Hua Hin

Once a quiet fishing village beloved by a Thai prince, Hua Hin is now a buzzing seaside destination on the gulf of Thailand. Here, city meets sea with cultural splendours like the royal summer palace, beaches to watch the sunset on and plenty of local eateries to try. Cool off at one of the tropical city's waterparks or shop for souvenirs at a local market exploding with colour. Sports lovers flock here too, with options from high-adrenaline kiteboarding to chilled-out golf.

Get more privacy at hostels in Hua Hin with pod beds. At a place with sea-view rooms, you can wake up to the sound of lapping waves or get a panoramic view on a roof terrace looking out over the city. Some hostels offer free Wi-Fi, so it's easy to get in touch with home and share stories of boat trips and temple visits. Try local flavours at a Hua Hin hostel with a cafe, or save some coins and cook for yourself at a place with self-catering facilities.

The centre of Hua Hin has a seaside holiday vibe. Grab a bite by the boardwalk and amble along the shore under the Southeast Asian sun. For a more rural experience, try Khao Takiab (Chopstick Hill), where you can spot monkeys and get closer to nature. Just outside the city is Cha-am Beach, a less crowded spot that's bursting with watersports. If you want a village feel, head over to Pranburi Beach for seriously pretty shores off the regular backpacker trail.

Enjoy Hua Hin’s beautiful beaches and charming markets any time of the year. Whether your visit is for one day or two, this seaside city has much to offer. Explore more with our guides: Hua Hin, 24 Hours, or 2 Days.

If you're coming in by plane, Suvarnabhumi International Airport is your closest arrival point to Hua Hin. From there, it's around 3.5 hours by car to the city. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus that runs frequently from Bangkok to Hua Hin. It's easy enough to navigate the city on foot, but you can always flag down a trishaw or tuk-tuk if you need a break.