Hua Hin & Cha Am

Hua Hin is Thailand’s oldest seaside resort and, along with neighbouring Cha Am, has long been a popular destination for Thai travellers. The arrival of the railway in the 1920s made it easier than ever for wealthy residents of Bangkok to travel south from the Thai capital. At that time, Hua Hin was little more than a small fishing village, but the arrival of tourists transformed the area.

Hua Hin and Cha Am continue to be a popular destination for Thai travellers. The addition of more hotels and amenities has also made the area an attractive choice for international travellers seeking a beach break with convenient access to Bangkok.

Highlights of Hua Hin

Beaches

Whether you want to walk, sunbathe or swim, the long stretches of sand in Hua Hin and Cha Am are ideal for relaxing. The main Hua Hin Beach is conveniently located near the centre of town and because it is so long, it never feels crowded. For a change of scenery, head south to the picturesque Khao Takiab Beach with the standing Buddha on the hill as a backdrop. Travelling further south still brings you to the attractive beaches of Suan Son Pradiphat, Khao Tao and Pranburi

Located to the north of Hua Hin, the beach in central Cha Am is a popular destination for Thai visitors. Although it isn’t as attractive as the other beaches in the area, there are plenty of food vendors and restaurants and Cha Am Beach does get busy on weekends and public holidays.

National Parks

Make the trip out of Hua Hin to nearby Kaeng Krachan National Park which is home to lakes and waterfalls. Another excellent day trip from Hua Hin is Khao Sam Roi Yot and the photogenic royal pavilion at Phraya Nakhon Cave. Wildlife lovers should also make time for Kui Buri National Park which is renowned as one of the best locations in Thailand to see elephants in the wild.

Culture

The Hua Hin area has long-standing connections with Thai royalty and is home to some elegant palaces. The most famous is the Klai Kangwon Palace, a favourite destination for King Rama IX. The palace is only open to the public on certain days of the year, but you can visit Maruekhathaiyawan Palace located further along the beach towards Cha Am. Continue further north to Phetchaburi and you can visit the royal palace on the hill at Phra Nakhon Khiri and another at Phra Ram Ratchaniwet.

A new train station opened in Hua Hin in 2024, but the historic old station with the royal pavilion remains in place. To the south of Hua Hin, Rajabhakti Park hosts a collection of giant statues honouring various Thai kings.

Wat Huay Mongkol Temple is the most famous temple in Hua Hin with the giant statue of a famous monk drawing Thai Buddhists here. Located on a hill overlooking the sea, Wat Khao Takiab offers fine views of the coastline, but look out for the monkeys. Similarly, Khao Tao and Khao Hin Lek Fai also serve up excellent views.

Water parks

Hua Hin enjoys a well-earned reputation for being a family-friendly destination. The town is home to several waterparks including Vana Nava Water Jungle (one of the largest water parks in Asia) and Black Mountain Water Park. Nearer to Cha Am there is also the popular Santorini Park with an array of amusement rides and activities.

Sport

Hua Hin has long been popular with golfers and there are several excellent courses to choose from including Thailand’s oldest golf course, the Royal Hua Hin, which was established a century ago.

Cyclists are well catered for with cycling routes incorporating scenic coastal roads and national parks. Find out more from cycling specialists, Spice Roads and Hua Hin Bike Tours.

Food and drink in Hua Hin

Located in the centre of Hua Hin, the night market is open each evening. The market may be small, but still has a good variety of food options, handicrafts, souvenirs and clothing.

Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from around 4-11pm, the Cicada Market is always an enjoyable evening. The market is as popular with locals as tourists and often hosts music and dance performances. You’ll find lots of food options, cocktail vans, and stalls selling handmade local products.

The historic seafront area around Naresdamri Road is the location for several seafood restaurants. Arguably the most famous for Thai visitors is Chaolay Seafood, but all of these restaurants serve up freshly caught seafood dishes. Before or after a seafood dinner, pay a visit to the rooftop bar at the Hilton Hotel for a bird’s-eye view of Hua Hin.

It comes as a surprise to many tourists to find out that Thailand produces wine. Whether you’re a wine lover or not, visit the Monsoon Valley Vineyards. With a scenic setting, this is a lovely location for lunch and to learn more about Thai wines.

Where to stay in Hua Hin & Cha Am

When booking accommodation online, check that the hotel location is right for you. Sometimes, hotels that are described as being in Hua Hin are actually a long distance away from the centre and closer to Cha Am than Hua Hin. Although many hotels may offer shuttle services into town for attractions like the Night Bazaar, it is something to keep in mind if you prefer being closer to the centre.

Suggested hotels:

Anantara
Centara Grand
Chiva Som
Devasom
Dusit Thani
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa
The Standard Hua Hin

Travel to Hua Hin

Depending on traffic, a taxi between Bangkok and Hua Hin takes around 3-4 hours. The fare is approximately 2,000 Baht. Your hotel may also provide a transfer service.

If you prefer rail travel, the train from the main station in Bangkok, Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal, makes the journey in under four hours with fares less than 400 Baht.

From Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, there is a comfortable VIP bus service (operated by Rong Reuang Coach) with a journey time of approximately four hours. Most of the other public buses from the Thai capital depart from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal. Fares are approximately 150 Baht.

Best time to visit Hua Hin

Hua Hin and Cha Am are all-year-round destinations with consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. Statistically, the driest months for the area are November to March. April and May are usually the hottest and September and October the wettest.