Hua Hin is the original Thai beach resort and you may be surprised to learn that there are actually a number of different beaches in the area to enjoy. The many beaches near Hua Hin all offer something a little different, and you’ll find the perfect beach no matter what you are looking for. Find out more about Hua Hin and Hua Hin beaches with our quick guide to where to go.
Best for All-Round Beach Enjoyment: Khao Takiab
Khao Takiab is named for the Chopstick Peaks, the twin hills that overlook this nice beach. A number of luxury boutique hotels and small resorts cluster around this beach, making it a good place for a relaxing break. There’s a Buddha statue that overlooks the sands, and from the top of the hills you can see across to Singhtoh Island, which is around 800 meters away. When you have finished relaxing on the beach and playing some beach sports, you can charter a boat to visit the island. Beware the over friendly monkeys in the temple!
Image via Anton / Flickr
Best for Peace and Quiet: Suan Son
But only on weekdays – at the weekends Suan Son beach can get packed and full of people. Suan Son is a little way south from Khao Takiab and is called after the Sea Pine Gardens. The accommodation here is more basic but there are a number of restaurants and small shops. There is also a golf course at the military base, which is open to visitors.
Best for Getting Away from it All: Khao Tao
If you are looking for smaller, more peaceful beaches then Sai Noi and Sai Yai are ideal. These smaller stretches of sand are pretty but don’t attract the crowds like some other Hua Hin beaches. These are the ideal spots to relax and chill out without being bothered by a large amount of people.
Best for Unspoilt Beauty: Pranburi
Pranburi is a little further from Hua Hin itself and as it is further from the main tourist hub it has some excellent, unspoilt beaches to enjoy. These include Paknam Pran beach that includes a small hill overlooking the sand with a temple. The area has been developed more fully in recent years and there are some interesting resort hotels and restaurants to enjoy.
Best for Traditional Beach Life: Khao Kalok
Khao Kalok has some cool boutique hotels and resorts newly developed to take advantage of the pristine surroundings here. Nevertheless, the beaches here are much quieter than in Hua Hin itself of in Cha Am. You are likely to find yourself a nice stretch of sand, a lounger, and some peace and quiet. There are fewer amenities and it is easier to chill out without any distractions. The cliffs are also attractive and there are a few caves within them that are good for escaping the strong sun.
Best for Boat Trips: Dolphin Bay
Just south of Khao Kalok is the area of beach called Sam Roi Yot and Phu Noi. Here you can charter a boat to take you out into the squid fishing waters and you can also visit the Khao Sam Roi Yot national park.
Phu Noi Beach is reached by a coast road and you can also hire bikes to ride this road if you are feeling active. There is not a lot to do along this stretch of the coast but that is part of the attraction. You will find some excellent, high quality resorts and some nice restaurants but there is not much in the way of nightlife. The beaches here are good for swimming and you can also hire kayaks for easier access to the islands in the bay. A kayaking trip makes for an active afternoon or day’s activity.
Image via Michael Coghlan / Flickr
Best for Action and Activities: Cha Am
To the north of Hua Hin, Cha Am is a beautiful and highly popular place that attracts families, students, and couples alike. The sands are wide and white, and there is always something going on from beach entertainment to parties, sports to activities. Cha Am boasts a large number of restaurants and bars, as well as hotels, resorts and bungalows. You will find a wide range of accommodation and there is plenty to do at night. Cha Am is certainly livelier than Hua Hin and suits those people looking for fun.