Hua Hin

Thailand

Hua Hin (หัวหิน) is a seaside resort city of about 50,000 residents (2012) in Thailand. 195 km from Bangkok, it is popular with Thais, having become quite fashionable as a weekend getaway spot for Bangkok residents, with foreigners, and as an expat retirement or holiday home location.

Although it is developing rapidly, there is a commitment by the local and provincial authorities to avoid the kind of overheated blight that has affected other beach resorts in Thailand.

Hua Hin Beach, Hilton Hotel in the background

Popularised as a resort in the early 1920s by King Prajadhipok, Hua Hin is closely associated with the Thai royal family and is a quiet and relaxing seaside resort ideal for family vacations, a reasonable 2½ hours' drive down from Bangkok. Until 1934, it was known as Samore Riang (สมอเรียง), or "rows of rocks".

The tranquil fishing village was turned into a royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam's nobility and upper classes. In 1928, Prajadhipok built his Klai Kangwon ("Far from Worries") Palace. As of 2018, Klai Kangwon is a summer residence of the king and is not open for visitors, although the outer palace grounds are open for walkers and joggers from 16:00 to 19:00 daily (wear shoes, have sleeved shirts that cover at least your upper arms and bring your passport).

The 6-km-long beach is pretty and relatively clean, more so than Pattaya's, and the cleanliness of the sea is rated "fair". However, most of the beach can completely disappear along certain parts of the coast during high tide. Besides just sunbathing, snorkelling and swimming, visitors can also enjoy golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls, shops, seafood, and nearby national parks. The town is clean, friendly, and laid-back, making it ideal for families and couples.

Tourist information can be found from the corner of Petchkasem Rd and Damnerkasem Rd (Soi 76), quite close to the railway station.

There is also a tourist information centre near the clock tower in the centre of town, which is right next to a Starbucks for those of you requiring a caffeine fix. This is also where many minivans stop to offload and pick up passengers, even though it is not the official bus station, and consequently is an easy place to find a motorcycle taxi or tuk-tuk.

The town of Hua Hin cannot be called scenic. Aside from the beach, the grounds of posh hotels, and the several blocks west of the Hilton Hotel, there is no place to stroll in Hua Hin. The town lacks a central square or focal point. Like most Thai towns, Hua Hin is a nightmare for pedestrians and impossible for those with physical disabilities, the blind, or those confined to a wheelchair. Signage and other obstacles impinge on sidewalks, where there are sidewalks, every few metres. Phetkasem Road, which divides the town into two halves, is a virtual racetrack, with few concessions like crosswalks for those on foot or bicycle lanes for cyclists.

Clock tower (หอนาฬิกา), central Hua Hin

Hua Hin has no real "centre". A clock tower on Phetkasem Road serves as a de facto transportation node, where minivans from the north arrive and minivans to the south depart. The tower is just north of Soi 61.

Phetkasem Road bisects the town, leading to Cha-am in the north and Prachuap Khiri Khan in the south. Roads perpendicular to Phetkasem on the inland side are even-numbered sois. Those on the sea-side are odd-numbered. The numbers do not match up across Phetkasem. For example, Soi 61 leads to the central seaside area around the Hilton Hotel. The same street on the other side of Phetkasem is Soi 76. It leads to the railway station. At the northeast corner of the Soi 61/Soi 76 intersection you will find the tourist information centre. Behind it is the central police station. Across the street from the police station is a post office. Continuing down Soi 61 to the beach is the office of the Tourist Police.

Hua Hin has a tropical climate with high humidity and occasional rain. It is typically pleasant however, and can be enjoyed year round. Generally, the best time of the year to visit Hua Hin is in the cool season from November to February, but for those who like it hot, then the hot season is from March to May (when the temperature can well exceed ). The rainy season (although it doesn't rain every day) is from June to October with September being the rainiest of all. The rain in Thailand usually comes in short sharp bursts. It doesn't usually drizzle for long periods of time.

The quality of the waters of the Gulf of Thailand off central Hua Hin were rated "fair" in 2015 by the Pollution Control Department. But, the report noted that "... the main tourism areas, namely Cha–Am Beach... and Hua Hin Beach... should be consistently monitored, since enterococci (fecal) bacteria levels exceeded the standard...."

One of the first things a visitor to Hua Hin notices is the blizzard of signage. Evidently anyone can put up a sign. Hotels and other commercial enterprises design their signs to look like official signage. They and every other type of sign imaginable degrade the environment and contribute to its ugliness. Town officials do not enforce existing sign ordinances.

Beach in Hua Hin

There is only one, long beach: Hua Hin Beach (ชายหาดหัวหิน Hat Hua Hin). This runs from the Hilton Hotel six kilometres south to a headland where a Buddhist temple clings to the rocks. Fine white sand, resort hotels and many water sports opportunities lend the resort its distinctive ambiance. At the south end of town, the hill of Khao Takiab interrupts the beach. On the other side is a lovely swimming beach with a view of Khao Takiab's south face. Just a little further on, Suan Son Beach is owned by the Thai army but is open to the public. Notable for the tropical sea pines lining the shore.

Parts of the beach closer to the town may have greenish water, in this case continue walking down the beach where the water appears cleaner. There is an ample supply of deck chairs along the beach, although many places charge around 100 baht for their hire. Deck chairs that are part of a beachside cafe may be free, on the assumption that you will buy food or drink.

  • Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre. Daily, 11:00–18:30. It has a collection and exhibition of works of contemporary Thai artists, as well as old furniture and many pictures of Hua Hin in the past. Free.

Monks outside Hua Hin Railway Station

  • Hua Hin Railway Station. This is Thailand's most beautiful train station of which the local people are very proud. The wooden building used to be a royal pavilion in Sanamchan Palace, Nakhon Pathom Province. It was rebuilt in Hua Hin in 1968.
  • International Cricket Sixes. Held at the Dusit Hotel, the dates change each year, but the event coincides with the Thai holiday of Songkran and the Easter holiday in April.
  • Khao Takiap. An imposing hill with Buddhist temples and a commanding view of the resort, particularly early in the morning. A local bus service runs from Hua Hin to Khao Takiap. Khao Takiap is one of the highest areas in Hua Hin. From the top, you will see Hua Hin and also nice beaches.
  • Klai Kangwon Palace, +66 32 511115. Daily, 09:00-16:00. King Rama VII commanded the Klai Kangwon Palace to be built in 1929. This Spanish-style summer palace faces the sea and dominates an extensive ornamental garden. It is where the Thai royal family still customarily spend the hottest months of the year, which are usually Mar-Apr. The palace is open to the public when the royal family is not in residence. 20 baht.

