2 weeks itinerary
HUA HIN GUIDE
Hua Hin, a charming seaside town (which is only 3hrs away from Bangkok!) on the Gulf of Thailand , had us hooked from the start! With its gorgeous beaches, buzzing night markets, and royal history (yep, even Thai kings love it here!), it was the perfect place for our little family adventure.
The Journey from Phuket to Hua Hin
Getting to Hua Hin was an adventure in itself—a ten-hour bus ride from Phuket! We booked our tickets through busonlineticket.com for 664 Thai baht (£15.85) per person, but Aris, our little VIP, got a free ride.
Shortly after boarding, we were handed a welcome pack—water, juice, and biscuits. A small but appreciated survival kit for the ride ahead! The road stretched on, but to our relief, the journey was smooth, with no need for anti-sickness tablets (unlike the twisty, stomach-flipping roads up north). The bus itself wasn’t anything fancy, but with reclining seats and plenty of legroom, it was comfortable enough for the long haul.
Around 1 PM, we made a stop at a station. The driver didn’t say much in English, so we were clueless until some kind fellow passengers let us in on a little secret—our bus tickets included a free meal at the food court. Unexpected perks? Yes, please!
Aris was an angel the entire ride, but the real drama hit when we arrived at our hotel and realized his beloved backpack—aka the holy grail of toys and coloring supplies—was still on the bus. Cue instant parental panic. Luckily, the hotel receptionist was an absolute legend and somehow arranged for it to be returned the next day. Crisis averted, meltdown avoided, and peace restored!
Beach Days & Sunshine
Hua Hin is blessed with some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in Thailand—whether you’re after a lively, activity-filled day by the sea or a quiet, hidden escape, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. From perfecting your tan to sipping fresh coconuts while watching the waves, here’s a rundown of Hua Hin’s best beaches and what makes each one special!
Hua Hin Beach – The Classic Favorite
Stretching for about 4 km, Hua Hin Beach is the town’s most famous and accessible shoreline. This beach is always buzzing, with visitors lounging under umbrellas or kids splashing in the waves.
The sand is soft, the water is shallow and swimmable, and there are plenty of beachfront restaurants where you can grab a refreshing drink or a seafood feast with a sea view. It’s the perfect spot for first-time visitors to get a feel for Hua Hin’s coastal charm.
🌟 The pros and cons ?
+ Plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas, and beachfront cafes
+ Great for families and first-time visitors
– Horseback riding on the beach
Tips : If you go on the left side of the pier around Coco 51, you will have the beach almost for yourself.
🏝️ Khao Takiab Beach – A Scenic Escape
Just 10 minutes south of Hua Hin, Khao Takiab Beach (also known as “Chopstick Hill”) is a more peaceful alternative to Hua Hin Beach. The real highlight here? The towering Khao Takiab mountain, home to a golden Buddha statue and a temple with breathtaking panoramic views.
The beach itself is less crowded, great for long walks, and perfect for those wanting a more tranquil vibe. You’ll also spot plenty of wild monkeys around the temple area—just keep an eye on your snacks, they can be cheeky! 🐒
🌟 The pros and cons ?
+ Less crowded, perfect for a relaxing beach day
+ Scenic mountain backdrop with a temple & Buddha statue
– Be aware of the monkeys near the temple
🌊 Suan Son Pradipat Beach – A Hidden Gem
If you’re looking for a peaceful, local beach, Suan Son Pradipat Beach is a fantastic choice. Located a little further south of Khao Takiab, this beach is lined with pine trees instead of palm trees, giving it a unique and shady atmosphere.
Since it’s part of a military-owned area, it’s well-maintained and much quieter than Hua Hin’s main beaches. There are no big crowds, no noisy jet skis—just soft sand, calm waves, and a super chilled vibe. It’s an ideal place to bring a picnic, sit under the trees, and enjoy the sound of the ocean.
🌟 The pros and cons ?
+ Secluded and peaceful
+ Shady pine trees instead of palm trees
+ A great spot for a quiet beach picnic
🌅 Sai Noi Beach – A Cozy Hidden Cove
Sai Noi Beach is a little slice of paradise tucked away between rocky cliffs, giving it a more secluded and intimate feel. It’s about 30 minutes south of Hua Hin, so it’s not as crowded as the town’s main beaches.
The water here is calm and perfect for swimming, and there’s a lovely beachfront restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood and cocktails with a view. It’s a small beach, but its charm makes it a favorite for those looking for a peaceful getaway.
🌟 The pros and cons ?
+ A hidden, cove-like beach with a quiet atmosphere
+ Great for swimming and relaxing
+ One of the best places for a peaceful beach day
🐚 Pranburi Beach – Off the Beaten Path
If you’re willing to venture a bit further, Pranburi Beach (about 30 minutes south of Hua Hin) offers a completely different experience—almost untouched, no crowds, and super laid-back. It’s perfect for those who love nature, as it’s close to Pranburi Forest Park, where you can explore beautiful mangrove trails.
While the beach itself isn’t as touristy or developed, it’s ideal for long walks, peaceful moments, and enjoying the coastal beauty without distractions. If you love off-the-beaten-path adventures, Pranburi is worth the trip!
🌟 The pros and cons ?
