Hua Hin

Hua Hin (หัวหิน) is a seaside resort city in Thailand. It is popular with Thais, having become quite fashionable as a weekend getaway spot for Bangkok residents, as well with foreigners and as an ex-pat retirement or holiday home location. Although developing rapidly, there is a commitment by the local and provincial authorities to avoid the kind of overheated blight that has affected other beach resorts in Thailand. Understand Popularised as a resort in the early-1920s by King Prajadhipok, Hua Hin is closely associated with the Thai royal family and is a quiet and relaxing seaside resort ideal for family vacations, a reasonable 2.5 hours drive down from Bangkok. Until 1934, it was known as Samore Riang (สมอเรียง), or "rows of rocks". The tranquil fishing village was turned into a royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam's nobility and upper classes. In 1928, Prajadhipok built his Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace. As of 2007, Klai Kangwon is a full-time residence of the current king and is not open for visitors, although the outer palace grounds are open for walkers and joggers 16:00-19:00 daily (wear shoes, have sleeved shirts that cover at least your upper arms and bring your passport). The 5 km long beach itself is pretty, more so than Pattaya's, and the sea is relatively clean. However, most of the beach can completely disappear along certain parts of the coast during high tide. Besides just sunbathing, snorkelling and swimming, visitors can also enjoy golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls, shops, seafood and nearby national parks. The town is clean, warm and laid-back, making it ideal for families and couples. Climate Hua Hin has a tropical climate with high humidity and occasional rain. It is typically pleasant however, and can be enjoyed all year round. Generally, the best time of the year to visit Hua Hin is in the cool season from November to February, but for those who like it hot, then the hot season is from March to May (temperature gets up into the higher 30s). The rainy season (although it doesn't rain every day) is from June to October with September being the rainiest of all. For those who don't appreciate rain, be advised that the rain in Thailand usually comes in short sharp bursts. It doesn't usually drizzle for long periods of time. Get in By plane Thai Reginal Airlines flies from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Hua Hin. Check "http://www.thairegionalairlines.com" for more details. By train Trains are an easy way to get to Hua Hin, as the train station is right in the centre of Hua Hin. However, the trains go very slowly getting away from Bangkok, so the 2 1/2 hour road time to Hua Hin stretches to 5 or 6 on the train. The price of the train is around 100 baht(and only 44 baht for ordinary trains). Most trains on the southern route stop at Hua Hin. They leave Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong and Bang Sue railway stations 10 times daily between 08:05 and 22:50. It takes 4 hours for the journey. See the State Railway of Thailand [1] for more information on time tables and fares. By bus There are non-stop VIP coach direct from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Hua Hin and Vice versa only 305 Baht/seat. Departure time : 07:30, 09:30, 13:30, 16:30 & 18:30. For more information,please go visit www.airporthuahinbus.com (updated on January 2013) From Bangkok, buses to Hua Hin leave from the Sai Tai Mai terminal about every 20 minutes and take around 3.5 hours. The price is 175 baht (11/2012). Buses run from 04:00 – 22:20. For more information, contact Hua Hin-Pran Buri Tour, Tel: 0 2884 6191-2; Bang Saphan Tour, Tel: 0 2435 5105, 0 2884 8895; Bus Southern Terminal, Tel: 0 2435 1199, 0 2435 5605, 0 2434 7192 [2]. When you buy the ticket it says which gate you have to go to - make sure you get to the correct one as smaller numbers (etc 1 to 10) exist on both sides of the building. Doublecheck from the customer service desk on ground floor. More convenient to downtown Bangkok, you can also take a minibus from near the Victory Monument (Anusawari Chai), near the BTS skytrain. Cost is 180 baht, limited baggage. The Hua Hin vans board in the alleyway next to Century Movie Plaza close to the stairs at the southern end of Victory Monument BTS station. From the Skytrain station, take the walkway south, descend the staircase on the east side to street level. The minibus area is next to the stairs. Look for a small table with "Cha Am, Hua Hin" written in English to buy your ticket. T-Tour, Tel. 080-090-6540 Minibuses from Hua Hin back to BKK (180 baht) leave opposite the Pananchai Hotel in Naebkehas Rd, some 200 m along a side road from the clock tower. Service to Pattaya as well. A 1st class bus service will eventually connect Hua Hin directly with Suvarnabhumi Airport (the new BKK airport). The main bus