About Hua Hin -

Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province is a beach resort town, with a district population estimated at 65,983 in 2019. It is 199 km (124 mi) south-southwest of Bangkok.

Hua Hin district is in the middle of what the Thai government is promoting as the “Thai Riviera”, the stretch of coastline between Phetchaburi in the north and Chumphon in the south.

In 1834, because of a severe drought, a group of farmers moved south until they found a small village with bright white sand and a row of rocks along the beach. They settled there and gave it the name Samore Riang (Samo Riang), which means “rows of rocks”.

Today, Hua Hin municipality and its surrounding subdistricts are a magnet for foreign retirees, family vacationers and domestic tourists.

Thailand’s original beach resort is no palm-fringed castaway island and arguably is the better for it. Instead, Hua Hin is a refreshing mix of city and sea with lively markets, good golf courses and water parks, excellent accommodation and an ambience that just keeps getting more cosmopolitan.

Hua Hin is a good budget destination: seafood is plentiful and cheap, there’s convenient public transport and it takes a lot less time and effort to get here from Bangkok than to the southern islands.

With a 5-kilometer-long beach that features numerous activities, the laid back and hospitable town of Hua Hin continues to draw both tourists and Thais. In addition to beach fun and games, outstanding seafood restaurants, and vibrant night markets, Hua Hin is well known for having some of the finest golf courses in Thailand, as well as some of the most renowned resorts and destination spas in the world.

With a high quality international school, a new internationally accredited hospital and plethora of well-built, affordable housing to choose from, it is little surprise that Hua Hin is in the “Live and Invest Overseas” Top 10 world’s best cities to retire in.

Hua Hin is comprised of mountains, beaches, waterfalls and caves. It will also tick the boxes for those expats who love to play golf and tennis. The resort town enjoys a leading healthcare service, a large choice of great eateries, has a low crime rate and is only three hours’ drive from Bangkok.

Where to Live Around Hua Hin

There are many choices for your ideal home location in Hua Hin. Whether your preferences are about being close to the ocean or green surroundings; having medical services nearby or wanting to be among the nightlife and restaurants or a quieter scene, it’s all about trying to match the location to your lifestyle.

Perhaps you prefer living near to the city center, or at the “boutique suburb” of Khao Takiab or perhaps a little further afield near the coast at Khao Tao? Living inland among the hills heading west may also be appealing.

All these options are within 12 kilometers of the city center but all offer very different lifestyle choices. Continued …

Hua Hin Hospitals, denistry

Here are some of the top hospitals and clinics in the region:

Bangkok Hospital: The Bangkok Hospital in Hua Hin is one of the largest privately-owned hospitals in Southeast Asia. It has 5-storys, a rooftop helipad, and all of the modern day medical features and equipment that one could ask for.
San Paulo Hospital: San Paulo is a private hospital in the central district of Hua Hin. This is a well-organized hospital with professional Thai staff who speak excellent English. This is arguably one of the best hospitals in the area to visit – so long as your condition isn’t too serious. They have an excellent accident and emergency ward; the rooms are comfortable; and the patient care is consistently reported as being exceptional. If, however, your condition is more serious, the Petchaburi hospital or a trip to Bangkok will likely be your best alternative. In addition to regular healthcare, San Paulo also has excellent dental and physiotherapy clinics. Just make sure that you have great health insurance as this is an expensive private hospital.
Hua Hin Hospital: Hua Hin Hospital is the main public hospital in Hua Hin and, as such, it can get extremely busy. It’s a great option for minor illnesses and injuries and has decent patient care. That, and it’s far cheaper than San Paulo.
Hua Hin International Polyclinic: The Hua Hin International Polyclinic is staffed by quality doctors and nurses from the Petchaburi hospital. As such, the level of care and medical advice is among the best in Hua Hin. While they do not have rooms for overnight stay, it remains a reputable and viable healthcare facility all the same.
Hua Hin Red Cross: The Hua Hin Red Cross center is always very busy with locals, which is always a good sign of professionalism and affordability. For non-serious conditions, Hua Hin Red Cross is a good option.
Pranburi Hospital: The Pranburi hospital is 25km to the south of Hua Hin, located on an army base. It has an excellent reputation and is always open and willing to accept foreigners.
Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic: This clinic is run by a resident doctor at the Pranburi military hospital. While it is small and busy, it provides excellent care for any ear, nose, and throat ailments. It’s always worth booking appointments in advance to ensure that you don’t waste a trip.
Dr. Sumet Clinic: The Dr. Sumet Clinic is one of the best road-side general practitioner clinics in Hua Hin. Dr. Sumet is an excellent pediatric doctor specializing in healthcare for babies and children.

