Things to do in Hua Hin
-
Phra Ratchaniwet Mrigadayavan
With a breezy seaside location 10km north of Hua Hin, this summer palace was built during the reign of Rama VI (King Vajiravudh) in 1923 as a health-promoting retreat for the king who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. The court's Italian architect built the palace to maximise air circulation and admire the sea. The result is a series of interlinked teak houses with tall shuttered windows and patterned fretwork built upon stilts forming a shaded ground-level boardwalk. It is functional and elegant without excessive opulence. Surrounding the palace is a beautiful garden with statuesque trees, some nearing a century old. A traditional Thai orchestra helps transport visitor…
reviewed
-
A
Chatchai Market
The city's day market resides in an historic building built in 1926 with a distinctive seven-eaved roof in honour of Rama VII. There are the usual market refreshments: morning vendors selling Ъah·tôrng·gŏh (Chinese-style doughnuts) and gah·faa boh·rahn (ancient-style coffee spiked with sweetened condensed milk); as well as all-day noodles with freshly made wontons; and the full assortment of fresh tropical fruit.
reviewed
-
B
Chao Lay
Probably the best of the wharf restaurants, this place certainly manages to fill its two levels of pier seating. There's a veritable fish market out front where you can choose your catch of the day, and a small army of waiters to deliver the end product.
reviewed
-
C
Western Tours
Has tours to surrounding attractions, golf packages (including equipment rentals), hotel bookings, bus tickets and help with local transportation. It's an authorised agent for Thai Airways. There's another branch on Th Amnuaysin.
reviewed
-
D
Brasserie de Paris
France comes to town with a real French chef cooking up authentic French flavours in a light and airy space with good views of la mer from bistro tables upstairs. Local crab is the standout dish. Reassuringly expensive.
reviewed
-
E
Hua Hin Adventure Tour
Hua Hin Adventure Tour offers more somewhat active excursions including kayaking trips in the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and mountain biking in Kaeng Krachan National Park.
reviewed
-
Wildlife Friends of Thailand Rescue Centre
Puts volunteers to work caring for sun bears, macaques and gibbons at its animal rescue centre outside of Phetchaburi.
reviewed
-
Grand Plaza
On Wednesdays and Fridays Moo·ay tai (also spelt muay thai; Thai boxing) matches take place at 9pm, at the Grand Plaza. The Grand Plaza’s gym (www.huahingrandsport.com; admission 180B, moo·ay tai lessons 300B; [hrs] 9am-9pm)has a sauna, yoga instruction and coffee/protein-shake bar, and is a good place to burn off last night’s Singha beers in authentic Thai style. See the website for information on other sporting activities offered.
reviewed
-
F
O'Neill's Irish Pub Irish
Pretty authentic for being so far from the Blarney Stone, O'Neill's does cheap draught specials and live sports on several tellies.
reviewed
-
G
Hua Hin Thai Show
Just off the main night-market street, this open-air Thai restaurant draws in the crowds with free nightly performances - try to make the Wednesday night classical and folk Thai dance show. The food's not bad either, and there's nice mood lighting with tables set around Thai-style pagodas - it's only mildly cheesy.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Baan Itsara
Baan Itsara is a destination for aficionados of the ocean's produce. Considered by some to be one of the best seafood places in town, this restaurant has tables right on the ocean and a small imported-wine list. The tiger prawns in sweet basil sauce are a perennial favourite.
reviewed
-
H
Hua Hin Meeting Point
The corner location ensures this place sees plenty of action. It serves meals but is also a popular place for a few drinks. There's indoor seating around a slick, modern white bar (in the comfort of air-con) or sit on the outside patio, which has a giant projection screen.
reviewed
-
I
Monsoon
An excellent wine list and mood lighting make this Vietnamese restaurant, located in a lovingly restored two-storey teak house, Hua Hin’s most romantic (and expensive) spot. There’s also Thai and European food, and you can treat yourself to afternoon tea from 3pm.
reviewed
-
J
Bamboo
Though the name has changed from the beloved Elmar’s (the old sign still hung outside when we visited), Bamboo strives to carry on the 15-year tradition of Elmar’s excellent European dishes and comfort food. Sample some goulash (125B) or Wiener schnitzel (210B).
reviewed
-
K
Hua Hin Brewing Company
Though there's no longer any beer brewed here, the spacious outdoor deck is a mature spot to watch the passing parade on Th Naresdamri.
reviewed
-
Barai Spa
For some serious pampering, head to the Barai Spa at the Hyatt Hotel, a couple of kilometres south of the city centre. This stunning, state-of-the-art retreat is so proud of its unique design details that it offers regular free guided tours of the facility.
reviewed
-
L
Buchabun Art & Crafts Collection
Aspiring chefs should sign up for a half-day Thai cooking class that includes a market visit and recipe book. They only run it if several people are interested.
reviewed
-
M
Gym
If you're inspired by moo·ay tai (or muey thai) matches and feel like partaking in a little kick boxing yourself, there's a gym south of town - just south of the hospital and market - that gives lessons.
reviewed
-
N
El Murphy's Mexican Grill & Steakhouse
Every sports bar has an international gimmick and this comfy spot marries Mexico and Ireland. Come in to enjoy a tall one, the live band and an unlikely assortment of tourists and expats.
reviewed
-
O
Chalasai
With a small patio and a seaside location, Chalasai (no roman-script sign – it’s across from Monsoon) doesn’t need to put any energy into ambience. Instead, it puts it all into the delicious, cheap Thai seafood.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
P
Hua Hin Golf Centre
The friendly staff at this pro shop can steer you to the most affordable, well-maintained courses where the monkeys won't try to run off with your balls. The company also organises golf tours and rents equipment.
reviewed
-
Q
Ken Diamond
Offers dozens of trips to nearby destinations, including waterfalls and national parks, and organises diving and snorkelling packages. Can arrange for German-speaking guides. Also has car hire.
reviewed
-
R
Royal Hua Hin Golf Course
The Royal Hua Hin Golf Course is only one of several golf courses but it’s definitely the best. Near the train station, it offers ocean and temple views on an elegant course.
reviewed
-
S
Delizie Italian Delicatessen
Pick out your olives and salami, grab some pesto and baguettes, and you’re all set for an Italian picnic. You can also enjoy the ambience and authentic Italian at small bistro tables inside.
reviewed
-
T
Bernie’s
A long-time favourite golf-holiday destination for Thais, Hua Hin has recently begun receiving attention from international golfers. You’ll find loads of info at Bernie’s.
reviewed