station is well outside the centre of town on Petkasem Rd beyond Soi 94. This is some 3 km south of town centre. A tuk tuk there costs ~180 baht. This bus station is for buses which are going to or from Bangkok and points south. The "bus station" noted on maps of the area is actually a local one in the centre of town from where all the non-air-con local buses and songteows depart, but blue buses from Bangkok terminate here, and probably leave from here also. The orange bus from Bangkok Southern Terminal (150 baht) which takes about 3.5 hours, meanders along the main road and you specify where you want to get off. The other first class buses go to the station beyond Soi 94 on Petkasem. Stop the bus at any point prior to this if you want to get off. The clock tower on the left (coming from Bangkok) is the effective town "centre" (keep your eyes open as it is easy to miss). By boat There used to be a ferry between Pattaya and Hua Hin, but it stopped running in Dec., 2011. By taxi Taking a taxi from Bangkok to Hua Hin (distance about 200 km) is possible. Price after negotiation should cost around 2,000 baht: the price for a taxi from Suwarnabhumi (Bangkok) airport was 2,600 baht in November 2009. The limousine services available at Bangkok Airport are more expensive than an ordinary taxi. Private taxi from Hua Hin to BKK Airport should be in 1,600-2,000 baht, and is bookable via agents around town. A few are located outside the post office, and others are along Naresdamri Rd. Taxi to or from Pattaya around 3,000 baht. Get around There are many ways to get around in Hua Hin, Sawngthaews run the same routes all day and cost 20 baht, but this depends on how far you are going. If well out of town, you pay more. There are numerous motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks, fewer car taxis. Negotiate price beforehand, but you will not get a tuk tuk for less than B100 over any distance (unless you are lucky) if you are a Western tourist. There are quite a lot of upscale tourists in Hua Hin and prices are sometimes adjusted upwards. Better to clarify the matter ahead of time. Motorcycle rentals are readily available. Hua Hin is very flat, and bicycle is a good way to get around locally. Rentals available, but not so prevalent as motos. See There is only one beach, Hua Hin Beach (ชายหาดหัวหิน Hat Hua Hin) which runs from one side of Hua Hin to the other. Hua Hin Beach extends three kilometres southwards from a rocky headland until a southern headland where a Buddhist temple cling to the cliffs. Fine white sand, resort hotels and many water sports opportunities lend the resort its distinctive ambiance. At the south end of town, the hill of Khao Takiab interrupts the beach. On the other side (technically not Hua Hin anymore) is a lovely swimming beach with a view of Khao Takiab's South face. Just a little further on, Suan Son beach is owned by the Thai army, but open to the public. Notable for the tropical sea pines lining the shore. A little south of the Marriott, watch for tiny sand crabs digging industriously leaving odd patterns of tiny sand clods around their beachfront property. Parts of the beach closer to the town may have greenish water, in this case continue walking down the beach where the water appears cleaner. There is ample supply of deck chairs along the beach, however many places will charge for their hire (100 baht is common). Deck chairs that are part of a beachside cafe may be free (in the assumption you will buy food or drink). The hill of Khao Takiab, 14 kilometres from Hua Hin town, supports Buddhist temples and offers a commanding view of the resort, particularly early in the morning. A local bus service from Hua Hin to Khao Takiap is on the seashore. Khao Takiab is one of the highest area in Hua Hin, by going up this mountain by driving you will see the whole Hua Hin and also nice beaches. This is another good place to wait for the sunset as well. Also the food on Khao Takiab is very delicious too. Hua Hin Railway Station (สถานีรถไฟหัวหิน). This is Thailand's most beautiful train station of which the local people are very proud. The wooden building used to be a royal pavilion in Sanamchan Palace, Nakhon Pathom province. It was rebuilt at Hua Hin in 1968.  edit Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre (ศูนย์ศิลปหัตถกรรมหัวหิน). daily 11PM-6:30PM. This is situated in an old typical house on Naepkhehat Road. It has a collection and exhibition of many contemporary works of Thai artists, as well as old furniture and many pictures about Hua Hin in the past. Free.  edit Klai Kangwon Palace (พระราชวังไกลกังวล), ☎ 0 3251 1115. daily 9AM-4PM. King Rama VII commanded the Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace to be built in 1929. This Spanish-style summer palace faces the sea and dominates an extensive ornamental garden. The Thai Royal Family still customarily spend the hottest months of the year, usually March to April, there. Members of the public can visit the palace every day, when the Royal Family is not in residence. 