Where to go for a Thai visa from Hua Hin. What interesting things can be seen around Hua Hin? How long does it take to get a Thai visa in Penang
In January 2018, I went for another two-month visa to Penang Island in Malaysia.
I usually spend half a year in Thailand, on the beaches of Paknam Pran near Hua Hin. Of course, there are many options to get a visa for 6 months: student, multi or business visa. But it’s easier and more interesting for me to go twice for a tourist visa to a neighboring state, unwind and see new places.
Why did I choose to travel to Penang for a Thai visa?
- The train to the border with Malaysia is very comfortable to travel at night, and you can sleep lying down all night
- Visa Ukrainians and Russians in Malaysia do not need
- They say that Penang is beautiful and there is something to do
Previously, I always went for a Thai visa to Laos, to Savannakhet, because the visa was given on the day the documents were submitted. And there is a direct bus from Hua Hin to the border. But a year ago, the rules for obtaining a Thai visa in Savannakhet changed, now a visa is issued the next day after submitting documents, which means that now you have to fry in a stuffy city all day, there is nothing special to see there, there is also nowhere to hide from the scorching sun, so there are advantages there is no more trip to Laos for me. Yes, and a pregnant woman on the bus does not want to sausage in the “ZYu” position.
And on the advice of friends, I decided to explore a new place, go on a mini-trip to the island of Penang.
How to get from Hua Hin to Penang?
By train from Hua Hin Thailand to Malaysia:
I must say right away that the option of traveling by train is suitable for you if you are not in a hurry, because you can apply for a visa only the next day after arriving in Penang, before - no way.
I left Hua Hin Station on train number 31.
He leaves at 18.45 and arrives at 06.35 in Hat Yai. I rode in the second class of a sleeping car for 1029 Baht (I must pay tribute, this is a super comfortable car, you can even say high-tech, I was satisfied).
In Hat Yai you need at the railway ticket office 
buy a ticket for train 947 in Padang Besar.
It departs at 07.30 and arrives at 08.25. Padang Besar is a border town, so when you get off the train, immediately follow the signs to go to passport control.
Passed passport control, customs, congratulations, you are in Malaysia!
There is a money changer in the lobby where you can exchange butts for Malaysian ringgits. The course in banks is better, but the difference is not great, so you can safely change money.
Attention! In Malaysia, the time is one hour ahead, don't forget to set your clocks.
Now you need to buy a ticket to Butterworth at the railway station ticket office. The train leaves at 10.25 and goes to Butterworth for about an hour and a half. The ticket price is 11.40 ringit (about 100 baht).
In Butterworth, try to follow the signs for Ferry.
When I arrived, the road to the ferry was closed, but there were polite people in uniform everywhere, who suggested that there was a free shuttle bass from the bus stop to the ferry.
In fact, it is impossible to make a mistake there, the guys in uniform very persistently indicate the right path to the ferry. The ticket office for the ferry is in the same place, at the crossing, the ticket price is 1.20 ringit (about 10 baht).
The ferry takes about 20 minutes at most, ferries depart regularly, almost every 30 minutes, mine started at 13.00 and arrived on the island at half past one.
As you understand, you can no longer apply for a visa, the acceptance of documents at the Thai Consulate of Penang is carried out daily, on weekdays from 9 to 11 am.
After leaving the ferry, you can take a free bus that runs around the center, making many stops.
If you don't know where your hotel is, you can get off a couple of stops from the ferry, this is the center of Georgetown, where you will find many cafes with Wifi and delicious coffee, in the center you can take a break from the road and see exactly the location of your hotel.
What to do in Penang?
I walked and enjoyed this amazing place. Next time with my husband, I will definitely visit the orchid garden, butterfly farm, botanical garden and many other places. Here's where I've been 
From Penang Malaysia to Hua Hin Thailand
By train:
The catch is that you can only get a Thai visa from 14.00 to 16.00. And in this scenario, you will never catch the train from Padang Besar to Hat Yai, and you will still have to stay one more night in Penang.
Because there are only two fast trains from Panang Besar, the first at 15.35, the second at 18.45.
But there is a second option: fly from Penang airport by plane to Bangkok.
It takes much less time, it takes about an hour and a half to fly, the cost of a taxi to the airport from the center of Georgetown is 45 ringit (if you order by uber) or 65 ringit if you catch a taxi in the center.
The flight cost me $ 80, it is better to take a ticket in advance, my plane took off at about 16.30, and arrived at 17.30 at Don Muang Airport.
In general, decide for yourself whether to stay one more night on the island or fly straight home.
Consulate of the Kingdom of Thailand in Malaysia
On the map
This is what the road to the Consulate looks like
What documents are needed to obtain a Thai visa in Penang?
