Hua Hin - What to see
What to see in Hua Hin
The main attractions in Hua Hin are the long stretches of beautiful beaches, the small town center, and the harbor area. The lively night markets, and Khao Thakiab (also called Monkey Mountain) are also popular attractions. The greater Hua Hin area offers plenty of things to see and discover, including national parks, temples, excellent golf courses, and water parks.
Hua Hin is known for its cozy and charming atmosphere, and it caters mainly to tourists who are looking for a place to relax and enjoy good restaurants and great nightlife. You can also do some excellent shopping at the various markets.
Whether you have 2-3 days or weeks to spend in Hua Hin, there’s something for everyone. You can enjoy a full itinerary of activities or just relax and soak in the laid-back atmosphere.
The city is easy to navigate, and all attractions are within reach, making it a perfect tourist destination for an easy and calm vacation.
Content
1. Hua Hin city center
The main attractions in the Hua Hin city center include the Night Market, the city beach, the restaurants in the harbor area, the Morning Market, and Soi Binsa Bath, which is known as the “party street”.
Exploring these attractions should not take more than a few hours since the city center is easily walkable. The streets are stretched out in an east-west and north-south direction, covering only a four-block area, making it straightforward to navigate and overview.
The city beach in front of Hotel Hilton
Hua Hin Night Market
There is a noticeable contrast between the atmosphere of Hua Hin during the day and at night. In the morning, the local market is bustling with people buying food, while it’s quieter during the day as locals go to work and tourists head to the beautiful city beach.
When night falls, the city center transforms, particularly around the Night Market area, where you’ll find numerous stalls and shops along with some great restaurants.
For a drink later on, many people go to Soi Binsabath, Soi 80, or Soi 94 where both Thais and tourists come together to enjoy the lively atmosphere. The place is more relaxed and sober than other larger tourist towns in Thailand.
For a list of the attractions in Hua Hin city center – including a map!!!
2. Hua Hin area
The main attractions in the Hua Hin area are Monkey Mountain, the serene Phraya Nakhon cave, vibrant Night Markets, the Huay Mongkol temple, premium golf courses, the magical view at Khao Daeng, waterparks, national parks – and much more.
There are plenty of attractions in and around the Hua Hin area and you can easily spend a week or two exploring and enjoying great experiences every day.
View point at Khao Daeng in Pranburi
The Huay Mongkol temple
What I usually do is mix up my days by visiting some of the attractions and exploring, followed by a day or two of relaxation at the swimming pool or one of the beautiful beaches.
You have the option of renting a car with a driver or driving by yourself. Many people are scared to drive in Thailand, but the traffic is not as daring and crazy as it is in Bangkok, and it will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
If you choose to go with a local driver, you can opt for a car, a van, or a Songthaew (which is a pick-up truck where you sit in the back). It’s not that expensive, and many times the driver will also be very informative about the attractions he will take you to.
In any case, go ahead and get some unforgettable experiences and witness how beautiful and exciting the Hua Hin area really is. You’ll be surprised by how much there is to see.
For a list of the attractions in the Hua Hin area – including a map!!!
3. Hua Hin beaches
Hua Hin is blessed with numerous of endless, long, and beautiful beaches. You can find both bustling and touristy areas like The City Beach, and secluded areas outside the city with miles of stunning beaches and almost no tourists.
The city beach is more than 3 miles (5 kilometers) long and offers peaceful passages with barely any tourists, and other spots where you can rent sunbeds, and sun umbrellas, and indulge in various water activities such as jet-skiing, kitesurfing, and horse riding. Also, you can try out some local delicacies at nearby restaurants.
For a must read description of “Hua Hin Beach – What you need to know”
The southern part of Hua Hin Beach
Pranburi Beach south of Hua Hin
I want to be honest with you and manage your expectations. While Hua Hin certainly has lovely beaches, they are not as stunning as the postcard-perfect pictures you may have seen from Thailand. Those pictures are usually from islands in the Andaman Sea, such as Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lipe, Phi Phi Islands – or Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in The Bay of Thailand.
If you’re looking for opportunities to go snorkeling or diving, the experience in Hua Hin will be different than the southern parts of Thailand. The southern areas offer colorful corals and fish, whereas there are very few good snorkeling spots in the Hua Hin area. So, if snorkeling is your primary motive to visit, Hua Hin may not be the best choice for you.
For a list of the beaches in the Hua Hin area – including a map !!!
4. Hua Hin shopping and markets
Hua Hin is a great destination for shopping and there are various options available throughout the city. The city has two big shopping centers – Market Village and Blue Port, and two night markets – Cicada Market and Hua Hin Night Market, which are worth visiting.
Both the shopping centers are located on the main road of Hua Hin, Phetchkasem Road, and can be easily accessed. They have long opening hours and are perfect for visiting on hot days when you can enjoy shopping in air-conditioned comfort. You can also find plenty of good restaurants in both the shopping centers. I would particularly recommend the food court at the basement level of Market Village, which offers a wide range of local Thai cuisine at affordable prices.
Hua Hin Night Market
Cicada Market in Hua Hin
The night markets are really nice to stroll through and here you can test your bargaining skills and do some great shopping. With the lights, sounds, and smells there is always a great atmosphere. There are several Night Markets in the Hua Hin area that are worth visiting and it’s something people really enjoy going to.
For a list of the markets in the Hua Hin area – including a map !!!
Further reading
Hua Hin Beach - What you need to know
Discover all the best spots at Hua Hin Beach including restaurants, sun loungers and umbrellas rental, water sport activities, and more.
Best Markets in Hua Hin
Read about great Night Markets, shopping centers, and where the best shopping is in Hua Hin.
What to see in the Hua Hin area
Read about all the amazing attractions and sights located in the Hua Hin area.
There are details about how to get there, what to see, and even itineraries that you can follow and then see all the major attractions.
Best beaches in the Hua Hin area
Read about all the magnificent beaches that is located in the Hua Hin area.
You will find a full description of each beach – including an informative map.
There are details about their location, how to get there, what to see, and recommendations about which beaches to choose..
Read about all the attractions and things you must see when in the Hua Hin.
You will find a full description of each attraction – including an informative map.
There are details about how to get there, what to see, and even itineraries that you can follow and then see all the major attractions.
