This is a commonly asked question by tourists and international travelers who find themselves in Thailand with the urge to explore, but because they have never been to Hua Hin they can’t tell what experiences await them. So, is Hua Hin worth the energy and expenses it will require to visit? Stick around for a while and you may find out.
Is Hua Hin Worth Visiting?
It is worth every ounce of energy and expense, especially for those seeking a uniquely different getaway destination. But what sets it aside from other travel destinations you’ve been to? In the early 1920s, Hua Hin was a resort town for the royal families and elites of Thailand, till date there are a few palaces and gardens which serve as tourist attractions in this region. Furthermore, Hua Hin is the perfect destination for a family holiday and for those looking to run away from the chaos of life.
There are a handful of resort establishments offering top-of-the-class services in Hua Hin, it is also home to some of the country’s best golf courses, restaurants, and bars.
What are the Best Things to Do in Hua Hin?
There are a variety of activities a person can be a part of in this resort city, and most of them are the reasons why Hua Hin is a must-visit travel destination when in Thailand. You can decide to retire to a massage spa after spending the day visiting some of the most beautiful places in the world or at the beach. You could also interact with the locals at a bar or experience the culture as you visit the Thai markets and some renowned parks dedicated to preserving the history of the country.
If you need more reasons to visit Hua Hin, below are some of the best tourist-like activities you can engage in.
Experience the Nightlife at the Cicada Market
The Cicada market is one of the best places to be during sundown in Hua Hin. Distinctive in every way, it is centered around the art culture, here you can find travel souvenirs, restaurants serving the best of Thai delicacies, and witness artists perform live in their different fields. The Cicada market comes to life at sundown and is divided into four sections; Cicada Art Factory, Art A La Mode, Cicada Cuisine, and Amphitheatre.
The Cicada Art Factory
This is the middle section of the market and it is focused on selling amazing art pieces. It has an art gallery where you can witness artists paint live and display their mastery, definitely a sight to behold. The majority of these artworks are for sale and can be purchased at reasonable prices.
The Art A La Mode
This is the first section of the market and is focused on selling beautiful hand-made products such as necklaces, bangles, home décor, key rings, artworks, and key rings, all of which are perfect for gifts and souvenirs.
The Cicada Cuisine
This is the last section of the market and is filled with food and drink stalls. The food vendors here are a collection of the best restaurants in Hua Hin offering everything edible you can think of; from noodles to rice, snacks, and drinks as well as liquor. You can decide to get some edibles after shopping for souvenirs and go sit at the amphitheater section for some good music and entertainment. Although the cost of food and drinks here is a bit higher than in other parts of Hua Hin it would be worth it.
The Amphitheatre
This is the third section of the market and is solely meant for entertainment, it is one of the major reasons why people come here. You can watch bands, dance troupes, and musicians perform live, improving the atmosphere and creating a wonderful time out with friends, families, and loved ones. There’s also an alfresco setting which is great for relaxation after an active day.
Visit the Black Mountain Water Park
This site is arguably one of the most popular attractions in Hua Hin. The Black Mountain Water Park can be easily accessed as it is just fifteen minutes away from the city center. This is an ideal location to spend some time with family, friends, and even as a couple. The equipment is all modern and of high quality operated with safety measures and well-trained standby lifeguards.
The equipment in Black Water Park includes an outstanding wave pool with the reputation of making the biggest wave in the country, a 17-meter high tower having 9 slides, an infinity pool for kids, and a lazy river. All of this equipment is guaranteed to make your visit worthwhile. You can also find a restaurant at the park serving both western and Thai dishes.
Explore the Huay Mongkol Temple
This temple has the statue of Luang Phor Thuad (a famous Thai monk) which is also among the top must-see attractions in Hua Hin. The size of this statue is about 10 meters wide and 12 meters high and can be seen from afar as it is higher than the surrounding trees, however, it is advisable to get up close by climbing the stairs to the stage where the statue is mounted. The material used in making this statue and the stage upon which it is mounted is heat-absorbing and as such its surrounding gets hot, that’s why bringing sun cream and a bottle of water is highly recommended.
On the sides of this statue are two elephants made of wood, it is believed that walking in circles under their belly of them brings good luck, fortune, and good health. You can also find a statue of king Taksin at the temple, and shops within the premises of the temple selling Buddhist amulets and souvenirs.
The surrounding of this temple comprises waterfalls, bridges, shady spots, a handful of pavilions, and a lake, all of which are fit for relaxing and experiencing with friends and family.
Chill at the Hua Hin Beach
Situated in the Hua Hin district, Hua Hin Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the country. In the 1920s it was the property of the royal family and has been graced by the presence of kings and queens of that era. The Hua Hin beach begins from Khao Takiab Mountain and stops at the Hua Hin tunnel at a distance of 13 km. This site is suitable for all kinds of beach-like activities as its water is crystal clear with fine white sand. Compared to the beaches in Bangkok and Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Hua Hin Beach is the most beautiful.
All the beach-like activities you can think of can be done at Hua Hin Beach; from swimming in the crystal clear waters to riding on a horse’s back, as well as building sandcastles and even flying kites. You can also find modern-day structures on the beachside, many of which are villas, restaurants, and bars. Hua Hin Beach is among the vast highlights of Hua Hin.
Night Out at the Hua Hin Night Market
A night out at the Hua Hin Night Market will introduce you to the undiluted Thai culture as you will witness how the locals spend and enjoy their evenings. This night market is situated right in the heart of Hua Hin with operational hours that begin from 5 pm to 11 pm, however, the majority of restaurants operate till dawn and offer plenty of Thai dishes you can try out as these can be very delicious. You can shop for literally anything, from fashion accessories to home décor, souvenirs, local handicrafts, etc.
