11 Attractions You Didn't Know You Can Explore in Hua Hin: Beyond Beaches and Bars

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Head to Hua Hin in Thailand, and you surely won’t regret it. There many things to enjoy in the former beach resort — marvel at the sunset, swim, shop at markets, visit temples, enjoy at the theme park, have a drink at the bar… Its character and atmosphere are simply warm and welcoming.

Cicada Market

Cicada Market © tongprazee – Flickr

Cicada is a weekend hotspot of local dishes, artistry, and shopping. The stalls here offer handmade souvenirs, sculptures, home decors, paintings, food, and clothes and accessories.

You can also grab a beer at the garden and listen to live performances as you drink up.

Khao Takiab or Chopstick Hill

Climbing to the top of Chopstick Hill grants you the view of the town and Hua Hin beaches. You also get to see the Golden Buddha statue situated at the peak.

The trip to Khao Takiab, though, isn’t all spiritual. It’s fun and relaxing, too. You get to meet playful monkeys and enjoy the shade from pine trees lined at the southern end of the Khao Takiab Beach.

Santorini Park

The name of the place itself says what the village amusement park has to offer – a glimpse of Greece. You can walk around and take photos with white buildings, cobblestone streets, colorful doors and windows, and palm trees as backgrounds.

Santorini Park is a Hua Hin attraction with five zones of thrilling rides as well, including roller coasters! Other rides the whole family can enjoy include the G-Max giant swing, double deck carousel, and 40-m high ferris wheel.

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard

The Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is run by Siam Winery. It is a product of the experimental planting at the Royal Research Station in 2004. If you’re looking to feel the European countryside in Asia, this is where you should go. You get to taste sample wines, dine al fresco, see the beauty of planted grapes, and ride an elephant as you tour the land.

Black Mountain Water Park and Wakeboard Park

This is one of the most popular attractions in Hua Hin because of both location and concept.

Black Mountain Water Park is just 15 minutes away from Hua Hin town proper. It showcases nine different and huge slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river for its visitors. There’s also a wake board park which calls all adrenaline junkies to get on the board and be pulled at the speed of 30 km/h.

Pala-U Waterfall

The Pala U Waterfall is an ecotourism destination. It is a natural habitat to wildlife in the midst of a lush jungle. The water from it falls into a watering hole wherein you can soak to cool off.

Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

Get a glimpse of what it was like to live as one of the royals in the 1920s when you visit the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace. It was once home to King Rama VI.

Plearnwan Vintage Village

Plearnwan is an open-air shopping area for vintage goods. It’s a place taking inspiration from the 1950s. There snack stalls selling sweet Thai pancake or tong muan sod and mochi or ka lor jee to power you up when you feel like dropping from all the shopping.

Baan Sillapin (Hua Hin Artists Village)

This village in Hua Hin opened in 1998. It is a base for the Hua Hin Artists Group, including Tawee Kesa-ngam, the most popular artist in the area.

There are art galleries and studios you can have a look at, plus sculpture and painting classes you can enrol in.

Hua Hin Night Market

The night bazaar in Hua Hin is located at the town proper. It opens at 6pm. The shopping stalls close at 11pm, while food stalls stay open until dawn.

Your visit should focus on taking in the atmosphere which exudes Thai cuisines and culture.

Wat Huay Mongkol Temple

The statue of Luang Pu Thuad at the Huay Mongkol Temple is a famous local destination. It was built in honor of the Buddhist monk. Thai people from all over the country visit the temple to pray for good luck.

Hua Hin is a budding seed in Thailand. If you’re looking for a simple and nearby getaway, Hua Hin has more than a handful to offer.

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