Hua Hin Beach, Thailand: An Adventure-Lover’s Dream

Find the ride you need in Thailand

Apart from being world-renowned, Hua Hin Beach, Thailand, has a simple charm that entices people to come back again and again. Find out why.

Hua Hin Beaches feature

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If you’re dreaming of an escape where you can ride horseback along the white sands, Hua Hin Beach, Thailand, is your place. When you’re in the crystal clear water, you can see the sand in your toes, and you’d have no clue you were just a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. 

This area was really one of Thailand’s first big vacation spots. It used to be a small fishing village but grew throughout the 1900s into what we know today. The royal family of Thailand built their summer palaces here because of the soft sand and tranquility of the area. 

Today, you can stay in upscale hotels, eat the freshest seafood of your life, and enjoy all that Thailand has on offer, making it one of our favorite spots for your next getaway. 

Where is Hua Hin Beach?

aqua beach chairs on Hua Hin Beach in Thailand

Hua Hin is just a couple of hours southwest of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. 

You’ll find this gorgeous beach in the Gulf of Thailand, in the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. It runs all the way from the Hua Hin tunnel to Khao Takiab Mountain, around 13 kilometers (8-ish miles). 

Hua Hin, Thailand: Things to Do

dozens of kite surfers and 2 horseback riders in Hua Hin Beach Thailand

Although it is tempting to sit on the beach or at the pool all day, there are plenty of things to do throughout Hua Hin Beach that make the trip worth it. Whether enjoying the nightlife, taking a sunset horseback ride, or hiking up a mountain, you can honestly do it all. 

Enjoy all the incredible beaches

Hua Hin Beach

Best for city beach lovers

Hua Hin Beach with palms

Through and through, Hua Hin is a beach town. 

This means you’ll find all sorts of beach activities, including some not for the faint of heart, like kitesurfing, boat racing, jet skis, and more. 

Right on the beach, you’ll find resorts, restaurants, bars, and clubs, so you won’t have to go very far to get lunch or a cocktail. However, it can get pretty crowded during the day, especially between November and March.

Pro tip: Each resort is responsible for the stretch of beach in front of it. So, the most luxurious hotels will have the nicest stretches of beach. Even if you aren’t staying at them, you can set up nearby for the day to enjoy the cleanliness and infrastructure they offer. 

Khao Takiab Beach

Best if you don’t want to stray too far from the city

Khao Takiab hill in Hua Hin Thailand.

Khao Takiab translates to Chopstick Hill, which splits the area into two distinct sections. 

It’s just an easy 10-minute drive away from the hustle and bustle of town, but it has a much more relaxed feel. It is Hua Hin’s best beach for culture. 

Restaurants are within walking distance, and you can even visit the 19-meter (62-foot) standing Buddha, Phra Pang Haan Yad, which overlooks the sea. 

When walking around this area, you can grab a drink or a massage, then walk a little further towards the Wat Khao Takiab temple. But watch out for the monkeys—they are very naughty and might steal your snacks. 

Suan Son Pradipat Beach 

Best for getting away from the masses (without going too far from Hua Hin)

two beach chairs under a tree on Hua Hin Beach

Also, just about 10 minutes away is Suan Son Pradipat, or Sea Pine Tree Garden Beach in English. This area is much less crowded than Hua Hin Beach, which means you won’t find any beach vendors, but you will certainly find some restaurants. 

Pro tip: This area doesn’t have the same infrastructure you know and love from the more developed areas, so it might not be easy for young families. 

Ko Thalu Island

Best for a serious getaway

Ko Thalu island rock arch

Looking for those Robinson Crusoe vibes?

The best Hua Hin, Thailand beach for that is definitely Ko Thalu Island. With its white beaches and calm, clear waters, it’s one of those beaches dreams are made of.

You will be shocked by the bright green trees that blend so beautifully with the blue water. Additionally, a large rock formation creates an arch over the water you cannot miss. 

Take the opportunity to go diving or snorkeling to see the reefs and marine life while on the island. 

It isn’t the easiest to get to. You have to drive about two hours and then hop on a ten-minute speedboat ride to get there. However, this is one of the best beaches near Hua Hin, so it’s worth the effort.

