The town was originally known as Ban Samoe Rieng, or Ban Laem Hin (Stony Point Village). The construction of a railway station in the city as part of the Southern Railroad in the reign of King Rama VI resulted in making Hua Hin stand out from many quite fishing villages. In addition, the construction of a Summer Palace of King Rama VII totally transformed the village into a high-society resort town for royalty. Even today, the Royal Family continues to reside at the Palace for part of the year.

Hua Hin’s consequence came with the opening of the Railway Hotel (known today as the Sofitel Central Hotel), an elegant Victorian-style resort hotel, and also the country’s first standard golf course. A cluster of royal and high-society residences gradually became more visible resulting in the transformation of the whole village into the first seaside resort of the country, where visitors could enjoy swimming, fishing, and golfing in the country’s first standard golf course.

Today, Hua Hin is a well-established beach destination with word-class facilities coupled with a true sense of Thai hospitality. Despite its expansive growth and development as a luxurious destination, the splendor of Hua Hin remains intact. Remaining content in itself, Thailand’s oldest seaside resort has never sought international recognition. It has continued to provide a peaceful and relaxed sanctuary in a picturesque environment that comes with a true sense of historical identity.

Amphoe Muang
Ao Manao
Lying some 5 kilometres south of the town, this beautiful curved bay, once a battlefield between the Thai and Japanese armies during the Second World War, is under the care of the Royal Thai Airforce. Part of the beach is lined with souvenir stalls. The remainder, and the greater part, is tranquil and largely untouched by commercialism. Accommodation should be reserved in advanced at the 53rd Squadron, Tel: 0 3261 1017, 0 3261 1031 ext. 2146.

Khao Chong Krachok
From the foot of the hill in the north of the town, up 395 steps, sits a much revered monastery. There is a small pagoda and a troop of playful monkeys. The hill also offers a splendid panorama of the coastline and seascape.

King Mongkut Memorial Park of Science and Technology
This Science Park was established at Wa Ko in 1989 to commemorate King Monkut (King Rama IV), who is regarded as the Father of Thai Science Study. In 1968 the King made a trip to Wa Ko to witness an eclipse of the sun after his astronomical forcast. A science museum with many sections for youth education, an aquarium and a butterfly garden situated in the compound can be visited every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park is located at Km.335 of Highway No. 4, about 12 kilometres from Prachuap Khiri Khan and 4 kilometres along a branch road. Call 0 3266 1098 for more information.

Amphoe Pran Buri
Pran Buri
Pran Buri is some 30 kilometres south of Hua Hin. There are several beach resorts in peaceful atmosphere. The Pran Buri Forest Park occupies a large area with a 1-kilometre pine-fringed beach and mangrove nature trails.

Amphoe Hua Hin
Butterfly Garden
Located opposite Klai Kangwon Palace, this is the first butterfly and herbal garden in Hua Hin. Surrounded by diverse local plants from all over Thailand, it features varied species of butterflies, birds, orchids, flowers and herbal plants. It opens daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Hat Hua Hin
Hat Hua Hin is a 5-kilometer white sandy beach lined with a wide range of accommodations, from bungalows to five-star hotels and resorts. Located at the sunrise side of the city, the beach runs from a rocky headland which separates it from a tiny fishing pier, and gently curves for some three kilometers to the south where the Giant Standing Buddha Sculpture is located at the foot of Khao Takiap. While offering a tranquil atmosphere, the beach is also the place for fun-filled activities ranging from jogging, walking, sun bathing, horse riding, kite boarding, and other kinds of water sports.

Hat Khao Tao
This small beach at the foot of Khao Tao Hill lies about 10 kilometers south of Hua Hin. It is located on a pine-fringed beach and is more secluded than Hua Hin. The signature of the place is a large Buddha image which faces out to the sea. Bungalows are available.

Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Center
Situated in an old typical house on Naepkhehat Road, the center features a private collection of contemporary works of many Thai artists-paintings, sculptures and local handicrafts, as well as old furniture and many pictures about Hua Hin in the past.

Hua Hin Railway Station
Built in the reign of King Rama VI, the station is one of Thailand’s oldest railway stations. In addition, it is one of the country’s most beautiful train stations with unique architecture. Its most striking feature is the splendid Royal Waiting Room constructed in the Thai architectural style. The room was relocated from Sanam Chan Palace in Nakhon Pathom Province during the reign of King Rama VI.
Hua Hin Night Market

The most colorful spot in Hua Hin during the night, the market offer a wide array of food, drinks, deserts, memorable souvenirs; all kinds of freshly-prepared dishes. Famous are Pad Thai, Hoi Thod, fresh seafood, Indian roti bread, coconut ice cream, etc. (the list is endless) This market will delight visitors wishing to savor the real taste of Hua Hin.

Khao Hin Lek Fai
Definitely a vantage point to see the whole town of Hua Hin, the hill is located approximately 3 kilometers west of the town. The best time to see the city is in the early morning.

Khao Krailat
Located near Khao Takiap, this steep hill lends its name to the temple that is located there. The temple belongs to a Buddhist denomination originally founded by King Rama IV and showcases a collection of large Buddha images dating back several hundred years.

Khao Takiap Vantage Point
This hill is situated at the southern end of Hua Hin, only 4 kilometers from the town. It can be easily reached by local minibus. Visitors can go up the hilltop to enjoy a birds eye view of Hua Hin, which is one of the delightful views either during the day or night. There is a temple call Wat Khao Takiap situated on top of the hill. The nearby Khao Takiap Beach offers mostly bungalow accommodations. The giant golden Buddha Statue standing against the cliff has become a landmark of Khao Takiap.

Klai Kangwon Palace
In Thai, the name of the palace literally means “far from worries”. This summer palace consisting of 3 Spanish style mansions facing the sea was constructed to the north of Hua Hin under the royal command of King Rama Vll. Today, it is the permanent residence of the King.

It is open to the public daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Call (032) 511115 for more information. A permit must be obtained from the Royal Household Office prior to a visit.

Ko Singto
Approximately 800 meters off the coast of Suan Son Beach is Ko Singto, a small island suitable for fishing and diving. Some boats for hire are available.

Namtok Pa La-u
This beautiful 11-tiered rock waterfall is located in the densely verdant forest in the area of Kaengkrajan National Park where various kinds of birds and butterflies are found, especially in the morning. Some levels of the waterfall can be reached along a trekking trail parallel to the stream. The best time to watch butterflies is from 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. In addition, visitors may be able to spot wild animals and several species of rare birds. The best time to visit the fall is from November to April when the fall is at its most beautiful. The waterfall can be reached by local transportation from Hua Hin for a distance of 63 kilometers. For more information, call the Kaeng Krachan National Park at 032 459293.

Suan Son Pradiphat
This beachside area belongs to the Army Welfare Office and is open to the public. It is at Kilometer 241, some 8 kilometers south of Hua Hin. This is a tranquil and relaxing place to visit with various restaurants and accommodations in the form of guesthouses, hotels and self-catering bungalows.