How to spend your Songkran at Hua Hin 2024
Are you looking for your ideal getaway for the upcoming Songkran Holidays? Do you fancy an escape to the beach? Hua Hin is a fantastic destination to visit in Thailand to celebrate Songkran. It is the nearest beach to Bangkok, only 3-4 hours drive away. So, save yourself some valuable time and travel expenses.
Hua Hin is also a popular beach getaway for Thais. Furthermore, it has many resorts located along some beautiful beaches. So get ready for a culturally rich Songkran celebration and see how locals celebrate this unique time in Thailand. There are plenty of activities to indulge in! Let us show you how you can celebrate the Songkran festival in Hua Hin!
Songkran at Hua Hin 2024
1. Visit the temples to follow Songkran tradition
The Songkran festival revolves around the element of water. Why? This is because water symbolises cleanliness and purity in Thai culture. Water is poured each other on Songkran, the Thai New Year, to cleanse you of negativity from the past year while blessing you with happiness for the following year. This brings us to a prominent Thai culture in Thailand- visiting local temples to bathe the Buddha statue to gain merit.
Hua Hin has serene and beautiful temples you can visit to perform the deed. Wat Hua Hin, also known as Wat Ampharam, is located in the centre of the town and is the primary worship destination for many locals and tourists. Another popular destination is Wat Huay Mongkol, honouring a large Buddha image of Luang Phor Tuad, the revered Buddhist monk. The temple has a park-like setting with a lake, waterfalls, streams, pavilions, bridges and places to sit and be in the moment. Or you can go to the Khao Takiab Temple (called the Monkey Temple), which is located on the top of a hill. You might come across monkeys as you climb up the hill. And let the view of Hua Hin sink in once you get to the top!
2. Don’t miss out on the water fun
Even though you cannot have water wars on the streets this year, you don’t have to miss out on the fun! Why don’t you visit the waterpark? Or better, Asia’s first water jungle! Black Mountain Water Park is a vast water park boasting a 17-meter high tower with nine different slides, a spectacular wave pool making giant waves, a lazy river, a beach infinity pool and a children’s pool for well-rounded family fun. If you are looking for a new waterpark experience, you have the visit Vana Nava– Asia’s first water jungle! What’s hidden in the tropical jungle surroundings is the world’s best rides guaranteed to give you the rush of adrenaline you’ve been yearning for.
3. Do your palate a favour
You know you cannot go wrong with a scrumptious meal with loved ones. Hua Hin has the best food destinations to put a cherry on top of your Songkran celebration. Travelling to the seaside town, you have to have the taste of the ocean. Book a table at Big Fish & Bar Hua Hin and indulge in award-winning meals as you overlook the stunning blue sea.
Another destination for you is the Monsoon Valley, a huge vineyard producing exquisite Thai wine. Have a wholesome dining experience with dishes made from self-grown organic ingredients as you overlook the seemingly endless fields and hills. The Harvest Festival also coincides with the first day of Songkran. For just 390 Baht, you can join the vineyard tour, pick grapes, try grape stomping and even create grape scented wax! Plan a perfect day out with your family at the Monsoon Valley!
4. Enjoy the beach
In the early hours, Hua Hin’s beaches present a tranquil retreat, the soothing sound of the waves and the soft hues of the sunrise creating a perfect backdrop for a bit of soul-searching or meditation. It’s a magical time when you can have vast stretches of sand almost to yourself, barring the occasional jogger or fisherman starting their day. As the sun climbs higher and the festivities of Songkran take over, the atmosphere shifts.
Laughter and joyful shouts fill the air, and the beach becomes a lively hub of people coming together to cool off in the sea and enjoy the holiday spirit. Families, groups of friends, and even solo travellers mingle, sharing in the collective happiness that Songkran brings. Whether you seek solitude and reflection or the warmth of communal joy, Hua Hin’s beaches cater to all moods throughout the day, making them an essential part of your visit.
5. Book your accommodation early
When planning your Songkran getaway to Hua Hin, it’s wise to consider the array of accommodation options available well before you arrive. Given the town’s popularity during this festive period, lodgings can book up quickly, from the upscale resorts that dot the coastline offering luxury amenities and stunning sea views, to the charming guesthouses nestled in quieter parts of town, providing a more intimate and homely experience.
Early booking not only guarantees you a place to stay but also often secures more favourable rates, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to enjoying the festivities and local attractions. Additionally, many accommodations might offer special Songkran packages or activities, further enriching your holiday experience in this vibrant coastal town. So, taking the time to research and book your Hua Hin stay in advance isn’t just about convenience; it’s about making the most of every moment of the Songkran festival. If you are still not sure where to reserve good accommodation, check out our partner Agoda’s website.
Still interested in Hua Hin? You can check out our article on Top 5 must-visit cafes in Hua Hin.
