What to Do in Hua Hin: A Unique Beach Destination in Thailand

We decided to visit Hua Hin in search of a less touristy destination in Thailand, but one that still offered proximity to the sea and that relaxed beach atmosphere. After exploring Koh Chang, another less touristy spot, and spending a few days in Bangkok, we headed to Hua Hin, where we stayed for four nights. If you’re also thinking about visiting this beach destination and want to know what to do in Hua Hin, you’re in the right place.

Hua Hin is known as a coastal city popular among Thais, especially as a weekend getaway for those living in Bangkok. Although it has a calmer vibe compared to other beach areas in Thailand, such as Phuket or Krabi, Hua Hin has its own special charm and offers much more than just the beach.

When we visited Hua Hin in December, not only was the weather rainy, but the tides were also high, so we couldn’t fully enjoy the beach. Even so, there’s much more to do in Hua Hin than just spending time on the sand.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Hua Hin

The best time to visit Hua Hin is between November and February, during the dry season, when the weather is more pleasant and ideal for exploring beaches and outdoor attractions. During this period, you can enjoy sunny days with mild temperatures, perfect for sightseeing or relaxing by the sea. Avoid April and May, which are the hottest months, and the monsoon season, from June to October, when there’s a higher chance of rain and high humidity. Plan your trip during these months to make the most of this charming destination!

How to Get to Hua Hin

Hua Hin is about 200 km from Bangkok, making it a popular getaway for those living in the Thai capital. In our case, we had planned to take the train but ended up missing it and took a taxi instead. Here, we explain the options you have for getting to Hua Hin and how to choose the one that suits you best.

Getting to Hua Hin by Train

There are two types of trains to Hua Hin departing from Bangkok, but they leave from different stations. You have the fast trains, which you can book online through the official website or 12Go, and the local trains, for which tickets are only available at station ticket counters.

We had tickets for a fast train departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (Bang Sue Grand Station), while the local trains depart from Bang Sue Junction, located right across the street. Depending on where you’re staying in Bangkok, there might be other stations closer to you where you can catch a train to Hua Hin.

One important thing to note: there aren’t many trains per day, which means that if you miss one (like we did!), the wait for the next one can be long. That’s why we opted for Grab, as the next train wasn’t leaving for several hours.

Getting to Hua Hin by Taxi or Grab

If you prefer flexibility or happen to miss the train, as we did, you can always opt for a taxi or Grab. The trip takes around 3 hours and costs approximately 2000 baht (about 50-55 euros).

Although it’s more expensive than the train, this option was perfect for us at that moment, as we didn’t want to waste more time waiting and enjoyed traveling comfortably.

What’s the Best Option for You?

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and aren’t in a rush, the train is an authentic and very pleasant experience, especially the fast trains. But if you want something quicker and more convenient, a taxi or Grab is an excellent alternative.

Regardless of the transportation you choose, the journey to Hua Hin is smooth and a great way to start exploring this less touristy yet charming destination.

What to Do in Hua Hin Beyond the Beaches?

Hua Hin is much more than just a beach destination. During our stay, we discovered experiences worth exploring, from health and wellness treatments to gastronomic delights and vibrant markets. Here are some suggestions, all personally tested by us.

1. Health and Wellness Treatments

If you’re looking for a moment of relaxation and self-care, Hua Hin is the perfect place. The city has a great selection of spas and wellness centers, but what truly won us over was the luxurious experience at AvaniWell at the Avani+ Hua Hin Resort.

Forget the typical street massage – here, we’re talking about personalized rituals that go far beyond that. We tried sound therapy, a sand compression ritual, and the Ayurvedic Shirodhara, where a continuous flow of warm oil is poured onto your forehead. It was a unique experience that left us completely renewed and ready to continue our journey.

2. Local Cuisine

Hua Hin is becoming a must-visit destination for food lovers, and we couldn’t resist exploring the city’s growing gastronomic scene.

Where to Eat

Breeza – This beachfront restaurant, part of the Avani+ Resort, blends Thai flavors with a modern gourmet touch. The setting, especially at sunset, is perfect for a special dinner. You can dine outdoors by the beach, inside, or even enjoy a pop-up dinner for a more romantic atmosphere. The pop-up setup features secluded seating, decorative lights, and a special menu. The fusion Thai menu is excellent, and we especially loved the duck curry and the crab fried rice, which were our favorites.

Praça – This restaurant was a delightful surprise and far exceeded our expectations. Without any recommendations, we simply found it on a map app, decided to take a chance, and it paid off. We got a table outdoors, and the dimly lit ambiance with a beach view was incredibly cozy. We chose the tasting menu with cocktails—a delicious fusion of Thai and international flavors. The highlight was the crispy oyster pad Thai, which is absolutely unique and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for something special in Hua Hin, this spot deserves to be on your list.

Coca Pop Up Hua Hin – This was one of those ideal spots for a quick yet high-quality lunch. We stumbled upon it almost by accident and loved the relaxed vibe and tasty food. It’s a perfect place to take a break while exploring the city.

3. Hua Hin Night Market

A visit to Hua Hin Night Market is a must! It’s one of the city’s highlights, where you can find local crafts, souvenirs, clothes, and, of course, irresistible street food.

4. Patio Night Market: A Perfect End to the Day

Imagine a cozy patio surrounded by traditional wooden houses, filled with food stalls, refreshing drinks, and local artisan products. That’s exactly what we experienced at this night market—the Patio—a true invitation to enjoy the essence of local culture.