Bronze statues of seven Thai kings, Rajabhakti Park

  • Rajabhakti Park. Daily, 08:00-18:00. Rajabhakti (pronounced rat cha pak) Park is meant to honor past Thai kings from the Sukhothai period to the current Royal House of Chakri. It was built by the Royal Thai Army, with funds donated by the public and private sectors. Princess Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Bajrakitiyabha officially opened the park on 26 September 2015.The park covers a total area of 222 rai, or . It consists of three main sections. The first section, covering an area of five rai, or, features the giant statues of seven kings, whose achievements are well-recognized. The seven kings made great contributions to the country in each period of Thai history. They include King Ramkhamhaeng (1279-1300) of the Sukhothai period, King Naresuan (1590-1605) and King Narai (1656-1688) of Ayutthaya period, King Taksin (1767-1782) of the Thonburi period, and King Rama I (1782-1809), King Mongkut (1851-1868), and King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910) of the Rattanakosin period. Each statue is made of bronze, with an average height of 13.9 m. They were designed by the Fine Arts Department.The second section is a multi-purpose plaza, covering 91 rai, or . It will be used for major ceremonies, performed by the Royal Thai Armed Forces, such as military parades, and for welcoming foreign dignitariesThe third section includes a museum featuring Thai history, especially the biographies and achievements of the seven kings, from the Sukhothai to the Rattanakosin periods. The museum is at the base of the statues. Admission free.
  • The Hua Hin Championships is a tennis tournament held in November that is part of the men's ATP Challenger Tour along with a women's tennis tournament that is part of the WTS 125K series. These two events are part of the second level of the official men's Association of Tennis Professionals and Women's Tennis Association systems. These worldwide events allow the best lower-ranked tennis players not yet eligible for the ATP World Tour or the WTA Tour to advance their standing. On court you will see playing professional tennis players from the region, in this case Asia and Australia/New Zealand.

  • Khao Hin Lek Fai. Khao Hin Lek Fai, or Flint Mountain, is 162 m high and is accessible by a road. On the mountaintop, there is a public park and scenic spots from where the scenery of Hua Hin and its surrounding area can be seen.
  • Khao Tao. Bungalows available.
  • Namtok Pa La-u, +66 32 459293. An 11-tier scenic waterfall in a perennial forest in Kaeng Krachan National Park. Visitors can take a songthaew from Hua Hin to this waterfall. The best time to visit is from Nov-Apr. Camping in the park is permitted, and a tent can be rented at 250 baht per night. 200 baht.
  • Sam Roi Yot National Park. With an area of 98 km², it is renowned for its limestone mountains, mangrove swamps, beaches, and several species of local and migrating birds during the cool season. There are many ridges with the most popular being Khao Sam Roi Yot with 300 peaks.

Some attractions in the park:

* Spirit Houses of Brassiere Beach. According to Thai folklore, spirit houses were built to appease the spirit of a fisher's daughter who was once torn to pieces, with her breasts falling into the sea. She was killed because she was desired by too many men. To this day, the locals hang bras on the spirit houses to bring good luck.

*Hat Laem Sala. A beach. The well-known cave, Tham Phraya Nakhon, has a large hole in it so sunlight shines through, and this allows plants to grow. There is Phra Thi Nang Khuha Kharuhat in the cave which is a Thai-style pavilion. It was first built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn before being dismantled and reconstructed here. You can hike approx. 1h to the cave directly from the parking lot (you will be offered a boat for 400THB which saves you about a third of the hike). There is a viewpoint on Khao Daeng which is 400 km from the park office and Ban Khao Daeng. The latter offers boat trips to watch wild birds (a boat trip means that a bored local drives you around and doesn't say much).

* Hat Sam Phraya. A lovely beach with a line of pine trees. Accommodation available.

* Tham Kaeo. A cave with an abundance of stalactites and stalagmites. Oil lamps can be rented at the nearby village to aid in exploring the cave.

* Tham Sai. A cave which can be explored, and oil lamps can be rented in the nearby village.

Khao Hin Lek Fai. Khao Hin Lek Fai, or Flint Mountain, is 162 m high and is accessible by a road. On the mountaintop, there is a public park and scenic spots from where the scenery of Hua Hin and its surrounding area can be seen.

Khao Tao. Bungalows available.

Namtok Pa La-u, +66 32 459293. An 11-tier scenic waterfall in a perennial forest in Kaeng Krachan National Park. Visitors can take a songthaew from Hua Hin to this waterfall. The best time to visit is from Nov-Apr. Camping in the park is permitted, and a tent can be rented at 250 baht per night. 200 baht.

Sam Roi Yot National Park. With an area of 98 km², it is renowned for its limestone mountains, mangrove swamps, beaches, and several species of local and migrating birds during the cool season. There are many ridges with the most popular being Khao Sam Roi Yot with 300 peaks.

  • Dan Singkhon. In Khiong Wan sub-district, the Thai-Burmese border pass.
  • Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park. There are nice narrow walks leading out to a wide rocky landscape on a mountain top with scenic views of the town.
  • Ko Singto. Named after its shape. It is a popular island for diving and snorkelling, and offers visitors the chance to explore the Hua Hin and Khao Takiab shorelines.
  • Wa Ko. This beach has been of historical importance since the reign of King Mongkut when he viewed a full-moon eclipse there. A long atmospheric sandy beach fringed by pine trees.
  • Suan Son Pradiphat Beach. Nice beach, owned by the Thai Army.
  • Wat Huay Mongkol. Was home to the immensely popular monk Luang Pu Thuat, famed for his "miracles". Commissioned by the Queen of Thailand, Wat Huay Mongkol houses the largest statue of Luang Phor Thuat in Thailand in a park-like setting.

Dan Singkhon. In Khiong Wan sub-district, the Thai-Burmese border pass.

Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park. There are nice narrow walks leading out to a wide rocky landscape on a mountain top with scenic views of the town.

Ko Singto. Named after its shape. It is a popular island for diving and snorkelling, and offers visitors the chance to explore the Hua Hin and Khao Takiab shorelines.

Wa Ko. This beach has been of historical importance since the reign of King Mongkut when he viewed a full-moon eclipse there. A long atmospheric sandy beach fringed by pine trees.

Suan Son Pradiphat Beach. Nice beach, owned by the Thai Army.

Wat Huay Mongkol. Was home to the immensely popular monk Luang Pu Thuat, famed for his "miracles". Commissioned by the Queen of Thailand, Wat Huay Mongkol houses the largest statue of Luang Phor Thuat in Thailand in a park-like setting.

Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre. Daily, 11:00–18:30. It has a collection and exhibition of works of contemporary Thai artists, as well as old furniture and many pictures of Hua Hin in the past. Free.

Hua Hin Railway Station. This is Thailand's most beautiful train station of which the local people are very proud. The wooden building used to be a royal pavilion in Sanamchan Palace, Nakhon Pathom Province. It was rebuilt in Hua Hin in 1968.

International Cricket Sixes. Held at the Dusit Hotel, the dates change each year, but the event coincides with the Thai holiday of Songkran and the Easter holiday in April.

Khao Takiap. An imposing hill with Buddhist temples and a commanding view of the resort, particularly early in the morning. A local bus service runs from Hua Hin to Khao Takiap. Khao Takiap is one of the highest areas in Hua Hin. From the top, you will see Hua Hin and also nice beaches.

Klai Kangwon Palace, +66 32 511115. Daily, 09:00-16:00. King Rama VII commanded the Klai Kangwon Palace to be built in 1929. This Spanish-style summer palace faces the sea and dominates an extensive ornamental garden. It is where the Thai royal family still customarily spend the hottest months of the year, which are usually Mar-Apr. The palace is open to the public when the royal family is not in residence. 20 baht.

