How can I get to Hua Hin from Bangkok?There are several reliable and cost-effective options available. Both minivans and trains provide efficient service, with equitable pricing for all passengers. This guide outlines the key details for each mode of transport, including schedules, fares, and practical advice. Travel by Minivan: Frequent and Convenient Service Minivans depart regularly—every 30 to 45 minutes—from Ekkamai Bus Terminal. Access the terminal easily by taking the BTS Skytrain to Ekkamai Station, as the bus terminal is directly opposite. Tickets are priced fairly, with no surcharges for international travelers. There are also minibuses to Hua Hin from the Chatuchak Minibus Station opposite Morchit 2 Bus Station. The approximate travel time to Hua Hin is 3 hours and 15 minutes (one-way fare: 210 THB). Operations commence in the early morning and continue until approximately 8:00 PM daily. You can ask the driver to drop you at the Sheraton Hua Hin. For the return journey to Bangkok, proceed to the Minivan Station on Hua Hin Soi 51. Booking agents along Naresdamri Road (opposite the Hilton Hotel) can secure return tickets at equivalent rates, often including hotel pickup. Note that the final departure is around 9:00 PM. Travel by Train: Scenic and Scheduled Departures The railway offers a picturesque alternative, with nine daily trains departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (commonly known as Bang Sue Grand Station) in Bangkok. Both Cha-Am and Hua Hin lie along the southern line extending toward the Malaysian border, with a variety of train classes and timings to suit different preferences. Travel durations to Hua Hin typically range from 3 to 4 hours. The following schedule summarizes key departures (all times are approximate):
Fares vary by class and train: Third-class seating, available on select services such as the 15:10 Rapid, costs approximately 64 THB. Second-class tickets are priced at 152 THB, while first-class accommodations are 282 THB. Tickets may be purchased at the station or via the State Railway of Thailand's online platform. Taxis It is also possible to travel to Hua Hin by taxi especially for families and small groups. The fare should be around 1,600 baht one way. You can order at the airport or book at these sites: How can I get to Hua Hin from the airport?Roong Reuang Coach operates a first class coach service to Hua Hin from Suvarnabhumi Airport, at 325 baht per person. It is best to book in advance on their website. They also have a shuttle bus between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports. Will they drop me outside the hotel?Many of the minibuses will drop you off by the main entrance to the Sheraton Hua Hin, if you let them know when you board the bus. Do I have to stay at the Sheraton?We recommend staying at the Sheraton, especially with the great rates negotiated, but it is not mandatory. There are smaller hotels nearby, and some players might like to stay in Hua Hin town nearer the nightlife. SightseeingBeaches With Hua Hin's super long coastline, beach-hopping is a total breeze! Right in the city center, you've got the chill vibes of Hua Hin Beach and Khao Takiab Beach. Head a bit further south, and you'll stumble upon gems like Khao Kalok, Khao Tao, and Suan Son Beach. Let's dive in! Hua Hin Beach This is the iconic stretch of sand smack in the heart of Hua Hin—think endless fine white sand perfect for a dip, horse rides along the shore, lazy sunbathing, or revving up with water fun like kiteboarding and jet skiing. It's all lined with fancy resorts, plus their awesome restaurants and bars for that beachy cocktail hour. Pure relaxation! Khao Takiab Beach Tucked just south of Hua Hin Beach around Chopstick Hill, this spot's a hidden delight. The northern end hugs the Giant Standing Buddha, and up on the cliffs, you'll find cozy restaurants with jaw-dropping sea and city views—ideal for a sunset dinner date. Romantic? You bet! Khao Kalok Beach About 30 km south of the city center, this beauty is my personal fave for a quiet escape. I zipped there on a scooter and paired it with a quick jaunt to Phra Nakhon Cave—total win! It's a long, serene stretch where you can unwind, catch some waves for kitesurfing, or just vibe. My hotel host raved about it, and locals love it too—no crowds here! Khao Tao Beach Split into two cozy coves north and south of Wat Tham Khao Tao (about 15 km south of town), this duo is perfect for a half-day adventure. Bundle it with a temple visit, and you've got yourself an easy, scenic outing. Suan Son Beach Just 10 km south and super peaceful, this one's a short stroll from Suan Son Pradipat Beach. No wheels? No worries—hop on a train from Hua Hin Station, and you're there in a flash. Easy peasy! Night Markets Hua Hin's night markets are where the magic happens—think buzzing evenings filled with mouthwatering eats and quirky finds. The daily Hua Hin Night Market