You’d be excused for considering that Hua Hin is a seaside resort city. You’re not essentially incorrect, even, as a result of that is the most typical solution to describe this seaside vacationer magnet.
Earlier than I visited, I had my slight suspicions that Hua Hin is an expat haven – a cheesy, overcommercialized twin of Pattaya on the opposite facet of the Gulf of Thailand. If I had spent all my time solely on the seaside and the close by bar avenue, this may’ve absolutely been my takeaway abstract.
However I ventured out of the city and drove my rental scooter across the close by nationwide parks, panoramic vineyards, waterfalls, and caves. Thus, now I’m impressed to share Hua Hin’s appeal and its extraordinary locations with you, the impartial traveler who, I hope, additionally desires to discover extra than simply the seaside.
Beneath, one can find 4 completely different concepts for day journeys close to Hua Hin. Going by your self would require that you just lease a scooter, which is simple, low-cost, and widespread in Thailand, however the place it is smart, yow will discover choices for excursions.
On the finish, there’s a nod to the perfect evening-time exercise within the metropolis itself – exploring its night time markets.
Plan your journey to Hua Hin
Day Journey Possibility 1: On a Finances (Close to South)
The next day journey concept is ideal if you happen to don’t need to spend so much on entrance charges as a result of a lot of the locations are free to enter. Free doesn’t essentially imply low-quality or not price a go to, nevertheless it does imply you get an even bigger price range for pad this.
The driving on today journey is about 60 km, not together with any detours, so the farthest you’re going to get from Hua Hin is round 30 km south of the Khao Kalok path.
Khao Takiab
As you’re driving south out of Hua Hin, you will note a hilly peninsula. That is Khao Takiab which homes an eponymous Buddhist temple. The temple faces the ocean and after climbing some 100 or so steps, your reward is the stunning view of the ocean.
One other approach to have a look at it is sort of a small pilgrimage to the stupa on the prime the place you’ll be able to supply incense sticks and flowers to the Buddha or, if it’s your birthday, prime up an oil lamp with perpetual flame.
Now the dangerous information – you’re not welcome there except you carry meals, through which case it’s just a little harmful. I don’t imply the locals however the monkeys – the true masters of the realm. They’ve utterly taken over and don’t have any disgrace or scruples. If you happen to don’t decide fights and don’t carry something, you’ll be begrudgingly welcomed, in any other case put together for a standoff which you’ll lose.
Wat Tham Khao Tao
Proceed south parallel to the 7-km lengthy Suan Son Seaside to succeed in the subsequent small peninsula – Hat Sai Noi Khao Tao Viewpoint with its Chinese language-Buddhist Tham Khao Tao temple carved into the rocks.
The temple space hugs the sting of the rocks and provides a somewhat distinctive and peaceable really feel. You may both loosen up on a stone bench, conceal from the solar contained in the cave-temple, or hike 10 minutes to the Giang Golden Buddha statue and viewpoint on the prime of the hill.
Pran Buri Forest Park
If you happen to’re achieved with Buddhist Wats, you’ll recognize that the subsequent place I like to recommend is not like anything I’ve seen. Nicely, except you’ve walked amongst mangrove timber and watched uneven crabs forage for meals.
The Pran Buri Forest Park nearly bought misplaced to unsustainable constructing practices earlier than the previous Queen Sirikit of Thailand stepped in to protect this coastal magnificence
The distinctive function is the 1-km-long elevated picket path that goes in a loop by way of the Mangrove forest. It’s not static! The forest is a dwelling ecosystem!
Look beneath you and watch rigorously to note the tons of of crabs working throughout or burrowing their approach by way of the muddy floor. The Fiddler Crabs, particularly, are fairly humorous with their large pincers on one facet and the tiny malformed nippers on the opposite.
The customer heart was a bit underwhelming however the mangrove path and the forest park are utterly free to enter and discover. Within the moist season, you’ll be able to go for a ship journey across the swampy space for an extra payment.
Khao Kalok Path
If you happen to proceed additional south, the subsequent rocky peninsula is Khao Kalok. It’s surrounded on either side by seashores which I declare are each higher than Hua Hin Seaside however I promised this text isn’t about seashores.
To succeed in the highest of the outcrop, it’s essential to hike a somewhat steep path for round 20-Half-hour. It’s not notably troublesome, particularly with the protection ropes however I like to recommend you could have snug footwear as flip-flops simply received’t lower it.
What’s there to do on the prime? Not a lot however sit down and benefit from the views, particularly if it’s nearing sundown.
Day Journey Possibility 2: Wine and a Waterfall (To the West)
This present day journey provides a distinct expertise – one targeted on indulgence and refreshment.
The overall driving distance is round 130 km. If that feels like quite a bit, you’ll be able to go for an organized tour of the waterfall.
Wat Huay Mongkol
Lower than 20 km from Hua Hin’s heart, you can also make a fast cease on the largest statue of the venerable Luang Pu Thuat – a miracle-performing Buddhist monk who lived within the seventeenth century.
The temple and the statue are free to enter. You probably have ever thought of shopping for an amulet, it is a good place to take action – Thai folks imagine that sacred medallions of Luang Pu Thuat have protecting powers.
Monsoon Valley Winery
The area west of Hua Hin is legendary for its wine manufacturing and Monsoon Valley might be essentially the most acknowledged identify.
The venue provides a wide range of actions however 2 stand out:
- An academic tour of the winery, excellent if you happen to contemplate your self a wine connoisseur.
- A food-and-wine pairing within the restaurant.
A phrase of warning – it is a dear place for a sophisticated expertise.
