"Discovering the Hidden Gems of Hua Hin: Beaches, National Parks, and Cultural Treasures"
Hua Hin is a good 200 kilometers south of Bangkok. Due to its proximity to the capital, it is a popular seaside resort for Thai and foreign tourists. The 4 km long sandy beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and walking. If you are looking for a change from beach life, you will find it in the Sam Roi Yot National Park. This park is home to numerous stalactite caves. The Hua Hin night market is very popular with locals as well as tourists and should not be missed.
Hua Hin Thailand
Palace-Hua-Hin
Buddha-Hua-Hin
National Park Hua Hin
Hua Hin Train Station
Hua Hin Beach
The area has been inhabited by fishermen since ancient times. In 1834 farmers settled and founded the small village of Samoriang. In 1911 the place was renamed to Hua Hin. This means "head made of stone" and refers to the many large stones that can still be seen on the beach. In 1916 members of the Royal Family built a large house at the north end of the village. A golf and tennis court was laid out by an English architect on their behalf.
In 1922, the then King Rama VII opened the first hotel opposite the railway station. With 14 feudal rooms and everything that was proper, the construction cost 128,000 baht. This was an extremely large amount in its day. Since then, the seaside resort of Hua Hin has grown steadily.
Today the small town has 50,000 inhabitants. These are more or less active for the numerous guests, especially on weekends. Other industries besides tourism are fishing and the pineapple industry.
The coastal city is located on the northwestern Gulf of Thailand in the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan.
The beaches in Hua Hin
At the beginning of the Hua Hin Beach, right next to the city, there are large stones. Then the beach runs 4 kilometers continuously south to the small mountain Khao Takiap. The further you get away from the city, the quieter the beach becomes.
Further south of Khao Takiap is Suan Son Beach. This beautiful beach is little known and is an insider tip.
Cha Am Beach is about 20 kilometers north of Hua Hin. This place is especially popular with local tourists.
Activities and sights in Hau Hin
In addition to the beaches, Hua Hin offers a variety of other attractions in the largest national park in the country and in the sacred caves and tombs.
Sam Roi Yot National Park
The National Park has many paths and trails that invite you to take short hikes to the top of the mountains. The 100 square kilometer park translates as “mountain with 300 peaks”, which is hard to believe at first glance. Some of the endangered species live here, such as the goral (Asian goat species) and over 300 different species of birds.
A steep staircase leads to the Phraya Nakhon Cave, in which there is a sacred pavilion. It is an absolutely enchanting place and should be visited.
Kaeng Krachan Nationa lpark
The Kaeng Krachan National Park, which borders Myanmar, is located northwest of Cha Am. It was inaugurated in 1981 and is relatively unknown. With over 2,900 square kilometers, it is the largest national park in Thailand. It mainly includes evergreen, dense mountain jungle.
Tham Kaeo 23 kilometers south of Pran Buri is the Tham Kaeo cave, which is full of bizarre stalactites and stalagmites. Oil lamps can be rented from the nearby village to explore the cave. Sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing are recommended. Khao Takiap
The mountain is only 4 kilometers from Hua Hin. It gives visitors an impressive view of the area. On the side facing the sea there is an approx. 17 meter high Buddha statue. Khao Takiap Beach, located south of the mountain, is rarely visited and very quiet. Buses or tuk tuks go from Hua Hin to Khao Takiap. Those who feel fit can also walk a distance along the beach in Hua Hin.
Klai Kangwon Palace
The Klai Kangwon Palace, which translates as “far from worry”, was built in 1926 by order of King Rama VII. The three houses are designed in a Spanish style. The royal family still stays in this summer palace from time to time. In their absence, the property is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Hua Hin Night Market The Hua Hin
Night Market has a wide range of souvenirs, clothing and artifacts. The many food stalls entice visitors with their culinary delights and give another occasion for a dessert or a snack.
Arrival and transportation in Hua Hin
Trains run to Hua Hin at regular intervals from Hua Lamphong Central Station in Bangkok. The journey takes about 3 hours. The second class compartments are air-conditioned, which makes the journey extremely pleasant. If you haven't had the opportunity to travel through Thailand by train up to this point, this type of journey is recommended.
Buses go from almost all bus stations in Bangkok to or via Hua Hin. The journey takes about 4 hours.
From the Victory Monument there is a mini-bus to Hua Hin every 15 minutes. The journey time is approx. 2 hours and is therefore the fastest way to get there.
Hua Hin has its own small airport with regular flights arriving and departing. Due to the short distance to Bangkok, however, a flight is hardly worth it.
There are many songthaews operating on site, which can also be rented for long distances.
Climate & travel time
The cooler days are from November to February. March to June are the hottest days with temperatures up to 45 ° C. But there is always a light, pleasant breeze in the coastal town.
The rainy season begins in July and continues until the end of October, when heavy but short showers can occur.