Sam Phraya Beach

Best if you want to camp on a beach

Sam Phraya Beach in Thailand, near Hua Hin

For adventure lovers, you can go camping at Sam Phraya Beach. 

Don’t worry about braving the elements too much—the campsites have toilets, showers, and a restaurant. You can also rent all the gear you need on-site, but make sure to bring mosquito repellent. 

It is inside the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, about an hour from Hua Hin—more on that below. 

Khao Kalok Beach

Best for long walks on velvety sand

long sandy stretch of Khao Kalok Beach Thailand

Only 30 minutes away, this beach is nestled in the Thao Ko Sa Forest Park. 

Here, you’ll find the softest, velvet-like sand you’ve ever felt. When laying out and soaking in the sun, you are bound to fall asleep and genuinely decompress, making it a favorite amongst all the beaches near Hua Hin, Thailand. 

Right next door is Skull Mountain, aptly named because it resembles a skull. If you want to spend more than a day here, which you likely will, you can spend the night at one of the fantastic resorts right on the water and snack on street food from local vendors. 

Go on an adventure

See Hua Hin Beach on a bike or from an ATV for a truly unique excursion. 

Who doesn’t love horseback riding on a beach? Even the most inexperienced riders can participate in this unforgettable experience.

Waterpark lovers can visit the Vana Nava Water Jungle Park or the Santorini Water Fantasy. Both have water slides, pools, and wave surfing—fun for the entire family. 

Visit Kaeng Krachan

The largest nature reserve in Thailand is on the mountain range that borders Myanmar. You can find all sorts of wildlife, from birds to monkeys, as well as waterfalls, rivers, and caves. 

It is a vast area and covers over 3,000 square kilometers (around 1158 square miles). It is just over an hour by car from Hua Hin Beach. One of the waterfalls here is the largest in Thailand, which is worth the day trip alone. 

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

There is more than the incredible Sam Phraya Beach at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.

This area is unique, and its name, Three Hundred Mountain Peaks, proves it. There are tons of viewpoints to see this area from every angle. However, the Khao Daeng viewpoint is one of the most popular because you can see the entire Khao Sam Roi Yot coastline. 

Getting up to the viewpoint is a quick hour-long hike, but make sure to bring hiking shoes, as there are lots of rocks along the trail. 

The lotus pond at the foothill of the mountain is an excellent spot for photos of the sunrise or sunset. Between December and February, it’s filled with lotus flowers that are just breathtaking. You can hire a boat if you want to go around the pond. 

When the light shines inside the Phraya Nakhon Cave, deep inside the park, you can see a royal throne pavilion surrounded by trees. It is truly a sight to behold; the best time to see it is around 9 am. This is when the sun is perfectly aligned to shine on the throne. 

Soak in the local culture and history

Thailand has centuries upon centuries of vibrant history, so you would be remiss not to dive into it. Explore the Way Huay Mongkol temple, eat all the local foods, and take tours to learn about the royal history and how Hua Hin made it on the map. 

Enjoy the markets

Hua Hin Night Market

If you’ve been anywhere else in Thailand, you know the importance of the night markets. If you haven’t, then get ready for a blast!

This bazaar is open every night throughout the year and is always teeming with locals. You can find just about anything from clothes and jewelry to homemade goods and ice-cold shakes. 

These markets have some of the best Thai food you will ever eat for an extremely affordable price. It’s right next door to the famous Bintabaht Street, so head over and grab a drink after you explore the market. 

Market Village

Although this might not be the biggest mall you’ve ever seen, it does have plenty of stores if you need to do some shopping. You can also catch a movie here and complete all those errands you’ve put off throughout your trip. 

The Venezia Complex

Interestingly enough, this whole area is designed after Venice, complete with replicas of the major sites. It is a shopping and entertainment center, and bizarre as it may be to be in Thailand, yet shopping in Venice, you’ll be entertained if nothing else. 

Pran Buri Forest Park

This park was created to protect and preserve the mangrove forests close by. They are crucial for protecting the area against tsunamis and heavy storms. You’ll walk on a wooden trail above the forest to see them up close without harming them. 