Other great healthcare clinics include:

Be Well Medical Clinic
Pongsak Clinic
Healthlab Clinic
Hua Hin Heart Clinic
Hua Hin Physiotherapy.

Dentistry in Hua Hin

Thailand is renowned for having excellent dental care and Hua Hin is no exception. Here are 10 of the best dental clinics in Hua Hin:

Coolsmile Dental Clinic Hua Hin
S Smile Dental Clinic by Dr Sirinate
S Dental by Dr Sirinate
Nana Dental Clinic
Prasert Dental Clinic
San Paulo Hospital (also offers dentistry work)
Ploynapas Dental Clinic
Pran Dental Clinic
Perfect Smile Dental Clinic by Dr Supansa
Dazzling Smile Dental Clinic.

Hua Hin International School: International schools in Hua Hin to send your kids

For many expats in Thailand, choosing an international school to send their child to is one of their most important priorities. Hua Hin, a seaside city with a laid back atmosphere, might be a great environment for your kid.

In Hua Hin, there are four international schools that promise students a rigorous education, along with an excellent and nurturing experience. The four schools are Hua Hin International School, Beaconhouse Yamsaad, The British Educational Children Center (BECC), and Halio International School Hua Hin. Continued …

Weather

Historically, temperatures are very warm to hot throughout the year, with only small variations. The year begins with the dry season (December–April), before the monsoon arrives in May. Rains ease somewhat from June to August before the heaviest rains begin in September and continue through November.

Immigration

The Immigration Office of the province of Prachuab Khiri Khan is in charge of visas, work permits, 90-day reports, etc., and is located west of Hua Hin center at 439 Moo 1 Thap Tai.

For convenience, a second immigration office is located at Blúport Hua Hin Resort Mall, providing limited services (90-day reporting, notification of residency and visa renewals).

Embassies and consulates in Thailand

Districts

There is one town in the district: Hua Hin consisting of subdistricts Hua Hin and Nong Kae.

There is one subdistrict municipality in the district: Nong Phlap consisting of parts of subdistrict Nong Phlap.

There are five subdistrict administrative organizations in the district: Hin Lek Fai, Nong Phlap, Thap Tai, Huai Sat Yai, and Bueng Nakhon.

Transportation

The train main station is Hua Hin railway station, with smaller stations located in the area, including Nong Kae railway station, which is closer to Khao Takiap, Suan Son Pradiphat Railway Halt, close to Suan Son Pradiphat Beach, Rajabhakti Park, as well as Khao Tao railway station.

Soon to be completed is the construction of double tracks from Bangkok’s Bang Sue Central Station to Chumphon. Trains will travel the route at up to 160 kilometers per hour. The new tracks will enable trains to travel the Bangkok–Hua Hin segment in two to three hours. Currently, the trip takes as long as six hours.

The Hua Hin Airport currently is served by AirAsia, with flights available only to Chiang Mai currently. International flights are expected to be added in the near future.

After 3.5 billion baht in upgrades to the airport, the number of travelers using the airport is expected to increase by tenfold, to three million a year. The upgrade is part of the “Riviera Thailand” and Southern Economic Corridor projects. The work includes enlarging the existing passenger terminal, building a second one, expanding hangar space, and widening the runway to accommodate international flights.

Things to do

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park: A scenic day trip from Hua Hin

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan is a popular day trip from Hua Hin, offering visitors the chance to explore limestone peaks, freshwater marshes, and coastal scenery.

Located just over an hour’s drive from Hua Hin, the park spans the districts of Sam Roi Yot and Kui Buri and is home to one of Thailand’s most photographed royal landmarks, Phra Thinang Khuha Kharuehat, inside Phraya Nakhon Cave. Continued …

Cicada Market Hua Hin: A must-visit weekend arts and food market

Cicada Market in Hua Hin has become one of the city’s most popular weekend attractions, drawing both tourists and locals alike to its open-air venue near Khao Takiab. Held every Friday to Sunday evening, Cicada Market offers visitors the chance to explore a unique blend of contemporary art, handmade crafts, live performances, and street food in a relaxed, garden-style setting.

