Hua Hin

Hua Hin (Thai หัวหิน) is a famous beach resort town in Thailand, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok. It has a population of 84,883 in an area of 911 km², and is one of eight districts (Amphoe) of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
Hua Hin Town (เทศบาลเมืองหัวหิน) is on the coast of Hua Hin District. With an area around 86.36 km², the town has 50,169 inhabitants. It is a popular beach resort getaway for Bangkok residents. The Railway Hotel, now more generally known as The Sofitel Hotel, is a famous old building which was used as The Hotel Pnom Phen in the film "The Killing Fields".

Hua Hin, Cha-Am and Pranburi are located only a short distance from Bangkok, and are ideal locations for a short respite from the rigours of the Thai capital or even a full-fledged holiday in the tropical sun. It’s been a fashionable weekend retreat for Royalty and high society since the 1920s, and the same appeal it had back then is still evident today.

Beaches, water sports, historical sites, golf courses, shopping opportunities and much more await visitors to this trio of tropical resorts. Less hectic and more laid-back than Pattaya, they are ideal for families and travellers who want to take life easy while enjoying a never-to-be forgotten holiday in the tropics. Its scenery is inspiring, dining experiences will delight your taste buds, and the hospitality of locals will charm you…

The Beach

Well-known for its spectacular sunrises, Hua Hin’s main beach is a 4km white, sandy strip that fringe the Gulf of Thailand, and stretches from the town centre to Khao Takiap. As a result it is never over-crowded, and lots of family-friendly activities are on offer – the likes of pony rides, banana boat rides, or rent deckchairs and umbrellas for a few lazy hours of sun-worshipping in between testing the water with your big toe. The town’s name – meaning ‘stone head’ – is derived from the rock formations that can be seen towards the end of the main beach. Other than that it is a sandy beach with a sandy sea bed, making it ideal for swimming.

One of the most popular pastimes on the beach is to take a long stroll – or even a jog, if you’re so inclined – along the seashore. Further south, behind Khao Takiap, lies Suan Son Beach, named after the many pine trees found along the beach. It’s even more isolated than Hua Hin Beach, mostly frequented by guests staying at nearby hotels and some locals. The main emphasis at Hua Hin’s beaches is on rest and relaxation, and they do not have the crowds often found on Thailand’s popular beaches. Water-skiing, jet ski, windsurfing and parasailing are other popular beach activities, but in no way disrupt the overall peace and tranquility of these beaches. And since you’re in Thailand, chances are good that you’ll find an ‘al fresco’ massage shop somewhere on a beach.