About the ride from Bangkok to Hua Hin
With infamous nightlife, oodles of history, and some of the most delicious street eats in the world, Bangkok is a main stop on most Southeast Asia tours. But don’t stop the fun here. Keep the party going with a trip to Hua Hin.
Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s famous beach resorts, located south of Bangkok on the Malay Peninsula.
Known as a favorite holiday destination for the Thai royal family, this beach town is a must-see for all visitors. So, grab your sunhat and bikini, and let’s hit the road.
The journey from Bangkok to Hua Hin takes three to four hours and covers 192 km (119 miles). Popular transportation options include buses, trains, cars, and minivans. It’s an excellent option if you want to see the sea without catching another flight.
Prepare to swap skyscrapers for azure waters. Let’s dive in.
How to see Hua Hin without missing the best spots
Do you know where to go in Hua Hin? Let us introduce you to the top places to see and things to do in this beachside resort.
Hua Hin Beach - An oasis with white sand, crystal clear water, and impressive palm trees. The perfect place to lay back and relax.
Khao Hin Lek Fai Viewpoint - A stunning viewpoint where you can gaze down upon Hua Hin from a 160m/524ft height.
Hua Hin Night Market - Night markets are the pinnacle of Thai nightlife. Here, you can eat your weight in noodles, sip ice-cold beers, and participate in local culture.
Wat Hua Hin - The most important temple in the town, Wat Hua Hin is a sight to behold. It also doubles as a monastery and sits in the center of Hua Hin.
Rajabhakti Park - Rajabhakti Park isn’t your usual green space. This area has a historic theme and celebrates past Thai kings. You’ll want to see these tremendous sculptures!
Hutsadin Elephant Foundation - If petting elephants is on your Thai bucket list, schedule a stop at this sanctuary. The Hutsadin Elephant Foundation is a self-financed organization that cares for injured elephants and provides ethical chances to meet the gentle giants up close.
How to get from Bangkok to Hua Hin
The main ways to get from Bangkok to Hua Hin include buses, trains, cars, and minivans. See the key differences between each below.
By bus
Buses from Bangkok to Hua Hin are the most popular option. They’re super affordable, starting at $6 per person. The most expensive rides are $19 per person. No need to splurge on this journey!
The average bus time is 3.5 hours. Most buses pick you up from Bangkok Bus Terminal, Khao San Montanatip, Mochit New Van Terminal, or Suvarnabhumi Airport. You’ll be dropped off at New Hua Hin Bus Station, Market Village Hua Hin, or at the Hua Hin Clock Tower.
But not all buses are built equally. Each has different features.
Here’s a breakdown of the main bus amenities:
Individual seats
A/C
Toilet stops
Large luggage allowance
TVs
Some buses even have onboard WCs, but these aren’t guaranteed.
By train
Traveling by train in Thailand is a bucket list experience for many. Luckily, you can tick this must-try experience off without spending a fortune, as the cheapest tickets from Bangkok to Hua Hin cost $3.
Train journeys take around 3.5 to 4 hours.
Here are the different types of tickets on offer:
Third Class Seat Fan Train - These are the cheapest tickets available. They include WC access, a large baggage allowance, and individual seats. What they don’t include is A/C. They cost $3 and take 3.5 hours to reach Hua Hin.
Second Class Seat Fan Train - This train takes three hours and 40 minutes to arrive. Tickets start at $4; you receive an individual seat, WC access, and a large baggage allowance. And, you guessed it, no A/C.
Second Class Sleeper Train - Second Class Sleeper Trains have sleeper-style seating, A/C, WC access, and a large baggage allowance. These trains take 3.5 hours to arrive and start at $20 per person.
Second Class Seat Train - Second Class Seat Trains have A/C, individual seats, WCs, and a large baggage allowance. These cost $10 per person and arrive in three hours and 15 minutes.
Pro tip: Fan trains and standard trains have different cooling systems. Fan trains use ceiling fans, and standard trains have more effective A/C units. Opt for standard trains if you don’t want to be hot and bothered.
By car
Cars are the most expensive way to get from Bangkok and Hua Hin. However, this is a private transfer option, meaning you don’t have to share the ride with anyone else.
Private cars start at $55 per vehicle and go up to $109. You can split these prices between passengers. For example, the $55 ride would cost three guests $19 each.
Cars pick you up from the airport or your hotel and drop you off at your hotel in Hua Hin. Perfect for an easy door-to-door journey. The average travel time is three hours.
Most cars offer a range of amenities, such as A/C, English-speaking staff, toilet stops, water, and large luggage storage.
By minivan
Minivans are another great way to get from Bangkok to Hua Hin.
These are available at a range of prices, depending on whether you book a private or shared minivan.
Private minivans start at $76 per vehicle booking. This can be divided by up to eight passengers. Shared minivans start at $5 per person.
The more expensive options are private transfers. If you don’t want to share, look for the “Private Transfer” filter to ensure you get a solo ride.
Like cars, private minivans pick you up from the airport or your hotel and drop you at the doorstep of your Hua Hin hotel.
Shared minivans pick you up from central Bangkok pick-up points (e.g., Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal or Ekkamai) and drop you off at Hua Hin Minivan Station or Hua Hin Market Village Bus Stop.
Amenities available on minivans include space for 8/9 passengers, large luggage storage, toilet stops, A/C, and water. Check your ride’s specific amenities before you book.
About the journey from Bangkok to Hua Hin
The ride from Bangkok to Hua Hin spans 192 km (119 miles) and takes you southwest from Thailand’s capital onto the Malay peninsula.
This takes three to four hours, depending on your transport option. No need to block off a full day for travel!
Most routes to Hua Hin follow the railroad or highway, so views are limited. As you approach Hua Hin, you might get a glimpse of the surrounding area and the Gulf of Thailand.
This route is popular and very safe for all travelers, including solo-ers, ladies, and newbie travelers.
Thailand can get very hot and humid. Make sure it’s a comfortable ride by booking transport with A/C.
The best time to travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin
The best time to travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin is from November to June. These months are dry, with an average of 29-33°C (84-91°F).
From July to October, the weather remains around 30°C/86°F. However, there are heavy bursts of rain. The average rainfall in these months is approximately 300 mm over 15 days of the month.
Is Hua Hin worth visiting?
Yes! Hua Hin is a great place to go if you want to escape the hustle and heat of Bangkok.
You can reach this beach resort without getting on a plane, and the journey takes a maximum of four hours. Once in Hua Hin, you can enjoy pristine beaches, vibrant markets, sophisticated restaurants, and cultural landmarks.
Where to visit after Hua Hin?
Keep the good vibes going. After Hua Hin, travel further south to Chumphon. Another province with pristine beaches, lush green nature, and more superb Thai food. It’s a must for anyone with ample travel time. Hua Hin to Chumphon takes four hours by train or five hours by bus.