Staying in Hua Hin – town, beach and Khao Takiab
Thailand's oldest beach resort. Central Hua Hin, Khao Takiab and the northern resorts compared, plus getting there from Bangkok.
Hua Hin became Thailand’s first beach resort in the 1920s, when the railway reached the coast and the royal family built summer palaces here. It is still popular with Thai families, golfers and long-stay visitors, and has a more relaxed, mature atmosphere than Pattaya or Phuket.
Choosing an area
- Central Hua Hin has the night market, the historic red-and-white railway station, seafood restaurants on wooden piers and many hotels a short walk from the beach.
- Khao Takiab, at the southern end of the main beach, has resort hotels, a temple on the hill with views over the coast, and monkeys.
- North Hua Hin, towards the Klai Kangwon palace, is mostly large resorts and quiet residential streets.
- Pak Nam Pran and Pranburi, about 30–40 minutes south, are quieter still, with boutique beach resorts.
Who it suits
Hua Hin suits families, couples, golfers and older travellers. It is close enough to Bangkok for a weekend and has a good choice of international-standard resorts. It is not a party destination.
Getting there
Hua Hin is about three to four hours from Bangkok by road. Trains on the Southern Line stop at Hua Hin station, and buses and minivans run from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Things to do
Cicada Market and the Hua Hin night market, Phraya Nakhon Cave in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Maruekhathaiyawan Palace on the coast towards Cha-am, and vineyards in the hills inland.
Hotels
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua HinHua Hin's historic Railway Hotel, opened in 1923, now a beachfront resort in the centre of town. History, location and what is nearby.
Things to do
Suan Son Pradiphat BeachA quiet, pine-lined beach run by the army just south of Hua Hin. How to visit Suan Son Pradiphat and what to expect.
