Literally meaning “Stone Head” in Thai, Hua Hin is the oldest and most traditional Thai beach resort mingling the attractions of a modem holiday spot with the fascination of an active town. Situated 281 kilometers south of Bangkok in Prachuapkhirikhan province, it boasts a five-kilometer white sandy beach with a secluded ambience and several fun-filled activities ranging from jogging, sunbathing, horse-riding, swimming and golfing in the country’s first standard golf corse. A group of high-society people pay a regular visit here, finally resulting in the transformation of town into the most developed seaside resort in Thailand. Having all the ingredients for an unforgettable holiday expectation, Hua Hin is currently an eminent escape with word-class facilities. Amongst the attractions in Hua Hin are Hat Hua Hin, Hat Khao Tao, Koh Singto, Butterfly Garden, Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Center, Hua Hin Railway Station, Khao Hin Lek Fai, Khao Krailat, Khao Takiap Vantage Point, Klai Kangwon Palace and Suan Son Pradiptat.

As Hua Hin is a Royal town and also the oldest beach resort in Thailand, it's not suprising that the town is steeped in history and full of attractions.
If you take the time out to hunt some of these down, you will better understand the country, the people and the culture.

The following pages will highlight the main attractions, giving some brief historical details, how to find them and how to behave and dress to ensure you do not cause offence.

Try to visit some of these. They are mostly directly in Hua Hin, or very close to it and you will find your visit to Hua Hin all the more rewarding for having made the effort to do so.

Hua Hin Beaches
As Hua Hin is located on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, it's hardly surprising that it is well-endowed with some great beaches. Most are wide and long, whilst depths are generally shallow with very mild currents. As a result, they are safe for all the family.

Royal Residences
Known as Klaikangwon Palace, meaning "far from worries", this residence is only accessable by invitation and there is an exclusion zone around it that stretches out to sea.

Hua Hin Railway Station
Hua Hin's station is one of the oldest in Thailand and its main feature is The Royal Waiting Room that used to welcome King and his court when they were visiting the town. It is designed in the same style as Maruekkhathayawan Palace and is an attraction not to be missed if you are staying in Hua Hin.

Khao Takiab (chopstick hill)
Khao Takiab can be seen some 7 kilometers south of Hua Hin, the hill has a temple at the top and troops of monkeys that can be fed, for this reason it is also often referred to as ‘Monkey Mountain'. The beach at Khao Takiap is actually better behind the hill at Blue Wave where there are big expanses of beach and calm shallow waters ideal for children. Locals sometimes play football, volleyball and takraw on the wide flat sands of Khao Takiap beach. Green songtaews (twin benched pickup with a roof!) run frequently to Khao Takiap from town for 10 Baht, and a motorcycle taxi should cost no more than 50 Baht.

Hin Lek Fai
If you're looking for some spectacular views of Hua Hin, you need search no further than Khao Hin Lek Fai (Flintstone Hill). There are 3-4 lookout spots and it's a popular location with locals, especially at sundown which is arguably the best time to go. Try all the lookouts as they offer views in different directions, you can see as far south as Khao Takiab and beyond and north towards Cha-am.

Night Market
This is a favorite venue for shoppers. Such excursions offer opportunities for shopping, enjoying native-style seafood cooked on the spot and witnessing local people’s lifestyle.

Another impressive site is Namtok Pa La-u, a spectacular waterfall situated within a forested area about 63kms from Hua Hin. The area has amazing hiking and trekking paths and is great for bird watching and picnicking.

By Air
SGA Airlines provides 3 - 4 flights daily to Hua Hin (45 minutes). For more information, please contact SGA Airport office Bangkok (662) 664 6099 or Hua Hin (6632) 522 300.

By Bus
Buses from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal cost 110 Baht for 1st class (air-conditioned), 85 Baht for 2nd class (air-conditioned) and 61 Baht (ordinary). The trip takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Various agencies on Khao San Road in Bangkok operate minivans to Hua Hin for 150 Baht per person. The bus leaves for Bangkok from a station next to Siripetchkasem Hotel.

By car
Drive along Highway No. 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) passing Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram Provinces and then take Highway No. 4 to Hua Hin Total distance is 123 kilometers. Alternatively, it is possible to travel via Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi Provinces.

By Train
The trip takes about 3-3/4 hours from Bangkok; 1st class fare is 202 Baht (rapid and express only), 2nd class is 102 Baht (rapid and express only) and 3rd class is 44 Baht. Call 1690 for more details