Explore Hua Hin like a boss
Thailand’s gorgeous beachside city Hua Hin is a great destination if you’re looking for a relaxing and stress-free holiday. Tranquil yet vibrant, Hua Hin is also excellent for families. From breathtaking national parks to lively, quirky night markets and a dreamy vineyard, relaxing doesn’t have to be boring!
As with most holidays abroad, transportation can be an issue if you don’t have easy access to cars or public transport. If you’re looking for a quick getaway, this handy guide will make your next trip to Hua Hin a breeze!
1. About Hua Hin
Just 3-hours away from Bangkok by car, Hua Hin is a holiday resort with an old world charm. Known for its dreamy stretches of white sandy shore, Hua Hin beach is the perfect spot for either a relaxing stroll or some fun activities. Surrounded by a small town with resorts, guesthouses, and eateries, it’s no wonder it’s called “The City that meets the Sea”.
Originally a sleepy fishing village, Hua Hin was discovered in 1920s by King Rama VII and later turned into a royal resort. As a result, this humble town became popular among Siam’s upper-class. Today, while retaining its historical charm and laidback vibes, Hua Hin is a favourite getaway spot amongst city dwellers to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.
2. Getting Around Hua Hin
If you’re staying in the city centre, you can visit certain places by foot if they’re located nearby. However, even though Hua Hin is a relatively small city compared other places in Thailand, getting around can be quite an issue if you’re looking to explore in and around the city.
Here’s a quick list of available transport options in Hua Hin so you can find the best one for your needs.
2.1 By Motorcycle Taxi
Motorcycle taxis are a cheap and convenient way to get around Hua Hin. You can find one at almost every corner, especially in the busier parts of town. Depending on the distance you’re travelling, a trip typically costs about US$1 to US$3 (฿40 to ฿100).
Although motorcycle taxis are readily available, bear in mind that it’s unlikely you’ll be given a helmet. The drivers are also not the most cautious on the road, so do ride on your own risk.
2.2 By Tuk Tuk
In popular spots within Hua Hin, you can find major tuk tuk hubs. Each tuk tuk can fit around 4 to 6 people and a short journey within the city can cost about US$3 to US$6 (฿100 to ฿200). Although fares of tuks tuks are known for being hiked up, they are great for navigating around the narrow streets of Hua Hin. Just make sure to always negotiate the fare before getting on one.
2.3 By Bus (Songthaew)
You can find local buses or songthaew in Hua Hin, which are essentially covered pick-up trucks with benches at the back. Trips that run between Hua Hin and Khao Takiab, Khao Tam, and Suan Son are common routes. They cost about US$0.30 to US$0.60 (฿10 to ฿20) per trip and they run from 6am to 6pm.
2.4 Renting a car
Major car rental companies like Budget, Hertz, Alamo and more can be found easily in Hua Hin. This is a great option if you’re planning on visiting more places and areas that are further away from the city.
Smaller vehicles typically costs US$26 to US$33 (฿860 to ฿1,100) per day. Larger 5-passenger sedans, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from US$35 to US$56 (฿1,160 to ฿1,850) per day.
Do keep in mind that traffic and signage in Thailand can be confusing, and bikers tend to go on the wrong side of the road, so do drive with caution!
2.5 By Klook Car Charter
A private car charter might be the most cost efficient if you’re visiting many destinations in a day. With complete control of your itinerary, you can enjoy a full day’s service in a comfortable, modern, air-conditioned vehicle. With an experienced driver bringing you door-to-door to your stops, you won’t have to worry about anything.
Can’t finish visiting all your destinations in a 1-day charter? There are also 2-day and 3-day charters available. The driver will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off wherever. You can hit up as many spots as you want, and just sit back and relax in the car.
The 1-day car charter is inclusive of the following at no additional cost:
- 12 hours service all over Hua Hin
- Experienced driver
- Air conditioned vehicle
- Fuel costs and toll charges
- Car seat on request
- Insurance
- Guide (optional)
3. Hua Hin Highlights
Now that transportation is settled, here are some highlights in Hua Hin you should definitely include in your itinerary:
3.1 Sip on Hua Hin-produced wine at Monsoon Valley Vineyard
Recently rebranded from Hua Hin Hills Vineyard to Monsoon Valley Vineyard, it is home to the award-winning Monsoon Valley wine label. Who would’ve thought tropical Thailand would be suitable for wine-making! Located 150 metres above sea level, the vineyard has the soil and climate conditions perfect for growing a variety of grapes like Colombard, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Cabernet, Merlot and more.
Visitors are welcomed to tour the vineyard and join a wine tasting. There are also special activities during the harvest season (typically between mid-Feb to March) like live jazz, field harvesting, grape crushing and other unique experiences.
3.2 Travel back in time at Plearnwan
This 1950s-styled stretch of two-storey buildings is designed to mimic a vintage village. Aside from its unique architecture, you can find shops selling an, array of things from yesteryear like records from the 50s, childhood snacks, souvenirs and more in Plearnwan.
