Updated: December 2019
In Bangkok, you won’t be able to find any beach to chill out but if you have more than 4D3N in Bangkok, you can consider planning a trip down to Cha-Am and Hua Hin which is just a 2.5 hour drive from Bangkok. Hua Hin is Thailand’s first beach resort and also the province where the Royal Palace is located. Cha-Am and Hua Hin are also closely associated because they are just 25km apart and you will definitely pass Cha-Am before reaching Hua Hin.
This mega guide is compiled based on my 3 recent trips there and I personally believe in going there to experience the venues for myself before producing a comprehensive guide. Do look out for individual postings of the various recommendations below which will be released progressively. Hope it helps in your planning! Here are the 25 Must Go in Cha-Am Hua Hin to get you started :)
Cha-Am
Cha-Am is located 170 km south from Bangkok in Phetchaburi Province and it takes about 2 hours by car. Cha-Am is a cheap and quiet Thai Resort and visitors love it for its laidback vibe. There is hardly any nightlife activity here so if you want more things to do, drive another 25km down to Hua Hin.
Cha-Am caters to many Thai tourists and Bangkok residents who just want to escape the city during the weekend. Tourists who love peace and just want to spend time on the beach will also love this place.
While it is relatively quiet, there are still several attractions you can visit or participate in beach activities such as jet skiing and banana boat.
Where To Stay?
The Cha-Am Methavalai Hotel
The Cha-Am Methavalai Hotel is a well-established mega hotel in Cha-Am. Located in the middle of Cha-am’s 5km long beachfront, you can easily access the beach just across the street. In Mathavalai, you can choose to stay from 3 accommodation styles, i.e. main wing, beach villa wing and luxurious Thai houses. Rooms here are spacious with Thai decorations and the best part is they come with a big balcony for you to enjoy the sea view. There is also a wide array of breakfast selections and if you are lucky, you can even dine with a sea view. Read more…
Address: 220 Ruamchitr Road, Phetchaburi 76120
Where To Go?
Cha-Am Beach
Cha-Am’s long and beautiful 5km beach is probably the main and natural attraction of Cha-Am. In Cha-Am, be sure to set aside time to just relax on the beach. You can either suntan or sit under the shade. You can rent beach chairs. If you are more adventurous, go jet skiing or ride the banana boat. Alternatively, you can rent the bicycle to ride along the beach, enjoying the scenery and breeze.
Santorini Park
Santorini Park is a themed amusement park, inspired by Santorini Island in Greece. Therefore, the buildings in Santorini Park are painted white and blue together with some beautiful art and decorations, perfect for photos. If the sky is clear and blue, your photos will be much nicer! The amusement park here is small and prices for the rides (120 baht onwards) are not included in the entrance fee. Rides include Ferris Wheel, Double Deck Carousel, G-Max Reverse Bungee and G-Max Giant Swing. I will say that the majority of visitors come here to take pictures of themselves in “Santorini” and it’s popular even within the local communities. Read more…
Address: 555 Moo 3, Khao Yai, Cha-Am, Phetchaburi 76120
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri ”“ 10am to 8pm; Sat & Sun ”“ 9am to 8pm
Admission: Foreigners ”“ 150฿ ; Locals – 50฿
Camel Republic
Camel Republic is the latest theme park to open in Cha-Am. It is inspired by modern Moroccan architectural style and it is actually a mini zoo and amusement park. Over here, you can take photos with animals (camels, giraffes, goats, birds, etc). You can choose to hand-feed the animals but at an additional cost of (20฿ for food) for each of the animals. The amusement rides here are also more thrilling but again at an additional cost (from 120฿). If you want to fly, don’t miss out “Sky Fly”, the only sky-diving simulator in Thailand, and it’s outdoors! Thrilling enough? Read more…
Address: 456 Moo 2, Khao Yai, Cha-Am, Phetchaburi 76120
Opening Hours: Mon to Thu ”“ 10am to 6pm; Fri to Sun & Public Holidays ”“ 9am to 9pm
Admission: Foreigners ”“ 200฿ (Adult), 120฿ (Children) ; Locals – 120฿ (Adult), 90฿ (Children)
Swiss Sheep Farm
