6 best things to do in Hua Hin

The Cicada Market is definitely a place to see more hip artistic talents coming together in 1 open market. Packed with handmade crafts, live music and a beer garden, the market is a weekend spot for many Bangkokians looking to get away. The market is also divided into 4 sections with Art a la Mode dominating the scene with clothes, decor, and other popular items.

Art of Eating is another section that features an open-air food court in a garden-like setting. Here, you can snack on all sorts of delicious foods, enjoying art while filling your tummy. Visitors can also find a good selection of alcoholic drinks to help fuel their good times. Located between Hua Hin and Khao Takiab, the market is only open on weekends, so definitely plan for the fun outing accordingly.

Built entirely of teak wood, this palace is clearly unique from all others in Thailand. King Vajiravudh, known as Rama VI, built the palace for the royal family as a seaside summer retreat back in 1923. The King designed the palace himself, with comfort in mind, hiring Italian architect Ercole Manfredi to carry out his wishes.

Known as The Palace of Love and Hope, the building is divided in 3 sections connected by covered walkways. 2 of the walkways start from the King’s room and women’s rooms leading directly to the beach. The Palace is a national heritage site and visitors are required to dress modestly and treat it as such. Thus, seeing this architectural wonder is clearly a must-do on anyone’s list when visiting Hua Hin.

Hua Hin Night Market is exactly what is sounds like. As Thailand is famous for its markets, just walking around them is fun in itself. Located between the Petchkasem Road and the railway line, the market is one long street that becomes lively after 6:30 pm. Here, traders are hoping to sell their merchandise or food from curious visitors looking for a bargain.

However, if you are looking for seafood, this may be the best place to try it as the selection is huge and affordable. As the market is located by the ocean, getting a taste of seafood here is definitely a steal. Moreover, the night market offers a place to sit and enjoy an alcoholic beverage while taking in the scene. Like other markets in Thailand, the market also offers live music and a good mix of locals and tourists.

The Black Mountain Water Park is, perhaps, the best place to cool off with a bit of fun. Located just 15 minutes from Hua Hin, it is quite popular with locals and tourists alike. Even more appealing, is the amount of fun that the whole family can have if you are travelling with kids.

The park has modern equipment and is operated with the highest standard of safety, including trained lifeguards. Spanning 40,000 square metres, a 17 metre high tower gives way to 9 different slides. Moreover, the park has an awesome wave pool, lazy river, beach/infinity pool and a children’s pool. Thus, spending a day enjoying all the different ways to cool off makes this water park a must-visit.

Known as a more exclusive cave to see, only travellers who are very determined will see this magnificent attraction as it is a bit hard to reach. The green and gold pavilion is hidden inside the cave, which is located in the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Just 45 minutes south of Hua Hin, getting there requires you to either rent a boat or hike for 30 minutes above a hill leading to the Laem Sala Beach.

A boat ride might save you from a steep trek of uneven steps. Moreover, you can also combine a boat trip with seeing Monkey Island for added fun. Regardless of what your plans are, seeing this magical cave will make you feel like you are in an Indiana Jones movie.

6. Pranburi Mangrove Forest

Address: CX7P+86M, Pak Nam Pran, Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77220, Thailand.

Just 20 kilometres from Hua Hin, this day trip is quite spectacular as it is home to Thailand’s largest mangrove forest. Here, visitors can walk on 2 raised wooden boardwalks that wind through the thick mangroves, passing over the Pranburi River. But, the best part is that the boardwalks lead all the way to the ocean. Along the way, visitors can also see all kinds of wildlife and a small fishing village.

Taking a break from the more touristy areas of Hua Hin may be a good idea, especially when you can see something quite rare just 30 minutes away from the city. Additionally, once you are done walking through the forest, you can take a break at the pine-tree lined beach. And, because it is not super popular among tourists, you may just have the beach all to yourself.