Hua Hin Attractions Travel Guide

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Even though regarded as a subdued tourism destination Hua Hin has magnificent places to visit that range from the traditional temples to the great National Parks full of outdoors fun and adventure for all types of explorers. [more]

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There are several Buddha temples worth seeing in Hua Hin and surrounding areas, to mention just a few you can visit Wat Kamphaeng Lang, Wat Yai Suwannaram and Wat Khao Bandai It. Each one has a unique decoration, architecture and historical significance.

Hua Hin Beach as well as the surrounding beaches has countless watersports and beach activities to amuse every one as well as a privileged location ideal to visit some of the most spectacular National Parks the country has to offer.

A beach and country destination like no other, in Hua Hin you can enjoy the best of both worlds without having to travel great distances.

Hua Hin Tourist Office

Recently a new Tourist Office was opened in the center of town on Chomsin Road near the Chinese temple. They have all the information you might need about Hua Hin and surrounding sites. A characteristic of Thais, they are friendly and can provide expert advice as well as good maps.

Khao Takiab & Wat Khao Lak

The twin peaks are also known as Chopstick Hills for its sharp peaks located to the south of Hua Hin beach (about 5 km) has a plethora of things to see and do.

The road takes you through a splendid forest hill with abundant flora a fauna; to enhance the day you can take an elephant ride through the winding pathways of this tropical rain forest. Horse back riding and horse drawn carriages are also available for hire.

At the top of the hill is the Temple Wat Kao Lak, the steps will lead you to the beautiful bejeweled temple; but before your reach the temple you will have a close encounter with hundreds of monkeys looking to be fed. You can purchase bananas from the roadside and feed them. They are mostly friendly but they are wild animals so be careful they tent to grab your stuff and in a few cases people has gotten bit. The temple has magnificent Buddha statues, shrines and a golden dragon and is worth further exploration. This is an active place of worship and you will encounter many monks in leisure or meditation. As a religious ritual they are summoned by 20 bells to a smaller temple on the side, and one gets a sense of urgency and devotion.

At the foot hill there are boat rides, ATV rentals and many restaurants. The temple has large terraces mesh with deep blue skies and an intoxicating view of Hua Hin is revealed. There are numerous picture perfect spots and more over, there is a giant golden standing Buddha at the foothill. The standing Buddha can be seen across the bay and its magnitude is better appreciated from the water.

Next to Khao Takiab is the most incredible white sands beach of the area called Hat Sai Noi where you can relax at the end of the tour.

Khao Hin Lek Fai

Located at 3 kilometers west of the city is Khao Hin and provides an extraordinary view of Hua Hin and splendid sunsets over the hills. To get there you will need to have your own transportation or be fit to hike, but the incomparable beauty of Hua Hin's country side will make the journey well worth it.

Wat Ampharam

Located in the center of town this large complex is an active place of worship and one can see the daily activities of the monastery. Is a window into the past of the town and inspires calm and serenity.

Maruekkhathayawan Palace

A royal residence in Thai Victorian style is located 14 km from Hua Hin. This magnificent royal palace is open to the public at no charge. Hours of operations are daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Sea Cruise to Skull Mountain

Several boat companies offer this sea adventure on a private yacht; cruise the spectacular coastline of Hua Hin to Skull Mountain where an adventurous and fun filled day awaits you, explore the caves, swim, snorkel and enjoy a lunch of the best seafood in Thailand.

Sea Cruise to Mangrove Swamp

Another fun-filled adventure! Take a cruise or water taxi and cross to Mangrove Swamp; a reservoir of undisturbed tropical forest with wooden pathways that allow you to stroll to the heart of the mangroves and observe up-close the wild live and ecosystem.

At the end of the pathway refresh yourself with some iced drinks and lunch or you can return to the marina to head back to Hua Hin.

Klai Kangwon Palace

One of Hua Hin's treasures is this outstanding Royal Palace called \"Far from Worries\" built by king Rama VI in the early 1920's; the design is one of a kind, in unique Spanish style architecture with Thai influence, has three mansions facing the ocean.

This palace is currently in use but some parts are open for visitors; a special permit is required but it can be obtained from the Royal Household office. Visiting hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. For permits call (032) 511 115

Panee Butterfly Garden

Just a cross the street form the Royal Palace Klai Kangwon is the Panee Butterfly garden with a remarkable collection of more than 200 species of butterflies. The beautiful exotic colors of butterflies are not the only attraction since they also feature wild birds of rare species, tropical plants and brilliant orchids.

