The Best Beaches You Can Visit in Hua Hin

Introduction

Because of its proximity to Bangkok, Hua Hin is consistently ranked as one of the most popular beach resort towns in Thailand. The capital of Thailand can be reached in approximately two hours and fifty minutes by car from Hua Hin on weekdays when there is no traffic. This means that a lot of people who live in Bangkok go to Hua Hin for the weekend or longer trips over the weekend, and some even have a second home there.

Hua Hin has also experienced a significant construction boom over the past few decades, albeit one that has been better managed than Pattaya’s. Hua Hin, in contrast to Pattaya, is known for being a destination that is more welcoming to families and guests of all ages. This is in part due to the city’s close ties to the Thai monarchy, as several kings have been known to visit this beach city regularly, and the most recent king, Rama IX, lived there for several years. Hua Hin is also home to a sizeable expatriate community, particularly senior citizens from Western countries.

About Hua Hin

Some of the most well-known beaches in Thailand can be found in the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, which is located in the south of Thailand and is home to the seaside town of Hua Hin, which is only a few hours away from Bangkok by car, train, or bus. These beaches are situated on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. You can expect to find here a long, flat stretch of sand that gently slopes into the ocean, as well as a small town that is surrounded by several luxurious hotels, resorts, and guest houses, in addition to locations where you can drink and eat fresh seafood.

Hua Hin used to be a fishing village, but its sugar-fine sand and glistening waters quickly drew the attention of people living in Bangkok, who helped turn the village into a popular tourist destination. Even the royal family of Thailand built their summer “cottages” (more accurately described as mansions) here in the 1920s. Kitesurfing hotspots and beaches of world-class caliber have made this region famous in recent years.

How to Get to Hua Hin

It is very simple and not very expensive to get to Bangkok from Hua Hin. Some trains leave Bangkok’s Hua Lumpong Station every day which takes about three hours, and multiple government buses leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal and Victory Monument every day. Both of these locations are located in Bangkok.
Once you’ve arrived, the area that constitutes Hua Hin proper is so compact that you won’t require anything more than your own two feet to move around. However, if you want to explore additional beaches or attractions in the surrounding area, you should think about renting a car or a motorcycle. However, before you get behind the wheel in Thailand, you should make sure that you are familiar with the rules of the road. Driving in Thailand is not as organized as it is in some Western countries.

Best Beaches You Can Visit in Hua Hin

Hua Hin Beach

From the Hilton hotel all the way down to the temple at Khao Takiab, which is located on Hua Hin’s main beach, which is more commonly known as City Beach, is a wonderful place to go for a stroll or a run, depending on your preference. Many hotels are located directly behind the beach, so if you feel the need for a break to get some refreshments or a meal, you can simply enter the hotel that is located the closest to you.
Be careful not to get caught out when the tide is coming in because it can isolate several of the narrower areas on the beach. The beach is very wide and accessible when the tide is out. If you get lost or just don’t feel like walking back to your hotel, just keep heading west and you’ll soon reach the main road. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk or a motorcycle taxi to get you back to your hotel. If you don’t feel like walking back, just keep heading west.
Because there is neither a boardwalk nor a road along the beachfront, you will have to enter the complex via one of the side roads (Sois) that run parallel to Petchkasem Road. The beaches are always bustling with people, but this is especially true on the weekends in Hua Hin when the population tends to increase due to the influx of people from Bangkok who have traveled there to get away from the smog and noise of the capital. A good number of the hotels have beach areas of their own, which they maintain and stock with deck chairs and sun umbrellas.
If you take a short stroll along the primary beach, you’ll find a wide variety of activities, ranging from sea kayaking and tubing to kite surfing and jet skiing. It would appear that jogging is becoming an increasingly popular pastime these days.
Because of the heat and the sun, it is a good idea to go early in the morning or towards the end of the afternoon when the temperatures are a little cooler. This will allow you to enjoy the park without overheating. If you’re the type of person who gets up before the sun, you should go to the beach at dawn, around 6:00 in the morning, to see the magnificent sight of the sun emerging from the water.

Suan Son Pradipat Beach

Suan Son Pradipat Beach is an undeveloped stretch of coastline that features a low-key atmosphere and placid waters that are easy to navigate. Although it does not attract a large number of tourists, the northern portion of the shoreline is typically busier than its southern counterpart.
On the north end, there are a variety of dining options available, including restaurants and eateries. In addition, guests have the opportunity to engage in activities such as horseback riding, banana boat rides, boating, jet skiing, and many more.
However, the southernmost section of the beach is nothing more than a vast stretch of shore. Hammocks can be strung between the numerous pine trees that line the shore of Suan Son Pradipat Beach, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon. In addition, guests have the option to rent a table in the shade where they can unwind while taking in the picturesque scenery of crystal-clear waters.
The name “Suan Son Pradipat” can be translated to “Sea Pine Garden.” The mountain of Khao Taokiab creates a barrier between this beach and Hua Hin Beach.