In the center of the patio, there are tables where you can sit and soak up the atmosphere, with live music adding the perfect finishing touch. It’s the ideal spot to end the day, surrounded by a vibrant mix of tourists and locals, in a relaxed and authentic setting.

If you’re looking for a place to unwind, savor unique flavors, and dive into the nightlife, this market is a must-visit.

5. Chatsila Night Market: Where Culture Comes to Life

If there’s one place in Hua Hin that brings together flavor, culture, and entertainment, it’s the Chatsila Night Market. Picture a courtyard surrounded by traditional wooden houses, filled with colorful stalls offering delicious food, refreshing drinks, and local handicrafts.

This is where we ended one of our days in Hua Hin, in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. In the center of the market, shared tables invite you to sit down and savor the moment, while live music provides the perfect soundtrack for the evening.

Among curious tourists and locals, the Chatsila Night Market is more than just a market – it’s an authentic experience that combines great food, unique shopping, and an unforgettable ambiance. Don’t miss the chance to visit!

6. Exploring Hua Hin’s Coffee Scene

Did you know that Hua Hin is a little paradise for coffee lovers? One of the most pleasant surprises we had was discovering the number of amazing coffee shops scattered across the city. If you also enjoy a good coffee with a cozy atmosphere and a delicious snack, you’ll love exploring this side of Hua Hin.

One of our favorites was Gallery Drip Coffee Hua Hin, a space where each coffee is prepared with attention to detail. It’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying artisanal coffee. But Hua Hin has so much more to offer, and we couldn’t explore all the spots this time.

If you go, look for those hidden coffee shops on quieter streets—sometimes, the best finds are where you least expect them. Hua Hin is not just about beaches and markets; it also boasts a coffee scene worth discovering!

7. Monkey Mountain Temple (Khao Takiab)

If you’re up for some adventure, consider visiting Monkey Mountain in Khao Takiab. The climb is challenging, but they say the panoramic views over Hua Hin and the sea are worth the effort.

Due to time constraints, we didn’t visit, but we’ve heard it’s a must-see for many travelers.

8. Strolling Along the Beach

There’s nothing like walking along Hua Hin’s peaceful beaches at the end of the day. The golden light of the sunset creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for anyone looking to relax and soak up the simple charm of this destination. Depending on the time of year and the tide, it may not always be possible to walk along the beach as the water can reach the edge of the shore.

Savor a Croffle or a Toast with Toppings

Enjoying toast with toppings is no longer exclusive to Japan—this delicious trend has also taken off in Thailand! Here, you’ll find several specialized shops where you can try these delightful treats. One of our favorite spots is Karat, where toast is taken to the next level. But that’s not all: they also serve croffles (an incredible mix of croissant and waffle) with toppings that will leave you craving more. Our favorites? Thai tea sauce, chocolate, or pandan.

Where to stay in Hua Hin: The 3 best areas

Hua Hin offers accommodation options for all tastes and budgets, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. During our stay, we split our nights between two main areas: the Hua Hin center, where we stayed at the cozy Stardust Boutique Hotel, and the northern part of the city, where we relaxed at the elegant Avani+ Hua Hin Resort. Here are our recommendations for the best areas and accommodation options.

1. Hua Hin Center: Close to the action

The center of Hua Hin is the heart of the city and ideal for those who want to be close to the night markets, restaurants, and main attractions like the Railway Station and the famous Night Market.

• Budget Option: Stardust Boutique Hotel – A simple and comfortable hotel, perfect for those who want to explore the city without spending much. It’s just a few minutes walk from the night market and offers clean, affordable rooms. Dormitories are also available. This was our choice for two nights.
• Mid-range Option: Royal Pavilion Hua Hin – A modern hotel with excellent location and breakfast included.
• Luxury Option: Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin – A classic, historic resort, perfect for those seeking a luxurious experience in the heart of the city.

2. Northern Hua Hin: Tranquility and sophistication

North of Hua Hin center, you’ll find a more peaceful environment, perfect for those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle. The beaches are quieter, and the resorts offer a luxury experience with stunning views.

• Budget Option: Blue Wave Beach Resort – A simple and affordable option with a beachfront location.
• Mid-range Option: The Rock Hua Hin Beachfront Spa Resort – A boutique resort with comfortable rooms and a pool overlooking the sea.
• Luxury Option: Avani+ Hua Hin Resort – Imagine a little paradise with spacious rooms, amazing pools, and direct beach access. That’s exactly what we found at the Avani+ Hua Hin Resort, where we stayed for two nights and fell in love with the tranquility of the area and the resort’s elegant atmosphere. We opted for a private pool villa, which also gave us access to a larger pool – a true luxury retreat. But Avani+ is more than just accommodation: it’s an experience in itself. From relaxing moments with tea by the pool, to an unforgettable floating breakfast, and the proximity to a perfect beach for strolls together, this resort offers everything you need for a romantic getaway. If you’re looking for the perfect balance between comfort and elegance, Avani+ Hua Hin is the right choice.

3. Khao Takiab: Beach and tranquility

The Khao Takiab area, south of Hua Hin center, is perfect for those who want to be close to the beach, with a more local and relaxed atmosphere. It is also known for the Monkey Mountain Temple.

• Budget Option: Chomsin Hua Hin Hotel – A simple and cozy hotel, just minutes from the beach.
• Mid-range Option: Baan Talay Dao Resort – A small boutique resort with traditional Thai style and direct beach access.
• Luxury Option: Hyatt Regency Hua Hin – A spectacular resort with interconnected pools, an award-winning spa, and direct beach access.