20 baht.  edit Nature Khao Hin Lek Fai (เขาหินเหล็กไฟ). Situated 3 kilometres west of Hua Hin district, Khao Hin Lek Fai or Flint Mountain is 162 metres high and is accessible by a road. On the mountaintop, there is a public park and scenic spots from where the scenery of Hua Hin and its surrounding area can be seen.  edit Khao Tao (เขาเต่า). Between Km 243 and 244 markers, 13 kilometres south of Hua Hin, there is a 1- kilometre branch road on the left which leads to the spot with two beautiful beaches called Hat Sai Noi and Hat Sai Yai. Bungalows are available.  edit Namtok Pa La-u (น้ำตกป่าละอู), ☎ 0 3245 9293. This 11-tier scenic waterfall, some 60km west of Hua Hin, is located within a yearlong verdant forest where various kinds of birds and butterflies are found, especially in the morning. Visitors can take a local transport called a songthaew from Hua Hin to this waterfall. The best time to visit the waterfall is from November to April. This place is in charge of Kaeng Krachan National Park. Camping in the park is allowed and a tent can be rented at 250 baht per night. Call for more information. 200 baht.  edit Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (น้ำตกป่าละอู), ☎ 032 458 135. . It is the most important foundation for the protection of the wildlife in Thailand. They work with the National Parks Department and Madihol University. You will see elephants, gibbons, monkeys, bears, tigers, etc. They are very active and well-known by the local and international press. This international foundation promotes another regard on Thailand and its nature. This nonprofit organization offers the opportunity to know and learn more on the exceptional nature and wildlife of Thailand and South-East Asia. Everyone can participate to their projects. They have a website and a Facebook page ( WFFT or Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand). It is at 25 km from Hua Hin and they can arrange the transportation from and to the hotel.They speak English, Dutch, French and Thai.  edit Sam Roi Yot National Park Located about 60km from Hua Hin Town, with an area of 98 square kilometres, is renowned for its limestone mountains, mangrove swamps, beaches and several species of local and migrating birds during the cool season. There are many ridges with the most popular being Khao Sam Roi Yot with 300 peaks. The park can be reached by following the direction signs marking the remaining distances of 38 and 15 km. at Km. 256 and Km.286.5, respectively. Some attractions within the park: Hat Laem Sala is a beach 16 km north of the park office and can be reached by boat or on foot across a hill from Bang Pu Village. The well-known cave there Tham Phraya Nakhon has a large hole in it so sunlight can shine through, so allowing plantation to grow. There is Phra Thi Nang Khuha Kharuhat which is a Thai-style pavilion with a scenic view of the cave. It was first built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn before ebing dismantled and reconstructed with the cave. There is also a viewpoint on Khao Daeng which is 400km from the park office and Ban Khao Daeng, the latter of which offers boat trips to watch wild birds. Hat Sam Phraya located 3.5 km north of the park office, is a lovely beach with a line of pine trees. Accommodation is available there. Tham Kaeo, situated around 23 km from Pran Buri (15 km north of the park office) is a cave with an abundance of stalactites and stalagmites. For exploring the cave, oil lamps can be rented at a nearby village. Tham Sai, 9 km north of the park office, is a cave which can be explored. Oil lamps can be rented at a nearby village. Further away from Hua Hin Dan Singkhon is in Khiong Wan sub-district and is the Thai-Burmese border pass. Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park is located west of town. To get there travel along Highway No. 4 till Km. 331-332, then turn right and drive for another 8 km. There are nice narrow walks leading out to wide rocky landscape on a mountain top with scenic views of the town. Ko Singto (Lion Island) is named after the shape of the island. It is a popular island for diving and snorkeling and offers visitors the chance to explore the Hua Hin and Khao Takiab shorelines. Wa Ko has been of historical importance since the reign of King King Mongkut when he viewed a full-moon eclipse. There is a long atmospheric sandy beach fringed with pine trees. It is located at Km. 335 of Highway No. 412 km south from the town. Do Boat Tours Hua Hin offers several boat trips to view the nature from a river or the sea. One of the famous trips is a cruise to the Sam Roi Yod Nat'l Park to feed monkeys or swim in the clear water. On the way back fishing is possible and on a good day dolphins can be seen in the sea.