Rajabhakti Park. Daily, 08:00-18:00. Rajabhakti (pronounced rat cha pak) Park is meant to honor past Thai kings from the Sukhothai period to the current Royal House of Chakri. It was built by the Royal Thai Army, with funds donated by the public and private sectors. Princess Maha Vajiralongkorn and Princess Bajrakitiyabha officially opened the park on 26 September 2015.The park covers a total area of 222 rai, or . It consists of three main sections. The first section, covering an area of five rai, or, features the giant statues of seven kings, whose achievements are well-recognized. The seven kings made great contributions to the country in each period of Thai history. They include King Ramkhamhaeng (1279-1300) of the Sukhothai period, King Naresuan (1590-1605) and King Narai (1656-1688) of Ayutthaya period, King Taksin (1767-1782) of the Thonburi period, and King Rama I (1782-1809), King Mongkut (1851-1868), and King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910) of the Rattanakosin period. Each statue is made of bronze, with an average height of 13.9 m. They were designed by the Fine Arts Department.The second section is a multi-purpose plaza, covering 91 rai, or . It will be used for major ceremonies, performed by the Royal Thai Armed Forces, such as military parades, and for welcoming foreign dignitariesThe third section includes a museum featuring Thai history, especially the biographies and achievements of the seven kings, from the Sukhothai to the Rattanakosin periods. The museum is at the base of the statues. Admission free.

  • Hua Hin Jazz Festival. The popular event attracts world-class jazz musicians from Thailand and all over the world. Annually, in June.Date for 2018 : 17 - 19 May
  • Hua Hin Vintage Car Rally. Hoteliers, the Vintage Car Club of Thailand, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand annually sponsor a parade of vintage and classic cars starting at the Sofitel Central in Bangkok and ending in at the Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort. The cars, with drivers and passengers dressed in 1920s attire, make the 225 km promenade in December every year. The festivities culminate with a 1920s party at the Sofitel, which appropriately is a Victorian-style structure built in the 1920s.
  • Thailand International Kite Festival. Helf during Mar-May every other year and features stunt kites, big kites, little kites, high-tech kites, traditional Thai kites and displays of international kites. Visitors also enjoy a variety of opportunities for shopping, sightseeing and simply having a good time.

Hua Hin Jazz Festival. The popular event attracts world-class jazz musicians from Thailand and all over the world. Annually, in June.Date for 2018 : 17 - 19 May

Hua Hin Vintage Car Rally. Hoteliers, the Vintage Car Club of Thailand, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand annually sponsor a parade of vintage and classic cars starting at the Sofitel Central in Bangkok and ending in at the Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort. The cars, with drivers and passengers dressed in 1920s attire, make the 225 km promenade in December every year. The festivities culminate with a 1920s party at the Sofitel, which appropriately is a Victorian-style structure built in the 1920s.

Thailand International Kite Festival. Helf during Mar-May every other year and features stunt kites, big kites, little kites, high-tech kites, traditional Thai kites and displays of international kites. Visitors also enjoy a variety of opportunities for shopping, sightseeing and simply having a good time.

Hua Hin and its surroundings are a golfer's paradise with at least seven courses within a 30 min drive. There are also two brand new golf courses under construction. Most courses offer transportation to and from the course. The town hosted its first Asian tour event in 2009 at the Black Mountain course, while other first class courses in easy reach include Majestic Creek, Royal Hua Hin, Banyan, Palm Hills, Lake View, and Springfield. There are several driving ranges.

  • Hua Hin Golf Courses, +66 80 891 4973. Book tee times for every golf course in Hua Hin.

Siam Pearl cruise ship to Sam Roi Yod National Park Hua Hin Market Village

Hua Hin Golf Courses, +66 80 891 4973. Book tee times for every golf course in Hua Hin.

Traditional Thai massage is aimed mostly at extracting money from your wallet. Claims for its holistic approach to health by enhancing physical, emotional, and spiritual states are mostly hogwash. The majority of massage places are fairly dumpy except at the high end, do not have soothing background music, nor the scent of Asian incense.

There are over 200 massage shops in Hua Hin. Most have identical prices. Most hotels in Hua Hin offer massage services. On Petchkasem Road next to the Golden Palace and the Royal Palace one can be massaged by good, professional blind masseuses. This is a royal sponsored project, although little English is spoken.

Massage prices in the tourist area near the Hilton Hotel average about 300 baht per hour. Massage shops in the town proper are cheaper for equivalent massage, as low as 200 baht per hour.

Thai Massage for Health by the Blind, +66 81 944 2174. Daily, 07:00-21:00. Traditional Thai massage, oil massage, foot massage, herbal massage.

  • Wall Ride DH Track, +66 89 201 7782. Smooth, flowy yet technical downhill single track constructed by local aficionados.

Wall Ride DH Track, +66 89 201 7782. Smooth, flowy yet technical downhill single track constructed by local aficionados.

Spas in Hua Hin offer treatment suited to a range of budgets. Treatments includes both traditional remedies and modern techniques. Facilities at spas in Hua Hin may also include a Jacuzzi and steam bath.

Many spas in Hua Hin also offer traditional Thai healing treatments. There is also alternative treatment such as Reiki. Resorts offer many detox programs. The most popular treatments are chi organ massage, karsai genital detox massage, deeper skin detox, and herbal skin detox.

  • Sanae Beach Club, 69/19 Soi Moo Ban Khao Tao (About 15 km south of HH in Ban Khao Tao on Hat Sai Noi, +66 32 900 971. On Hat Sai Noi, one of the nicer little beaches in the area. Charming resort. Offers an attractive package for day-trippers: 300 baht per adult, 150 baht for kids 4-12 for use of the pools, a couple free drinks, towels, Wi-Fi. Shuttle from Market Village to hotel and back four times daily. German-run and it runs like clockwork. Restaurant on premises and two others adjacent. Free Wi-Fi. Hotel guests get free breakfast for two, welcome drink. Pet friendly. 2,895+ baht for bungalow.
  • Elephant camps and trekking can be found just west of town.
  • Fishing and eco-cruises can be done both at sea and inland.
  • Fitness and martial arts can be practiced either in gymnasiums around town or in the top hotels.
  • Karting can be enjoyed at the karting track near the airport. The 700 m circuit has a banked curve for speed, floodlighting, beer garden, and catering.
  • Kite-boarding is a popular in Hua Hin. There are several schools giving lessons and tuition with equipment for hire. Conditions are good from Jan-May as thermals blow in the afternoon at 14-20 knots. The water is shallow, can be choppy and has a beach break. Hua Hin has very good kite boarding conditions with shallow, warm waters. There is a northerly east wind from October–January with wind ranging from 15–25 knots. From February–May Hua Hin has a southerly thermal wind that gusts to 15–20 knots in the afternoon. There are good conditions for kite surfing in both of these seasons.
  • Pony rides on Hua Hin beach
  • Walking and cycling are popular in Hua Hin thanks to the mostly flat terrain and clean gulf air.
  • Water sports in Hua Hin include swimming, banana boat rides, water skiing, jet-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, para-sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba-diving.

Sanae Beach Club, 69/19 Soi Moo Ban Khao Tao (About 15 km south of HH in Ban Khao Tao on Hat Sai Noi, +66 32 900 971. On Hat Sai Noi, one of the nicer little beaches in the area. Charming resort. Offers an attractive package for day-trippers: 300 baht per adult, 150 baht for kids 4-12 for use of the pools, a couple free drinks, towels, Wi-Fi. Shuttle from Market Village to hotel and back four times daily. German-run and it runs like clockwork. Restaurant on premises and two others adjacent. Free Wi-Fi. Hotel guests get free breakfast for two, welcome drink. Pet friendly. 2,895+ baht for bungalow.

Elephant camps and trekking can be found just west of town.

Fishing and eco-cruises can be done both at sea and inland.

Fitness and martial arts can be practiced either in gymnasiums around town or in the top hotels.

Karting can be enjoyed at the karting track near the airport. The 700 m circuit has a banked curve for speed, floodlighting, beer garden, and catering.