– Completed application form (will be given at the consulate)
– Return ticket from Thailand (it doesn’t have to be real, you can draw it and make a confirmation on Agent.ru)
– Hotel booking for the entire stay (Booking can be done with the possibility of canceling a reservation, if you make a visa for 2 months, you need to make two reservations for a month each, booking does not allow you to book a hotel for more than a month)
- A bank statement (if not, a printed page in color with the bank's seal is enough (it's easy to find examples on the Internet, it's not necessary that everything be genuine).
– A photocopy of the first page of the passport and the page with the Malaysian stamp.
How long does it take to get a Thai visa in Penang?
The process of submitting and receiving documents to the consulate takes 2 days - the first day you filed, the second day you took it.
If you travel by train from Hua Hin, then you will have 6 days for everything: 1st day take the train, 2nd day arrive in Penang, 3rd day submit documents, 4th day pick up documents, 5th day leave the island, morning of the 6th day - arrive in Hua Hin.
How much does it cost to get from Thailand Hua Hin to Mazalia?
Train Hua Hin - Hat Yai - 1029 Baht
Hat Yai – Padang Besar – 70 Baht
Padang Besar - Butterworth - 11.40 ringit (approximately 100 baht)
Ferry 1.20 ringgit (10 baht)
Accordingly, back about the same price. In total, the price of the round trip is 2500 Baht.
Accommodation in a hotel or guesthouse: prices are different, but if you are considering a separate room and not a dorm, then the price per day starts from $ 25 per day. If you are from Hua Hin, like me, then you will spend at least 4 days on the island - and this is almost a hundred dollars (3100 baht).
The price of a Thai visa in 2018 is 150 ringit (approximately 1300 baht)
Total: 6900 Baht (excluding food)
Consulate of Thailand on the island of Penang on the map
▪ Royal Thai Consulate. Address: 1, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
▪ GPS coordinates: 5.425551, 100.305910
▪ Website thaiembassy.org
▪ Opening hours from 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays (see holiday schedule on the embassy website).
About 60 kilometers from Hua Hin is the largest national park in Thailand - Kaeng Krachan. It is located near the border with Myanmar. Tourists are attracted by the almost untouched mountain rainforest with a large number of exotic plants and animals. The popularity of this place is added by numerous waterfalls, caves, rivers. The road to this park itself is also of great interest, you can easily meet wild elephants on the way, therefore, for safety reasons, tourists are advised not to go there on their own, but with guides. The real decoration of this park is the highest waterfall in Thailand, Palau. This is a sixteen-step waterfall and if you climb to its top, you can enjoy beautiful views of Central Thailand and neighboring Myanmar.
You can go to such an interesting place as Baan Silapin Artists Village. Lovers of such art will have something to see, especially since getting to this village is not difficult, it is located just four kilometers from the city. The village was founded in 1989 and tourists can not only buy different paintings, but also communicate with local artists.
Not far from the village of Bang Kao is an interesting temple Wat Ta Nod Luang. This is not just a temple, but a temple-ship, which is located near the coast and whose architecture combines traditional Buddhist elements and shipbuilding elements. In this temple, the central panel depicts scenes of a shipwreck, and an elephant holding a helm on his head (a very unusual combination). The temple roof is decorated with numerous bells that emit characteristic ringing when the wind gusts. The temple was built not so long ago and, first of all, it is focused not on local believers, but on tourists.
Among the attractions located in the vicinity of Hua Hin include Sai Noi beach located 15 kilometers from the city and the Turtle Temple located next to it. You can comfortably relax on the beach, and order a rite of attracting good luck directly in the temple, and such a pleasure costs only a few dollars.
You can go to the mangrove forest, which is part of the large Forest Park, where you can walk a lot, enjoy the beautiful nature and at the same time absolutely not worry about your health. For visitors to the park, special suspension bridges are provided, which are closed to each other. It is simply impossible to get lost in this park, as there are exit signs and a map of the park everywhere. The highlight of this place are the large colonies of mangrove crabs. Near the entrance to the park there is a wild, unequipped beach.
Not far from Hua Hin is Wat Huay Mongkol, which is visited daily by believers from all over Thailand and other countries. The peculiarity of the temple is that its main statue is not a Buddha statue, but a statue of a famous local monk who lived about 400 years ago and is one of the most revered monks not only in Thailand, but also in nearby countries. In the evening, this statue is illuminated, so you can visit the temple not only during the day, but also after 18:00. Thais are sure that amulets with the image of this saint protect a person from various accidents, disasters and other troubles (you can buy such amulets near the entrance to the temple).
So, friends, I decided to blog again, although I write late at night. But it's impossible not to talk about it!
Because it was another adventure, it was called - "long visa runs from thailand to laos".
The night before, on Zhannochka's birthday, i.e. 12.11.2011 we are going to celebrate this wonderful holiday with a small company. Zhanna cooked delicious dishes, the last time I tried cooking, I’m completely going to give up such food and eat only fresh vegetables and fruits, we sit and talk ... How would it be easier for us to roll up for a stamp, or is it better to have a full-fledged visa?