[3] Golf Golf is extremely popular in Hua Hin and the place has several high quality courses up to international standards. Hua Hin and its surroundings are a golfer's paradise with at least 7 quality courses within a 30 minute drive. There are also two brand new golf courses under construction and a preview of the latest images can be made from the fairways. Most courses offer transportation to and from the course. Spa Spas in Hua Hin offer luxurious treatment which suits every budget. The treatment includes both traditional remedies and modern techniques. Facilities at spas in Hua Hin may also include a Jacuzzi and steam bath. Many Spas in Hua Hin also offer traditional Thai healing treatments. There is also alternative treatment such as Rieki. Resorts offer many detox programs. The most popular treatments are chi organ massage, karsai genital detox massage, deeper skin detox and herbal skin detox. Hua Hin has a world class Chiva-Som International Health Resort. Focusing on greater well-being and vitality, Chiva-Som offers extensive fitness, spa, spa cuisine and holistic health facilities to help you relax, restore and rejuvenate. Massage Traditional Thai massage, characterized by its holistic approach to health is aimed at enhancing not only one’s physical and emotional state but also to allow one to grow spiritually. There are over 50 massage shops in Hua Hin. All good hotels in Hua Hin offer traditional Thai massage service. In Hua Hin, at Petchkasem Road next to the Golden Palace and the Royal Palace one can be massaged by very good professional blind masseuses. This is a royal project. Very little English is spoken but don't worry as you will be in professional hands. Other Spirituality. The Power of Love International Church is a non-profit organization founded by an eminent name of the town, Founder of another important Church in Pattaya. They promote spiritualities and religions, with an open mind, especially Christianity. They welcome all cultures, nationalities and religions. Their style is friendly, with talks, songs, coffee and cakes. They have a worship in English on Sunday, at 10.00am (at Hilton, downtown, on Naresdamri Rd) and in Thai, on Tuesday at 07.00pm (same address). The Church is well-known and appreciated by the residents. This is an interesting opportunity to discover the social life in Hua Hin. Contact: Andrew: 0809993603 - English. Joanna: 0846309925 - English/Dutch. To know all their activities, you can visit their Facebook page and their blog (Power of Love international Church Hua Hin) Sand and sea. This is the number one attraction of Hua Hin, also according to tourist information. Fishing and eco-cruises can be done in Hua Hin, both at sea and inland. Kite-boarding is a very popular in Hua Hin. There are several schools giving lessons and tuition with equipment for hire. Conditions are good from January to May, thermal wind is blowing from afternoon with 14-20 knots. Water is shallow, has small chop and beach break. Fitness and Martial Arts can be practiced either in gymnasiums around town or in the top hotels. Elephant camps and trekking can be found just west of town. There is also an elephant camp. Walking and cycling are popular in Hua Hin due to the quietness of the roads. Crafts are a plentitude in Hua Hin including handicrafts, silk weaving, embroidery, basket making, pottery and wood carving. Go Karting can be enjoyed at the karting track near the airport. The 700m circuit has a banked curve for speed, pits floodlighting, beer garden and catering. Water Sports in Hua Hin include swimming, banana boat rides, waterski-ing, jet-ski-ing, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba-diving. Pony Rides can be found on Hua Hin beach Festivals Thailand’s International Kite Festival is during March, April and May and features stunt kites, big kites, little kites, high tech kites, traditional Thai kites and displays of international kites. Visitors also enjoy a variety of opportunities for shopping, sightseeing and simply having a good time. Hua Hin Jazz Festival June is the time of the year when 'jazz on the beach' happens at the annual Hua Hin Jazz Festival. The popular event attracts world class jazz musicians from Thailand and all over the world. Hua Hin Vintage Car Rally Hoteliers, the Vintage Car Club of Thailand and the Tourism Authority of Thailand sponsor an annual 'parade' of vintage and classic cars starting at the Sofitel Central in Bangkok and ending in at the Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort. The cars, with drivers and passengers decked out in 1920's attire, make the 225km promenade in December of each year. The festivities culminate with a 1920's party at the Sofitel, which appropriately is a Victorian-style structure built in the 1920's. Learn Hua Hin Cooking courses are on offer to those tourists who would like to learn about cooking Thai dishes. A few Thai Cooking schools