Top 20 Attractions in Hua Hin (2024)

1. Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

Thai meets Victorian for a stylish seaside palace that you’ll adore exploring. Built in 1923 by King Vajiravudh as the family’s resident palace. Vast and manicured landscapes roll on overlooking Cha-Am Beach while the colourful teak mansion atop solid pillars stands tall, safe from potential floods. Each of the pavilions is connected with covered boardwalks where cool breezes sway in. This Palace of Love and Hope it’s indeed a remarkable place to be, though even from afar, it’s one of the most memorable sights in Hua Hin. All the stunning chambers today echo with the rich history they represent.

A walk through it is a treat of discovery for royal artefacts and spectacular photos, a reminder of the exquisite lifestyles it was once privy to. Dressing appropriately is essential for visiting this palace as a sign of respect.

2. Hua Hin Railway Station

This railway station was built when King Rama VI was the ruler. If you’re in the city centre, it’s very close by and a must-see attraction. The wooden buildings are brightly-painted and Thai-styled, yet they evoke a Victorian sensation as well. Since Hua Hin was a seaside getaway for the royals, this historic railway station served as a means for arrival, for back then, there were no roads into this hidden beach haven.

Back then, the allure of a train ride was even more sophisticated, very novel for the times and much preferred over a boat ride. The railway line connected Bangkok with Singapore and the fishing village that once was flourished into a grand retreat for the rich. Soon, roads followed and luxury hotels. Today, it’s an attraction you shouldn’t miss for it is the reason this place now exists to the outside world. A beautiful glimpse of the past, you can even take the train to or from Bangkok for another journey.

3. Cicada Market

If you know anything about Thailand, you probably know it is revered for its markets. Cicada Market is definitely one you’ve got to see. It’s an open-air design brimming with artistic excitement. There’s an art gallery, live music, and a beer garden. However, the only downside is that it’s only open in the evenings on weekends.

As art is the theme here, you’ll find plenty of it. If you’re looking for something unique and memorable to take home with you to spice up your décor, you’ll definitely find it here. You’ll find many other things too. Outside, you’ll find clothing, decorative items, handmade accessories, and home wear. Inside, you’ll find paintings, sculptures and sketches each expressing their artistic uniqueness. Creative little souvenirs are everywhere, and of course, you have to taste all the delights you’ll find that will surely excite your palate. The beer garden is a great place to unwind and enjoy live music. An evening here is undoubtedly one of the best ways to feel the vibe of Hua Hin.

4. Hua Hin Night Market

In the city centre, you’ll find this night market going on from 5:30pm until late every night of the week. This is where you’ll get crafts, clothes, art, CDs, DVDs, and lots of cheap eats. You’ll find better deals in other places but what’s cool about this night market is that you get an authentic feel of the local life. Strolling around the market is fun as it is always so lively and fun here.

What’s nice about this area is their quality food at low prices. There are many seafood places too, a must-taste since you’re in Hua Hin. It’s an excellent area for exploring and just wafting around, soaking up the local culture and calm vibe.

5. Plearn Wan Shopping Village

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1950s in this open-air mall. The stunning building features an array of period-style shops that have it all. The unique entrance is eye-catching. Chances you’d probably stumble in here out of curiosity while passing by out front. At night, the atmosphere is wonderfully festive and evokes the feelings of life nearly 70 years ago.

You’ll definitely want to eat here with snacks that are harder to find than in other places. Don’t miss the Thai sweets either like grass jelly on shaved ice, chives pancakes or mango sticky rice.

Plearn Wan also features a guesthouse and fairground with a Ferris wheel, booths of games, and an outdoor theatre. It’s got so much to do you might be inclined to stick around awhile. The rooms at the guesthouse are definitely worth the splurge.

6. Black Mountain Water Park

Whether you have kids or you’re just a kid at heart, playing at this water park is a great way to live it up while in Hua Hin. Located 15 minutes away from Hua Hin town, there are nine different water slides here plus a lazy river, wave pool, kids’ pool, and beach pool, to name a few. The view of the mountains and lake make it even more spectacular that surrounds this 40,000 square metres of land. Across the way, there’s a golf course too should you prefer to stay dry and hit a few rounds.

What’s lovely about this park is that it’s filled with bright trees and green spaces to retreat from the attractions. The park is also quite thoughtful in providing small waterproof bags for guests and unique electronic bracelets to serve as your locker key for convenient stowing of your belongings. The mid-day sun can be intense so try to come early.

7. Khao Takiab

If you’ve ever heard of Monkey Mountain, this is the place. Technically though, it translates to ‘Chopstick Mountain.’ Whatever you want to call it, it’s home to lots and lots of monkeys. There’s also a hilltop temple here which gives you some genuinely sublime views of Hua Hin from above.

You’ll need your hiking shoes, but it’s undoubtedly worth it for the beautiful views from the mountain as well as the rural areas. Nearby, Khao Takiab Bay is a great place to pop in for incredible Thai food while overlooking the ocean. You can also find many water sports here and another temple, Wat Huay Mongkol.

8. Wat Huay Mongkol

While you’re up on the mountain of monkeys, don’t miss this Buddhist temple. This is where you’ll find the world’s largest statue of none other than Luang Phor Thuad, who was a revered Thai monk said to have performed miracles. It is a significant statue to the Thai people, and you should remember to be respectful while here.

Around the statue, there’s a pavilion devoted to the spirits of the teak trees, one of which is fallen and said to have magical powers. People gather here to worship and pray, hoping for all their wishes to be answered. Not far off, a stunning waterfall makes another excellent stop on your adventuring in Hua Hin.

