Things to do and sights in Hua Hin
Hua Hin is not too crowded and the atmosphere near the beach is really relaxed and calm. If you want to avoid the mass tourism spots, then you should give Hua Hin a chance and visit the city. In this article we compiled a list of things to do and sights to see in Hua Hin.
1. Hua Hin Beach
The almost 8 kilometers long beach of Hua Hin is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Thai mainland. Fine white and soft sand. Sometimes there are sunbeds offered for visitors, especially at the northern end, but it’s never too crowded at the beach.
2. Wat Khao Takiab
At the southern end of the Hua Hin Beach in the town of Khao Takiab you can find the popular Chopstick Hill, also known as Monkey Mountain. On top you will find the Wat Khao Takiab. But to get there you will have to climb about 100 steps and pass lots of curious monkeys.
3. Hua Hin Night Market
A highlight for many visitors is the night market of Hua Hin. Every evening in the center of Hua Hin along the Soi 72 there are countless stalls with souvenirs and food. The night market starts at 5.00 P.M. and lasts until midnight.
4. Hua Hin Railway Station
The train station of Hua Hin is considered as one of the most beautiful ones in Thailand. Its special feature is the royal pavilion, also referred to as the royal waiting room. It was built in Thai style in 1920 and is part of the southern line of the Thai Railway. From Hua Hin you can either travel north to Bangkok or south to Surat Thani.
5. Wat Huay Mongkol
The Wat Huay Mongkol is a popular tourist attraction among the Thais. The temple is located about 15 kilometers outside of Hua Hin but easy to reach by car or motorbike. For 40 Baht you can also go there with a white shared taxi (Songthaew) which you can find about 200 meters left of the train station.
6. Sam Phan Nam Floating Market
The Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is one of two floating markets in Hua Hin. But you are wrong if you expect to go through the market with a boat and buy goods from other boats. There is an artificial lake in the middle and lots of stalls built on stilts around it.
7. Wat Tham Khao Tao
Another place of interest is the Wat Tham Khao Tao in the village of Khao Tao directly at the coast, a few kilometers south of Hua Hin. When you visit this temple, you will be most likely the only non-Asian visitor. That’s why the people are still pleased to see some foreign visitors.
8. Rajabhakti Park
The Rajabhakti Park is located on the way between Hua Hin and Khao Tao and was built to honor the 7 great kings of Siam.
The 7 pictured kings are the following: King Ramkhamhaeng, King Naresuan, King Narai, King Taksin, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn. These were the kings from the Sukhothai period to the Rattanakosin period.
Apart from the huge bronze statues, there isn’t much to see for visitors at the moment. However, the large area in front of the statues will be used for big events in the future.
9. Cha Am
Cha Am is a very popular beach resort for Thais and especially crowded at weekends. Unfortunately, with all those visitors the beach is cluttered with sun beds and umbrellas. Anyway, during the week Cha Am is a calm beach town and worth a visit.
Since Cha Am is only 25 kilometers north of Hua Hin, you can explore the beach resort with a day trip, if you don’t plan on staying there anyway.