Kite-boarding is a popular in Hua Hin. There are several schools giving lessons and tuition with equipment for hire. Conditions are good from Jan-May as thermals blow in the afternoon at 14-20 knots. The water is shallow, can be choppy and has a beach break. Hua Hin has very good kite boarding conditions with shallow, warm waters. There is a northerly east wind from October–January with wind ranging from 15–25 knots. From February–May Hua Hin has a southerly thermal wind that gusts to 15–20 knots in the afternoon. There are good conditions for kite surfing in both of these seasons.

Pony rides on Hua Hin beach

Walking and cycling are popular in Hua Hin thanks to the mostly flat terrain and clean gulf air.

Water sports in Hua Hin include swimming, banana boat rides, water skiing, jet-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, para-sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba-diving.

Hua Hin Market village Shop at the night markets. Things that you can buy range from T-shirts to antiques. A T-shirt will cost you around 300 baht. It is also a great place for contemporary art handicrafts, hand-woven printed cotton, silk fabric, silk weaving, embroidery, baskets, pottery, wood carvings, gemstones, and jewellery (including sapphires and rubies). Haggling is mandatory to get the best prices possible.

There are two night markets. The better known is in the middle of Hua Hin, and is rather tourist-oriented. The one the Thais favour is known as the Grand Market because its in the parking lot between Grand Hotel and San Paulo Hospital. It is more diverse and interesting, but does not operate M-Tu. For local handicrafts, the Hua Hin Bazaar, about 100 m west of the beach, should be your first stop.

Only on Tuesdays is the Pae Market near the Royal Hua Hin Golf Club. It's a good place to get the feel of a traditional Thai market.

  • Cicada Market. Open-air market at the south end of Hua Hin.
  • Golden Place, 5/15-16 Phetkasem Rd (Between Sois 37 and 39, sea side of Phetkasem, +66 32 514 400. Daily, 06:00-24:00. Small shop that focuses on product from royal projects (it is adjacent to one of the monarchy's palaces). See a limited selection of meats, and vegetables, but lots of fruit and Thai snacks of every description. The cosmetics section is great: no Western name brands, just lots of herbal products made in Thailand. Small wine and beer selection and every other kind of drink. Salad bar. Great to visit just to wander around and see the unusual offerings. Prices are reasonable.
  • Hua Hin Ham Bacon & Meat Company, 2/38 Soi 41 (Soi 41 is on the sea side of Phetkasem Rd, +66 32 513 144. M-Sa, 08:00-18:00; Su, 09:00-17:00. British-run makers of hams, bacon, sausages, pies, burgers. Importers of beef, lamb, pork, fish, veg, grocery items. Their products are sold in many of the shops catering to Westerners in Hua Hin and beyond. Their spotless little shop sells all their meats and pies, as well as a good selection of British and continental foods ranging from pickled eggs to Bisto to olive oil. During holidays you can order cooked turkeys, hams, and other seasonal meats from them.
  • Nightly Street Market. A great place to eat. There is a market devoted primarily to tourist shops along Dechanuchit Rd. This is a favourite venue for shoppers, with opportunities for shopping, enjoying seafood cooked on the spot and glimpsing local lifestyles.
  • Tops Market PowerBuy Hua Hin, 226/3 Phetkasem Rd (Corner of Soi 88 and Phetkasem Rd, +66 32 511 272. Daily, 09:00-22:00. Combination grocery/electronics-home appliance store. Food portion has restaurant, bakery, and lots of take-out prepared foods. Good salad bar and prepared meals. No alcohol.
  • Villa Market-Hua Hin, 218/1-4 Petchkasem Rd (Between Soi 84 and San Paulo Hospital, +66 32 532 100. Daily, 08:00-22:00. This Westerner-oriented supermarket chain has 32 stores throughout Thailand. This is one of two in Hua Hin. Imported and Thai foods. Has extensive frozen foods, liquor, and a butcher shop. Prices seem to be higher than at Hua Hin Shopping Mall (cheapest), and Gourmet Market (in Bluport).
  • Villa Market-Index Mall, 17/139 Soi Moo Baan Borfai. Daily, 09:00-20:00. This Westerner-oriented supermarket chain has 32 stores throughout Thailand. This is one of two in Hua Hin. Imported and Thai foods. Has extensive frozen foods, liquor, and a butcher shop. Prices seem to be higher than at Hua Hin Shopping Mall (cheapest), and Gourmet Market (in Bluport).

  • The Blue and Yellow Book Exchange, 114/23 Phetkasem Rd (Across from Krungsri Bank. M-Sa, 10:00-17:00. Small shop chock full of (disorganized) paperbacks in major European languages. Mostly vacation fiction (Jack Reacher; Clive Cussler). Not cheap. Will accept exchanges for credit. Typical paperback, 180 baht.

The Blue and Yellow Book Exchange, 114/23 Phetkasem Rd (Across from Krungsri Bank. M-Sa, 10:00-17:00. Small shop chock full of (disorganized) paperbacks in major European languages. Mostly vacation fiction (Jack Reacher; Clive Cussler). Not cheap. Will accept exchanges for credit. Typical paperback, 180 baht.

  • Invade IT, 60/22 Soi Mooban Bohfai (In the long block before Makro heading north on the Makro side of street, +66 32 520 177, +66 86 600 6694. M-F, 08:30-17:30. The best computer shop in Thailand? Mostly mail order, but can turn orders quickly. Orders can be picked up on premises. Excellent support in excellent English. Highly recommended.

Invade IT, 60/22 Soi Mooban Bohfai (In the long block before Makro heading north on the Makro side of street, +66 32 520 177, +66 86 600 6694. M-F, 08:30-17:30. The best computer shop in Thailand? Mostly mail order, but can turn orders quickly. Orders can be picked up on premises. Excellent support in excellent English. Highly recommended.

  • Twelve Victory Currency Exchange, Market Village (Basement, Market Village, just outside Phetkasem Rd entrance. Oct-Apr, 10:00-21:00; May-Sep, 10:00-20:00. Three locations in Hua Hin: this one in Market Village, one near the Hilton Hotel, one at Bluport. Fast and friendly service. Make sure you have your passport.

Twelve Victory Currency Exchange, Market Village (Basement, Market Village, just outside Phetkasem Rd entrance. Oct-Apr, 10:00-21:00; May-Sep, 10:00-20:00. Three locations in Hua Hin: this one in Market Village, one near the Hilton Hotel, one at Bluport. Fast and friendly service. Make sure you have your passport.

  • Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall. M-F, 10:00-21:00; Sa-Su, holidays 10:00-22:00. Hua Hin's latest shopping centre, opened in October 2016. Shops, banks, restaurants, cinemas, impressive supermarket with many Western items. The shops here are little more than kiosks for name brand merchandise at full list prices attended to by bored salespeople. Except for the cinemas and the supermarket, you may be better off at Market Village, down the road towards town centre.
  • Hua Hin Shopping Mall. Daily, 08:30-21:00. This place is inaptly named. It does not look like a shopping mall, but it is a collection of small vendors selling clothing, watches, shoes, and also a largish supermarket. It's not slick at all, just a Thai supermarket and jumble sale right in the centre of town. Shopping there is a blast, as you never know what you will find next. Not much for vegetables, and the meats are frozen, but a good assortment of packaged Thai and Western foodstuffs. Prices probably the lowest across the board of all the supermarkets listed here. Ground floor: supermarket and clothing, etc. Second floor: housewares and clothing. Third floor: mobile phones and computer stuff.
  • Market Village, Soi Hua Hin 88/1. Su-Th, 10:00-21:00; F-Sa, 10:00-22:00; Homepro and Tesco-Lotus open daily at 09:00. Anchor stores are Tesco-Lotus Supermarket and Homepro. Judging from the crowds, this is the most popular shopping mall in Hua Hin.

Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall. M-F, 10:00-21:00; Sa-Su, holidays 10:00-22:00. Hua Hin's latest shopping centre, opened in October 2016. Shops, banks, restaurants, cinemas, impressive supermarket with many Western items. The shops here are little more than kiosks for name brand merchandise at full list prices attended to by bored salespeople. Except for the cinemas and the supermarket, you may be better off at Market Village, down the road towards town centre.

Hua Hin Shopping Mall. Daily, 08:30-21:00. This place is inaptly named. It does not look like a shopping mall, but it is a collection of small vendors selling clothing, watches, shoes, and also a largish supermarket. It's not slick at all, just a Thai supermarket and jumble sale right in the centre of town. Shopping there is a blast, as you never know what you will find next. Not much for vegetables, and the meats are frozen, but a good assortment of packaged Thai and Western foodstuffs. Prices probably the lowest across the board of all the supermarkets listed here. Ground floor: supermarket and clothing, etc. Second floor: housewares and clothing. Third floor: mobile phones and computer stuff.

Market Village, Soi Hua Hin 88/1. Su-Th, 10:00-21:00; F-Sa, 10:00-22:00; Homepro and Tesco-Lotus open daily at 09:00. Anchor stores are Tesco-Lotus Supermarket and Homepro. Judging from the crowds, this is the most popular shopping mall in Hua Hin.

Souvenirs from Hua Hin include accessories from coconut shells, printed fabric in traditional Thai patterns, brooms, utensils made of sisal fibre, bamboo woven products, as well as fresh and preserved food.

One of Hua Hin's most renowned local products is pha phim khommaphat or printed cotton, a typical product of Hua Hin which is sold by the metre. The finished khommaphat print is colourful and can be turned into shirts, handkerchiefs, wraps, even toy elephants or fish, as well as decorative pieces such as pillows, bags, fans.

A large variety of other cotton products are also obtainable, such as place mats, tablecloths, and pillowcases.

  • Baan Khao Tao Handicraft Centre. For hand-woven cotton go to Ban Khao Tao. It was founded in 1964. In 2003, the centre's works were registered as the province's leading OTOP (handicraft) product. Hand-woven cotton is offered for purchase in different forms, such as in the Yok Dok print, sarongs, even large items like bedsheets.

Baan Khao Tao Handicraft Centre. For hand-woven cotton go to Ban Khao Tao. It was founded in 1964. In 2003, the centre's works were registered as the province's leading OTOP (handicraft) product. Hand-woven cotton is offered for purchase in different forms, such as in the Yok Dok print, sarongs, even large items like bedsheets.

Cicada Market. Open-air market at the south end of Hua Hin.

Golden Place, 5/15-16 Phetkasem Rd (Between Sois 37 and 39, sea side of Phetkasem, +66 32 514 400. Daily, 06:00-24:00. Small shop that focuses on product from royal projects (it is adjacent to one of the monarchy's palaces). See a limited selection of meats, and vegetables, but lots of fruit and Thai snacks of every description. The cosmetics section is great: no Western name brands, just lots of herbal products made in Thailand. Small wine and beer selection and every other kind of drink. Salad bar. Great to visit just to wander around and see the unusual offerings. Prices are reasonable.

Hua Hin Ham Bacon & Meat Company, 2/38 Soi 41 (Soi 41 is on the sea side of Phetkasem Rd, +66 32 513 144. M-Sa, 08:00-18:00; Su, 09:00-17:00. British-run makers of hams, bacon, sausages, pies, burgers. Importers of beef, lamb, pork, fish, veg, grocery items. Their products are sold in many of the shops catering to Westerners in Hua Hin and beyond. Their spotless little shop sells all their meats and pies, as well as a good selection of British and continental foods ranging from pickled eggs to Bisto to olive oil. During holidays you can order cooked turkeys, hams, and other seasonal meats from them.

Nightly Street Market. A great place to eat. There is a market devoted primarily to tourist shops along Dechanuchit Rd. This is a favourite venue for shoppers, with opportunities for shopping, enjoying seafood cooked on the spot and glimpsing local lifestyles.

Tops Market PowerBuy Hua Hin, 226/3 Phetkasem Rd (Corner of Soi 88 and Phetkasem Rd, +66 32 511 272. Daily, 09:00-22:00. Combination grocery/electronics-home appliance store. Food portion has restaurant, bakery, and lots of take-out prepared foods. Good salad bar and prepared meals. No alcohol.

Villa Market-Hua Hin, 218/1-4 Petchkasem Rd (Between Soi 84 and San Paulo Hospital, +66 32 532 100. Daily, 08:00-22:00. This Westerner-oriented supermarket chain has 32 stores throughout Thailand. This is one of two in Hua Hin. Imported and Thai foods. Has extensive frozen foods, liquor, and a butcher shop. Prices seem to be higher than at Hua Hin Shopping Mall (cheapest), and Gourmet Market (in Bluport).

Villa Market-Index Mall, 17/139 Soi Moo Baan Borfai. Daily, 09:00-20:00. This Westerner-oriented supermarket chain has 32 stores throughout Thailand. This is one of two in Hua Hin. Imported and Thai foods. Has extensive frozen foods, liquor, and a butcher shop. Prices seem to be higher than at Hua Hin Shopping Mall (cheapest), and Gourmet Market (in Bluport).

Fresh lobster for dinner? There are plenty of eating options around Hua Hin. Those close to the beach and atop Khao Takiap are touristy, while some good local options can be found on Phetkasem Rd along the way to Khao Takiap. Hua Hin is famed for its delightful fresh seafood which can be found in abundance at the night market, restaurants, and hotel restaurants. Naresdamri Road is a fine place for great inexpensive restaurants while serving up romantic sea views. Some hotels offer buffets consisting of open cooking stations, including seafood BBQ, and also offer live entertainment like traditional Thai music and dancing.

This area is the site of the Hua Hin Fishing Harbour and in the early morning, seafood can be purchased (its provenance is unknown as the Gulf of Thailand is increasingly fished out).

Moreover, there are numerous dining spots serving Western, Indian, and Japanese food.

For cheap eats, check out the night market or the Grand Market. Budget tourists having problems with the local fare will be happy to know that at the Tesco in the posh Market Village mall, there's street-style Thai food with modern fast food hygiene and air-conditioning: 25-70 baht, and good coffee for 10 baht.