Cha Am Beach

Cha Am Beach, which is located approximately 28 kilometers to the north of Hua Hin City, is a popular destination for both native Thais and permanent foreign residents.
To partake in some Thai-style partying on the weekends and during Thai national holidays, a large number of working professionals as well as students flock to this beachside town. The beach is very long, and it is wide for the most part along its length. It is also very well maintained. Skiing and banana boating are two of the many water sports that can be enjoyed here, just like they are in Hua Hin.
On the more pleasant side of things, the shoreline is lined with a large number of cafes, shacks, sunbeds, and massage centers. Cha Am is favored by locals as a vacation destination because, in comparison to Hua Hin, the prices of virtually all goods and services in Cha Am are much more reasonable.
The delicious seafood that can be found at any one of Cha Am’s plethora of beach shacks or restaurants that line the coast road is the city’s most notable feature.

Khao Takiab Beach

The portion of Khao Takiab Beach which is located south of Chopstick Hill is a beach that sees a lot of visitors, particularly on the weekends. To get to the beach area, you need only navigate your way down to Khao Takiab, which is located around the Anantasila Hotel. This bay offers many of the same activities and attractions as the neighboring bays, such as jet skiing, tubing, kayaking, and the perennial favorite, horseback riding.
If you continue along the beach in the direction of Suan Son Beach, you will eventually come upon the Sea Pine golf course. On their way back into town, many people who spend the weekend at the beach make a stop at the Cicada market. It is a wonderful spot to grab a bite to eat and peruse the creations of some of the regional artisans.

Khao Kalok Beach

Khao Kalok Beach is located in Hua Hin and is notable for being one of the few beaches in the area that maintains its pristine appearance while also providing visitors with a wide variety of attractions, activities, and refreshments. Even during the busiest time of the year, this beach, which is situated 30 kilometers to the south of Hua Hin at the foot of Khao Kalok Hill, does not attract many visitors.
Walks along the shoreline, especially at sunrise and sunset, are made more enjoyable by the powdery white sands. On sunny days, large portions of the beach are shaded by tall trees, which is convenient for beachgoers who want to relax in the shade but are limited in their options.
The waters close to the shore are shallow, making it an ideal location for swimming with children. Venturing further out into the ocean, on the other hand, reveals waters with sufficient depth for waterskiing and surfing. Along the beach, on the other side of the road, several cafes and restaurants serve excellent food at affordable prices.
Hikers who are interested in discovering more about the surrounding area will find that Khao Kalok Hill is an excellent place to start their journey.

Khao Tao Beach

The 13 kilometers to the south of Hua Hin bring you to Khao Tao Beach, which is one of the more remote beaches in the area and is ideal for visitors who aren’t interested in beach umbrellas, hip cafes, or sunbeds. The name “Turtle Hill” was given to this location because it was once home to a large number of turtles.
Two separate beaches, known as Hat Sai Noi and Hat Sai Yai, make up Khao Tao Beach. These beaches can be found on either side of the hill. There are no banana boats available for rent and there are no horses available for children’s rides. Because the waters here are typically deeper than those along the other beaches in Hua Hin, swimming is a pleasant activity that can be enjoyed here.
The hill is a great place to go sightseeing because it contains a temple that is home to large deities representing a variety of religions and even former kings of Thailand.

Dolphin’s Bay Beach

Due to the seasonal appearances of bottlenose dolphins and finless porpoises, the area has been given the name Dolphin’s Bay. The sand on this beach is fine and powdery, and it stretches out for a good distance. Additionally, there are coconut palms scattered along the beach in an erratic pattern. The tourists who land here have a wide variety of low-cost resorts to choose from. Because there is very little in the way of nightlife at this beach, it is frequented more frequently by families.
Certain tour operators will take you to visit the offshore islands that are relatively small. They are wonderful options for trips of a half day or less beginning at the bay.

Koh Talu Island

If you are looking for a place to get away to a beautiful desert island, then Koh Talu, which is located about an hour’s drive south of Hua Hin, is the next best thing. On the island, where there are a couple of resorts, there are frequent ferry rides out to the island.
Even though the island does not have any roads and its amenities are limited because everything must be brought over by ferry, it is a wonderful place to go for a few days to unwind and enjoy the beaches, sea kayaking, and trips out on the boats to enjoy the sea life. This is the closest diving area, so if you’ve always wanted to give scuba diving a shot, this is the place to do it.