And now Olya and Kostya offer to go to Laos for a 2-entry visa. Why not? Moreover, this path has been described by many, including their blog globetrekker.ru.
Literally late at night, we decide to think the next morning and either go for a stamp to the border with Burma (Myanmar), or go for a visa to the capital of Laos - Vientiane!
The next morning, they hesitated for a long time. But, in the end, at a fast pace, collecting backpacks, we go to the Hua Hin Railway Station to buy tickets for the Bangkok-Nong Khai evening train. As it turned out, tickets can be bought without a passport at all. Because Dima bought tickets for everyone!
Next, we still need to have time to get to Bangkok by minibus. Therefore, having arrived at the departure station very quickly, we take tickets for the nearest minibus, remember that we forgot the main bag with passports at home :), I return at high speed for it, after that we leave motorbikes with Dima at the tenant and say that we will not arrive soon, we rush to the minibus, we are late at 15:00 and, finally, we go on the next minibus ...
This is just the beginning of the adventure!
We get into a traffic jam at a gas station, because minibuses run on gas, and such gas stations are rare, we stand for 5 minutes and the driver decides to go to Bangkok, refueling somewhere else along the way. We don't have much time left!
At the next gas station, we get into a big traffic jam, where, in addition to us, there are also large gas trucks and a whole bunch of the same minibuses (intercity minibuses and just private individuals in minibuses), I feel uneasy. Because I walk to the beginning of this line and see how long each car refuels, because it's gas!
After a while, I ask you to let our minibus pass faster, and the tanker who clears the queue allows us to drive up earlier, and, lo and behold, we skip as much as 4 cars ahead. The whole filling took 20 minutes. And we continue to rush to Bangkok at a speed of 120 km / h.
Upon arrival, we transfer to the cheapest transport in Bangkok - an ordinary taxi and for a ridiculous amount (according to the taximeter) - 50 baht, we are all taken with luggage to the railway station Hua Lamphong 20 minutes before departure train number 69 departing to Nong Khaya(Nong Khai) at 20:00. We decide to have a snack on the run and rush to the train, which is already waiting for us on the 5th platform. We pass the ticket check and sit in our car.
In a fairly comfortable carriage, with sleeping places, we go to bed.
Knowing in advance that the incredibly cold air conditioning on the train would work all night, we took some warm clothes with us. They covered the holes themselves with packages, it became better.
In general, there were several identical carriages with multi-colored curtains on the train, I went through them to photograph. Because it was our first trip to Thai trains.
The cars were produced by Daewoo back in 1989 in Korea, but I would like to note that the cars are comfortable, because. there are sinks placed outside the toilet + there is a shower + a separate toilet!
However, trailers are not wide and all shelves are located along the wall. There is a restaurant car on the train, however, it is terribly dirty, as is the teapot of the conductor, who tried to sell everyone tea for 40 baht, diluting 1 bag into 4 mugs!
Thai fields rushed past, workers on them, swamps and the rest of the flowering green mass :), as well as slightly flooded territories.
And since we travel at the speed of a turtle through such territories, we lose precious hours for applying for a visa at the Thai embassy. We know that you need to have time to go to the embassy before the gates close, i.e. 12:00 and after that you can wait at least 2 hours.
And lo and behold, we finally arrive in Nong Khai at 11:00, quickly get off the train, hoping for something else and meet the queue at the railway ticket office. Why - it turns out later. It turns out that you can also get to Laos in the town of Thanaleng by train. What we used for only 20 baht.
This train was waiting for our train from 8:20 (planned time of arrival) to 11 o'clock, because. departure time was written on the tickets: 9:15. We pass passport control before the train.
But, only at 11:30 this train starts, because. waits for all tourists passing control at the Thai border.
On it we quickly rush across the bridge of friendship.
And exactly 10 minutes later we arrive at Thanaleng Station already on Laos land 🙂
We fill in the Arrival card and Departure card, quickly go through passport control.
Then we find a minivan, but ... the time is already over 12 hours, now there is nowhere to hurry 🙁 because we still have 30 minutes to go to the capital of Laos - Vientiane. The opening hours of the embassy are listed below.
You also need to know that after submitting the documents on the first day before 12 noon, you need to pick them up in the morning, i.e. and so 2 days are needed, now we will lose three days only in Laos!
We reach the Mekong embankment in Vientiane. Apparently the most promoted place is the Riverine Hotel, because besides us, several other Russian tourists were brought to it to check in, but we are going to look for a guesthouse for the first time, and not a hotel.
We decide to stay at Relax & Dream Away (abbreviated as RD) Guesthouse for 520 baht per day. Dima and Alena with Senya at Orchid Guesthouse for 800 baht per day.