have sprung up in Hua Hin where foreign tourists can learn the art of serving up their favourite Thai dishes such as: Phat Thai (Thai-style fried noodles), Tom Yum Kung, Panaeng with Beef and Chicken and Cashew Nuts. Courses vary in length from just the single day to a few. Courses are also available at most of the large hotels but you will have to ask around. Sukkasart Institute (The Institute of Healing Arts), 20/48 Petchkasem Rd. (Hua Hin 106), ☎ 66(0)32 515725, [6]. Provide various training of healing Arts from Tradition Thai Massage, Meditation, Reiki and Energy Healing. edit Buy Shop at the night markets. Things that you can buy range from t-shirts to antiques. shirt will cost you around 300 baht (£5) . It is also a great place for shopping including contemporary art handicrafts, hand-woven printed cotton, silk fabric, silk weaving, embroidery, basket making, pottery, wood carving, gemstones and jewellery (including sapphires and rubies). Haggling is advisable to get the best prices possible. Note that there are two night markets. The better known is in the middle of Hua Hin, and is rather tourist oriented. The one the Thais favour is known as the Grand Market because its in the parking lot between Grand Hotel and Sao Paulo Hospital. More diverse and interesting, but does not operate Mondays and Tuesdays. For local handicrafts, the Hua Hin Bazaar, about 100 meters west of the beach, should be your first stop. On Tuesdays is Pae Market near the Royal Hua Hin Golf Club. Here is a good place to get the feel for a traditional Thai market. Night Market and Other Markets Although there is no large shopping mall in town but there are famous markets in Hua Hin. Located in the centre of town adjacent to Dechanuchit Road, just west of Phetkasem Road is the Hun Hin Night Market which is a great place to eat. There is a market devoted primarily to tourist shops along Dechanut Road. Nightly Street Market (ตลาดโต้รุ่งหัวหิน). This is a favourite venue for shoppers. Such excursions offer opportunities for shopping, enjoying native-style seafood cooked on the spot and witnessing local people's lifestyle.  edit Local souvernirs One of Hua Hin's most renowned local product is pha phim khommaphat or printed cotton, a typical product of Hua Hin which is to be sold by the yard. The finished product of the Khommaphat print is colourful and can be turned into shirts, handkerchiefs, wraps, even toy elephants or fish, as well as decorative pieces such as pillows, bags, fans, etc. A large variety of other cotton products are available, such as placemats, table clothes and pillowcases. Most of the products, fresh and dried seafood, souvenirs, dishes made of seafood are available at Hua Hin Market. For hand-woven cotton go to Baan Khao Tao, there is the Baan Khao Tao Handicraft Centre which was founded in 1964. In 2003, the centre's works were registered as the province's four-star OTOP product. Hand-woven cotton is offered for purchase in different forms, such as in the Yok Dok print, bathing cloths, sarongs, even large pieces of fabric like bed sheets. Souvenirs from Hua Hin District include accessories from coconut shells, Khommaphat printed fabric, the printed fabric in traditional Thai patterns, brooms, utensils made of sisal fibre, bamboo woven products, as well as fresh and preserved food. Sukkasart Institute (The Institute of Healing Arts), 20/48 Petchkasem Rd. (Hua Hin 106), ☎ 66(0)32 515725, [4]. Provide various training of healing Arts from Tradition Thai Massage, Meditation, Reiki and Energy Healing.  edit Eat There are plenty of eating options around Hua Hin. Those close to the beach and atop Khao Takiap are touristy, while some good local options can be found on Phetkasem Rd along the way to Khao Takiap. Hua Hin is famed for its delightful fresh seafood which can be found in abundance at the night market, restaurants and hotel restaurants. Naresdamri Road is a fine place for great inexpensive restaurants while serving up romantic sea views. Some hotels offer buffets consisting of open cooking stations, including seafood BBQ, and also offer live entertainment like traditional Thai music and dancing. This area is the site of the Hua Hin Fishing Harbour and in the early morning, fresh-out-of-the-water seafood can be snapped up. Moreover, there are numerous dining spots serving Western, Indian and Japanese food. For cheap eats, check out the night market. Budget tourists having problems with the local fare will be happy to know that at the Tesco in the posh Market Village mall, there's street-style Thai food with modern fast food hygeine: 25-45 baht, and good coffee for 10 baht. World News Cafe, (adjacent to the Hilton Hotel, inland). 08:00-22:00. The best coffee shop in Thailand? Perhaps. Modern, sleek space that is welcoming and spacious. All daily newspapers in English and Thai, good coffee, fruit drinks, bagels, sandwiches and free WiFi. Great staff too.  edit Beach Cafe Restaurant, Hua Hin Soi 75/1 (by the sea), ☎ 032512254, [5]. 