Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Hua Hin Beach is Bangkok's city beach. It stretches for approximately 7 kilometers of light-colored sand from the fishing pier in the south to the Khao Takiab headland and has been Bangkok's beach since the opening of the Railway Hotel (now the Centara Grand) in 1923. The water is very shallow and calm; you can wade out about 100 meters. Therefore, it is better suited for walking, splashing, and standing in the sea than for swimming. In the northern part of the beach, large rocks lie in the shallow water, where sunbathers like to relax.

Which section of the beach you choose is more important here than on most other beaches. The northern part, near the pier and Naresdamri Road, belongs to the old town and offers fish restaurants and shady spots. The main entrance is at the end of Damnoen Kasem Road, next to the Centara, where the horses wait. Around Market Village, you'll find sun loungers and kitesurfing schools. Beyond Chiva-Som and the Hyatt, the beach transitions into a quieter section with resorts and holiday apartments. At Khao Takiab, the beach widens below the hill with its temple, standing Buddha, and monkeys.

Don't expect too much, though. There's litter in some places, the hotel restaurants along the promenade charge hotel prices, and from November to March, the tide can largely cover the sand and reach right up to the seawall. A five-minute walk inland will take you to dozens of more affordable restaurants. After dark, the beach becomes quiet, while the town remains lively.

For swimming, I recommend a trip south to Sai Noi, a small bay about 16 km from the city, with the clearest water in the area, or to the quiet, pine-shaded sandy beach of Suan Son. Both beaches are among my favorites in Hua Hin.

Entry is free. Horseback riding excursions cost approximately 300–500 baht for half an hour, so be sure to arrange a time and price in advance. Chairs cost around 50 baht. Check the tide times if you plan on taking a longer walk. After heavy rain, be aware of jellyfish; vinegar for jellyfish stings is available at various points along the beach. The easiest place to park is at Market Village, from where a footpath leads to the beach.