Compared to other markets in Hua Hin, this is not the cheapest, however, here is also where you can get good value for money.
See the Temple at Wat Khao Takiab
This is arguably among the most popular temples in Hua Hin city, it is located at the top of the Khao Takiab Mountain just 7 km away from Hua Hin’s main city, because of its location it is visible from far away and is favored by both international tourists and the locals.
The Khao Takiab temple is fondly called the “Monkey Temple” by the locals because the mountain is also home to a lot of monkeys. It would be nearly impossible to not see them hanging around when you go to visit the temple. This implies that you should be cautious and should not go there holding eatables in bare hands.
Furthermore, on your way to this temple, you will find a magnificent Buddha statue that’s about 66 ft tall and can be seen at the base of the mountain. It also serves as a major landmark because there are no signs written in English indicating that the temple is close by.
At the top of the Khao Takiab temple is where you will find the perfect spot for meditation, its surrounding environment is breathtaking, serene, and far from the ever-buzzing part of the city. You can explore the lotus flower-shaped shrine which is just halfway up the hill, this spot also presents the perfect opportunity for taking memorable photos.
Explore the Artists Village (Sillapin)
If you are in search of a uniquely diverse experience then you’d want to take a trip to the Baan Sillapin Artists Village. Established in the late 1990s, it is home to some of the most famous artists in Hua Hin, including the family members of Tawee Kesa-Ngam. Visiting this area would be easy if you already find yourself in the center of Hua Hin as it is just 5 km away from the city’s center.
Gallery at Hua Hin artists village | Focusasiatravel
There’s a lot to see and do once you find yourself in this area. Being Hua Hin’s original art center, you can find large-scale galleries for both artworks and antiques, you can also get a drink from the coffee shop and then go visit the art studio to witness the artists perform live. Still, within this village, you will find a handful of gift shops and classrooms for sculpture and painting classes. This village is also known for hosting special performances and exhibition events.
Experience Luxury at Hua Hin Resort Suites and Villas
If you are in it for the luxury then Hua Hin has something for you. The majority of the luxurious suites and villas in Hua Hin are situated on terrains with breathtaking scenery and are equipped with modern-day technologies, pool sides, and alfresco restaurants and bars featuring live music and performances perfect for a solo, romantic, or family getaway. Below are some of the best luxury suites and villas you’d want to check out if you decide to visit Hua Hin.
The Movenpick Asara Resort and Spa
This is an oceanfront junior suite with rooms equipped with king size bed, seating area, DVD player, and satellite TV, as well as a balcony with views of the ocean, and pool. Furthermore, there you will also find a private garden and plunge pool, as well as a massage spa for the different types of massages.
The Cape Nidhra Hotel
The Cape Nidhra Hotel is a deluxe sky pool hotel. The bathrooms here are connected to a private pool, and the rooms are equipped with modern-day facilities, ERB bathroom amenities, cable TVs, a daybed, and a spacious balcony. And not to mention the minibar that comes with every room. Just like the Movenpick Resort and Spa, the Cape Nidhra Hotel also has a massage spa offering all types of massages including the Thai Massage. There’s also free Wi-fi and parking, as well as a restaurant offering seafood and local delicacies.
What are the Best Ways to Get to Hua Hin?
Depending on your current location you can get to Hua Hin either by plane, ferry, train, taxi, or bus. The closest airport to Hua Hin is just fifteen miles away from the city which is still good as you can easily board a bus or a taxi to the resort town on arrival at the airport if you decide to fly. If you find yourself already in Thailand and you fancy train travel, getting to Hua Hin will be much easier by taking the north to south train in Bangkok, the country’s capital. Also, taxis are ever-ready to take you to Hua Hin from whatever part of the country you find yourself in, and alternatives to taxis include limousines, small tuk-tuks, buses, and minivans.
Visiting Hua Hin with Family
Hua Hin is the best family-oriented beachside resort in Thailand. You can find a handful of family-friendly restaurants, parks, and hotels to choose from, as well as activities you can engage your family in for fun-filled experiences.
You and your family can escape your villa to any of the beautiful beaches in Hua Hin to spend quality time under the sun, you can have your children build sandcastles from the fine white beach sand, or play around the warm waves of the ocean. However, you and your family must be careful when playing at the beach during the rainy season as jellyfishes appear on the shores during this time and a sting from them can be problematic. The most popular beaches in Hua Hin include Khao Takiab Beach, Suan Son Pradipat Beach, and Hua Hin Beach.
If chilling at the beach isn’t a thing you and your family fancy, an alternative would be visiting either two of the most phenomenal water parks in Hua Hin; the Black Mountain Water Park or the Vana Nava Hua Hin. Any of both is guaranteed to provide absolute fun.
If your family is a bit too old for water parks, you all can opt-in for a bicycle tour around Hua Hin. There are a handful of bike rental services you can rent bikes from to tour the streets of Hua Hin, and witness the lots it has to offer. You and your family can stop by restaurants to feast on the famous Thai delicacies, or visit the breathtaking Cha-am ATV Park.
You can also take your family out to visit the local Thai markets to experience the undiluted Thai culture. Here you and your family can either shop for arts and crafts or souvenirs, as well as grace your taste buds with traditional Thai food, or watch local street performances.
Conclusion
Visiting Hua Hin should be on the bucket list of every backpacker out there who’s in search of a uniquely different experience. Locate in the northern part of Thailand, there are a handful of things to see, and a new culture to experience that’s bound to affect how you see the world.
What makes Hua Hin worth visiting is the many activities you can be a part of, the many luxurious hotel suites and villas with top-notch restaurants and fitness centers, as well as the people and culture. Being a getaway destination for the royal families and elites in the 1920s, some of the palaces are still existing today and are available to tourists.
