Road trip from Bangkok to Hua Hin?
A charming coastal town on the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Chill out at the beach, explore hiking trails and interact with animals close-up, here’s what we recommend doing at Hua Hin, with a 3D2N itinerary attached at the end of this travel guide.
What are the best things to do in Hua Hin?
Things to do:
1. Phraya Nakhon Cave
2. Thai Cooking Course
3. Parrotdise Organic Farm & Cafe
4. Cicada Market & Tamarind Market
5. Hua Hin Artist Village
6. Sunflower Cafe & Mini Golf
7. Pa La-U Waterfall
8. Khao Takiap
9. Hua Hin Hills Vineyard
10. Maruekhathaiyawan Palace
11. Hua Hin Railway Station
12. Hua Hin Beach
13. Market Village Hua Hin
Hua Hin cafes
14. SAMKHA Cafe
15. The Chocolate Factory
16. Ob-Oon Patisserie & Boulangerie
17. The Tea House
Hua Hin restaurants
18. BaanKong & Yaa
19. Aowtakiab Seafood Hua Hin
20. Praca
21. Chom Kesorn Cafe & Restaurant
Skip the recommendations! Click here to head straight to our recommended 3-day itinerary for Hua Hin.
Best attractions and activities in Hua Hin
1. Hike and explore Phraya Nakhon Cave
Phraya Nakhon Cave is famous for its royal pavilion, illuminated by sunlight streaming through the cave’s roof.
The hike to the cave is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning views and a sense of adventure. However, do note that the journey to the cave can take up to two hours, and involves ascending high stairs.
The cave is part of Khao Sam Roi Yot, Thailand’s first coastal national park. With wetlands, beaches, caves, and diverse wildlife, the park is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and sightseeing. Don’t miss the freshwater marshes, which are a haven for migratory birds.
Location: Khao Daeng, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand
Opening hours: 8:30am-3pm
Location: Sam Roi Yot, Sam Roi Yot District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77120
Opening hours: 8:30am-3pm
2. Learn how to cook authentic dishes at Thai Cooking Course
If you can’t get enough of Thai dishes, pick up a few easy-to-learn and authentic recipes at this one-day cooking school. Each lesson comprises four dishes and one curry, which you’ll also get to eat right after cooking!
Before getting your hands dirty, you’ll also get a private tour Hua Hin’s 100 Year Old Market to learn more about their culinary culture.
Priced at 1,800 baht ($70) per person, register for your slot on their website.
Location: 19/95 Petchkasem Road Soi Hua Hin 19 Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, 77110
Opening hours: 8am-5pm
3. Feed all kinds of animals up-close at Parrotdise Organic Farm & Cafe
Animal lovers, you have to add this attraction into your Hua Hin itinerary as you can feed goats, ducks, tortoises and birds from just 60 baht per basket of assorted vegetables.
This attraction is paired with a cafe, which we recommend making for as well as they’re organic and bake everything in-house from scratch. We recommend their creamy and rich cheesecake, made with organic ingredients.
Location: Unnamed Road, Thap Tai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Thu: 9:30am-5:30pm
Friday: 9:30am-6pm
Saturday: 9:30am-8:30pm
Sunday: 9:30am-5:30pm
4. Shop and eat at Cicada Market & Tamarind Market
Tamarind Market is a large outdoors food market with live performances. The wide array of food includes affordable traditional Thai food as well as modern dishes to indulge in.
Meanwhile, Cicada Market is an art market featuring the unique works of local markets. You can get interesting decors, fashion accessories, artworks and many more. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to catch captivating performances.
Head down to both markets as they’re located side by side.
Location: 21 Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening hours:
Mon-Thu: Closed
Fri-Sun: 4-11pm
5. Admire local art at Hua Hin Artist Village
Also known as Baan Sillapin, Hua Hin Artist Village is one of the few art galleries in the city.