What sets Cicada Market apart is its strong focus on the arts. From handmade jewelry and fashion items to paintings and decorative pieces, the market provides a platform for emerging artists and small business owners to showcase their creativity. Visitors can also browse stalls selling vintage goods, second-hand items, and innovative SME products. Continued …

Tamarind Night Market: a must-visit evening attraction in Hua Hin

Tamarind Night Market has become one of Hua Hin’s most popular weekend attractions, particularly for those looking to enjoy an evening of affordable dining and live entertainment. Located just past Cicada Market on the road to Khao Takiab, Tamarind opens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from around 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Unlike Cicada, which focuses on arts, crafts, and shopping, Tamarind is almost entirely centered on food and drink. Visitors can choose from a wide range of stalls serving Thai favorites, seafood, grilled meats, pizza, desserts, and fresh juices. Continued …

Baan Khun Por Hua Hin: the everyday favorite for food and live music

Baan Khun Por is one of Hua Hin’s most popular night-time food courts, located on Soi 88 just a short distance from the town’s historic train station. Open daily from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., it draws both locals and visitors who come for its lively, yet relaxed, atmosphere and wide range of food options.

Unlike more traditional night markets in Hua Hin, Baan Khun Por is designed around a central seating area that can accommodate up to 1,000 diners. Surrounding this space are close to 100 stalls offering everything from Thai favorites such as grilled seafood and moo ka ta to international dishes, including Indian curries, Japanese sushi, Korean fried chicken, Italian pizzas, and Mexican-inspired meals. Continued …

Khao Tao Reservoir: Royal project and peaceful spot near Hua Hin

Just 15 minutes south of Hua Hin city lies Khao Tao Reservoir, a peaceful spot offering a blend of history, nature, and everyday local life. Known for its scenic views and calming atmosphere, the reservoir has become a popular place to walk, exercise, or simply enjoy the sunset — but it also holds significant importance as the first royal-initiated irrigation project in Thailand.

The reservoir was developed in the early 1960s following a visit by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. While staying at Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin, the king learned of the struggles faced by residents of Ban Khao Tao, a small fishing village near a turtle-shaped hill. At the time, the community had no access to clean drinking water, and seawater frequently flooded farmland, making it unusable. Continued …

Khao Tao Beach: A peaceful alternative to Hua Hin’s main beach

Just a short drive from central Hua Hin, Khao Tao Beach is a quieter seaside destination offering a more relaxed atmosphere than the town’s main beach. Located in the Nong Kae subdistrict, Khao Tao Beach is an ideal spot for anyone looking to unwind by the sea without the crowds. Its calm waters, soft sand, and laid-back vibe make it a favorite for visitors.

The beach is easily accessible by car or tuk-tuk, with the journey passing through scenic areas that showcase the local surroundings. It’s a reminder of how quickly the energy of Hua Hin fades into something much slower-paced just a few kilometers down the road. Continued …

Discover art and creativity at Hua Hin Artist Village

Baan Sillapin Hua Hin, also known as the Hua Hin Artist Village, is a well-known destination for art lovers seeking inspiration, creativity, and a relaxing place to explore. Located in the Hin Lek Fai area of Hua Hin, the village has become a cultural landmark that showcases a wide variety of visual art forms in a natural setting.

Founded in 2000 by art enthusiast Chumpol Donsakul and his family, Baan Sillapin was later shaped into a thriving art community under the guidance of respected Thai artist Tawee Kesangam. Today, the site covers nine rai (approximately 14,400 square meters) and is home to more than 20 studios, exhibition spaces, and a wide collection of artistic works. Continued …

Hua Hin Railway Station: A classic photo spot full of history

For many visitors, a trip to Hua Hin isn’t complete without stopping by the iconic Hua Hin Railway Station. Although no longer an operational train stop, the station remains one of the city’s most photographed and recognizable cultural landmarks.