You also come across rooms for 300 baht in the Mixai Guesthouse, well, they are quite miserable, without a shower in the room. We also had air conditioning (which we did not use), a table, chairs, a refrigerator, a TV set, 2 beds, hot water and a view of the street, we were also pleased with the fast Internet right in the room!
By the way, DD Travel Ticketing was located next to us, where you could buy bus tickets for the Vientiane - Nonkh Khai bus in advance, because it is not possible to buy a ticket at the bus station in advance (only 30 minutes before departure), as I later found out, having traveled in vain by taxi!
In the evening, while Zhanna was working, Vasilisa and I went for a walk along the embankment. They were looking for fruit, but everywhere they sold only fried-boiled-steamed food, which is by no means impossible for cheese-eaters. Yes, and a healthy person on it for a long time will not survive. We found a place where there were young coconuts and I asked to open one for Vasena and me. It cost 3-4 times more than the Thai version, although it was larger in size.
After walking around, we looked into a Thai cafe, which had reasonable prices and basic Thai dishes, in which we constantly ate later. It was called The Shade Restaurant
The menu of Lao and Thai dishes is presented below.
The next day, early in the morning, at 8:30 am, I rent a dead bike, because. there was nothing else, and I'm going to the embassy on the map with a non-working GPS. It was interesting! But the movement turned out to be easier than in Cambodia.
I take a picture of a sample visa application, take a few blank forms.
I’m going to Zhanna and the guys to fill them in and stick pictures that ...
And this is another story, which I will not delve into, I will only say that in vain we did not prepare the printed photos in advance, but while we were preparing them, the closing time of the embassy came up - 12:00, i.e. we could not hand over our passports for the second day in a row. And having printed them in a darkroom in black and white (because earlier issuing visas in Malaysia and Cambodia did not attach any importance to this), it turns out that only a color photo is needed! Getting into the window for submitting documents, we are generally afraid of being late with a photo reprint!
As a result, I manage to do everything, rushing on the bike headlong and delivering everyone in turn to the place. We get to the closing of the doors, arriving at 10 minutes before 12:00 o'clock 🙂
So after all, NONE of the bloggers said that they needed exactly color photos and only they are accepted for a visa. Therefore, I will write.
Photos in the application for a visa to Thailand at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane need ONLY COLOR!
By the way, it was funny to see Buddhist monks in the laboratory 🙂
Although everything has its advantages. Having studied the city quite well without GPS, I could already get to the embassy and back, and most importantly, I found a lot of interesting things, like various temples, markets and a darkroom. And it is impossible not to mention that in Laos everywhere they sell baguettes with and without filling, quite tasty (better than in Thailand) and not expensive.
They also sell fruit, which was a salvation for me in Laos. The only thing I didn't like was the price. everything is brought from Tai, respectively, fruits are 1.5-2 times more expensive!
So, having applied for a single-entry visa, having paid a fee of 1000 baht per person on the same day in the second building, we go to play in the playground right on the embankment, and then work a little and sleep!
The next day, we should have had no adventures, so we go an hour before the visit to the embassy for Lao Massage with a ridiculous price equivalent to 160 baht. And we are going with Alena and the children, she is with Senya, I am with Vasilisa, and Dima and Zhanna remain to work. Because I, which pleases me, do not need to sit at the computer for days!
Children, on the other hand, need to be entertained somehow, so Alena grabbed an iPad.
It turned out to be an interesting massage, somewhat similar to Thai. Immediately after which we rushed to the embassy.
And, lo and behold, because We arrived late and there was no one in line! We calmly received our passports with visas, presenting a piece of paper about payment - receipt (1000 for each visa) and rushed to the Bus Station on a tuk.
Bought tickets to Nong Khai for only 15,000 kip (58 baht) per person and boarded a bus that was leaving in 10 minutes.
Having safely crossed the Thai border, we got to Nong Khai on the same bus.
Upon the arrival of the bus, taxi drivers began to attack us with their exorbitant price of 400 baht, but, having made our way through the crowd, we went directly to the tuker, which “broken” first 100 baht, and then 200 baht, when these bombers began to run into him, arguing that he takes customers away. But I myself went to him. As a result, spitting on everyone, we just approach the taxi driver with a taximeter and, loading, we go to the railway station for, do not believe it, 45 baht!
We calmly take tickets for the 70th train and go to have a bite to eat at a cafe across the road with adequate food prices. We snack again on harmful fried things (well, I ran out of fruit), and we go to the train that arrived.
Having plunged into the train, we sit down in our places, we already habitually spread the bed, which helps to disassemble the conductor.
In the morning, Zhanna and the others drink Moch, such a terrible (not only in name) coffee :).
We are again very quietly driving through the flooded, yes, yes, flooded sites, but already near Bangkok. we observe landscapes outside the window, against the background of the logo of the railway in Thailand 🙂
Already almost arriving in Bangkok, we see water between the tracks, I deliberately lean out of the train on the go to photograph it.