Location: On main road across from the Summer Palace.
Business Hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Rashnee Thai Silk Village

The process of making silk is incredible; I never thought it could be so interesting. Visit the open museum and the actual silk farm; go through the process of harvesting and growing the worms, the weaving and dyeing of silk.

There is no entrance fee and they have guided tours. At the end you will find a silk and gift store and a tailor. Some of the best silks can be purchased at the store.

Location: 18/1 Naebkhehars Rd, Hua Hin
Business Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Wat Eitisukato Elephant Village

The elephant was the most effective mean of transportation in Thailand and you can understand why after you ride one. Wat Eitisukato is just a couple of kilometers from the center of town and will provide a memorable little adventure. The unique experience the village has to offer is going through the wading pool, seeing the elephants enjoy a bath, while sitting on one, was awesome!

The village is surrounded by a tropical rainforest with all the natural exuberance of the area and the animals are well kept. Some of these elephants participate in the famous annual \"Elephant Polo Tournament\".

Location: 2.5 km from Petchkesem Road, Hua Hin
Tel: (032) 516 181

Ratchaniwet Marukhathaiyawan Palace

This palace pier sits in an isolated beach area just a few kilometers north of town towards Cha Am area. This beautiful palace made of teak has elevated pathways into the beach offering striking views of the ocean. It is frequently used for concerts and theatrical renditions swing by and see what's playing or spend a couple of minutes in a leisure stroll to clear the mind.

This area is guarded by the Border Patrol, so ask permission to see the beach.

Location: Petchkasem Road

Nakhon Pathom

A little bit out of town but worth the trip is the most striking and the world's tallest Buddhist monument also known as Phra Pathom Chedi, stands over 120 meters high and is over 2,000 years old. The golden dome shines in the sun like pure gold and hosts priceless relics, ancient carvings and beautiful statues; this is the holiest temple of the Buddhist religion and is truly impressing... you have to see it!

In addition of the marvelous architecture there are beautiful orchid gardens with manicured grounds full of flowers and plants gleaming in the sunlight, there is also a Thai village offering the best folk dances, Thai boxing competitions, sword fighting and elephant dexterity demonstrations. This can be a full day of fun and cultural discovery.

Kaeng Krachan National Park

This is Thailand's biggest National Park covering about 3,000 sq km. extending south along the Thai-Burma border and is only 40 Km west of Hua Hin.

The park is one of the jewels of Thailand for its forest density sitting in a junction of biogeographical zones hence the diversity of life that one can observe; wild life of more than 40 species of mammals including Malayan sun bears and Asiatic black bear, tigers, clouded leopard, elephants, barking deer and several primates like gibbon monkeys. It is said that you can still see Sumatran rhinoceros in the wild.

Home of more than 200 species of birds like red-billed malkoha, blue-throated barbets the endangered woolly-necked stork among other amazing birds.

The Tenasserim Range crosses the park with the highest mountain peak is Panern Thung Mountain which stands at 1200 meters over the sea level and can take more than 6 hours to reach the top; there is only one dirt road to access the park, this is probably the reason why this park has remained mostly a virgin jungle. This is paradise on earth and for an outdoor adventurer; this is dream land since it features mountains, rivers, waterfalls, steep cliffs and subterranean caves.

There are several nationally acclaim waterfalls worth hiking like the Pa La U Waterfall.

Pa La U Waterfall

The trail to the top of the eleven tiered cascade can take a few days; on a day trip you can visit the first 3 or 4 levels of the most outstanding natural beauty you can find in the world soothing every human sense and waiting to be explored. At the Dam side arrangements can be made for camping and guided tours and gear. But I would recommend making arrangements in advance since there a few guides and the vastness of the territory and wildlife warrants a guide.

Khao Tao Mo Cave

Khao Tao Mo was recently discovered therefore is less visited, this is a subterranean jewel with owe inspiring large chambers; particularly is the center room full of stalagmites and stalactites arranged in a throne like shape with a mystic glow.

The park has more to offer than one can easily accomplish in a day so you may want to take several days exploring its wonders. It is possible to arrange for whitewater rafting from Bong Luk to the Petchburi Reservoir.

