Hua Hin was Thailand’s first seaside holiday destination, with the country’s first resort, the Railway Hotel, built here over 90 years by the Royal Family
The beauty of Hua Hin was discovered by railroad engineers in 1909 and as the railroad was completed, connected Bangkok to Malaysia and Singapore, it became a destination where wealthy Bangkok residents built their holiday homes, and soon became known internationally.
The Railway Hotel is now the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, and while the hotel has grown significantly over the years, the original building still stands. At the centre of town, it’s a great place to stay.
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1. Visit Wat Hua Hin Buddhist temple in Hua Hin (also known as Wat Ampharam)
Light some incense and pray for good fortune at Wat Hua Hin, built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V)
2. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of Chatchai market
The Chatchai market sells everything from fresh vegetables, all manner of seafood to local handicrafts and school uniforms. Be sure to quench your thirst with a fresh coconut, usually around 20 Baht ($1).
3. Visit historic Hua Hin Railway Station
The Hua Hin Railway Station opened in 1911 and still holds its colonial charm. Be sure to take a selfie outside the old Royal Waiting Room, a grand-looking building that was used to welcome the King and his court when they visited the town.
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4. Go for a horse ride along the beach
At the entrance to Hua Hin’s main beach area you’ll find a selection of ponies and horses available for hire for a walk or a trot along the white sandy beach.
5. Get a few thrills at Vana Nava Water Jungle Hua Hin
The Vana Nava Water Jungle is one of the largest water parks in Thailand, which also boasts the largest and longest water slides in Thailand. As well as the thrills, there are water play areas for littlies and a unique ‘Aquacourse’, a course of ropes and challenging obstacles, combined with water guns.
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6. Step back in time with a visit to Mrigadayavan Palace
The Mrigadayavan Palace was the Summer Palace of King Rama VI. The Palace is currently being restored to its former glory, and there are lots of interesting artefacts on display throughout the sprawling complex. NB: Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
7. Taste food from all over Thailand at Cicada Market
Browse through stalls selling arts and crafts and take in some live music at Cicada Market. This upscale market opens at 4pm on Friday and Saturday nights, and it’s very family friendly.
Book now your Hua Hin Cicada Market and Hua Hin Railway Station Day Tour here!
8. Get an ice cream at Plearn Wan
Plearn Wan is a two-storey wooden ‘vintage village’ that is a bit like Thailand’s answer to Coney Island. There’s plenty of ice cream stands upstairs and souvenir shops downstairs, as well as a Ferris wheel for the littlies.
8. Have lunch at Hua Hin Beach
Grab a deck chair and have lunch on the beach at one of the many cafes and restaurants on Hua Hin Beach, and wriggle your toes in the sand as you eat. They all serve the same thing (Thai favourites such as Pad Thai, BBQ seafood, pasta, burgers or fries).
9. Visit the Hua Hin night market
Taste some BBQ seafood and pick up a few souvenirs. The night markets stretch over two blocks, a few blocks down from Hua Hin Railway Station, and they’re a blast to the senses, a kaleidoscope of colour and cacophony of noises.
More Information
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