is a staple, but save your weekends for the lively Cicada and Tamarind scenes. Get ready to munch and shop till you drop! Hua Hin Night Market Right in the city center near the train station (at Hua Hin 72 and Dechanuchit Alley, between the main road and tracks), this daily hotspot is packed with street food stalls dishing up Thai favorites and souvenir spots galore. Bonus: The nearby Chatsila Night Market adds even more flavor! Cicada Night Market Five km south of downtown (tuk-tuk or Grab makes it effortless), this trendy weekend wonder (Fridays to Sundays, evenings only) has it all—tasty street eats, cool fashion, souvenirs, and live music to keep the energy high. It's like a party with shopping! Tamarind Night Market Snuggled next to Cicada and open late afternoons to midnight (Thursdays to Sundays), this one's all about the food—Thai classics mixed with fusion twists, plus chill acoustic tunes. Just a quick 10-minute ride from town. Foodie heaven! Shopping Malls Fancy some air-conditioned retail therapy to beat the heat? Hua Hin's got two big players: Bluport and Market Village. They're loaded with shops, eats, and everything in between—perfect pit stops! Bluport Shopping Center A speedy Grab ride from downtown, this spacious spot feels way more laid-back than the rest. Swing by the food court, grab groceries at the supermarket, or browse the shops without the hustle. Total chill zone! Market Village Shopping Center Near Soi 94 (the expat hub), this mall's a go-to for fashion, beauty goodies, and gadgets, plus a fab food court. And don't miss the night market out front—street food and live tunes make it extra fun! Temples Thailand's got temples on lock, and Hua Hin's no exception—these spots are serene, stunning, and full of stories. Top picks? Wat Khao Takiap, Wat Tham Khao Tao, and Wat Huay Mongkol. Oh, and a quirky little shrine too! Wat Khao Takiap Perched on Chopstick Hill (7 km south), this one's all about those epic ocean panoramas. Park, climb a quick staircase, and boom—you're at the chedi with views that'll steal your breath. Wat Tham Khao Tao & Big Buddha Fifteen km south (super easy Grab hop), this temple complex is a stunner with sea vistas that go on forever. The Big Buddha adds that wow factor—peaceful and photogenic! Wat Huay Mongkol Twenty km west of town, it's a fave for its vibes—pair it with a Pala-U Waterfall trip for an epic day out. Jao Mae Tub Tim Shrine This tiny Chinese gem sits right by the main beach in the city center. Scooter over (or walk!), soak in the ocean breeze, and wander—it's a sweet, low-key spot. Nightlife Areas Hua Hin's nightlife? Think easygoing hangs with bars and bites sprinkled everywhere, but the real clusters are in Soi 94, Soi 80, and Soi Bintabaht—all super central and inviting. Soi 94 Minutes south of the train station, it's expat central with bars, eats, and massage spots buzzing till midnight. Foreign-friendly and fun! Soi 80 Right across from the station, this strip of bars and clubs keeps it mellow—less frenzy, more chill chats over drinks. Soi Bintabaht Downtown's lively alley, steps from the beach and night market. Bars, clubs, and eats line the way—vibrant but not overwhelming. Dive in! National Parks, Waterfalls, Hiking Nature lovers, rejoice! Around Hua Hin, you've got parks, cascades, and trails galore. South: Phraya Nakhon Cave and Pranburi Forest Park. North: Khao Nang Phanthurat hikes. West: Pa La-U Waterfall. Adventure awaits! Phraya Nakhon Cave Fifty km south in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, this limestone wonder glows with natural light and packs historical punch. A must-see! Pranburi Forest Park Twenty km south, it's all peace with a mangrove boardwalk (free entry!) and a secret beach. Stroll through the trees—pure zen. Pa La-U Waterfall Seventy km west near the Myanmar border, this beauty's worth the trek (guided tour or driver recommended—I scootered it, but wow, that highway!). Lush and refreshing. Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park Forty km north, hike those dramatic limestone cliffs—it'll remind you of Vietnam's Ninh Binh. Epic views, total thrill! Khao Hin Lek Fai Just west of town (Grab it to dodge cheeky monkeys if you're on a scooter), this viewpoint's a quick win with sweeping sights. Thai Massages Hua Hin's a massage paradise—spots everywhere, prices that won't break the bank (like 300 baht for an hour of oil magic!). After all the exploring, shopping, and nights out, treat yo' self. It's basically non-negotiable! Hua Hin Artists Village (Baan Sillapin) Art buffs, head 6 km west for this creative haven—studios, galleries bursting with cool pieces, plus cafés and handmade souvenirs. It's a delightful detour! Currency exchangeYou probably get better rates in Thailand than you will at home. There are currency exchanges at the airports as well as many places in Bangkok and Hua Hin. One of the best exchange bureaus is SuperRich |