Swiss Sheep Farm, as the name suggests, means you can find sheep there and you can even feed them (at an additional cost). Apart from that, many locals like to come here to just take photos with the beautiful setup. You can find horses, windmill, Volkswagen cars and vans, English telephone box, etc. Swiss Sheep Farms is created in a European style. Many couples love to come here for wedding photos too. Read more…
Address: Khao Yai, Cha-Am, Phetchaburi 76120
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri ”“ 10am to 7pm; Sat & Sun ”“ 9am to 7pm
Admission: Adult ”“ 120฿ ; Children – 80฿
Cha-Am ATV Park
Want something more adventurous for your Cha-Am trip? Try ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) Riding, Paintball or even Archery. Of course the bigger your group, the more fun it would be. Read more…
Address: 760/7 Soi Borkam, Petkasem 212 Km. Rd., Cha-am, Phetchaburi 76120 GPS: 12.744895, 99.950148
Opening Hours: Daily – 9am to 5:30pm (Except Wednesday)
Price: From 500฿ onwards for 30 minutes ATV Ride
Maruekhathayawan Palace
Maruekhathaiyawan (Mrigadayavan) Palace is one of the oldest and most attractive royal palaces in Thailand. It is also known as “The Palace of Love and Hope”. Maruekhathaiyawan Palace was built by His Majesty King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1923, as a place of relaxation for his summer getaway. Built completely using teak in a Thai-Victorian style, the walkways are all elevated, designed to catch the breeze from all directions. Despite its age, it’s still in tip-top condition.
Address: Maruekhathayawan Palace, Khao Yai, Cha-Am, Phetchaburi 76120
Opening Hours: Daily ”“ 8:30am to 4:30pm (Except Wednesday)
Admission: Adult ”“ 30฿ ; Children – 15฿
The Venezia Hua Hin
The Venezia is a themed shopping Village inspired by Venice. Similar to other man-made attractions, this place is popular for photo taking and can be romantic for couples too. Other activities include riding the iconic Venetian Gondolas, Horse Carriage, 3D Art Gallery, etc. Of course, all these will be at an additional cost and it is cheaper if you take the package at the entrance. There are also several established restaurants where you can dine too. Read more…
Address: 1899 Petchkasem Rd, Sai Tai, Cha Am, Phetchaburi 76120
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri – 11am to 10pm; Sat & Sun ”“ 9am to 8pm
Admission: Free
Where To Eat?
Platoo Seafood
Platoo Seafood is located just along the seaside and you can dine with the magnificent sea view and sea breeze for company. The food here is quite delicious but don’t expect extremely cheap prices as restaurants along the beach usually charge higher. Read more…
Address: 241/44 Ruamchit Road, Cha-am, Phetchaburi 76120
Opening Hours: Daily – 10am to 10pm
Chom Talay Beach Restaurant
Chom Talay Beach Restaurant is a very well known restaurant and is situated along the seaside, you have both sheltered and non-sheltered dining (closer to sea). Food is delicious but prices are on the high side, mainly for the ambience. Read more…
Address: Soi Cha-am, North 10, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120
Opening Hours: Daily ”“ 11:30am to 9:30pm
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is another 30 minutes drive down from Cha-Am and it’s Thailand’s first beach resort. While other Thai beaches cater mainly to foreigners, Hua Hin caters to both Thais and foreigners.
King Rama VII discovered Hua Hin in the early 1920s and had his summer palace built for an ideal getaway from Bangkok. The construction of a railway line enabled easy access for Thais and the railway station is now an iconic tourist attraction visited by every tourist to Hua Hin.
Today, Hua Hin is filled with sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, night markets, a natural waterfall and luxury resorts, making it one of the most popular weekend getaway destinations for Bangkok residents. Hua Hin is indeed a beautiful “Royal” resort with its own unique character.
Where To Stay?
YaiYa Boutique Resort & Spa Hua Hin
Stepping into Yaiya, you will feel as if you have just arrived at your new home by the beach. Hua Hin’s lifestyle is slow and simple with lots of nature and this is truly reflected in Yaiya. They have Sea View Rooms, Suites with large living-balconies, Pool Villas, a lush tropical garden and even a private beach. It’s so tranquil and it’s really a good way to complete your Hua Hin holiday with a stay in Yaiya complete with Thai hospitality. They don’t treat you as another foreigner but a guest and a friend to ensure your stay is well taken care of.
