Hua Hin
Thailand · Southeast Asia
A Gulf of Thailand seaside town that began as a royal resort in the 1920s, home to the Railway Hotel and to Chiva-Som, Thailand's original health resort.
Why visit
Why visit Hua Hin
Go for the old royal-resort character and for a long stay with a purpose. Hua Hin sits on a long crescent of pale sand, and its appeal is the combination of colonial-era heritage, golf, night markets and wellness. Thailand’s government has said it wants to position the resort alongside Phuket and Koh Samui, so the town is changing.
Wellness is the strongest thread. Chiva-Som opened on the beach in 1995 and describes itself as Asia’s first comprehensive wellness resort.
Explore
What to see
Hua Hin Railway Station keeps a historic royal pavilion beside the line, and the State Railway of Thailand runs special excursions from Bangkok on the Royal Blossom luxury train. Klai Kangwon Palace, completed in 1929, is the royal summer palace.
The Railway Hotel was designed by the State Railways’ Italian architect Alfredo Rigazzi as a two-storey brick-and-wood hotel and received its first guests in 1922. Sofitel managed it from 1988, and since 2012 it has been the Centara Grand Beach Resort. It appeared as Hotel Le Phnom in The Killing Fields (1984).
Hua Hin Beach has a rocky shoreline and Khao Takiab Beach is known for surfing. Wat Huay Mongkol has a giant statue of Luang Pu Thuat, and the hillside temples of Khao Takiab anchor the local cultural scene. The night markets serve grilled and steamed Gulf seafood, Cicada Market holds weekend arts-and-crafts stalls, and Monsoon Valley Vineyard is noted for its Shiraz and Colombard. Pala-U Waterfall is a half-day trip inland.
Hotels
Where to stay in Hua Hin
The choice is between a purpose-built retreat and a historic hotel. Chiva-Som is on the beach and opened in 1995 on the site of the seaside home of its founder, Boonchu Rojanastien; the name means “haven of life”. It remains in the family under his son Krip Rojanastien, and guests follow a personal programme of treatments, exercise and food. A phased renovation completed around 2019 renewed the rooms, the Thai-style pavilions and the spa.
Dining
Where to eat in Hua Hin
The night markets are the traditional choice for seafood. Beyond them, Let’s Sea is a beachfront restaurant serving Thai and international dishes, and the Railway Restaurant is housed in an English colonial-style building inside the Centara resort, serving Thai, French and European dishes.
Before you go
Practical information
Best time to visit
The beach has a seasonal calendar, from the Hua Hin Jazz Festival in late May and June, held in honour of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s passion for saxophone and composition, to the kite festival, beach polo and an annual marathon. Confirm event dates with the organisers.
Getting around
Hua Hin lies south of Bangkok on the railway; the Royal Blossom excursion train runs from the capital. The government plans to reopen Hua Hin Airport to international flights, with upgrades targeted for completion by the end of 2026. Check the operators for current services.
Practical notes
Golf is a major draw, with about a dozen championship courses in the area. Most major hotels have full-service spas. Rail and air schedules change, so rely on official sources.
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