Exploring Hua Hin, Thailand
Hua Hin is probably the nearest mainland location to Bangkok with decent beaches and is also one of Thailand’s oldest tourist destinations. Over a century ago, one of Thailand’s former kings (Rama V) built his summer palace there as a retreat from the nation’s capital. Hua Hin also seems to be a popular destination for European tourists, who come to work on their tans and enjoy evenings at the beachfront restaurants.
Download my Hua Hin PDF Travel Guide
Accommodation in Hua Hin
As far as accommodation goes, there are plenty of choices available, ranging from budget to more upscale options, and WikiTravel is an excellent reference source. However, when it comes to hotels and guesthouses in Hua Hin, the general rule of thumb is that the less expensive options are located on the western side of the main highway through the town, while the more expensive ones are situated on the eastern side, closer to the beach.
The EU Bakery & Guesthouse is a budget-friendly accommodation option located on the western side of the main road (on Hua Hin 74 Street), just a 400-meter walk from the Hua Hin Railway Station.
For booking inquiries at the EU Bakery & Guesthouse, click here
Transportation Around Hua Hin
Another benefit of staying at the EU Bakery & Guesthouse is that they can arrange a motorbike rental for you on the spot. Having your own transportation gives you the flexibility to set your own schedule and itinerary. Motorbike rental rates in Hua Hin are currently 250–300 THB per day.
Organized Tours
If you prefer organized tours around the Hua Hin area, there are plenty of options available.
Click here for Organized Tour inquiries
Visiting The Three Caves
Approximately 32 kilometers from the railway crossing in Hua Hin (or 30–40 minutes travel time), you will come to the intersection of Route #3218 and Route #3301. This is the location of a small township called Ban Nong Phlap. Within the first 8 kilometers along Route #3301, there are three very interesting temple caves to visit: Dao Cave, Lub Lae Cave, and Kai Lon Cave.
During my first visit to Hua Hin in 2012, I was fortunate to have the guidance of a local expat, Jim Currie, who had twenty years of experience in the area. Jim took me on personalized guided tours to all three cave sites, which I would have otherwise had no knowledge of. All three cave sites (temples) are located on the left side of Route #3301 and spaced 2–3 kilometers apart.
Note: All the caves are on Buddhist temple grounds, so please respect local religious etiquette.
For directions from Hua Hin to the Ban Nong Phlap turn-off, click here.
Visiting the Dao, Lub Lae, and Kai Lon Caves
Exploring all three caves will require at least half a day. Here’s what to expect at each site:
A tour through all three caves will take at least half a day. Dao Cave and Kai Lon Cave (the 1st and 3rd caves) have internal lighting, while Lub Lae Cave does not. For a safe tour through Lub Lae Cave, bring your own lighting (torches) and wear solid footwear.
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Exploring Wat Pai Ban Walai – The Mummified Monk
The temple is located in a remote jungle setting and boasts a very unique attraction compared to other Buddhist temples in Thailand. At the highest point of the temple grounds, within a mausoleum, lies a mummified monk sealed in a glass casket.
During my first visit to Hua Hin in 2012, I was fortunate to have Jim Currie, a local expat, as my guide. Not only did he know the location of Wat Pa Walai and its mummified monk, but he also shared that he personally knew the monk while he was still alive.
Flanking the airtight glass casket are display cabinets containing the monk’s personal effects, photographs, and historical information about his life’s work. This remarkable attraction offers a glimpse into the monk’s spiritual journey and contributions.
Click here for directions to Wat Pai Ban Walai
Pala U Waterfall
Continuing from Wat Pa Ban Walai, towards the Burmese Border, the road enters an area that is devoid of human habitation. This is a wildlife sanctuary with dense jungle up to the road’s edge. Care should be taken when driving along this stretch of road in the late afternoon or at sunset, as wild elephants often emerge from their jungle habitat to feed at the edge.
If you are on a motorbike, you should stop at a good distance from them (at least 200 meters) as they are not tame and can be hostile if provoked or if they feel threatened. During the daytime, this isn’t an issue as the elephants will remain in the cool surroundings of the jungle, avoiding the heat.
