Travel to Hua Hin, Thailand - Hua Hin Travel Guide

Our Editorial team's advice

This is the oldest seaside resort in the country and located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, 130 miles from Bangkok. An ancient fishing village that became popular as a seaside resort in the 20's thanks to the construction of a station, a golf course and the summer palace of Emperor Rama VI, Hua Hin rapidly became a favoured destination for Thai aristocracy. The colonial railway hotel which was built during that era still stands today and is now the Sofitel Hotel. The Klai Kangwon palace, which means "far away from any worries", is still used by the King's family (and is open to the public when it is unoccupied).

Hua Hin is primarily a very popular holiday destination for Thais due to its proximity to Bangkok. It is also very popular among British tourists. Despite having a lovely, wide beach, compared to the other picture-postcard beaches in the country, Hua Hin has one major disadvantage: the seafront is overbuilt and covered in concrete. There goes the wild and beautiful surroundings for you!

As far as activities are concerned, you can enjoy any form of water sport you should wish to partake in. In the evening, we recommend that you head for the night market, although it's not quite as big as the one in Bangkok, it's just as authentic.

To see

Hua Hin railway station is definitely worth a visit as it is one of the most original in Thailand. If you want to get a real feel for the town, we recommend that you visit the night market or stroll through the narrow streets in the town's centre where you will find numerous bars. In the market, you will find all sorts of souvenirs, clothes and culinary specialties. If you feel like 'getting high', head for the Mirror Mountain, in the north of the city. At the summit, you will find a much revered monastery. After having climbed the 395 steps that lead up to the pagoda, you can enjoy gorgeous views of the valley, the coastline, the sea and the countryside.

To do

Make sure you check out the Royal Palace, formerly King Rama VI's summer residence. Designed by an Italian architect, this double storey palace made of teak wood and gold has been dubbed the 'palace of love and hope'. Group visits require special authorisation. Nature lovers should opt for a visit to Kaeng Krachan National Park, the biggest of its kind in Thailand, some 40 miles to the north-west of Hua Hin. It extends all the way to the border with Burma and is a fantastic place for bird watching. Some 40 miles from Hua Hin, at Sam Roi National Park, with its 300 summits, you can spot numerous migratory birds and indigenous species. The departure point for these bird watching excursions is the small village of Ban Khao Daeng. If bird watching isn't your thing though, you can go on an excursion to discover three caves, one of which houses a pavilion built by King Rama V in 1890.

To think about

Playing golf is a healthy and enjoyable way to spend your time in Hua Hin. There are numerous golf courses around the city centre, including the first ever golf course in Thailand, the Royal Hua Hin Golf, which was built in 1924. Indeed, there are no less than 7 golf courses located at half an hour's drive from the centre of Hua Hin.

To avoid

Women are not allowed to touch the monks, who consider this an insult. Neither do they take kindly to being photographed whilst praying. It is important to observe the dress code when entering temples, and you are required to remove your shoes and wear a long-sleeved T-shirt at the very least.

To try

If you are into spicy dishes, you will love the Thai cuisine, which features a marvellous blend of flavours and scents. Why not try the traditional tom yam soups? Fruit lovers will be thrilled, the pineapple is delicious and succulent and you will be hard pushed to find more 'local' products than the rambutan (hairy fruit that resembles a lychee) or the mangosteen fruit with its granny apple flavour.

To bring back

Rice alcohol is a fitting souvenir but the most typical product of the region is definitely fabric. If you plan on staying for a couple of days, you can have tailor-made suits and dresses made for you at unbeatable prices. Wooden decorative objects are also on offer in the night market.

Weather Hua Hin

These indicators are used as a set of criteria to predict overall weather conditions in Hua Hin . The different indicators are there to help you prepare for your trip to Hua Hin so you can make plans based on the weather forecast, whether it be a trip to the beach, walking, visiting attractions and museums or winter sports... Here you'll find a precise, overall weather score for each week in Hua Hin , which takes into account temperature indicators, bad weather predictions, sunshine levels and wind speeds.

Weather December

Overall rating 82/100

Temperature indicators 90% Hot / Optimal
The maximum temperature is <24°, temperature felt between 30°C and 33°C.
Bad weather indicators 84% Dry / Optimal
Little or no rain (less than 1.5mm per day).
Sunbathing indicators 60% Good weather
Mostly sunny (60% to 80% sunshine).
Swimming indicators 84% Very pleasant / Optimal
High air temperature (>24°C), high sea temperature (>24°C), light to moderate winds (between 7 mph and 12 mph).
Wind indicators 70% Light warm breeze
Near optimal comfort: moderate to light winds (between 6 mph and 7 mph) in a warm enviromnment (>24°C).
Humidity indicators 72% Normal
Slight feeling of discomfort due air humidity registering higher than 65%.

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