Hua Hin (หัวหิน) is a seaside resort city of about 50,000 residents (2012) in Thailand. Three or four hours south of Bangkok (195 km), it is popular with middle-aged and older foreign visitors, as a weekend getaway spot for Bangkok Thais, and as an expat retirement home.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Popularised as a resort in the early 1920s by King Prajadhipok, Hua Hin is closely associated with the Thai royal family and is a quiet and relaxing seaside resort ideal for family vacation. Until 1934, it was known as Samore Riang (สมอเรียง), or 'rows of rocks'. The fishing village was turned into a royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam's nobility and upper classes. In 1928, Prajadhipok built his Klai Kangwon ('far from worries') Palace.
Most visitors rely on the regular green songthaews that run up and down Phetkasem Road all day at about 10-minute intervals. Fare is 10 baht. Their northern terminus is the fresh market in town centre; in the south they turn about in Khao Takiap. Songthaews service Phetkasem north of the central market, but with less frequency. There are many motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks, fewer car taxis. Negotiate prices beforehand. You will not get a tuk-tuk for less than 100 baht over any distance (unless you are lucky) if you are a Western tourist. Settle on a price before hiring. You may also be able to find samlors (rickshaws) in town centre.
There is only one, long beach: Hua Hin Beach (ชายหาดหัวหิน Hat Hua Hin). This runs from the Hilton Hotel six kilometres south to a headland where a Buddhist temple clings to the rocks. Fine white sand, resort hotels and many water sports opportunities lend the resort its distinctive ambiance. At the south end of town, the hill of Khao Takiab interrupts the beach. On the other side is a lovely swimming beach with a view of Khao Takiab's south face. Just a little further on, Suan Son Beach is owned by the Thai army but is open to the public.
Hua Hin Jazz Festival (Jazz on the beach). The popular event attracts world-class jazz musicians from Thailand and all over the world. Annually, in June. Hua Hin Vintage Car Rally. Hoteliers, the Vintage Car Club of Thailand, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand annually sponsor a parade of vintage and classic cars starting at the Sofitel Central in Bangkok and ending in at the Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort. The cars, with drivers and passengers dressed in 1920s attire, make the 225 km promenade in December every year. The festivities culminate with a 1920s party at the Sofitel, which appropriately is a Victorian-style structure built in the 1920s. Thailand International Kite Festival.
There are plenty of eating options around Hua Hin. Those close to the beach and at Khao Takiap are touristy, while some good local options can be found on Phetkasem Rd along the way to Khao Takiap. Hua Hin is known for its seafood which can be found in abundance at the night market, restaurants, and hotel restaurants. Naresdamri Road is a fine place for great inexpensive restaurants while serving up romantic sea views. Some hotels offer buffets consisting of open cooking stations, including seafood BBQ, and also offer live entertainment like traditional Thai music and dancing. Soi 94 has bloomed into a happening street with many restaurants and bars of all types.
1 The Coffee Club, 33 Naresdamri Road (next to the Hilton Hotel), ☏ +66 2264 4354. Part of a coffee chain. Very popular with travelers. Airy and bright with outside seating. Good food and reasonable coffee, but lacking the character of an indie cafe 2 Patty's Corner, Railway Plaza Today (across the street and slightly S of the Hua Hin Railway Station), ☏ +66 82872 2534. Daily 08:00-afternoon. Nice calm spot run by Patty and her sister. Good selection of coffees, teas, beers, and lots of delicious desserts. All at good prices. Good English spoken. Mocha 50 baht.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Hua Hin typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 15 rainy days.
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