Click here for directions to the Pala U Waterfall
You will eventually emerge from this no-man’s land of wild jungle into a small village where there is an information center about forest conservation and wild elephant management. This area, close to the Burmese border, is one of the most picturesque and undeveloped locations in Thailand. There are no large hotels or resorts anywhere in sight.
The road to Pala-U is well marked with directional signage, and as you continue, you’ll begin to descend into a mountainous, heavy jungle terrain of amazing natural beauty. Due to the fact that there is so much dense jungle in this area, rainfall can occur at any time of the year. I visited in the month of February, which is generally considered the dry season, and there were heavy afternoon thunderstorms. Wet weather gear is an advisable option, particularly if you’re on a motorbike.
Download my Hua Hin PDF Travel Guide
Khao Kalok Headland
This is a coastal nature reserve that also includes Thaao Ko Sa Forest Park, located 31 km south of Hua Hin. In terms of a sightseeing experience, it’s off the beaten track, as the only way to get there from Hua Hin is by independent means (car or motorbike).
Getting To The Khao Kalok Headland
From Hua Hin, get onto Highway #4 and head south until you reach the turnoff (on the left) for Route #1019. Follow Route #1019 to the end, where it meets Pak Nam Pran Road (Route #3168). Turn left at the T-junction, then continue straight until you reach the beach road. Turn right at that T-junction and follow the road all the way to Khao Kalok Headland.
Once you arrive, park your bike in one of the roadside parking areas, then grab a drink to cool off before you begin exploring the headland.
Click on this link for directions from Hua Hin
Karst Geography
The headland is quite extensive, and aside from the picturesque white sand beach along its northern edge, there are several challenging nature trails running across the peak’s upper topography. The headland’s terrain is composed of jagged karst rock, with steep cliffs being a predominant feature.
At the top of the northern face, there’s a lookout point offering excellent views along the coastline. As with all karst features, there are also a number of interesting small caves that park rangers can guide you to for a small fee.
Download my Hua Hin PDF Travel Guide
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
This impressive National Park is located approximately 50 km south of Hua Hin. There are some hotels and resorts within the national park area, but most people tend to stay in Hua Hin and travel to Sam Roi Yot on day excursions.
Khao Sam Roi Yot Spans A Large Area
The spread of the park is quite extensive, encompassing 98 square km from north to south. Because of this, you will need a vehicle to explore all the main attractions. Most people traveling from Hua Hin, if they aren’t on an arranged tour, will rent a motorbike for the day. Travel time from Hua Hin to Sam Roi Yot on a motorbike is approximately one hour.
Note: There is an entry fee for foreigners of 200 Baht for all the cave sites at Sam Roi Yot. However, you only pay the fee once for the day, so if you have the energy to visit more than one site, you won’t need to pay again.
Click on this link for directions to the Khao Sam Roi Yot Park
What Does Khao Sam Roi Yot Mean?
The English translation of Khao Sam Roi Yot is “mountain with 300 peaks,” and as you approach the national park, it certainly feels that way, as the myriad of distinctive, jagged peaks comes into view. The park’s highest peak reaches approximately 605 meters.
Be Careful Of Jagged Terrain
The geography of Sam Roi Yot is characterized by craggy, jungle-covered limestone terrain. Due to millennia of weathering, much of the surface topography is sharp underfoot. For this reason, it is highly recommended to wear good footwear, such as proper hiking shoes, instead of flip-flops, as visiting all the attractions requires a substantial amount of hiking.
Caves & Viewpoints In Khao Sam Roi Yot
The main attractions in the park are the caves, but there is also a stunning viewpoint at the southern end of the park, offering spectacular views along the cliff line and out over the ocean. Additionally, there is a picturesque Buddhist temple located directly below Khao Daeng Viewpoint.
In Conclusion
Hua Hin is one of the many “must see” areas in Thailand and offers a great balance of tradional culture and sightseeing, and some tourist hotspots. It’s definitely somewhere to explore if you’re an avid hiker or caver also. Our PDF guide goes into much more detail about the sights and hidden gems of Hua Hin, download it now.
