Hua Hin is a district that was a sleepy fishing area in the past. But, it started gaining popularity as the Thai resort city in the 1920s and today has transformed into a bustling area that offers all the modern tourist attractions in Hua Hin. You will come across a plethora of fun things to do in Hua Hin while exploring these neighborhoods. If you are looking for places to visit in Hua Hin, then you are on the right page. You will find all the necessary information about major points of interest in Hua Hin here. Read on to know what you can do while visiting this Thai district.
Here's the list of 15 best things to do in Hua Hin:
1. Step back in time at the vintage Plearnwan
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Plearnwan is a charming shopping village that has become a top tourist attraction in Hua Hin. The stalls are designed in such a way that it will remind you of shops in old Thai-Chinese neighborhoods. The main attraction is kiosks selling local delicacies and cocktails. Do not forget to try tong muan sod and Ka Lor Jee while you are exploring this shopping area in Hua Hin. Its small outdoor cinema screen, fairground, and photo studio will keep you engaged for a long time. It is recommended to visit Plearnwan in the evening to see this place in full swing.
2. Enjoy beach sports and water sports at Hua Hin Beach
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As the town of Hua Hin has become popular as the resort city, its beach has also transformed over the years. The shores of this beach are a combination of rocks and sand and attract millions of people throughout the year. You will find a plethora of recreational activities to do on Hua Hin Beach including kiteboarding, jet-skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing, and scuba-diving. If you are not a fan of water-sports, then enjoy pony-rides and have fun. Pamper your taste buds with seafood that is served at food stalls on the beach.
3. Experience the combination of art and entertainment at Cicada Market
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One of the famous night markets in Thailand, Cicada Market is a must-visit place when you are in Hua Hin. This market opens its doors at 4 pm every afternoon and entertains visitors till 11 pm. The stalls are usually full of handicrafts and paintings that make for perfect souvenirs. This market also has an amphitheater-style venue where you can enjoy stand-up comedies and other art performances. The food stalls are a combination of local and international cuisines like grilled seafood, rice-based dishes, grilled pork satay, fried mussels Thai style, pad Thai, Chinese noodles as well as Korean barbeque.
4. Visit the peaceful site of Wat Huay Mongkhon
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One of the famous Buddhist temples in Hua Hin district, Wat Huay Mongkhon is nestled in Thap Tai. This site is home to the magnificent statue of Luang Phor Thuad, one of the popular monks in Thailand. Its worship ground has become one of the must-visit places in Hua Hin. You will find a lovely lake on its premises along with pavilions, cafes, and eateries. People usually spend a couple of hours wandering around the meditation grounds as the whole area is serene and tranquil.
5. Go to Sam Phan Nam Floating Market
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Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is a place that will introduce you to history and architectural heritage of Hua Hin. Even though most of the floating markets open early in the morning, this place starts at 9 am and stays open till 6 pm. It offers several activities to keep you engaged like boat tours, cultural shows, and a miniature train. The shops combine food, clothes, and souvenirs making it one of the famous points of interest in Hua Hin. Visit this floating market in Hua Hin for a couple of hours and immerse yourself in the local culture.
6. Organize a day trip to Kaeng Krachan National Park
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Kaeng Krachan National Park is known as one of the largest parks in Thailand with its vast area of 2,914 square kilometers. Hiking through the misty woods of this forest is one of the popular things to do in Hua Hin and will give you a chance to reconnect with nature. This national park is home to tropical and subtropical flora and fauna and taking a guided tour will introduce you to its rich biodiversity. You can also visit the agriculture project like Chang Hua Man Royal Project, take a walk on Suspension Bridge, and enjoy Nong Ya Plong Hot Spring to make the most of your time.
7. Go for a picnic at Pa La-U Waterfall
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Pa La-U Waterfall is nestled in Kaeng Krachan National Park and is known for its scenic natural beauty. With its 16 steps, it has become one of the highest waterfalls in Thailand. This spectacular waterfall also offers numerous hiking opportunities that are ideal for amateur as well as experienced hikers. Even though this site is open throughout the year, the best time to visit Pa La-U Waterfall is from November to April when you will also see hundreds of butterflies and birds around here.
8. Explore Hua Hin Night Market
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Hua Hin Night Market is the place that offers everything from food, shopping, to entertainment. Considered to be one of the famous night markets in Hua Hin, this place will give you a chance to be a part of the lively local canvas while exploring the town. All you need to do is take a stroll through hundreds of stalls selling different goods and you will fall in love with the bustling atmosphere. The market is open for hardly 6 hours, from 7 pm to 12 am, but you will find locals as well as tourists wandering around the market even after midnight.
9. Hike through The Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
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Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is one of the few marine national parks in Hua Hin and has become a popular tourist destination over the years. Home to hundreds of mountain peaks, this park also has several other well-known attractions. It also has Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh that is considered to be the largest freshwater marsh in Thailand. You can explore Phraya Nakhon Cave, go to Ko Kho Ram Island, and visit Nom Sao Island to have a wholesome experience. It is recommended to take a local guide along so that you will learn about different aspects of this natural beauty.
10. Learn about local history at Rajabhakti Park
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Rajabhakti Park is an iconic landmark and the historic monument located in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Spread over 36 hectares, this place is established in the honor of Thai kings in the past as well as the current royal house. The park was opened in 2015 and it has gained a lot of popularity within a couple of years. There are 7 giant bronze statues of kings that make for a spectacular sight. This is an ideal place for history-buffs to step back in time and learn about the fascinating local history.
11. Have fun at Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle
Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle is a popular jungle-themed water park in Hua Hin. With thousands of plants and trees from different of the country, this place proudly calls itself Asia’s first water jungle. This water park also has a collection of some of the longest and largest water slides in Thailand. This is an ideal place for those who are looking for fun things to do in Hua Hin with kids. It is advisable to book your tickets well in advance to beat the queues in the peak season.
12. Unwind with your loved ones at Khao Hin Lek Fai
If you are looking for a place to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city, then Khao Hin Lek Fai is the place to be! This lovely hill has different viewpoints that offer sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. You will also find a small, well-manicured park and an interesting bird sanctuary on top of the hill. Consider spending a couple of hours around here in the evening to catch a picture-perfect sunset and have some quality time with your loved-ones.
13. Take a fishing tour
The town of Hua Hin is full of tour operators that offer guided freshwater fishing tours that will give you an opportunity to enjoy fishing like never before. You can choose from different types of day-trips as well as night-trips. Most of the operators will pick you up from your hotel and will also provide best quality gear and bet that will let you have a wholesome experience. It can be an ideal tour for those who are looking for family-friendly activities in Hua Hin. Do not forget to talk to tour operators well in advance and book your time slot.
14. Stop by the For Art's Sake, Hua Hin
Considered to be one of the few 4D art museums in Thailand, For Art's Sake is a unique, interactive art space that has become an interesting point of interest in Hua Hin. You will also come across several sculptures and art installations while exploring the art exhibits here. The museum is divided into different zones that are themed-based. These zones are great for different age groups and attract kids and adults alike. It is also a place to click some fun photos with your loved ones.
15. Go to Wat Tham Khao Tao
Wat Khao Takiap is a Buddhist temple located on top of the hill in Nong Kae. You can opt for a simple hike that will take you to the temple or you can take a cab that goes straight to the hilltop. You will be welcomed by the sweeping views of the ocean, small islands that adorn the blue water, as well as the lovely town at the base of the hill. There are hundreds of monkeys that call this hilly area home and that is why locals also call this hill the ‘Monkey Mountain’.