Rajabhakti Park

This park is in honor of seven of the most important kings of Thailand.

A 3.5-meter (44-foot) statue of each king stands in front of a mountain. 

Learn why these kings were so important to Thai culture as an essential part of your trip. 

Where to eat in Hua Hin Beach

In the morning, head to the Jek Piek Coffee Shop for congee and come back at night for some delicious seafood. 

If you’re feeling homesick, go to JJ Motorbike Cafe, which serves breakfast Western-style, including pancakes, bacon, eggs, toast, fruits, and orange juice. 

Where to stay in Hua Hin Beach

city and water view of Hua Hin beach
Beautiful outdoor landscape and cityscape of hua hin city in Thailand

You can find a great place to stay, no matter your budget. However, do be sure to make reservations in advance, especially between November and February. 

Whether you want to stay in hotels or Airbnb, the area’s immense popularity means you will have no shortage of options.

Internet in Thailand 

Getting a local SIM card might be necessary, especially if you are working remotely or worried about staying in contact with your family. If you have a phone that supports eSIM, you can use an online carrier to have data as soon as you arrive. 

If not, visit one of the three major carriers: AIS, DTAC, and True. They have plenty of options for travelers with varying amounts of data and plan lengths. 

Hua Hin, Thailand, weather

It is very important to consider Thailand’s climate when deciding when to visit. 

November, December, and January are marked by cooler and less humid months, which is why it is the high season in Hua Hin Beach. 

It gets much warmer and more humid in March and April. 

May to October is the rainy season, which is not the best for such an outdoor-focused destination. 

Packing list essentials for Hua Hin Beach

brilliant sunset and fishing boat on Hua Hin Beach

Just like any other beach, you’ll want to pack the essentials. Here are some of the most important things to add to your suitcase:

  • Hiking shoes
  • Lightweight shirts
  • Light jacket
  • Microfiber towel
  • Bathing suit
  • Camera
  • Portable charger
  • Water bottle
  • Adapter
  • Packing Cubes
  • Backpack
  • Bug spray
  • Book
  • Umbrella
  • Waterproof dry bag

Map of Hua Hin Beaches and more

Check out this interactive map with all the surrounding beaches you need to explore while in the area. Scroll out to see how far Hua Hin is from Bangkok.

How to get to and around Hua Hin Beach

You’ll most likely need to fly into Bangkok to get to this gorgeous stretch of sand.

The journey from Bangkok to Hua Hin shouldn’t take more than five hours but can be done in as little as two hours if taking a car. 

Trains leave the Hua Lumpong Station every few hours throughout the day, and buses leave from the Southern Bus Terminal and Victory Monument. 

Renting a car and driving to Hua Hin Beach might be a great option if you plan to explore all the other attractions nearby. You can also rent a motorbike when you arrive if you’re comfortable driving one. 

If you want to bounce from beach to beach and you’re wondering how to get from Phuket to Hua Hin, you’re in luck. It is also quite simple but does take much longer than from Bangkok. 

Check out all the routes Bookaway offers in Thailand when planning your itinerary

FAQ

What is the closest airport to Hua Hin Beach?

The Hua Hin International Airport (HHQ) is around 15 kilometers away from the beach. 

What is the closest town to Hua Hin Beach?

Hua Hin! There are also plenty of other towns or villages nearby, like Khao Takiab, Pran Buri, and Cha-am. 

Is Hua Hin Beach safe?

Yes! It’s generally pretty safe. You will notice police and security guards around the beach, but take basic safety precautions, as you would anywhere. 

Can you swim at Hua Hin beach?

You sure can! The water is calm and crystal clear, perfect for swimming. 

Posted January 25, 2023
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Harrison Pierce
Born and raised in North Carolina, Harrison had the radical idea to sell every last belonging and travel the world full-time with nothing but a suitcase and his cat, Isabelle. Along the way, he refined his love for writing and now enjoys working with brands to tell stories and create travel and personal finance guides. A UNC-Chapel Hill grad, Harrison will always be a Tar Heel. Today, you can find him drinking coffee in Colombia or eating pastries in Lisbon, wherever the wind takes him.
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