We get almost to Bayok Sky and they open the back door for us (we have the last car) to show how flimsy (backed by a table) it was closed and any of us (especially children) could easily open it and fall out of the car on the go ... oh, these Thais!
While at the station, Jeanne snacks on noodles with seafood (another disgusting thing), and I eat sliced cucumbers, which are served with her, and sprouted soybeans.
And finally, the last gift - a taxi (with a taximeter) from the Hua Lamphong Railway Station to the Century Movie Plaza, from where the minibuses leave for Hua Hin, gets stuck in a Bangkok traffic jam!
But, it doesn’t matter, because we are already in Bangkok and we will get to Hua Hin in various ways, which happened later.
That's not sweet, we made our visa runs to Laos in almost 4 days and 3 nights, spending more than 11,000 baht on everything! Not bad.
Allow me to make some contribution to this topic, namely: to briefly talk about the railway version of the border run from Hua Hin to Malaysia.
It seems to me that this method may be relevant for those who live near the stations of the Southern Line of the Thai Railways on the section from Cha Am to Chumpon. In other scenarios, either traveling by bus, or generally traveling to other border crossings, becomes more attractive.
The main advantage of a train over a bus (and even more so compared to a minibus) is freedom for the body. Those who have had to travel long distances, crouched in the back seat of a minibus, will probably think about the train. In addition, the train provides a theoretical opportunity to sleep in a normal - horizontal - position, at the same time somehow approaching the goal. In our case, to the city of Hat Yai. At the same time, you can have an unlimited number of times to eat food sold here on the train, use the toilet at any convenient time, if you wish, wash or even take a shower.
The main disadvantage of Thai trains is constant (and often significant) delays. It is even possible that these are not so much delays caused by some random circumstances, but rather an incorrectly drawn up schedule: I got the impression that the real time of arrival at station N of each train is always approximately the same, and N residents have this secret information. I want to note that in Thai trains the lights are not turned off at night, and this must be borne in mind. In addition, as far as I remember, the conductor used to lock the car at night, but last time this did not happen to the delight of the sellers of all sorts of things, thanks to which you can learn the names of the simplest Thai dishes well. (Oddly enough, the company ... Qatar Airways helped me, or rather their gift: earplugs and an eye mask. I recommend stocking up).
In order not to sell cheap compared to the bus, we must strive to stay within the second class. I would not recommend the 2nd class with seats: in my opinion, it is completely uncomfortable there, and there is little chance of sleeping normally, although the seats fold out almost to a horizontal position, but noise, light (no Qatars help!), wind, bursting in through open windows is not too conducive to sweet dreams. If you nevertheless decide to use this option, or for economic reasons (or perhaps due to the lack of tickets) you find yourself in the 3rd class, warm up! A jumper or a blanket will not interfere. The same people who decide to use first class will probably enjoy the trip very much, and their train will probably run on schedule. But there are few such trains, and passengers too. And we, therefore, chose the Second Sleeper Class, which is found mainly in the compositions of a more "proletarian" level. The cost of a ticket from Hua Hin to Hai Yaya in this case will be about 500 baht (the lower shelves are 10 percent more expensive than the upper ones), which is approximately the same as the price of bus tickets. At the same time, special curtains (why are there no such curtains in our reserved seat?!) and comfortable sleeping places will create a certain comfort and coziness.
The next step is to choose a train. Five night trains run through Hua Hin to Hat Yai. Train number 35, passing through Hua Hin at 18:42, stands apart in this row: it goes to the very border in Padang Besar and even further to Malaysia, but there are no cars of the desired class there. There are no such cars in another Special Express - No. 37, departing from XX at 19:10 (arrival at 07:20). There is also Special Express No. 85 at 11:33 pm, but it should not arrive in XY until 12:34 pm, which is perhaps a bit late. (I can't guarantee, by the way, that this train has 2nd class sleeping cars). These trains, I think, have air-conditioned second-class carriages. As a result, we have little choice: Rapid No. 171 and Ordinary No. 169. Both of these trains are old and battered by life (I’m not sure about the 169th - I haven’t ridden it for two years, they suddenly updated it). They start to be late even in the city of Bangkok, and in XX they arrive an hour and a half later than the time indicated in the schedule - respectively 17:14 and 20:07. Arrival times in HY are 05:52 and 09:15. Adding 2-2.5-3 hours we get the time close to the real one. And so it would be tempting: having arrived on the 171st train, jump to the 35th train to Hat Yai - Padang Besar and at 07:55 be at the border.