  • Baan Khun Por Food Centre. Evenings. The name literally translates as "Pa's House food centre". A jumble of permanent food stalls selling inexpensive food of every variety: seafood, hamburgers, Isaan food, desserts, fried chicken, and much else. Seating is at open-air tables. There are also bar stalls selling beer and cocktails. The place is thronged with Thais every night, probably for good reason, making it sometimes difficult to find a table.
  • German Restaurant and Bakery, 4/117 Soi Hua Hin 98 (Between Bluport and the bus station. Daily, 08:00-18:00. It's always a good sign when local restaurants buy their bread from your bakery. That's the case with this place. Good assortment of breads and an excellent menu of breakfasts and luncheon dishes. No Thai food. Free Wi-Fi. American breakfast, 135 baht.
  • Happy Pig Restaurant, 10/133 Soi Hua Hin 94. 18:00-22:00, longer in high season. Family-restaurant, European and Finnish food, barbecue, meatballs. Unfortunately, no "non-smoking" area. Rack of ribs, 290 baht; large rack, 450 baht; huge "mega" rack for 890 baht.
  • Hua Hin Vegan Cafe and Wine, Hua Hin Shopping Mall, Hua Hin Soi 100, 74/2, Petchkasem Road, +66 81 174 4647. 09:30-21:30. Innovative and healthy meals. Pleasant decor. Friendly staff.
  • Mirabelle, 34/199 Soi Hua Hin 94 (Next to Star Bar, +66 32 826 150. Cute, clean little French boulangerie-patisserie. Also sells French food imports: cassoulet, mustards, pates, foie gras, wines, Calvados. Not cheap, but these things are not widely available. Small quiche, 60 baht; large can of cassoulet, 295 baht.
  • Morning Bread, Soi 94. Daily, 07:00-15:00. A blessing for early risers, Morning Bread opens early for Thailand, at 07:00. Good breakfasts, not particularly cheap. Also, bakery with respectable selection of baked breads and muffins. Breakfast #6: 2 eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, coffee, orange juice, 160 baht.
  • The Social Salad, 1/8 Soi 55 (Chomsin Rd). Daily, 08:00-22:00. Mostly a Western-style salad place (with very good salads) but also serve meat in such things as fried rice. Good staff, nice surroundings. Just in from the waterfront.
  • Say Cheese Restaurant & Guesthouse, 6/4 Amuaysin Rd (Soi 74) (Just W of the corner of Soi 74 and Sa Song Rd, +66 32 530341. Terrific bar and guesthouse run by the Dutchman Jeroen (Jerry) and his Thai partner. Great Dutch and Thai food, reasonable prices, and international favourites as well. Free Wi-Fi. Backpacker guesthouse on the premises. Clean to a fault, very well run, and a good venue for sports on TV. Cajun Salad, 90 baht.
  • Tops Market. Daily, 08:00-22:00. It turns out that Tops is a good place to get breakfast. It may be the cheapest in Hua Hin. For 89 baht you get two eggs, bacon (good bacon), ham and a hot dog (7-11 quality), a slice of bread, coffee and decent orange juice. Tops also has a full menu of Thai and Western food, also at good prices. The adjacent coffee bar is also a good deal: a hot mocha is just 25 baht. Western breakfast: 89 baht.

Baan Khun Por Food Centre. Evenings. The name literally translates as "Pa's House food centre". A jumble of permanent food stalls selling inexpensive food of every variety: seafood, hamburgers, Isaan food, desserts, fried chicken, and much else. Seating is at open-air tables. There are also bar stalls selling beer and cocktails. The place is thronged with Thais every night, probably for good reason, making it sometimes difficult to find a table.

German Restaurant and Bakery, 4/117 Soi Hua Hin 98 (Between Bluport and the bus station. Daily, 08:00-18:00. It's always a good sign when local restaurants buy their bread from your bakery. That's the case with this place. Good assortment of breads and an excellent menu of breakfasts and luncheon dishes. No Thai food. Free Wi-Fi. American breakfast, 135 baht.

Happy Pig Restaurant, 10/133 Soi Hua Hin 94. 18:00-22:00, longer in high season. Family-restaurant, European and Finnish food, barbecue, meatballs. Unfortunately, no "non-smoking" area. Rack of ribs, 290 baht; large rack, 450 baht; huge "mega" rack for 890 baht.

Hua Hin Vegan Cafe and Wine, Hua Hin Shopping Mall, Hua Hin Soi 100, 74/2, Petchkasem Road, +66 81 174 4647. 09:30-21:30. Innovative and healthy meals. Pleasant decor. Friendly staff.

Mirabelle, 34/199 Soi Hua Hin 94 (Next to Star Bar, +66 32 826 150. Cute, clean little French boulangerie-patisserie. Also sells French food imports: cassoulet, mustards, pates, foie gras, wines, Calvados. Not cheap, but these things are not widely available. Small quiche, 60 baht; large can of cassoulet, 295 baht.

Morning Bread, Soi 94. Daily, 07:00-15:00. A blessing for early risers, Morning Bread opens early for Thailand, at 07:00. Good breakfasts, not particularly cheap. Also, bakery with respectable selection of baked breads and muffins. Breakfast #6: 2 eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, coffee, orange juice, 160 baht.

The Social Salad, 1/8 Soi 55 (Chomsin Rd). Daily, 08:00-22:00. Mostly a Western-style salad place (with very good salads) but also serve meat in such things as fried rice. Good staff, nice surroundings. Just in from the waterfront.

Say Cheese Restaurant & Guesthouse, 6/4 Amuaysin Rd (Soi 74) (Just W of the corner of Soi 74 and Sa Song Rd, +66 32 530341. Terrific bar and guesthouse run by the Dutchman Jeroen (Jerry) and his Thai partner. Great Dutch and Thai food, reasonable prices, and international favourites as well. Free Wi-Fi. Backpacker guesthouse on the premises. Clean to a fault, very well run, and a good venue for sports on TV. Cajun Salad, 90 baht.

Tops Market. Daily, 08:00-22:00. It turns out that Tops is a good place to get breakfast. It may be the cheapest in Hua Hin. For 89 baht you get two eggs, bacon (good bacon), ham and a hot dog (7-11 quality), a slice of bread, coffee and decent orange juice. Tops also has a full menu of Thai and Western food, also at good prices. The adjacent coffee bar is also a good deal: a hot mocha is just 25 baht. Western breakfast: 89 baht.

  • The Coffee Club, 33 Naresdamri Road (Next to the Hilton Hotel, +66 2264 4354. Part of a coffee chain. Very popular with travelers. Airy and bright with outside seating. Good food and reasonable coffee, but lacking the character of an indie cafe
  • Patty's Corner, Railway Plaza Today (Across the street and slightly S of the Hua Hin Railway Station, +66 82872 2534. Daily, 08:00-afternoon. Nice calm spot run by Patty and her sister. Good selection of coffees, teas, beers, and lots of delicious desserts. All at good prices. Good English spoken. Mocha, 50 baht.
  • Wake Cafe, 47/2 Soi Hua Hin 57 (Located in the center of town on the main road from the waterfront towards the Night Market, +66 32 860 559. 08:00-20:00. A clean and bright cafe with a small number of outdoor seats. Excellent breakfasts, good coffee and friendly, amenable staff.

The Coffee Club, 33 Naresdamri Road (Next to the Hilton Hotel, +66 2264 4354. Part of a coffee chain. Very popular with travelers. Airy and bright with outside seating. Good food and reasonable coffee, but lacking the character of an indie cafe

Patty's Corner, Railway Plaza Today (Across the street and slightly S of the Hua Hin Railway Station, +66 82872 2534. Daily, 08:00-afternoon. Nice calm spot run by Patty and her sister. Good selection of coffees, teas, beers, and lots of delicious desserts. All at good prices. Good English spoken. Mocha, 50 baht.

Wake Cafe, 47/2 Soi Hua Hin 57 (Located in the center of town on the main road from the waterfront towards the Night Market, +66 32 860 559. 08:00-20:00. A clean and bright cafe with a small number of outdoor seats. Excellent breakfasts, good coffee and friendly, amenable staff.