9. Pa La-U Waterfall

Your journey through this 1,000-year-old forest will take you to this beautiful waterfall spills into fish-filled pools of water. Go up and challenge yourself as you do, but it’s worth the strain to climb up for the comfortable pools to luxuriate in. Depending on the pools, you may find calmness or faster flowing streams. Be careful of the slippery rocks and watch your step. It’s such a gorgeous place, and it’s basically what you picture when you hear the word paradise.

10. Phraya Nakhon Cave

With a magnificent pavilion of gold and green hidden inside this hard-to-reach cave, you really should make every effort to get here. This cave can be found within the Khao Sam Roi Yoy National Park, not far from Hua Hin town and worth every second of your time.

A guide will help you make the trek up the stairs, it might be hard for some but undoubtedly worth it in the end. This first cave is a stunning sight, with a natural stone bridge they call ‘hell bridge’ which is only surpassed in beauty by the second cave, the major draw. Then there’s the pavilion, Kuha Kharuehat with sunlight beaming down onto it from the circle in the cave’s ceiling. If you want to catch it in all its glory, we would recommend going early.

11. Santorini Park Cha-Am

In 2012, the Greek islands came to Thailand in this replicated place, a park filled with whitewashed buildings and brilliantly-detailed pained windows. Stone-paved paths and domed towers beckon with shops, restaurants, and an amusement park, a mecca of great fun no matter what you’re into.

With five distinct zones, you could spend all day here easily. There’s a zone full of amusement park rides and games including a Ferris wheel and gorgeous carousel. Want something more thrilling, why not try the reverse bungee or giant swing. There’s a zone with a village theme where you can wander about, shopping and dining.

12. The Venezia Hua Hin

Like Santorini Park, the Venezia seeks to give the same excitement in a village setting. Covering 73,600 square feet, you will see Venice in Hua Hin offering an experience like no other. A paradise of gorgeous backdrops for photos, it is brimming with shopping, dining, and plenty of activities. Among the distinctions here are the mini zoo, the 3D museum, mini train ride, Ferris wheel, carousel, and the highlight has to be the romantic gondola rides.

13. Mrigadayavan Palace

This palace was once the residence for King Vajiravudh, also known as Rama VI who was the ruler of Siam from 1910 to 1925. It’s hard to believe, but this sumptuous summer palace to this former king was only visited by him only twice. Located by the seaside, this summer palace spots one of the world’s longest teak building. The walls were painted in pastel colours, providing a stunning contrast to the lush green surroundings.

14. Monsoon Valley Vineyard

Were you surprised to find a vineyard in Thailand? The Monsoon Valley Vineyard was created in 2001 by a wine-lover named Chalerm Yoovidhya who wanted to bring wine culture into Thailand. He succeeded in bringing his vision to life, seeking to make stunning wines from the 13th latitude, something that sets his wine apart.

Just 45 minutes away from Hua Hin town, international varietals of grapes thrive here and make for a splendid way for any wine lover to enjoy the day in Thai wine country. The vineyard has plenty of exciting activities from being with the elephants to mountain-biking all set to the backdrop of a picturesque vineyard. You can opt to have a gourmet wine-tasting experience here and have your food paired with wines.

15. Vana Nava Water Jungle Hua Hin

Vana Nava Water Jungle is considered the first water jungle in Asia. Once an empty plot of land, this 3.2 hectares now hosts of man-made tropical jungle that boasts lush foliage and modern facilities that bring 19 exciting rides, slides and an underwater studio to visitors of Hua Hin. It’s a landmark destination, raising the bar for all of Asia to follow. The water rides here are groundbreaking, plus the ropes and obstacles course with water guns keeps things fun and cool under the sun.

16. Chatsila Night Market

Chatsila Night Market is another popular night market in the centre of Hua Hin Town. Located adjacent to the Hua Hin Night Market, this place exudes a different charm. Set around heritage wooden houses, this modestly sized night market is the place to be if you love vintage souvenirs. There are abundances of clothing stores and local handmade products sold here. You can also see unique trinkets that can be customized anyhow to your heart’s desire. The walls in this night market are never left blank, filled with amazing and colourful murals to give more life to this space.

17. Inu Cafe

If you love dogs and Shiba Inu, this will be heaven for you. Located on Naebkehardt Road, this Inu cafe is a small private property that is home to a group of adorable Shiba Inus. There is no entrance fee to the premises, but you are required to order food from their menu. The cafe serves up decent meals, but it is alright because the main highlight of this trip is the adorable seven resident dogs that live here. Just take note that an additional fee of THB 20 will be added into your bill; this is to support their cause in helping stray dogs living around the area.

18. Seenspace Hua Hin

When you visit Thailand, don’t miss your chance to discover beautiful Hua Hin. This seaside resort town once was just a humble fishing village. Now, it’s where vacationers jet off to for a relaxing time. It’s an excellent place for water sports and luxury resorts sidled up next to surfside seafood shacks for an old meets new beach-style vibe. Here we list out the best 20 attractions you should visit in Hua Hin.

19. Hua Hin Beach

Bigger adventures await you in Hua Hin, with a myriad of natural and heritage spots, it is as though you have travelled to the past. It is also not short of night markets, as they are the best way to learn about the local culture. Hua Hin offers not only offers plenty of scenic sites but great authentic Thailand food as well.

20. For Art’s Sake

For Art’s Sake is Thailand’s first 4D Art Museum that is consist of 2 storeys with 90 over artworks. Located at 22/141 Phetkasem Road, this is an ideal place for families and friends. There are plenty of quirky installations, murals and sculptures that will make every photo-taking entertaining. There are a total of 5 zones that will keep you occupied for at least 2 – 3 hours here. The staffs are friendly and helpful here, as they will assist and guide you on how to capture the perfect picture.