Buying a ticket at Hua Hin station is easy: cashiers, unlike many other places, speak English, and you can explain to them. The main thing is to take care of tickets in advance - at least a day in advance - otherwise there may not be tickets. It is important to clearly explain which class of ticket is required. Otherwise, you can easily end up in a sitting position instead of lying down. It would not be impudent to ask for a seat in the middle of the car: it is much quieter there, and the smells of the toilet are not felt. If you had to take 3rd class tickets, then you definitely need to buy tickets with SEATS (you must answer “No!” to the phrase “Only tickets without seats! O'K?”, believe me), otherwise you will have to stand all the way on one leg and curse everything in the world! Chances to sit down will not, most likely. And so - Hua Hin - a good station. Even announcements over the speakerphone are dubbed in English. Also at the station there is a board, which reflects the order of arrival of trains and the delay time for each. And this means that you don’t have to guess whether the train has arrived, and worry about this topic.
It is unlikely to pass your station (if the class of the car is higher than 3): the conductor will remind you, and the neighbors will follow the unreasonable, from their point of view, farang. Therefore, waking up a couple of hours later than the expected arrival, you should not panic: the train is slightly late, and there is still time to wash (and there are three washbasins, and they are not in the toilet, so there is no queue) and have breakfast. In addition, most of the passengers get off at Hat Yai.
Once in Hat Yai, there is no need to repeat my mistake: I, along with the local population, drove a tiny songteo to the Bus Station (“Thirty baht, Sir! Same Thai people!” - I feel like lying, although it started at fifty). The fact is that the minibuses going to Sadao or Padang Besar depart from some points in Hat Yai, located near the railway station, and only then they call at the Bus station, and at the same time they can be almost full. So, in principle, many minibuses are made in this city. The cost does not depend on the place of landing. The main thing is to get rid of the help at the station and the station territory, and then ask the locals - they will show and help.
Thai railway sites.
The best resort, not far from Bangkok, where the Thai elite rests. The resort is especially popular with Scandinavian tourists, so you will not meet Russians and Germans here.
Charming, cozy, calm - three adjectives that characterize the rest in the main resort of Thailand. Of course, it is “main” only for Thais, Pattaya, Phukett, Koh Samui and even Krabi are closer and more understandable to Russian ears, where everything is simple and clear, to everyone: “Bars here, the sea is there!”. Hua Hin is not designed for a mass tourist, the local traditions are too strong in the resort town, it is too decorous, respectable and too royal here, so that the inexperienced in relaxation can know all the sweetness of life in Hua Hin.
Those who can understand the simple joys of monarchs will be able to appreciate the beautiful sights and architecture, the splendor of national parks and beaches. We will tell you about the best places in Hua Hin where you can spend a royal holiday, both during a romantic trip and when relaxing with children.
Comparison of prices for tickets to Bangkok and hotels in Hua Hin on different sites
Why go to Hua Hin?
To see "another Thailand" without strip bars and go-go girls. Enjoy a measured rest without fuss and worries. Play golf on the best golf courses in the country and rejuvenate in the best SPA, whose leadership is recognized around the world. Explore a protected corner of Thailand, where Russians and immigrants from the countries of the former USSR are still a rarity. And learn from your own experience how kings rest.
When to go? Best time to travel to Hua Hin
The best time to visit Hua Hin and Cha Am is from December to March. From April to September, when the so-called “low season” begins in Hua Hin, it is best to plan trips related to health tourism in order to enjoy SPA treatments in the best Hua Hin hotels in peace and comfort. In October and November, rainy weather sets in, and at this time it is better to refrain from traveling to the royal resort.
How to get to Hua Hin?
By car. One of the best ways to get to Hua Hin is to book a comfortable car transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok to the door of your hotel in Hua Hin. Travel time does not exceed three hours. The cost starts from 3500 Bath one way (a trip to the Mercedes E Class CDI Limousine will cost 4300 Bath). Service for ordering cars "Limousine Service Counter" is located on the 2nd floor of the airport in the arrivals area. The cost of a regular taxi from Bangkok to Hua Hin will cost about 2500 Bath, but the price must be negotiated in advance.
By bus. Buses to Hua Hin from Bangkok depart from the South Bus Terminal in Bangkok Sai Tai Mai (Phutthamonthon soi,1). Buses leave every 20 minutes and take about 4 hours. The cost of the trip, depending on the class of the bus from 180 Bath.
By train. Trains to Hua Hin depart from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok (Rama IV Rd, Pathum Wan). From Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can get to the station by Airport Express bus (AE4), bus parking on the 1st floor of the airport in the arrivals area.
Travel time by train will be at least 4 hours, one way first class ticket price starts from 202 Bath. Trains on the Bangkok-Hua Hin route run throughout the day from 8.05 to 22.50. The railway station in Hua Hin is located on Damnoen Kasaem Road.
Where to live?
Almost all hotels in Hua Hin are located on the coast. But there are some fine resorts in the hills west of the city, these are A.K.A. Guti And AKA Resort, which are worth paying attention to if the desire for peace and quiet is much stronger than the desire for sea shores. 