As of February 2019, bars close at 02:00 in Hua Hin. Subject to change depending on the mood of the government.

Raucous nightlife can be found in the little quarter just inland from the Hilton Hotel. The warren of small streets around Dechanuchit Rd and Soi Bintabaht teems with bars, restaurants, and massage parlours. This area is heavily frequented by tourists.

A second street with lots of beer bars and hostesses is Soi 80, on the west side of Rte 4. It's mostly patronised by resident expats.

  • Bluestation Country Pub. Very popular with the locals, but nearly unknown to tourists. The house band is excellent, playing all Thai country (Peu Chiwit) songs. Before 22:00 there's an opening act that some nights (but irregularly) consists of a duo of a Thai on guitar and a farang on accordion, doing all Thai songs.
  • El Murphy's. The place for live music. This Irish bar with a Mexican slant is the nightly home of Hua Hin's own Stonehead Band. These boys have been rocking Hua Hin for more than 15 years with their great rock and blues classics. Sometimes there is an early opening act. Free Wi-Fi. This place also has terrific food.
  • Luknam Country Pub. Locals and foreigners alike frequent Luknam. Live music every night. Music is Thai pop and country with some Western songs mixed in. Music begins and 22:00 and goes till late.
  • White House Bar, Soi 80. Daily, 10:00-02:00. Nice, spacious bar run by Kun Sen and her Norwegian husband, Ocean. Good pool table, good TVs on which to watch sports, mainly European football. Good bar hostesses who can kick your butt at pool (free). Lady drink, 130 baht.

Bluestation Country Pub. Very popular with the locals, but nearly unknown to tourists. The house band is excellent, playing all Thai country (Peu Chiwit) songs. Before 22:00 there's an opening act that some nights (but irregularly) consists of a duo of a Thai on guitar and a farang on accordion, doing all Thai songs.

El Murphy's. The place for live music. This Irish bar with a Mexican slant is the nightly home of Hua Hin's own Stonehead Band. These boys have been rocking Hua Hin for more than 15 years with their great rock and blues classics. Sometimes there is an early opening act. Free Wi-Fi. This place also has terrific food.

Luknam Country Pub. Locals and foreigners alike frequent Luknam. Live music every night. Music is Thai pop and country with some Western songs mixed in. Music begins and 22:00 and goes till late.

White House Bar, Soi 80. Daily, 10:00-02:00. Nice, spacious bar run by Kun Sen and her Norwegian husband, Ocean. Good pool table, good TVs on which to watch sports, mainly European football. Good bar hostesses who can kick your butt at pool (free). Lady drink, 130 baht.

It would seem that if you are not Thai, you are viewed by the Thai police as a walking ATM. Should a cop be short of beer money and see you not wearing a helmet while on a motorbike, you are likely to be stopped and shaken down for cash. The police box at the SE corner of Soi 61 and Phetkasem Road seems to be where they send officers who are short of cash. The cop on duty will often signal farang to the roadside for some infraction, often trumped up, or for a sobriety test. Most of the time, you will pay cash on the spot, 200 baht and up, to be allowed to go on your way. Another danger spot is Phetkasem Road between Sois 67 and 69. There is a pedestrian bridge across the road there that affords the cops some shade, plus a Family Mart so that they are never short of cold drinks. At this spot they stop all vehicles, usually in late morning, to check for driver's licenses or proof of rental or passports or whatever else they need to have you pay on the spot. The good news is that this roadblock does not operate when is is too hot, rainy, on weekends or at hours requiring the payment of overtime.

  • Hua Hin Tide Tables. Plus lunar/solar rise/set.

  • Hua Hin Immigration (Main office), 439 Moo 1 Thap Thai (Next to Smart House Village, 9 km west of town center. Take Rtes 3218 and 2004., +66 32 520 617. M-F, 08:30-noon; 13:00-16:30. The office moved to an inconvenient locale in February 2019. For simple matters, see the Bluport office listing. It may be more convenient.
  • Hua Hin Immigration (Bluport office), Bluport Mall (East side of basement floor in Bluport, between SCB and Krungsri. M-F, 10:00-17:00. A "one-stop service center" that handles minor matters like tourist visa extensions, reentry permits, and 90-day reports.
  • Immigration Photos, 87/14-15 Phetkasem Rd (Roughly opposite Bliss Cafe (sea side of Phetkasem), +66 32 513516. Daily, 08:00-20:00. Immigration will require passport-type photographs for some services. This is the place to get them. Six 4 by 6 cm photos, 200 baht.

Hua Hin Immigration (Main office), 439 Moo 1 Thap Thai (Next to Smart House Village, 9 km west of town center. Take Rtes 3218 and 2004., +66 32 520 617. M-F, 08:30-noon; 13:00-16:30. The office moved to an inconvenient locale in February 2019. For simple matters, see the Bluport office listing. It may be more convenient.

Hua Hin Immigration (Bluport office), Bluport Mall (East side of basement floor in Bluport, between SCB and Krungsri. M-F, 10:00-17:00. A "one-stop service center" that handles minor matters like tourist visa extensions, reentry permits, and 90-day reports.

Immigration Photos, 87/14-15 Phetkasem Rd (Roughly opposite Bliss Cafe (sea side of Phetkasem), +66 32 513516. Daily, 08:00-20:00. Immigration will require passport-type photographs for some services. This is the place to get them. Six 4 by 6 cm photos, 200 baht.

  • Legal Services Hua Hin, Unit 1-2 @Makro Food Services, 58/164, Soi 4, Phetkasem Rd (Makro is about 5 km N of city centre, inland side of Phetkasem. The office is in a separate building to the right of Makro entrance, +66 84 881 8396. M-F, 10:00-17:00. Small but excellent legal office presided over by Ms Parichat Martin ("Mod"). Handles immigration issues, property matters, legal documentation. Mod speaks excellent English and provides fast and competent service and lots of good advice. Price varies with complexity.

Legal Services Hua Hin, Unit 1-2 @Makro Food Services, 58/164, Soi 4, Phetkasem Rd (Makro is about 5 km N of city centre, inland side of Phetkasem. The office is in a separate building to the right of Makro entrance, +66 84 881 8396. M-F, 10:00-17:00. Small but excellent legal office presided over by Ms Parichat Martin ("Mod"). Handles immigration issues, property matters, legal documentation. Mod speaks excellent English and provides fast and competent service and lots of good advice. Price varies with complexity.

  • Thailand Post, Soi 61, Hua Hin 77110, Thailand (Central Hua Hin, Soi 61 opposite police station. M-F, 08:00-20:00; Sa-Su, holidays, 09:00-12:00. There are at least two post offices in Hua Hin: one in town centre on Soi 61 and a larger one adjacent to the Roong Reuang Coach Terminal about 7 km north of town on Phetkasem Road. The central office has a Poste Restante window, so if you need to have mail sent to you in Thailand this is a possibility. The larger of the two post offices handles bulk shipments like motorbikes. There is also a commercially-operated postal service on the third floor of Market Village at the east end of the building (nearest Phetkasem Rd).
  • Mail Boxes etc, Bluport Mall (In the NW corner of Bluport basement, +66 99 363 2392. Daily, 10:00-20:00. UPS services; mailboxes; postal services; freight; faxes; custom packing; packing supplies.
  • PS Post. Daily, 10:30-19:00. Commercial mailing service provides most, if not all, of Thailand Post services.

