Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

Although it is 60km south of Hua Hin and 40km south of Pranburi, many visitors to the region spend time at this interesting national marine park. The name means three hundred mountain peaks, a reference to its numerous limestone peaks between which there are marshes and mangrove swamps. The mountains and wetlands contain an abundance of wildlife, including barking deer, crab eating macaque and serow, an Asian goat-antelope. The park is also home to more than 300 resident and migratory birds. One of the park's most popular attractions is Tham Phraya Nakhon, a cave with a hole in its roof that allows a shaft of light to shine upon a Thai-style pavilion built for King Rama V.

Built during the reign of King Rama VI, and only a short distance from the centre of town, Hua Hin's railway station and the adjacent Royal Waiting Room are attractive and brightly painted wooden buildings that are Thai in concept and design, but somehow manage to have a 'Victorian' feel. Even if you don't arrive at the resort by train, go and have a look.

Khao Hin Lek Fai

This hill is found 1.5km to the west of Hua Hin. A trip up the steep road to the top provides a scenic view of the town, beach, Gulf of Thailand and the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course. There is a small park on the hilltop with trails leading to the various viewpoints.

Built during the reign of King Rama VI, and only a short distance from the centre of town, Hua Hin's railway station and the adjacent Royal Waiting Room are attractive and brightly painted wooden buildings that are Thai in concept and design, but somehow manage to have a 'Victorian' feel. Even if you don't arrive at the resort by train, go and have a look.

Khao Takiap

Located at the southern end of Hua Hin's main beach, this 227m rocky hill provides striking views of Hua Hin and nearby Singto (lion) Island. There is a temple and restaurant on the hill, which can now be reached by a newly constructed road. There is a 20m golden Buddha and several excellent restaurants at the base of the hill. Beware of the larcenous monkeys at the shrine near the Buddha; they have been known to run off with people's cameras.

Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort

Opened in 1923 as the Railway Hotel, this massive wooden structure is one of a handful of grand Victorian colonial style hotels that have survived the ravages of time. Located right on the beach, it sets the mood for all of Hua Hin. Meticulously restored and maintained by Sofitel, it is worth stopping in for a cocktail and a close-up look.

Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

Like so much in Hua Hin this summer seaside palace was built in the early 1920's during the reign of King Rama VI. It was designed by an Italian architect with lots of verandas, latticework and covered boardwalks using golden teak from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace. Open daily from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM, it is located 9km south of Cha-Am at the Camp Rama VI military compound.

Hua Hin Railway Station

Built during the reign of King Rama VI, and only a short distance from the centre of town, Hua Hin's railway station and the adjacent Royal Waiting Room are attractive and brightly painted wooden buildings that are Thai in concept and design, but somehow manage to have a 'Victorian' feel. Even if you don't arrive at the resort by train, go and have a look.

Kaeng Krachan National Park

With an area of 3000-sq-km, this is Thailand's largest national park. Located primarily in the mountains adjacent to Myanmar, and only 40km from Hua Hin, it has lots of rain and an abundance of rainforests and some grassland areas. Animal life includes deer, tigers, gibbons, bears, hornbills, wild elephants and dusky langurs. One of the park's most popular attractions is the eleven-tiered Pa-La-U Yai and Pa-La-U Noi waterfall. This park is difficult to access so the falls are best visited on an organized tour. Several companies is Hua Hin provide tours to the falls and other areas of the park.

Hua Hin Attractions

re are numerous sightseeing opportunities in and around Hua Hin and Cha-Am. In addition to several wats, temples and palaces, there are natural attractions like caves, waterfalls, isolated beaches, mangrove swamps, mountain vistas and a variety of animal life. Although it is possible to use public transport to reach some of the attractions, those without a set of wheels often take one or more tours operated by one of the tour operators in the area.

1. Kaeng Krachan National Park
2. Hua Hin Railway Station
3. Maruekhathaiyawan Palace
4. Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort
5. Khao Takiap
6. Khao Hin Lek Fai
7. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
8. Panee Butterfly Farm
9. Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)
10. Klai Kangwon Palace

Ladyboy Cabaret

Don’t miss Hua Hin’s famous cabaret show, Blue Angel. It’s a small-scale show that’s large on ladyboy drama, glam, elegance and beauty. Shows at 20:00 and 21:45 every night. Ladyboy cabaret makes for good family entertainment, and the lip-sinc repertoires normally include tributes to popular music scene divas, comedy skits and some Asian-inspired performances. Afterwards you can also have your picture taken with the performers – naturally, for a small tip.