Address: 1390/19 Petchkasem Road, Sai Tai, Cha-am, Phetchaburi 76120
GPS: 12.666597, 99.958291
Where To Go?
Plearnwan Shopping Village
Plearnwan is a themed shopping village inspired by the Good Old Days of Hua Hin. It is a “Living Museum” to bring back the sight and sounds of old Hua Hin and hence you will many vintage items and themes. Other than photo taking opportunities, Plearnwan is sort of a “market” where you can find food and snacks.
Address: Petchkasem Rd (between Hua Hin Sois 38 and 40)
GPS: 12.594108, 99.949245
Opening Hours: Sun to Thu – 9am to 9pm; Fri & Sat ”“ 8am to 11pm
Admission: Free
Seenspace Huahin
Seenspace Hua Hin is the first-ever beachfront shopping mall and eatery in Thailand. Seenspace has become one of my favourite places in Hua Hin for the laid-back vibe. It is the perfect place to chill and enjoy the sunset.
Address: 13/14 Hua Hin 3
Opening Hours: Daily – 12pm to 9pm
Admission: Free
Hua Hin Railway
Hua Hin Railway Station is one of the country’s most beautiful train stations marked by its meticulous details in architecture. Built during the reign of King Rama VI, the station features a Royal Waiting Room done in Thai architectural style, a room which was relocated from Sanam Chan Palace in Nakhon Pathom province during the reign of King Rama VI. Back in the 1920s, there was no road access to Hua Hin and was only accessible by boat. Hence, the birth of this train station allowed many to access this royal resort and today, you need to visit this historic railway station to complete your trip to Hua Hin. Read more…
Address: West end of Damnoern Kasem Road, Amphoe Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Opening Hours: Daily – 7am to 11pm
Admission: Free
Hua Hin & Chat Chai Night Market
Don’t spend your night away without visiting Hua Hin Night Market. It is located in the midst of the town and leads up to the railway line. Over here, you can find many street food stalls and many seafood restaurants selling seafood at a cheap price. There are also many clothing and souvenirs for sale. While at Hua Hin Night Market, don’t miss out Chat Chai Night Market which is just beside. Read more…
Address: 1 Soi Sa Song, Hua Hin 72 Rd., Hua Hin, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khirikhan 77110
Opening Hours: Daily ”“ 6pm to 11pm
Admission: Free
Cicada Market
If you are in Hua Hin over the weekend, you have 2 night markets to visit. This is the second one, Cicada Night Market. It is a trendy flea market selling a variety of art decorations, hand-made souvenirs, clothing, footwear, decorative items, etc. There is also an open-air food court and an amphitheatre style garden where there are performances together with music. This is the place for you to just chill out, relax and appreciate the art. Read more…
Address: Suan Sri, Khao Takiab (on Phetkasem Road)
Opening Hours: Fri & Sat ”“ 4pm to 11pm; Sun ”“ 4pm to 10pm
Admission: Free
Vana Nava Hua Hin
There are several water theme parks in Cha-Am and Hua Hin and this is the latest and most well established one, I would say. Vana Nava opened in December 2014 and since it’s the first week of opening, it already attracted many locals to visit. The crowds are all gathered here! They have the largest slide in Thailand and the tallest man-made mountain with a waterfall in Asia. Everything here is very high-tech too using RFID, you can order photos and pay later without having to worry about cash, cameras or mobile phones. I’m impressed by this water jungle and the higher price as compared to other water themeparks, is worth it! Read more…
Address: 129/99 Soi Moo Baan Nong Kae, Nong Kae, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
Opening Hours: Sun to Thu ”“ 10am to 6pm (Water Adventure Zone) / 9pm (Jungle Zone) ; Fri & Sat ”“ 10am to 9pm (Water Adventure Zone) / 11pm (Jungle Zone)
Admission: Adult ”“ 1000฿ ; Children – 600฿
Monsoon Valley Vineyard
Love drinking wine? Don’t miss out Monsoon Valley Vineyard. Over here, you should head over to The Sala (open-air pavilion) for wine tasting as well as some food if you are hungry. There is a complimentary Jeep Tour at 1pm and 4pm. Remember to take more photos of the beautiful scenery here. Read more…