There are also Hilltribes or Karen villages with a distinctive way of life. There are rental cabins if you want to venture overnight without the roughness of camping in the park you can arrange for them at the visitor center; in addition, they also feature elephant trekking and canoe rides to complete the wild life adventure.

Contact information: Kaeng Krachan National Park Visitor Centre; Mu 8, Kaeng Krachan sub-district, Kaeng Krachan district, Phetchaburi Province
Tel: +66 (032) 459 - 291, (032) 459 - 293
Fax: +66 (032) 459 - 293

Khao San Roi Yot National Park

This is Thailand's first Marine Park also known as the park of 300 peaks, located 63 kilometers south of Hua Hin. It is a 98 square kilometers of the most startling jagged towering ridged ranges rising from the sea with tranquil white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, undisturbed mangroves rich in wild life like deer, serow (an Asiatic mix of goat and antelope), Macaque monkeys, mongoose, dolphins, gaur (Indian bison) is, definitely, a national treasure.

The visitor center has plenty of information about the park and its wild life but the most attractive part of the reservation is the number of subterranean caves that can be explored. You can deepen your tan at many of the secluded beaches like Hat Sam Phraya or head to one of the main attractions of the park:

The Caves... Khao San Roi Yot has many caves famous for their gorgeous mineral formations and multi chambered openings, like the one at Hat Laem Sala called Tham Phraya Nakhon. This is the famous cave featured in brochures! I can not truly describe what I felt when I saw this cave! A hike has to be taken and despite of its treacherous pathway the effort will be rewarded in the end since this is truly an unforgettable sight. The first chamber has an opening, perhaps some of the roof is missing, allowing the warm sunlight to filter in filling the chamber with life, mangroves and ferns grow around... a hidden world lies within for there is a second chamber following a 50 m tunnel ... an awe inspiring dome-like chamber gives view to a beautiful Thai Pavilion sitting quietly on a plateau, whispering sounds as the wind filters the room while sun rays gleam the towering walls with a glowing aura, is the most divine sight words can describe ... Exquisite! Tham Phraya Nakhon chamber inspired a King so much that he commissioned the construction of the temple. This is a National landmark indeed, you can't miss it!

Additional activities can be arranged from the visitor center like Safaris, Trekking, Hiking and camping. Bungalows can be rented and guided tours are offered provided reservations are made in advance.

Location: Between Pranburi and Kuiburi
Contact Information: National Parks Division of the Forestry Department in Bangkok.
Tel: (02) 579- 0529.

Erawan National Park

This is the most visited National Park in Thailand and was well know before it became a national park. The area comprises of 550 sq, km of dense rain forest, high mountains and valleys. The eastern range boasts 1,000 m high limestone peaks and the lowlands feature numerous varieties of trees and vegetation as well as wild life ranging from flying squirrels to pythons and eagles. Many activities are offered and one of the most visited areas are the seven waterfalls, arranged one after the other, along a three mile trail; the last one and the tallest is the Erawan waterfall. The park is also famous for its caves among others the Ta Duang cave and Pratat cave.

Erawan Waterfalls

With a 1500 meter fall in 7 levels and steep sided cliffs, surrounded by a copious emerald forest ornamented with touch up colors of exotic orchids, is an idyllic sight. The railing only goes to the 6th. level but the sight of the pounding waterfall to the pool bellow makes worth the trek to the top. Deep turquoise water pools, ideal for swimming surrounded by ferns and wild flowers, make this fall famous around the world. This is a park not to be missed.

Pratat cave

The one chamber cave has astonishing rock formations, colored rocks, stalagmites and stalactites. The center of the cave is decorated with an odd eagle head shaped rock. Wang Badan: This striking cave has multiple chambers and a subterranean river. Beautiful colored stalagmites and stalactites can be seen forming strange baroque decorations.

The visitor center is complete with a restaurant, cabin rentals as well as many other amenities.

Contact address: Erawan National Park; P.O. Box 107 Amphur Srisawat, Kanchanaburi.
Tel: (034) 516 530
Admission Fee: 400 Baht

River Kwai

Another one day trip outside Hua Hin to visit the famous River Kwai is a must. Visiting the Bridge, the Japanese War Memorial, Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the Jeath War Museum complemented with a train ride can be a wonderful excursion to one of Thailand's most beautiful rainforests.

There are several travel companies, located in the center of Hua Hin City, can arrange a full day excursion including transportation and English speaking guides for very reasonable prices.