10am to 10pm. Seafood and Steaks with a view! Beach Café Restaurant is located near Intercontinental Hotel by the sea at the end of Petchkasem Road Soi 75/1. Thai and European cuisine offering a variety of grilled and seafood dishes $10-$20.  edit La Paillote, Hua Hin Naresdamri Rd, opposite Centara Grand, ☎ 032521025, [6]. 7am to 11pm. La Paillote is a French restaurant with also Thai food. The restaurant is located in the main historic street, with many hotels and guest houses nearby. This is the old part of Hua Hin, the most beautiful and interesting one. The food is of international standard,. The beakfast is generous and cheap (less than 200 baht). For lunch they have a special and affordable menu. There are also some Thai dishes on the menu. The decor is tasteful with a big and pleasant terrace. The restaurant is just opposite Centara Grand, an historic hotel, former Railways Hotel. The prices are affordable (between 400 and 1000 bath per person) They speak English, French, Dutch and Thai. $10-$20.  edit *The Palm Bistro and Wine bar, Soi 88, ☎ 032 828 144, [7]. Monday Closed;Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 till 14:30 and 17:30 till 21:00; Sunday14:30 till 17:30.. .The Palm Bistro and Wine Bar is a well-known place among the residents. With a Chef from the Savoy hotel, a five star in London and a location in a superb nature at only 7 km from Hua Hin, The Palm Bistro and Wine Bar has the reputation of a gastronomic address of high quality, for the lovers of nature looking for a relaxing, familial, friendly and high end restaurant. The menu changes on a daily basis, with both European and Thai dishes. The prices are reasonable. Far for the busy atmosphere of downtown, the restaurant is a preserved address in the tropical nature, with view on the hills. $10-$30.  edit $10-$30.  edit*< Drink Raucous nightlife can be found in the little quarter just inland from the Hilton Hotel. The warren of small streets around Dechanuchit Rd and Soi Bintabaht teems with bars, restaurants and massage parlours. Bluestation Country Pub. Very popular with local folks, but nearly unknown to tourists. Located behind the older of Hua Hin's two bus depots, Soi 68/2, off of ‘Railway Road’ just north of Soi 70 (Chomsin Road) near the railway crossing. The house band is excellent, playing all Thai country (Peu Chiwit) songs. Before 22:00 there's an opening act that some nights (but irregularly) consists of a duo of a Thai on guitar and a farang on accordion, playing Thai songs. One of a kind, and pleasant listening. El Murphy's. The place for live music, located in the heart of Hua Hin on Soi Selakam 50 m from the Hilton Hotel. This Irish bar with a Mexican slant is the nightly home of Hua Hin's own Stonehead Band. These boys have been rocking Hua Hin for more then 15 years with their great rock and blues classics. Sometimes there is an early opening act. Free WiFi. Luknam Country Pub. Locals and foreigners alike frequent Luknam. Located on the road to Pala U waterfall, opposite Phoenix Bar. Live music every night. Music is Thai pop and country with some western songs mixed in. Music begins and 22:00 and goes until very late. Papayita. A chilled out little beer bar, playing classic pop, soul, disco and rock music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Cheap drinks during happy hour until 9:00, and the cute staff mixes great cocktails all night. Satchmo Club แซชโม คลับ. Main lobby of the Sofitel in central Hua Hin. Style. One of the best nightspots in Hua Hin, with hip hop music and techno. Popular with younger people in the area. Open from 18:00 to 02:00. Most people come from 22:00 on. Live music as well. Frequently overcrowded. Sleep Hua Hin is quite tourist oriented at least in the central parts and thus there is mostly hotels there, but also some guest houses and motels are available. Budget True budget beds are less common than they might have been a few years ago, at least during high season. Rooms@102 Includes Air-Con and TV in all rooms, Fan, Hot Water, Wi-Fi. Rooms from 300 THB. Address: Soi 102, just across the railroad track from Petchkasem road. Hua Hin. Tel:080-4337113. Victor Guesthouse 16 Newly refurbished rooms in a Thai Traditional Teak Guesthouse located in the heart of Hua Hin, close to beaches, restaurants and night life. Family Suites available. Includes Air-Con (not for cheap rooms), LED TV and DVD in all rooms, Fan, Hot Water, WI-FI, 24/7 Security and Friendly Helpful Staff in a relaxed atmosphere. .. Rooms THB350-THB700 .... 