+ Super quiet and uncrowded
+ Great for nature lovers & long walks
– Around 30 mins ouside of Hua Hin
Final Thoughts
Hua Hin’s beaches offer something for everyone—whether you want a lively, activity-filled beach day at Hua Hin Beach, a scenic and cultural experience at Khao Takiab, or a quiet escape at Suan Son Pradipat, Sai Noi, or Pranburi.
Pro tip? Visit multiple beaches during your stay—each one has its own charm, and you’ll get to experience different sides of Hua Hin’s coastal beauty. 🌊✨
Which beach are you heading to first? 🏖️😎
Night Markets & Street Food Heaven
If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Hua Hin, it’s the night markets! Whether you’re a foodie, a bargain hunter, or just love soaking up the lively atmosphere, these markets have something for everyone. From sizzling street food to handmade crafts and live music, Hua Hin’s night market scene is an experience in itself.
Cicada & Tamarind Markets – A Perfect Duo
Two of the best night markets in Hua Hin sit right next to each other—Cicada Market and Tamarind Market—and trust me, visiting both in one night is the way to go!
✨ Cicada Market is where creativity meets cuisine. With a large stage hosting live performances, the vibe here is upbeat yet laid-back, making it the perfect spot to enjoy great food and entertainment. The market runs on a token system, so we exchanged cash for tokens before diving into the food stalls—and wow, every bite was worth it! From fresh seafood to classic Thai street food, it was a feast for the senses. Cicada is also a hub for art lovers, offering beautifully handcrafted goods, unique souvenirs, and even live art performances.
🌿 Tamarind Market, just a one-minute walk from Cicada, has a more cozy, chilled-out feel. Unlike Cicada, Tamarind operates on cash payments, which is a little more convenient. Prices here are a bit lower, but the food? Still absolutely top-notch! We indulged in grilled meats, fresh fruit smoothies, and all sorts of street food delights while listening to live music in a relaxed, open-air setting. If you’re after a more budget-friendly option with amazing flavors, this is the spot!
Whether you’re after artsy vibes and performances (Cicada) or affordable, delicious street food (Tamarind), these markets make for an unforgettable night out.
Hua Hin Night Market – A Classic Favorite
If you’re looking for that classic, buzzing night market experience, Hua Hin Night Market is the place to be. Packed with food stalls, souvenirs, and an electric atmosphere, this market is a must-visit. And here’s a little tip—it took us a couple of visits to realize that if you turn off the main strip, there’s a whole hidden section waiting to be explored! More food, more unique finds, and a whole new vibe. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, Thai desserts, or hunting for cool souvenirs, this market has it all.
Pae Mai Market – The Local Hidden Gem
If you happen to be in Hua Hin on a Tuesday, make sure to check out Pae Mai Market. This one is a true local gem—less touristy, more authentic, and absolutely packed with stalls selling clothes, accessories, fresh produce, and, of course, street food. It gets crowded, but that’s all part of the fun! Unlike Cicada or Tamarind, this market has a no-frills, bargain-hunter’s vibe, with hidden treasures and unbeatable prices. If you’re after something unique and off the beaten path, Pae Mai is 100% worth a visit.
Final Thoughts
Hua Hin’s night markets are more than just places to eat and shop—they’re experiences that showcase the city’s culture, flavors, and energy. Whether you’re diving into the artsy and lively Cicada, the relaxed and budget-friendly Tamarind, the classic and bustling Hua Hin Night Market, or the authentic, local vibe of Pae Mai, you’re in for an unforgettable night.
Pro tip? Come hungry and bring cash—you’ll want to try everything! 🍜✨
Caves & Hidden Gems
One of our biggest adventures was exploring Sam Roi Yot National Park. Limestone mountains, mangroves, and secret caves—what’s not to love? Speaking of caves, Phraya Nakhon Cave was mind-blowing! After a sweaty hike, we found ourselves inside this giant cavern with a golden pavilion glowing under a natural skylight. It felt like something out of a movie.
Another unexpected gem was the Bueng Bua Wetlands. Imagine wooden walkways winding through towering lotus flowers and peaceful waters— unfortunately it wasn’t the season when we went but the views were still incredible. And then there was the Naga at Wat Tham Cheng—a giant serpent statue that looked straight out of a manga book. Aris was mesmerised!
Exploring Wat Huay Mongkol and the Reservoir
One of our favourite day trips took us to Wat Huay Mongkol, home to the massive statue of Luang Phor Thuad, a highly revered monk in Thailand. The sheer size of the statue was breathtaking, and the surrounding park offered a peaceful escape from the city. We watched as locals performed rituals for good luck and even walked under the giant wooden elephants for blessings.
We wrapped up our day with a walk around the reservoir, a scenic spot surrounded by lush greenery. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the reflections of the mountains on the water, made for a beautiful and serene ending to our adventure-filled day.
Rides & Royal Encounters
A milestone for Aris—his very first tuk-tuk ride! The thrill of zipping through the streets, wind in our hair, and his laughter echoing—it was a highlight for sure. We also visited Rajabhakti Park, a stunning tribute to Thailand’s past kings, with massive statues that made us feel tiny in comparison, there is also a lot of space surrounding the monument so you could easily bring a picnic.
The One That Got Away (For Now!)
We had big plans to visit Vana Nava Water Jungle, a super fun waterpark that Aris would have LOVED. But, unfortunately, he was under the weather for a few days, so we had to skip it. But hey—just another reason to come back, right?
Final Thoughts