Address: 1 Moo 9, Baan Khork Chang Patana, Nong Plup, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
Opening Hours: Daily ”“ 8:30am to 6:30pm
Admission: Free
Pala-U Waterfall
Pala-U Waterfall is located in Kaeng Krachan National Park, a 1000-year-old forest, 60km west of Hua Hin. It takes about 1 hour to drive here. This is one of the largest parks and is located right next to the Burmese (Myanmar) border. The waterfall has 16 steps, making it one of the highest in Thailand. However, most can only go up to 3 steps where there is a large pool. Many visitors will spend the time at the large pool enjoying the cool and refreshing water. Do note that the path is not exactly easy, it may require a bit of climbing but please beware of slippery stones. Read more…
Address: Kaeng Krachan National Park
Opening Hours: Daily – 8am to 5pm
Admission: Adult ”“ 400฿ ; Children – 200฿
Phraya Nakhon Cave
There is a Royal Pavilion inside Phraya Nakhon Cave and not many visitors come here because it’s challenging to walk in the cave unless you are quite fit. Phraya Nakhon Cave is located in the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, 45 minutes drive south of Hua Hin. The climb up the cave is rather steep but it provides magnificent views. In the middle of the cave, there is a Royal Pavilion built for a visit by King Rama V in 1896. Although there is a boat ride that cost 200 baht per person per trip, I would recommend you to climb up the cave to enjoy the view and take the boat when returning, as you would be too exhausted to do a return trip via foot. Please have proper footwear and bring lots of water if you are coming here.
Address: Phraya Nakhon Cave, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Opening Hours: Best to visit before 11am
Admission: 200฿
Where To Eat?
Krua Kannikar
If you love chicken, you got to visit this restaurant! If you don’t eat chicken, don’t waste your time coming here because they sell nothing but only chicken. They started from very humble beginnings since 40 years ago where they sell Fried Chicken from a cart. They are now a restaurant. They are famous for the Koson Special Fried Chicken, Stuffed Chicken Wing and Rice Noodle with Chicken Curry. They are along the stretch near Hua Hin Railway in between Hua Hin Soi 84 and 86 and not 88 which some blog has said. Read more…
Address: 190/7, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand 77110
Opening Hours: Daily ”“ 10:30am to 3:30pm (Closed on Wednesday)
Baan Khrai Wang
Baan Khrai Wang is a popular café in Hua Hin which many of my Thai friends asked me to visit. Now I know why it’s so popular. Right in front of the café is the sea with a tropical garden. Having a cup of coffee with some cakes and the sea view is just bliss! Their signature here is “Coconut Cake” and it’s soft and light and very appetizing. If you have time to just chill and relax, make this your café stop! Read more…
Address: 11 Soi 51 Naeb Kehardt Road, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand 77110
Opening Hours: Daily – 9am to 7pm
Living Room Bistro
The Living Room is a cosy colonial bistro along the beach! There is a 50s style wooden beach house overlooking beach and majority of the bistro is alfresco seating, with formal tables and bean bags for you to choose. The menu is inclusive of Thai, International and Fusion dishes. What I like here is the beautiful setting against the sea. Nice place to chill over cocktails. Read more…
Address: 3 Damrongrat Road, Hua Hin Soi 51, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
Opening Hours: Daily – 11am to 11pm
Ku Rotee Chaachuck
The locals told me that this place serves the best Thai Milk Tea (Cha Yen) and Rotee in Hua Hin. It’s basically Roti Prata but in many forms, majority is sweet but they also have savoury choices. The Milk Tea here hits the right spot and it’s not extremely sweet. Rotee is also very delicious and this is a good place for supper since they are closed at 12am. I brought my friends here and they were so taken by the food that they requested to come back on the next day.
