The best things to do in Hua Hin are perfect for family beach holidays. It's true that most Thais think of Hua Hin as a romantic and elegant holiday destination – an image that originated around 100 years ago when members of the royal family and the wealthy spent their summers here. As a result, Hua Hin today boasts countless beautiful houses and villas by the sea, as well as some attractive historic summer palaces. These are popular attractions, but the newer, purpose-built shopping and sightseeing villages also offer something for every generation. Hua Hin is usually busy on weekends with people looking to escape Bangkok, and its proximity by car makes it a popular choice. Much of Hua Hin's appeal lies in its charming atmosphere.

Arrival

By bus

Buses between Bangkok and Hua Hin depart from the Sai Tai Mai bus station in Bangkok every 20 minutes. The journey takes 3.5 hours. A first-class seat costs approximately 200 baht. There is also a bus service between Hua Hin and Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Buses to and from cities in southern Thailand generally operate overnight. They depart Hua Hin around 10 pm and arrive early the next morning. The cost for these buses ranges from 750 to 1000 baht, depending on the destination.

By car

The approximately 200 km journey between Bangkok and Hua Hin can be completed in 2 to 3 hours. The most direct route from Bangkok to Hua Hin leads south on Highway 35 until it connects with Highway 4.

By plane

There are currently no flights to Hua Hin.

By taxi

The taxi ride between Bangkok and Hua Hin costs approximately 2000 Baht (the price should be negotiated beforehand) and takes about 2 ½ hours.

By train

Most trains from Bangkok heading south stop at Hua Hin station. Therefore, numerous trains run to Hua Hin throughout the day. The train journey typically takes between four and six hours, which is considerably longer than the two- to three-hour drive. However, train tickets are cheaper than taxis. A seat costs between 40 and 100 baht, depending on the class and speed of the train. The Hua Hin station office is located on Damnoenkasem Road. Further information can be obtained by calling +60 32 511 073 or visiting the website www.railway.co.th.

Getting around in Hua Hin

In the city center, visitors can explore Hua Hin on foot or by rented bicycles and motorbikes, allowing them to discover the area more quickly. (By songthaew)

From Songtaew

To get from Hua Hin to the nearby beaches, songthaews (covered pickup trucks with benches in the back) serve as local buses between Hua Hin and Khao Takiab, Khao Tam, and Suan Son. The songthaew service runs approximately from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

By tuk-tuk

To travel more quickly between different destinations in and around the city, tuk-tuks are widely available and can be hired for a single trip or for the whole day. In both cases, the fare should be agreed upon before starting the journey.

With the rental car

For independent exploration of the region, numerous local and international car rental companies are available. Please note that only commercial first-class insurance provides comprehensive protection for rental cars (as opposed to limited liability insurance). Most international car rental companies offer this insurance (though some only for holders of a valid international driving permit), while this is not always the case with local providers. It is advisable to request a copy of the insurance policy and ensure that it includes the phrase "commercial use." Carefully inspect the rental car before renting it and drive cautiously, especially since traffic in Thailand can be quite chaotic, largely due to the habit of Thai motorcyclists driving on the wrong side of the road.

With a rental motorcycle

You can rent a motorbike for approximately 150 to 300 baht per day. You will usually need to leave your passport as a deposit. Carefully inspect the motorbikes before renting them and drive extremely cautiously, as rental motorbikes are typically not insured and accidents are common. Wearing a helmet is mandatory in Thailand.

By local bus

There are also local buses from Hua Hin to Pranburi and other destinations within the province at very reasonable prices.

By boat

For boat trips to the nearby island of Koh Singtoh, local boat charters are available for about 800 Baht per day, either at Hua Hin Pier or in Hat Takiab, where you can get a slightly cheaper price.

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