The original station was built in 1911, but the structure seen today dates back to 1926. Painted in red and cream, it features a striking blend of wood and masonry with Victorian-style architecture, making it one of Thailand’s most distinctive historic railway buildings. Continued …

Sai Noi Beach: A scenic cove near Hua Hin gaining popularity

When most people think of Hua Hin’s coastline, they picture its long stretch of sandy beach extending for over 10 kilometres, lined with hotels and restaurants. But just south of Khao Tao Temple lies a smaller, more secluded cove that offers a different experience – Sai Noi Beach.

Once regarded as a “hidden gem”, Sai Noi is no longer a secret. While it can still be quiet during weekdays and in the low season, weekends now see more visitors making the trip to enjoy what is often described as the most picturesque beach in the area. Sai Noi Beach is also a nice spot to watch the sunrise in Hua Hin. Continued …

Hua Hin’s Patio Old Town Night Market

The Patio Old Town Night Market combines street food, live music, and locally made goods in one convenient location in central Hua Hin.

Situated next to Chatsila and the Hua Hin Night Market, the market offers a more relaxed atmosphere, while remaining close to the city’s busiest shopping streets. A dedicated walkway from Phetkasem Road, directly opposite the Hua Hin Clock Tower, makes access straightforward. Continued …

Hua Hin Sam Phan Nam Floating Market

Hua Hin Sam Phan Nam Floating Market, one of Hua Hin’s newer attractions, has reopened following upgrades aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. The market, located in Thap Tai about 15 kilometers from the city center, resumed operations in November 2024.

Spread across more than 100 rai (40 acres), the market now features improved facilities, expanded shopping areas, and activities for both Thai and international visitors. It is divided into three main zones: a souvenir section, a clothing area offering traditional Thai fabrics, and a food section serving local dishes and products unique to Hua Hin. Continued …

Wat Hua Hin: A historic temple in the heart of the city

Located in the center of town, Wat Hua Hin is the main temple in Hua Hin and a significant landmark for both locals and visitors. Known for its spiritual significance and historic roots, the temple offers a chance to experience local religious traditions and pay respect to one of the area’s most revered monks, Luang Pu Nak.

Originally established in 1896 during the reign of King Rama V, the temple was first known as Wat Amparam. Over the years, it was renamed Wat Hua Laem before finally becoming Wat Hua Hin, the name it holds today. The temple belongs to the Maha Nikaya monastic order and sits on more than 17 rai of land. Continued …

Tamarind Night Market: a must-visit evening attraction in Hua Hin

Baan Khun Por Hua Hin: the everyday favorite for food and live music

Pak Nam Pran fishing village offers fresh seafood and local culture

Pak Nam Pran, where the Pranburi River meets the Gulf of Thailand, is one of the most distinctive communities in Pranburi District. Known for its long-standing fishing traditions, the village has become a center for fresh seafood and local products that attract visitors from across the region.

Fishing is the lifeblood of Pak Nam Pran, and many villagers continue to earn their living from the sea. Each day, fishermen bring their catches to shore, supplying local restaurants and market stalls. Continued …

Pranburi Forest Park offers a mangrove boardwalk near Hua Hin

Ecotourism is steadily gaining popularity in Thailand, and one of the most accessible options for residents and visitors to Hua Hin is Pranburi Forest Park in Pak Nam Pran, just south of Hua Hin.

The park stretches from the mouth of the Pranburi River to the Gulf of Thailand and offers a chance to explore a thriving mangrove ecosystem just a short drive from Hua Hin. Entry to the park is free, and visitors will find ample parking at the site. The highlight is a one-kilometer wooden boardwalk that winds through mangrove forest. Continued …

Community tourism in Thap Sakae showcases fishing and coconut culture

Community tourism in Thap Sakae is giving visitors the chance to experience local life first-hand through a new route developed by the Ban Thung Pradu Community Tourism Enterprise. The program, organized in collaboration with Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, highlights the fishing and coconut-based livelihoods of three local communities.

The trial route, titled “Two Ways Linking Three Communities”, was launched yesterday and brought together local leaders, government officials, academics, and tourism operators. The initiative connects Ban Nong Nam Khao, Ban Thung Pradu, and Hat Thap Sakae, showcasing how community-based tourism can promote sustainable development. Continued …