Getting to Hua Hin
Minivans from Mo Chit Bus Terminal cost ฿180 and take 2.5-3 hours. Larger buses from Sai Tai Mai (Southern Bus Terminal) are ฿200-260. Private taxi runs ฿2,500-3,500. The journey is on a single highway with one major rest stop midway.
The train is the romantic option: depart Hua Lamphong (or Bang Sue Grand) and ride 3.5-4 hours through coconut groves and salt flats. Tickets ฿44-202.
Hua Hin Train Station
Hua Hin's train station, dating to 1911, is the oldest in Thailand and a postcard-perfect Victorian-era wooden building with a royal waiting room originally for Rama VI. Free to visit and a 5-minute walk from the night market. Spend 20 minutes here for photos.
Hua Hin Beach
Hua Hin Beach stretches 5km of soft sand, anchored by the Hilton and Centara hotels. The water is calmer than Pattaya and the beach is generally cleaner. Sun loungers ฿100, jet skis from ฿800. Horseback rides on the beach are a local tradition (฿500 for 30 minutes).
Cicada Market
Cicada Market is Hua Hin's best evening attraction, open Friday to Sunday from 4pm-11pm. It's an upscale art-and-craft market with rotating live music stages, indie designers, ceramics, and a food court. Free entry. Plan a 2-hour visit including dinner.
When to Visit
November to February is cool and dry with the best beach conditions. March-May is hot but quieter. Avoid heavy rain in September-October. Weekends are popular with Bangkok families; weekdays are tranquil.