Below the misty mountain jungles reaching towards the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin's dazzling coastline features magnificent opportunities for a tropical getaway.
From quaint beach coves and sun-streaming caverns to massive waterfalls, have a look here and you can experience the thrills of this exotic land, too.
When Wandering the CoastlineHua Hin beach features a 4km strip of classic white sand where local beachgoers and tourists visit for a family-friendly outing. This location offers much to do including banana boat rides, water skiing, and even horseback riding.
For a more exotic beach experience, travel just south to Chopsticks Hill and the Khao Takiab beach, landmarked by the pointy outline of a mountain front hosting hundreds of macaque monkeys. As a point of interest, the monkeys gather on the slopes waiting for a passerby to snatch their belongings, so be careful!
If your stroll allows you to arrive early enough, you may also catch a glance of the loc fishing villagers in action. Walking around the area, make sure to check out the famous Wat Khao Takiab, an 890-foot high Buddhist temple at the top of a hill overlooking the city.
At the most southern end of your venture is the more locally known Suan Son Beach, or Park of Pines, a location that is one of the last to remain in its natural state. Home to a forest of tall casuarina trees, this reserved location proves perfect for a meditative stroll or lay-low picnic outing.
Entering the NightlifeTo cap off your fun-filled beach day, you ought to explore the town after hours to experience the Hua Hin Night Market. Your visit will have you drooling over the tasty local palate of mango sticky rice, fresh seafood boils, and mini pancakes.
To get a touch of art in, visit the Cicada Market, a local flea market that will give you a tour of Thai handicrafts, music, and more. For all that its worth, many say that this is the place to learn of their intriguing history and culture.
(Ad)venturing into the CountrysideIf you're looking for a little adventure, travel Khao Hin Lek Fai or Flintstone Hill for a steep hike that will provide an astounding view of the Hua Hin's locale.
Amidst other mountain scenery lays the Monsoon Valley Vineyard. This visit will have you exploring a novelty of the area on the back of an elephant. With an innovative approach to grape growing, this vineyard is capable of cultivating at non-traditional latitudes, introducing wine culture to Hua Hin's backyard.
Up for a bit more exploring on the natural side? The Khao Sam Roi National Park is a bird watcher's paradise with the Australia-Asia migratory trail just overhead. This spot also identifies as one of only two sites in Thailand that hosts a colony of purple herons.
Also known as the Mountain of 300 Peaks, you can gasp above the limestone hills with a misty-morning hike, or head down below to some of the notable caves and caverns in the area. For those more experienced climbers, try out the Khao Daeng Viewpoint, a thirty-minute treck up rocky cliffs that opens up to a coastal overlook and astounding views of the rugged Thai terrain.
The main attraction in the area includes the Phraya Nakhon Cave, where after about a 5 km hike, you will reach a cavern lit by an open ceiling of sunshine. In the midst of the sandy shore, a temple rests in the chamber and is a site many go to see. If the hike is too much for you, locals offer near-shore boat rides for a charge, too.
Without leaving too soon, your trip must also include a visit Thung Sam Roi Yot. As Thailand's largest freshwater marsh, its kilometer-long boardwalk will take you straight through the open grasslands.
Make your next trip out to Thailand one of wonderment and pure tropical ecstasy. Exploration awaits you in Hua Hin!