Address: Naeb Kehardt Road, Hua Hin Soi 51, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
Opening Hours: Daily ”“ 1pm to 12am (Closed on Wednesday)
Sang Thai Seafood
Located near the fishing pier, this is an open-air seafood restaurant with a nice ocean view. The location and setting is just the perfect atmosphere for seafood. Dishes here are delicious and service is prompt. With the locals’ recommendation, you won’t go wrong. Prices here are reasonable but don’t expect the price to be very cheap as you get the sea view here. Read more…
Address: Fishing Pier, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
Opening Hours: Daily – 10am to 10pm
Jek Piek Coffee Shop
Jek Piek Coffee Shop is a good place for breakfast if you don’t have breakfast in your hotel. It is a coffee shop where many stalls are gathered and you can order dishes that you prefer to eat. Some of the more popular dishes here are Chicken Rice, Kway Teow Kua Gai and Porridge. Over here, don’t miss out the coffee which is the most popular item here. Over at this coffee shop, they have 3 shifts, Breakfast, Lunch (Seafood) and Dinner (Steamboat). Read more…
Address: 51/6, Dechanuchit Road, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
GPS: 12.571638, 99.957344
Opening Hours: Daily – 6am to 9pm
Wilaiwan Hua Hin
Wilaiwan Hua Hin is a good chilling place with its beautiful decor. If you are not into Thai traditional breakfast, this is another breakfast place for consideration. Else, do visit Wilawan for their variety of cakes. We especially love their signature Orange Chiffon Cake.
Address: 121/10 Soi Muban Nong Kae Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Opening Hours: Daily – 9am to 9pm
Eighteen Below Ice Cream
Eighteen Below Ice Cream is one of the popular places in Hua Hin for Ice Cream and they brand themselves as providing “Luxury Home Made Ice Cream”. They are located just opposite Baan Khrai Wang. You can choose to have brownies or waffles to go along with your choice of Ice Cream. The interior decoration is also simple yet interesting, a good place for taking photos although they don’t have any sea view. Prices are a little on the high side though.
Address: 2/57 Naeb Kehardt Road, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
GPS: 12.582294, 99.955467
Opening Hours: Daily – 11am to 5pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Jitara Seafood
This is not an easy restaurant to locate and you need to have a car in order to come here. If you are only interested in the freshest catch and don’t mind the simple and traditional decor, we highly recommend you to come here just to try their steamed blue swimmer crabs. It’s so fresh and delicious and most importantly, the prices are reasonable.
Address: 111/1 Nong Kae, Hua Hin 77110
Opening Hours: Daily – 10am to 9:30pm
How To Go?
Train
If you have too much time to spare, you can consider taking the train just for the experience. Otherwise, don’t waste your time because the journey from Hualamphong Station to Hua Hin takes about 4 to 5 hours. Ticket price depends on the cabin class.
Price: 44฿ to 202฿
Journey Time: 4 to 5 hours
Bus
There is a daily scheduled First Class Coach (24 seater) Service from Suvarnabhumi Airport To Hua Hin, located at Level 1, Gate 8. Departure timings from Suvarnabhumi: 07:30, 09:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30 and 19:30.
Price: 305฿
Journey Time: 3 to 4 hours
Mini Bus (Van)
If you are in the city and have just a small bag, what most locals do to travel is to Hua Hin is to take the minibus at Victory Monument. There are buses from 5am to 6pm at every 15 mins interval. It may be a little squeezy for some of you since the minibus seats.
Price: 180฿
Journey Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Car
Want the most convenience without having to worry about getting taxis in Hua Hin? If you are travelling in a group and if you have many places that you want to explore, this is the best choice. Driving to Hua Hin is easy since the signboards are clear. To navigate around, simply use Google Maps on your mobile device. There are many promotions by the various car rental companies, so do some research before confirming your booking. You might also want to check out our post on – Renting A Car In Bangkok ”“ 10 Tips You Need To Know!
Price: From 600฿
Journey Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
More good deals?
Check out Klook for more good deals that you might love!
There are definitely more places that you can visit in Cha-Am and Hua Hin and I will definitely update this list when I’m back. Meanwhile, if you have any recommendations for places for food or hotels that I should stay, feel free to drop me a message below! Thank you for taking your precious time to read this Mega Cha-Am Hua Hin Guide. :)
