prices.

By Boat

For boat service to nearby Koh Singtoh, local boat charters are available for around 800 baht a day, either at the Hua Hin Pier or at Hat Takiab, where it is possible to get a slightly cheaper rate.