In addition to admiring the various works crafted by local artists, you can also chill at their open air cafe that faces the lake. You can also paint on pre-made ceramics from 150 baht.
Location: 82 Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Sun: 10am-5pm
6. Challenge each other to a friendly game of mini golf
For a classic game of mini golf, head down to Sunflower Cafe & Mini Golf.
At just 120 baht ($5) per person, you can play as many rounds as you’d like here. The difficulty of each hole here is relatively harder than other mini golf courses we’ve tried in Thailand.
Don’t be surprised when you pull up at a housing estate, as this mini golf course in Hua Hin is actually built in the backyard of a friendly local.
Location: Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening hours: 10:30am-5:30pm
7. Hike up the enchanting Pa La-U Waterfall
Pa La-U Waterfall is a multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush jungle. It’s a great destination for nature lovers, with opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and spotting wildlife.
But, without a proper hiking ground, the journey can be difficult. The route demands scaling rocks, relying on a rope fastened to the mountainside for stability. Without any signals in the area, we also recommend investing in a satellite phone and preparing proper hiking gear.
Entrance fee costs 300 baht per adult and 120 baht per child.
Location: Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
Opening hours: 24 hours
8. Temples and monkeys at Khao Takiap
Khao Takiab, or Monkey Mountain, is a charming hilltop destination offering panoramic views of Hua Hin and the surrounding coastline. The area is home to a temple and a community of playful monkeys.
What’s interesting is that beyond a certain point, where the temples and deities are situated, you won’t spot any monkeys, almost as if they instinctively know they’re not permitted in that sacred space.
Location: 123, 55 Nong Kae-Takiap, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Hua Hin 77110
Opening hours: 24 hours
9. Sip on unique wines at a vineyard tour
Nestled amidst rolling hills, Monsoon Valley Vineyard offers wine tastings, vineyard tours, and delicious meals paired with locally produced wines.
Due to its far-out location, in addition to wine, you can also spend the entire day there. The range of activities include mountain biking, picnics, bottle paintings, and even interacting with elephants at Baan Khok Chang Elephant Sanctuary.
Book your activities online.
Location: 1 Moo 9 Baankhok Chang Patana NongPlup HuaHin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan,Thailand 77110
Opening hours:
Apr-Oct: 9am-7pm
Nov-Mar: 9am-8pm
10. Admire the grandeur Maruekhathaiyawan Palace
Known as the “Palace of Love and Hope”, this seaside palace is a stunning example of traditional Thai architecture. Built entirely of teakwood, it’s a peaceful and picturesque spot to learn about Thai royal history.
Location: 1281 Thanon Phet Kasem, Cha-am, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120, Thailand
Opening hours: 9am-4pm
11. Snap a photo at Hua Hin Railway Station
Hua Hin Railway Station is one of Thailand’s oldest and most beautiful railway stations. Known for its unique architectural design, the station features a mix of Thai and Victorian styles.
It’s a great spot for photography and learning a bit about the region’s history.
Location: ถนน สถานีรถไฟ Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
Opening hours: 24 hours
12. Chill out at Hua Hin Beach
Hua Hin Beach is a must-visit destination for its pristine sandy shores and calm waters.
Perfect for a relaxing day, you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and even horseback riding along the coast.
For surfers, Hua Hin Beach is also home to several surf points, surfing lessons and surfboard rental
13. Chill and shop at Market Village Hua Hin
Market Village Hua Hin is a versatile shopping destination catering to all needs.
From high-end fashion and electronics to local handicrafts and souvenirs, it has something for everyone. Bonus point: it’s very conveniently located.
The mall also offers a range of dining options, a supermarket, and entertainment facilities, including a cinema and a bowling alley. So if you’re tired from travelling around Hua Hin — most of the attractions are slightly far apart from one another — this is the perfect spot to refuel.