Pa La-U Waterfall
The character spotlight of today journey is positioned all the way in which west close to the border with Myanmar. Pa La-U is an exquisite tiered waterfall contained in the Kaeng Krachan Nationwide Park.
There are 11 ranges, though most guests solely attain as much as degree 3 by way of trekking trails which contain a good bit of climbing. The doorway payment is 300 THB – normal for related waterfalls in Thailand.
If you happen to journey between April and July, it’s best to contemplate going to the waterfall early within the morning (7 to 10) earlier than visiting anything. Throughout this time of the 12 months, you’ll have the very best probability of watching tons of of butterflies scrambling to attract nectar from crops throughout you. It’s actually a singular expertise.
As for the waterfall itself, the perfect time to go is between November and April when there’s essentially the most water.
Day Journey Possibility 3: Journey in Nature (Far South)
This present day journey is for hardcore nature lovers – an exploration of the primary marine nationwide park of Thailand, well-known for its limestone hills, marsh wetlands, and sinkhole caves.
Bueng Bua Boat Trip
There are numerous boat experience choices and routes within the marshland areas of Khao Sam Roi Yot however I imagine the Bueng Bua is the perfect.
It prices 500 THB for the entire boat (as much as 4 folks). Additionally, you will need to pay a 200 THB entrance payment however that’s a one-time payment for the entire nationwide park.
The boat experience makes for an superior dawn or sundown expertise however you’ll be able to go at any time throughout the day. You may be surrounded by lotus flowers and imposing karst cliffs. Loads of wild birds name the realm dwelling and don’t shy too far-off from the boats. All in all, it’s an superior expertise and properly really helpful.
Professional tip: Ask your boat driver to cease the engine for a few minutes and simply benefit from the peace.
Phraya Nakhon Cave
This cave is the principle attraction of the nationwide park and fairly well-liked however is price it.
You may attain it ranging from Laem Sala seaside. A 430-meter-long, steep, and rocky path goes as much as the cave entrance after which descends down into the sinkhole cave. On the backside is the royal pavilion inbuilt 1890 which, when the time is true, will get immediately illuminated by the solar’s rays.
An non-obligatory boat experience cuts the trek in half however I don’t suppose it’s price it – the trek isn’t that demanding and Bueng Bua is a greater boat expertise. In complete, enable for about 2-3 hours to succeed in the underside after which return to the seaside.
If you happen to’re solely in visiting this cave, try this tour for a whole and tailor-made expertise.
Phra Phathun Cave
A few of you might get sufficient endorphins from only one cave so if that’s you, spend extra time in Phraya Nakhon.
However Phra Phathun provides a distinct expertise – one with cave formations, bats, and a secluded temple. A monk-guardian will lead you thru the cave to go to the assorted flooring and halls.
Entrance is free however supporting the monk is priceless.
Day Journey Possibility 4: Elephants within the Wild
You may certainly see elephants just about wherever in Thailand however Kui Buri is completely different – it’s neither an unethical vacationer entice nor a protected sanctuary. As a substitute, you might be nearly assured to see elephants of their pure habitat.
Kui Buri is about 85 km south of Hua Hin. The wildlife-watching space is open from 2 PM to six PM (the elephants’ most lively time), so if you happen to’re environment friendly together with your time, you can also make a cease at one of many caves above earlier than going to the park. The final entry is at 5 PM because the tour takes round 1-2 hours.
The doorway to the park is 200 THB. You aren’t allowed to drive past the customer heart; as a substitute, it’s essential to take a safari jeep with a information for 850 THB per group (6 folks max). You’re 95% assured to see elephants and over 320 species of different mammals, birds, and reptiles too. Binoculars can be found on request.
Professional tip: Don’t go to the Park’s Headquarters – there’s no want. As a substitute, go to the Huay Luek Ranger Station to start your journey.
This guided tour will manage all the pieces concerning the go to to Kui Buri for you, together with pick-up and drop-off in Hua Hin.
Hua Hin at Evening
On a few of these day journeys, you might be too drained to go for a night stroll across the city. Truthful sufficient. However received’t you be just a little hungry too? And what’s a journey to Thailand (Hua Hin most actually included) with out the world-famous night time markets?
Fortunately, Hua Hin has a bunch of them.
I duly suggest the principle one – the Hua Hin Evening Market, which occupies the higher a part of the central Dechanuchit Highway. Between 6 PM and midnight every single day, the road is lined with meals distributors, garments stalls, and trinket retailers.
On the north facet, you’ll be able to try Chatchai Market, the place the usual choices embrace herbs & spices, snacks, dried meals, and fish. It’s solely open till 4 PM although.
On the south facet is the Chatsila classic market the place yow will discover stylish clothes, numerous handcrafted objects, and loads of unique presents for associates again dwelling.
For a extra upscale expertise, go to Cicada Market or Tamarind Market. They’re a bit extra touristy, which implies a bit much less genuine, so I’m not an enormous fan, however I can recognize their enchantment and neat group anyhow. Each are open on the weekends and Fridays.
Final however not least, on the opposite finish of the authenticity spectrum you’ll be able to go to the Ruam Suk Market, additionally referred to as the Dinosaur Market (solely due to the lovable Dino mascot on the entrance), for native produce, seafood, and sweets at reasonably priced costs.
I hope I’ve modified your thoughts about Hua Hin, the Prachuap Khiri Khan province it’s in, and its many compelling locations of curiosity, all inside a day journey away.
Though if I haven’t, it’s essential to’ve absolutely already recognized my major level – Hua Hin is not only a seaside city however a getaway to one of many prettiest areas of Thailand!
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Posted JAN 01, 2025