16 Naresdamri Rd. Hua Hin. Tel:032-511-564. e-mail: victorguesthouse@gmail.com Bird Guesthouse 2 Rooms on a pier over the water 450THB for nice fan room with great view, wifi, fridge, TV on Nareth Damri Road close to Hilton Pananchai Hotel 71 Naebkehas Rd. Is some 200 metres back from the clock tower in the centre of town along a road that slopes away from the road back to Bangkok. Is B650 per night, aircon,TV and hot water in the shower. The hotel has a lift, and out the back in the street there is a laundry service.Breakfast is a very spartan Continental one, of two pieces of small toast and tea/coffee. Across the hotel to the right near the 711 is a cheap "street eats" series of stalls, and you can get a good feed here for some B50 in the evening. Buy drinks at the 711 (ask them to open the beer bottles!) Worth the stay at the price. Royal Express Inn is a small brand new hotel located in the central city of Hua Hin, within a few minutes’ walk to the beach, restaurants and convenience stores. The rooms are well designed with a simple, cozy and modern style with flat screen TV, ensuite bathroom and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Address: 79/9 Petchkasem Road, Opposite Hua Hin Soi 78, Near station. Tel: +66 (0) 32 53 3778-81; email: enquiry@royalexpresshh.com (PRIZE??) Tientong has rooms with private bathrooms for between 400 baht [low-season] and 600 baht. Includes sometimes high-speed wifi (if starts working slow, just reboot the router). Located downtown at end of secluded street near market. Friendly staff. Nice views of hillside from communal balcony. Ten minutes walk from beach. Address: 226/107 Petchkasem Rd -- behind Grand Hotel. Near station. Tel: +66 89 224 9353; tientong2001@yahoo.com; Chom-Haad Guesthouse has nice rooms, 600B for double with air-con. Located on 178/175 Soi Hua Hin 80, quite road with lots of guesthouses (they offer 700B for double), close to Tientong, San Paolo hospital & Grand Hotel. Very clean room. Kind and helpful staff. Nice fresh-looking furniture in bright colours. Phone: +66868031796, email: kungkai_80@hotmail.com. Kings Home Hua Hin is a quite small and very friendly guesthouse in the centre of Hua Hin with prices ranging from 800 to 1200 baht a night.It is really very safe place. 21 Guesthouse advertises 100-300 baht rooms with air-con and television on their signage, but on arrival will offer you only a 500B room or a disgusting, mosquito-infested 100B with unspeakable stains on the sheets. Sukwilai Hotel and Guesthouse on western Soi Bintabaht near a "150 meters to Burger King" ad offers fan rooms for 300 baht, or 350 with cable TV. Also upper scale rooms available in the main building. Guest house is opposite to some bars playing quite loud until 2 AM. Mod Guesthouse is near 21 Guesthouse and the Hilton. Memory GuestHouse is near 21 Guesthouse and costs 200 for single room and 300 for double. Mid-range Anantasila Resort [8] 33/15 Moo Bann Huadon, Petchkasem Rd. Nongkae. Several room types. Price ranges between 2,000-15,000 baht/night. Chom View Hua Hin[9] Nice, not big, but cheap, clean. Near Kao Takeab, on the private beach with beachfront swimming pool. Citin Loft, 120/22 Soi Huahin 78, Petchakasem Rd (in the heart of Hua Hin), ☎ +66 3 253 3778-81 (enquiry@citinlofthuahin.com, fax: +66 3 253 3722), [10]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: noon. Offers 50 comfortable guest rooms each with a private balcony overlooking the green hills beyond. Facilities of this cozy hotel include a rooftop pool, sundeck, Internet stations, restaurant and a free shuttle service to Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin Market Village & Hua Hin Night Market.  edit Dolphin Bay Resort, 217 Moo 4 Phunoi, Sam Roi Yot Prachuab Khirikhan, ☎ +66 3 259 9333 (admin@dolphinbayresort.com), [11]. Beach resort for families.  edit Fulay Hotel, 110/1 Naresdamri Rd (follow the road just inland from the Hilton Hotel downhill about 75 m. Hotel on left), ☎ +66 (0) 32 513 670 (fulayhuahin@gmail.com), [12]. What a great little hotel this is! Sparkling clean, accommodating staff, great location. Has a teriffic little restaurant on the ground floor. Air-con , cable TV, free WiFi, minibar, convenience store open till 01:00 adjacent. Just far away from the bar scene to offer 2 minute access but quiet ambience. 1,500 baht up.  edit The Hideaway Hua Hin, Hua Hin Soi 9, Petchakasem, [13]. 2,500-3,000 baht/night.  edit Pattawia Resort & Spa Hua Hin, 9/21 Moo 5, Pak Nam Pran Beach, Pranburi, Prachuap Kiri Khan, ☎ +66 (0)87-0265515, [14]. Located on a beach with many other 4- and 5-star resorts. It has a spa, swimming pool and sea view rooms. 2400 baht.  edit Thipurai City Hotel, 8/5-7 Soi Kanjanomai Poolsuk Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan, ☎ +66 (0) 32 533 555, [15]. Thipurai City Hotel is in the heart of Hua Hin. Best rates on official website start at 1,350 baht.  edit Splurge Chiva-Som International Health Resort, 73/4 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Prachuab Khirikhan, ☎ +66 3 253 6536 (reservation@chivasom.com), [16]. One of the best destination spa resorts in Thailand. Very private. Pricy but the quality is the best.  edit Devasom Hua Hin Resort, 1446/23 Petchkasem Road (km221), ☎ +66 32 442 789 (reservation@devasom.com), [17]. A small luxury beach resort privately located on the beach between Cha Am and Hua Hin, with only 24 villas and rooms, all with sea view and charmingly decorated. Excellent food and services.  