Location: 234/1 Phet Kasem Rd, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening hours: 10:30am-9pm
Best cafes in Hua Hin
14. SAMKHA Cafe
Hands down the best cafe in Hua Hin, SAMKHA Cafe also doubles as a cat and dog sanctuary of a sort.
In addition to the few kittens and puppies roaming about the cafe, you can pay 25 baht to enter their cat sanctuary and mingle with more than a dozen cats of different breeds. There’s no time limit, so you can literally stay here for an entire day!
The coffee starts from 25 baht ($1) here.
Location: Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening hours: 10am-5pm
15. The Chocolate Factory
This cafe has the best chocolates, not just in Hua Hin, but the whole of Thailand.
While their menu has recently expanded to include more offerings, including cakes and even mains, a must-order is their Iced Chocolate. It’s rich, it’s creamy, but it’s not overly cloying.
Location: 95 4 Hua Hin 65, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening hours: 11am-9pm
16. Ob-Oon Patisserie & Boulangerie
Not only can you expect the most aromatic freshly baked bread and pastries, Ob-Oon Patisserie & Boulangerie is also famous for its minimalistic glasshouse aesthetic.
This cafe also offers a morning breakfast buffet, all-day dining experience,
Location 62 4/62 Naebkehardt Rd, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening hours: 7am-6pm
17. The Tea House
Enjoy the finest tea from all over the world at this beautiful antique coffee shop.
High ceilings, vintage furniture, every detail contributes to a timeless charm, making it feel as though the space has been perfectly preserved from decades past.
They’re famous for their afternoon tea sets, but you can also order drinks and pastries a la carte.
Location: Phet Kasem Rd, Cha-am, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120, Thailand
Opening hours: 10am-5:30pm
Best restaurants in Hua Hin
18. BaanKong & Yaa
This might be the most unique restaurant in Hua Hin.
Situated on a serene lake, every table at this unique cafe is set within its own private cabana, perched on a floating platform. The tranquil setting and stunning views create an unparalleled dining experience.
BaanKong & Yaa serves authentic Thai food, and for the quality of the dishes we tried alongside the enchanting ambience, the price point is extremely worth it.
Location: 10 Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening hours: 11am-10pm
19. Aowtakiab Seafood Hua Hin
Situated on Hua Hin Beach, the seafood here is as fresh as it gets.
This local gem serves up mouthwatering dishes like grilled river prawns, steamed crab, and spicy seafood salads, all with a view of the ocean. We recommend the Seafood Platter and Crab Fried Rice.
Location: 5 Soi Ao Hua Don 15, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 10:30am-9pm
Sat-Sun: 10:30am-10pm
20. Praca
For an elevated dinner experience, head down to Praca, a Thai izakaya restaurant in Hua Hin with a cosy, vibey atmosphere.
Thai flavours are cleverly injected into their food and drinks, such as the Holy Basil! cocktail and No More Mr. Rice Guy, featuring holy basil, galangal, roasted rice, lemongrass and lime.
Pair the drinks with a tapas or two. Eye-catching dishes include Hua Hin blue crab dumpling with kanom jeep sauce and Deep fried stuffed chicken wing with nam prik num.
Location: 59 Naresdamri Rd, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening hours: 4-10:30pm
21. Chom Kesorn Cafe & Restaurant
Enjoy a mix of Thai and western food at this spacious cafe, with a reading corner and an enchanting backyard that’s perfect for photos.
They’ve got the thickest, juicier burgers here. But if you’re still feeling like Thai food, fret not, their fish cakes, grilled meats and tom yum hot pot were bangers too.
Location: 151, Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Opening hours: 7:30am-6pm
How many days should you spend in Hua Hin?
If you’re wondering how long you should spend in Hua Hin, we recommend 3-5 days; Three days for those who wish to experience the highlights, and five for those who are eager to explore the city extensively.
For those who are driving from Bangkok, which is about a 2-3 hours drive away, we also recommend adding these attractions, which are along the way: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market.
3D2N Hua Hin itinerary
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