Things to Consider Before Going to Hua Hin’s Beaches

Tides

The effects of tidal waves can be seen in Hua Hin and other coastal cities on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. These effects are similar to those seen in many other bodies of water around the world. In Hua Hin, high tide takes place in the early morning, between the hours of 5 and 6 am, and the low tide takes place in the evening, between the hours of 5 and 7 pm. The tides chart is the best resource for up-to-date information if you require all of this specific data; exact tidal times and heights change throughout the year.

Temperature

The water temperature stays relatively consistent throughout the year at around 28 degrees Celsius on average. You can always count on the water in the sea to be warm, regardless of when you visit.

Sun Protection

In Thailand, the sun’s rays can quickly cause severe skin damage, particularly if you have fair skin. The UV index ranges from seven to eight most of the time, but it can go as high as ten or higher on sunny days. Always make sure to apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50, or wear clothing that offers adequate coverage.
Even though the sun’s intensity isn’t as high as it is in Southern Thailand or other locations that are closer to the equator, tourists who aren’t paying attention can still get severely sunburned in a short amount of time. Sunburns are a horrible way to ruin your vacation, so be careful to avoid getting them.
In addition, it is interesting to note that only Western tourists appear to spend time outside sunbathing, which is a common practice in their home countries. The traditional way for Thai people to enjoy themselves at the beach is to stay out of the sun and shade as much as possible, sip on something refreshing, and only occasionally swim while wearing almost all of their clothes.

What to Do, When to Go, and What to Expect

The months of March through May are known as the hot season, with temperatures frequently reaching into the triple digits. The months of June through October are known as the rainy season, which may make it difficult for you to carry out your plans to visit the beach. As a consequence of this, the high season, which runs from November to February and features weather that is warm and dry, is the best time to go because it is ideal for spending the day at the beach.
Because Hua Hin is a year-round destination for a large number of domestic tourists as well as a large number of European tourists, the city’s restaurants, beaches, and other local attractions can become quite crowded during the high season. On the other hand, because there are a lot of tourists from different countries, you can expect to find just as many restaurants serving German and Italian food as Thai food.
Think about going horseback riding when you’re not sunning yourself on the beach or swimming in the pool at your resort. Horses are always available for rent in Hua Hin, and if you are not an experienced rider, some guides will accompany you and show you the way. You can also go on a hike up one of the nearby mountains, or travel a little further to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful national parks in the country.

Places to Stay

There are numerous wonderful places to stay in Hua Hin, ranging from international chains with five stars to inexpensive guesthouses. Be sure to make reservations in advance if you plan on traveling during the high season, which runs from November to February. This will allow you to choose from a wider variety of places to stay.
Both the V Villas Hua Hin MGallery by Sofitel and the Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa offer sprawling suites and villas, some of which come equipped with private plunge pools. Guests looking to book a room using Starwood points should consider the Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa. The eco-friendly and luxurious Evason Hua Hin, a Six Senses resort, is located on twenty beachfront acres of lush tropical gardens. The resort is managed by Six Senses.
In addition, as a result of the growth in international tourism, a great deal of locally owned businesses have started catering to the needs of tourists. Make it a point to check out all of the most viable options for Hua Hin lodging that can be found online.

What to Buy and Where to Shop in Hua Hin

Although there are many traditional shopping centers and quaint boutique stores in Hua Hin, the night markets are where the majority of the action and excitement can be found. You can buy fresh produce, prepared foods, and takeaway street food at these locations.
You can also buy souvenirs, gifts, knickknacks, and authentic handcrafted arts and crafts. These enormous markets are not only excellent places to experience authentic regional color and culture, but they are also places where one can enjoy the nightlife that is suitable for families.

Conclusion

The majority of tourists who visit Thailand are looking forward to spending at least one day basking in the sun on one of the country’s many beautiful beaches, taking refreshing dips in the sea’s balmy waters, and generally unwinding to the sound of gentle breezes borne on the trade winds of the tropics while enjoying their favorite icy beverages.

Hua Hin is a charming destination for relaxation and a place to come back to the ancient world. It is only three hours by car from Bangkok, making it easily accessible. Hua Hin Beach, which is famous for its picture-perfect stretches of white sand, is an excellent location for both strolls and exciting activities. Hua Hin is commonly referred to by tourists as “the seaside convergence city” because it is encircled by a small town that is filled with resorts, motels, and dining establishments.