There are also plenty of street food being sold at the village, so you sure won’t go hungry. Besides that, Plearnwan has a fun fair section and outdoor cinema screen, so you’ll definitely be entertained!
For those who fancy a stay in this village, there’s also a 20-room guesthouse, the Piman Plearnwan Hotel. Each room in the Piman Plearnwan Hotel is approximately US$97 – US$106 (฿3,200 – ฿3,200) per night. However, they do run promos that are 30% – 50% from time to time, so do keep a look out!
3.3 Travel the world in Santorini Park
Get transported to Greece for a couple of hours in Santorini Park in Cha-Am, an estimate of 40-minute drive from Hua Hin. Whitewashed buildings, pops of vibrant blue and stone-paved alleys all help to replicate the feeling of being in Santorini, Greece. If this isn’t the perfect photo op, we don’t know what is!
Make sure you also stop by one of the many shops and restaurants in the park. It also has an amusement park section, where you can find a variety of rides including a 40-metre-high Ferris wheel, double-decker carousel, G-MAX reverse bungee, G-MAX giant swing, XD Dark Ride 7D interactive game and more.
3.4 Eat and shop in Hua Hin Night Market
When in Thailand, a must-do is to visit their night markets! In Hua Hin, there are several night markets. One of the more famous ones that draws in locals and tourists alike is at the intersection of Petchkasem Road and Dechanuchit Road.
It has everything from food to clothes, handmade craft items, souvenirs, and more. It’s also known for having a wide selection of fresh seafood that are made-to-order.
3.5 Visit Hua Hin’s oldest railway station
Built during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910, the Hua Hin railway station is an iconic landmark. Aside from being one of the most beautiful, it’s also one of the oldest stations in the country. The main feature of the station that makes it a popular attraction is the royal waiting room. Located near the town centre, it’s also a short distance away from the beach.
3.6 Make some new friends at Monkey Mountain
A few kilometers away from Hua Hin lies the village of Khao Takiab, home to the Monkey Mountain, also known as Chopstick Hill. As the name suggests, you can find a large number of macaque monkeys living in the mountain. There’s also food sold there so you can feed the monkeys!
Besides that, the most striking feature of the mountain is the 20-meter Buddha statue overlooking the sea. This impressive statue can even be seen as you stroll along the beach in Hua Hin.
Just a little past the Buddha statue is a steep stairway that leads to a small temple, Wat Khao Takiap, with an amazing view of the area and surrounding islands. As with any temples, do remember to dress appropriately.
3.7 Explore the majestic royal pavilion at the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
The main attraction at the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is the Phraya Nakhon Cave, which shelters a gorgeous royal pavilion, built for King Rama V. It also serves as the symbol of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
The royal pavilion is truly a hidden treasure as it’s been said that Phraya Nakhon Cave can only be reached through a steep and slippery trail. However, the tough hike to get there is well worth it for the view alone.
Khao Sam Roi Yot is a 98-sq-km national park with many other attractions as well, thanks to its limestone cliffs, mangrove forest, pristine beaches, dark caves, and abundant wildlife. There is also a 1-km wooden boardwalk over the marsh area that offers an amazing view.
3.8 Reach the sixteenth level of Pa La-U Waterfall
One of the largest waterfalls in Thailand is Pala-U Waterfall, on the south side of Kaeng Krachan National Park, a 1000-year-old forest. It’s located right by the Myanmar border, an hour’s drive away from Hua Hin city centre.
The waterfall has sixteen levels but most people only stop at the third level. The first three levels can be accessed quite easily through several paths. Going beyond the third level gets more challenging as you progress further up and have been said to be quite dangerous. Only very few have made it to the top but if you do make it, you get to enjoy a superb view of Thailand and Burma.
3.9 Appreciate art in Cicada Market
Mainly a crafts market, Cicada Market is open only during weekend evenings. The market is separated into 4 different areas – Cicada Art Factory, Cicada Cuisine, Art à la Mode, and Amphitheatre. The lights in the market during nighttime is quite a sight as well.
Aside from arts and craft, you can also find all sorts of food being sold, a bar and a beer garden at the market. The Amphitheatre hosts a variety of live music, dancing and performances too to entertain the guests.
3.10 Pet some friendly animals at the Swiss Sheep Farm
This European-style petting zoo is home to a variety of adorable animals that you can get up close and personal with, such as horses, sheep, alpacas, swans, and more. Aside from interacting with the friendly animals, the Swiss Sheep Farm is also great for taking photos thanks to its charming Swiss decor.
Whisk off to your holiday now!
Ready to collect another stamp on your passport? Whether it’s enjoying the nature, admiring the royal influence, strolling the markets or relaxing, Hua Hin is waiting to be discovered by you. With the Klook Hua Hin Custom Tour, you don’t need to break a sweat worrying about getting around.
Plus, if you purchase ANY Thailand activity on Klook, you get SGD 10 off with a minimum spend SGD 100 using the “TATKLOOK” promo code!
There’s definitely more than meets the eye with this quaint city. Check out what else Hua Hin has to offer with Klook here!