Thailand Post, Soi 61, Hua Hin 77110, Thailand (Central Hua Hin, Soi 61 opposite police station. M-F, 08:00-20:00; Sa-Su, holidays, 09:00-12:00. There are at least two post offices in Hua Hin: one in town centre on Soi 61 and a larger one adjacent to the Roong Reuang Coach Terminal about 7 km north of town on Phetkasem Road. The central office has a Poste Restante window, so if you need to have mail sent to you in Thailand this is a possibility. The larger of the two post offices handles bulk shipments like motorbikes. There is also a commercially-operated postal service on the third floor of Market Village at the east end of the building (nearest Phetkasem Rd).

Mail Boxes etc, Bluport Mall (In the NW corner of Bluport basement, +66 99 363 2392. Daily, 10:00-20:00. UPS services; mailboxes; postal services; freight; faxes; custom packing; packing supplies.

PS Post. Daily, 10:30-19:00. Commercial mailing service provides most, if not all, of Thailand Post services.

Perhaps due to the population of aged foreigners, there are two large private hospitals in Hua Hin, both on Phetkasem Road. Medical and dental clinics are not hard to find on the main road also.

  • Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, 888 Petchkasem Rd (Just S of Soi 94/1, inland side of Phetkasem, +66 32 616-800. 24/7. Has a dental clinic as well as most medical specialties except dermatology. Drugs very expensive. Cut on arm requiring 12 stitches, 12,000 baht.
  • Hua Hin Hospital, 30/2 Phetkasem Rd (Between Sois 10 and 12, inland side of Phetkasem, +66 32 523 000. 24/7. Thai government hospital, not especially geared to foreigners. To use it, best to have a Thai accompanying you. Appears to be the largest hospital in Hua Hin, certainly the busiest, probably the cheapest.
  • San Paulo Hospital, 222 Phetkasem Rd (Between Sois 84 and 86, inland side of Phetkasem, +66 32 532 576. 24/7. Cheaper than Bangkok Hospital and seemingly as good. Has a helpful German physician who hangs around the lobby helping foreigners with medical advice and language support.
  • Hua Hin Central Lab, 34/23 Phetkasem Rd (Across Phetkasem Rd from Bangkok Bank in central Hua Hin, inland side of road, +66 32 513 524. Small, usually empty, medical lab clinic. The can analyse your body fluids for HIV and other STDs, liver function, pregnancy, hepatitus, and a bunch of other indicators. Much cheaper than going to a private hospital. Results in several hours or maybe a day. Pregnancy test, 80 baht; HIV, 300 baht; gonorrhea/syphilis, 100 baht; cholesterol, 60 baht.
  • Nana Dental Clinic, 256/6-7 Soi Hua Hin 94/3 (Just off the inland side of Phetkasem Rd, S of Bangkok Hospital, +66 99 145 9949. Daily, 09:30-19:00. It is surprisingly difficult to find a good dental clinic in Hua Hin. This one, named for its lead dentist, Dr Nana, is new (2017) and modern. Dr. Nana, after her Thai dental training, studied at New York University for a year specialising in implants and crowns. She also did a stint at the University of Frankfurt. Her English is excellent and she speaks some German as well. Equipment: state-of-the-art. Prices: competitive and reasonable. Staff: friendly and accommodating both in Thai and English. Cleaning, 750-1,500 baht; root canal, 6,000-10,000 baht; crown, 8,000-13,000 baht; inlay, 10,000-15,000 baht.

Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, 888 Petchkasem Rd (Just S of Soi 94/1, inland side of Phetkasem, +66 32 616-800. 24/7. Has a dental clinic as well as most medical specialties except dermatology. Drugs very expensive. Cut on arm requiring 12 stitches, 12,000 baht.

Hua Hin Hospital, 30/2 Phetkasem Rd (Between Sois 10 and 12, inland side of Phetkasem, +66 32 523 000. 24/7. Thai government hospital, not especially geared to foreigners. To use it, best to have a Thai accompanying you. Appears to be the largest hospital in Hua Hin, certainly the busiest, probably the cheapest.

San Paulo Hospital, 222 Phetkasem Rd (Between Sois 84 and 86, inland side of Phetkasem, +66 32 532 576. 24/7. Cheaper than Bangkok Hospital and seemingly as good. Has a helpful German physician who hangs around the lobby helping foreigners with medical advice and language support.

Hua Hin Central Lab, 34/23 Phetkasem Rd (Across Phetkasem Rd from Bangkok Bank in central Hua Hin, inland side of road, +66 32 513 524. Small, usually empty, medical lab clinic. The can analyse your body fluids for HIV and other STDs, liver function, pregnancy, hepatitus, and a bunch of other indicators. Much cheaper than going to a private hospital. Results in several hours or maybe a day. Pregnancy test, 80 baht; HIV, 300 baht; gonorrhea/syphilis, 100 baht; cholesterol, 60 baht.

Nana Dental Clinic, 256/6-7 Soi Hua Hin 94/3 (Just off the inland side of Phetkasem Rd, S of Bangkok Hospital, +66 99 145 9949. Daily, 09:30-19:00. It is surprisingly difficult to find a good dental clinic in Hua Hin. This one, named for its lead dentist, Dr Nana, is new (2017) and modern. Dr. Nana, after her Thai dental training, studied at New York University for a year specialising in implants and crowns. She also did a stint at the University of Frankfurt. Her English is excellent and she speaks some German as well. Equipment: state-of-the-art. Prices: competitive and reasonable. Staff: friendly and accommodating both in Thai and English. Cleaning, 750-1,500 baht; root canal, 6,000-10,000 baht; crown, 8,000-13,000 baht; inlay, 10,000-15,000 baht.

There are a number of English-language publications, offering a variety of styles, as well as information and entertainment. Long-time visitors to the town will have been familiar with the free monthly Hua Hin Observer magazine found around the town, but in Jan 2010, this became an on-line-only publication. Another monthly publication is the Hua Hin Today newspaper which can be a little dry for tourists, as it contains plenty of local government and local dignitaries news along with details of the latest infrastructure projects and housing developments. Its on-line presence is more of a portal for international news and selling property than a local site. More of interest to tourists is the widely available free weekly AWOL newspaper, which is a mixture of entertaining true and not-so-true stories, typical tabloid content such as a page 3 girl and sports coverage, and major local news stories. AWOL's website includes a discussion forum, free classifieds and all their back issues to download. The longest established local Internet forum is Hua Hin After Dark which is a valuable source of information for both tourists and expats alike, although its slightly cliquey attitude can be off-putting, and discussions can often turn into playground squabbles.

There are a number of other printed publications and Internet sites relating to Hua Hin, but they are mostly concerned with selling or renting property, or promoting another local business. There are also a couple of non-English language publications with a small distribution.

  • Bluport Shopping Mall. A kiosk outside Bluport in the parking garage accepts batteries, light bulbs, cell phones, fluorescent tubes, aerosol containers. Next to it is a bin for soi dog food donations. Free.

Bluport Shopping Mall. A kiosk outside Bluport in the parking garage accepts batteries, light bulbs, cell phones, fluorescent tubes, aerosol containers. Next to it is a bin for soi dog food donations. Free.

Thailand is rapidly becoming a surveillance state. CCTV cameras are being installed at a rapid pace. To send a package, purchase a bus ticket, SIM card, or hotel room you will need to produce a passport. As of October 2019 coffee shops are required to keep a log of all web browsing done on their premises for 90 days.

Hua Hin Tide Tables. Plus lunar/solar rise/set.