Of the hotels located on the coast, the “blessed home between the sea and the stars” eco-hotel deserves special attention. The word "blessed" in the high-flown characterization of the hotel is not accidental. In April 2004, the hotel was consecrated by Reverend Father Andrew Prasert Lohaviriyasiri, which is very unusual in Buddhist Thailand. The history of the place where the hotel is located begins in the 30s of the XX century, when King Rama VII of Thailand ordered to build a palace for himself in Hua Hin Klai Kang Won made of teak wood, and his idea was picked up by the Thai aristocracy, who poured into Hua Hin after His Majesty. About Hua Hin's Golden Age aan Talay Dao resembles a restaurant building built in the Thai-Victorian style. At the beginning of the 21st century, a hotel was built here, one of the conditions during construction was that not a single tree could be destroyed. This laid the foundation for the concept of an eco-hotel. The territory is small, but completely planted with lush tropical vegetation, so that even on a hot afternoon you can find a refreshing coolness here. For accommodation, the hotel offers 32 rooms, of which 10 are secluded suites and villas. All rooms are very comfortable for living, the rooms, located in two-story pavilions, have wooden terraces, where you can enjoy the singing of birds over a cup of ginger tea.
Another unusual place in Hua Hin is a hotel. Exotic North Africa in the already exotic Thailand. An excellent choice for those who want to visit several countries in one vacation. And in this case, you don’t have to go far: during the day, travel around the outskirts of Hua Hin, and after fabulous evenings in Marrakesh. The interiors of the rooms are appropriate, made in full accordance with the traditions of Arabic architecture. Horseshoe-shaped arches, graceful domes, elongated windows, giving rise to associations with the Kutabiya Mosque in Marrakech, conveying the atmosphere of Cordoba during the reign of the Almohads, in general, plunging hotel guests headlong into a different and ancient world. And even a refreshing cocktail by the emerald pool does not save you from the illusion of a mystical journey to the ends of the world.
List of great residences, resorts and spa hotels in Hua Hin can be carried on to infinity. Hotels with the best SPA are located here, therefore, in order to comprehend all the delights of a holiday in Hua Hin, choose hotels Recommended by SmartTrip. Also, for an exquisite pastime, you should opt for villas and rooms in, in Dusit Thani Hua Hin on the border with Cha-Am or hide from prying eyes not even in Hua Hin itself, but in the no less charming ampho (in Russian district) Pranburi, 23 kilometers from the city, in Evason Hua Hin Resort & Spa.
- Or choose one of
All hotels in Hua Hin: price comparison on different sites
9 ways to spend time in Hua Hin
Despite its relatively small size, Hua Hin is a very attractive place for those who are in search of an unforgettable holiday: beautiful sights, magnificent national parks in the vicinity of the city and many fascinating places of cultural and natural heritage.
Meet history at the railway station
In 1911, Hua Hin was a small fishing village with a hundred inhabitants. But when the king decided to build a railway connecting Thailand and Malaysia through it, the city, with the direct participation of the monarch, turned into the main resort of the country. Nowadays railroad station, built during the reign of King Rama VI, one of the main attractions of the city and the most beautiful station in the country. Adjacent to the main station building is a cream-colored pavilion known as the Royal Waiting Room. It was originally located in the town Nakhom Pathom(famous for the fact that it was from there that Buddhism began to spread throughout Thailand), but later, in 1968, the pavilion was moved to Hua Hin. On the opposite side of the tracks is an old English steam locomotive that was imported to Thailand to transport the elite of society on the government railway. There is a photo exhibition dedicated to the royal family of Thailand in the main lobby of the railway station.
Visit the King
Everything in the city speaks of the presence of the royal family. Like, for example, the hotel building, built in 1922 by an Italian architect commissioned by the monarch. This is a railway station hotel, the oldest in Hua Hin, the royal family used to stay here, but even today the atmosphere of the beginning of the last century is full of charm. But the main attraction associated with the king is the royal palace in Hua Hin. (Petchkasem Beach Road). The palace was built for His Majesty Rama VII in 1926. It was here that in 1932, during a coup d'état, the monarch of Thailand abdicated, and the absolute monarchy was replaced by a constitutional form of government. But the royal Chakri dynasty in Thailand still exists and His Majesty Rama IX plays a greater role in the life of the state and ordinary Thais than his counterpart Queen Elizabeth II for the inhabitants of Great Britain. For services to the state, Rama IX was elevated to the rank of demigod. He has ruled Thailand since 1946, spending every day in real care for his people, as evidenced by his high popularity among the common people. In Hua Hin, they are proud that the king chose this city as his main residence, spending most of his time in the palace. In the absence of His Majesty, the royal grounds are open to the public to visit, and the finely preserved architecture of the three Spanish-style mansions can be admired. (Open from 9.00 to 16.00. Entrance 20 Bath).