edit Dhevandara Resort and Spa, 451 Hua Hin, Huay Mongkol Rd. Hin Lek Fai (near Grape Farm, 8 km from Hua Hin), [18]. Luxury resort with private pool 2,000-8,000 baht/night.  edit Evason Hideaway- Nicest pool villas, luxurious/secluded 5-star hotel, Six Senses Spa (one of the best in Thailand) Haven Huahin [19], boutique resort, by Hua Hin beach. Prices between 4,000-15,000 baht/night. Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, 91 Hua Hin - Khao Takiap Road (on the beach-front), ☎ +66 3 252 1234 (hotel.hrhuahin@hyattintl.com), [20]. 5-star hotel with 204 rooms and suites. The hotel is on 12.5 acres of tropical landscaped gardens and has a 200 metre long beachfront. The Barai Spa is on-site.  edit Le Bayburi De Pran (เลอ เบย์ บุรี เดอ ปราณ), Beach Front Rd., Pak Nam Pran Buri, Pranburi, Prachuab Kirikhan, ☎ +66(0) 2696 8233, [21]. Le Bayburi Villas is a private complex of 4 luxury beachfront villas, each with self-contained facilities, including private pool. Located at Pranburi, 20 minutes south of Hua Hin.  edit Veranda Resort. Nice cozy resort on a lovely stretch of beach. Not too big, staff and service excellent and facilities are excellent. relatively boring room 2,500 baht, suite 5,000 baht.  edit Renting a house for a long stay If you're staying for month and more, then Hua Hin has great options. Price for renting a nice villa with private pool can be as low as 20,000 baht. Houses have modern furniture and are ready to move into. Best way to find a house is to go to realty agencies around the Hilton Hotel. Good ones are Hua Hin Property, Star Property and Century 21, but you can find 10+ more easily. They pick you up from your hotel and show options for your budget & taste. Best strategy is to contact by them email a week before, so they will make a selection beforehand. Cope Reading matter There are a number of English-language publications, offering a variety of styles, as well as information and entertainment. Long time visitors to the town will have been familiar with the free monthly Hua Hin Observer magazine found around the town, but as of January 2010 this has become an online only publication ([22]). Another monthly publication (which you have to pay for) is the Hua Hin Today newspaper which can be a little 'dry' for tourists, as it contains plenty of local government and local dignitaries news along with details of the latest infrastructure projects and housing developments. It also has an online presence [23] but this is more of a portal for international news and selling property than a local site. More of interest to tourists is the widely available free weekly AWOL newspaper, which is a mixture of entertaining true and not so true stories, typical tabloid content such as a page 3 girl, sport coverage and major local news stories. AWOL also has a website [24] which includes a discussion forum, free classifieds and all their back issues to download. The longest established local internet forum is Hua Hin After Dark [25] which is a valuable source of information for both tourists and expats alike, although its slightly cliquey attitude can be off putting and discussions can often turn into playground squabbles. There are a number of other printed publications and internet sites connected to Hua Hin, but they are mostly concerned with selling or renting property, or promoting another local business. There are also a couple of non-English language publications with a small distribution. Contact Landline telephone, all mobile phone systems, high-speed internet (ADSL), post offices and parcel services are available in Hua Hin. There is a city wide free wifi service as well, although speeds tend to be slow and a signal difficult to obtain outside the central area. Tourist information can be found from the corner of Petchkasem Road and Damnerkasem Road (Soi 76), quite close to the railway station. There is also a tourist information centre near the clock tower in the centre of town, which is right next to a Starbucks for those of you requiring a caffeine fix. This is also where many of the big buses will stop to offload and pick up passengers, even though it is not the official bus station, and consequently is an easy place to find a motorcycle taxi or tuk tuk. Get out Amphawa Bangkok Cha-am Chumphon Damnoen Saduak Kanchanaburi Ko Tao — for diving Samut Songkhram Surat Thani and the Ko Samui islands Pak Nam Pran beach Routes through Hua Hin Bangkok ← Phetchaburi ←  N  S  → Prachuap Khiri Khan → Butterworth Bangkok ← Cha-am ←  N  S  → Prachuap Khiri Khan → Sadao This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!