Whether you want to get away for the weekend or an entire week, Hua Hin is one of the best places. The serene waters and wide beaches are a haven for beachcombers and those looking to escape the city’s bustle. Only a three-hour drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin is located in the southern Thai province of Prachuap Khiri Khan.
It was once a sleepy fishing town along the Gulf of Thailand turned into a bustling resort community that is a favorite weekend getaway for Bangkok residents. Hua Hin is home to five-star hotels and pristine beaches. Even the Thai royal family holds a summer residence in the area.
If you are looking for an adventurous getaway within the arms’ reach of the city, there are few places more beautiful than Hua Hin and its attractions. Besides the long, winding, and sprawling main Hua Hin beach, here are several things you should have on your vacation itinerary while in Hua Hin:
1. Experience royalty at Mrigadayavan Palace
Also known as the Palace of Love and Hope, Mrigadayavan Palace is a must-see for architecture and design buffs. It was built in the 1920s for King Vajiravuduh or Rama VI as a summer palace, which he visited twice before he passed away. The King designed it himself with the help of an Italian architect, Ercole Manfredi. A blend of Eastern and Western architecture, the palace is a series of teak buildings perched on concrete pillars. Today, the palace, its outbuildings, and the sprawling grounds are a must-see tourist attraction that will allow you to peak into the life of Thai royalty.
2. Take a scenic stroll over a marsh
If you aren’t keen to traverse hilly trails, you can try a scenic walk through a marsh with the Beng Bua Boardwalk. Located inside Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, whose name means “three hundred peaks.” The park is filled with limestone hills sitting 600 meters above sea level. A freshwater marsh called Thung Sam Roi Yot covers nearly 40% of the park. The most beautiful way to enjoy the park’s natural beauty is to stroll over the marsh along Beng Bua. You can view the mountains and the stunning wetlands as the sun casts a golden glow over the freshwater marsh and mangrove forests.
3. Spend the evening at the Cicada Night Market
One of the best and newest food attractions in Hua Hin is the Cicada Night Market. It has become a popular spot for locals to hawk their handmade crafts, sculptures, and artwork. You can enjoy the fresh evening air as you walk along the open market streets trying authentic Thai fare and live music. Cicada opens daily at 4:00 in the afternoon until the late evening.
4. Say Goodbye From Wat Khao Takiap
Khao Takiap (translated to Chopstick Hill) is a small hill overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The views here are breathtaking and the perfect way to bid farewell to the beautiful beach town of Hua Hin. On your last morning, drive up to the temple at the top and take in the salty breeze, warm sun, and beautiful colors at sunrise.
Conclusion
Hua Hin is the perfect place for a weekend getaway or even a week-long retreat. No matter how long you’re visiting, don’t forget to add these four things to your itinerary. Vacations in Thailand just aren’t complete with a touch of nature, some shopping, and a sprinkle of cultural appreciation.
Discover the quiet and serene beauty of the southern province of Thailand. Book your stay at one of the best resorts in the city, Devasom Hua Hin. Nestled between Chaam and Hua Hin with panoramic views of the ocean, you can carve out your own little corner of the world with one of 24 luxury villas overlooking a private beach. Visit our website for more information and to plan your next holiday with us!