Walk in the Garden of Eden
Opposite the palace is the first in Hua Hin Botanical Garden with a magnificent collection of orchids, well-groomed beds with medicinal plants and centuries-old trees. Here you can watch butterflies and birds. Many come to the garden just to take a break from worries and to be even closer to the king for at least a few hours. (The Butterfly Garden is open daily from 9.00 to 17.00. Admission for an adult is 300 Bath, a child ticket is 150 Bath).
Shopping. Markets and shops in Hua Hin
You can restore the atmosphere of the "Great Depression of the 30s" and travel back in time in the retro center PlearnWan (Petchakasem Road, between Soi 38 and 40). This is a cross between a mall and a museum, but still not a flea market. For vintage fans, PlearnWan is the right place to buy a couple of things from the past. It also features contemporary work by local designers and artisans. After shopping, you can have a bite of Thai delicacies in one of the cafes of the retro center, watch Thai movies from the 30s or performances of folk dancers and musical groups, especially if you choose the time to visit from Friday to Sunday. (Opening hours: Monday - Thursday from 10.00 to 22.00, Friday from 9.00 to 24.00, Saturday-Sunday from 10.00 to 24.00. The best time to visit PlearnWan is after 17.00). If you want a complete immersion in history, you can book a hotel room Piman PlearnWan with perfectly recreated interiors of a bygone era. 
By the way, the shopping opportunities in Hua Hin are huge, and local markets will tell you much more about the life of the city, past and present, than any museum. Designer items can be purchased at the market (Khao Takieb-Hua Hin Road or Hua Hin 87 in front of the entrance gate inHyatt Regency Hotel )
, which is more like an art project, which it actually is. The market is divided into four zones: the Amphitheater hosts colorful performances and local musical groups perform, the Food Court offers local and European cuisine, and Art A La Mode and Cicada Art Factory are expanses for shopaholics. (The market is open on Fridays from 16.00 to 23.00 and Saturdays from 16.00 to 22.00). In the center of Hua Hin, night market vendors open their stalls after sunset. There are two in the city: night market (at the intersection of Pecthkasen Rd. and Dechanuchit Rd. (Soi 72)) And grand night market (in front of entrance Grand Hotel on Pecthkasen Rd after San Paulo Hospital (soi 86)). They differ from each other only in size. Everywhere there are cute trinkets, toys, pleasant souvenirs from visiting Hua Hin and, of course, street food stalls, so when planning a trip to the night market, it is worth giving up dinner to leave room in the stomach and try all the delicacies.
Taste the atmosphere of the city. Hua Hin Restaurants and Cafes
In addition to street vendors and excellent hotel restaurants, which should not be neglected (in Hyatt Regency Hua Hin & Barai Residential Spa created by Italian chef Mitele Sbardellini, who creates gastronomic masterpieces based on traditional Italian dishes and authentic Thai cuisine. And in restaurants Dusit Thani Hua Hin unimaginable shows of culinary arts are arranged under the guidance, in addition, members of the royal family often stop at the hotel, so the cuisine and skill level here are appropriate) in Hua Hin there are many restaurants and cafes, both with local and European cuisine. Delicious seafood dishes are served in Khannam (129/5 Soi Moobaan Nongkae, Phetkasem Road) and at Madame Green (42 Moobaan Takiab Nongkae). Don't miss the family restaurant Moon Smile & Platoo (Poonsuk Road, just behind the temple) in search of the best, it’s better anyway for lovers of Thai cuisine adapted to Europeans in the whole city, especially if you have a habit of ordering “not spice” or “mai ped” dishes, that is, without hot spices and at least without hot chili - pepper. Dishes at Moon Smile & Platoo don't give the taste buds an atomic blast, but they aren't so emasculated, retaining the aromas and flavors of every ingredient. But since all the enemies are in taste and color, we offer you to make your choice in favor of this or that restaurant on your own. To do this, you just need to be in "Food District" on Naresdamri Rd next to the Hilton Hotel. It is here that the most popular cafes and restaurants with Thai cuisine, pizzerias and steakhouses are located.
Explore the beaches and surroundings of Hua Hin
As strange as it sounds, it is not customary to swim on the beaches of Hua Hin. This is especially true of the city beach. (East entrance from Damnernkasen Rd, next to the hotel Sofitel Hua Hin ).
The maximum that a Thai can afford on a beach holiday is sunbathing on sun loungers (besides, in all hotels with access to the beach, there are signs warning about jellyfish, but foreign tourists have always neglected and neglect this rule). But on the city beach you can ride horses (from 6.00 to 19.00, the cost of 15 minutes of riding a horse is 200 Bath). Trips along the coast are a favorite pastime of Thai tourists, for which they have not only pleasant memories, but also a souvenir plate (200 Bath) with their photograph, where they are depicted as a brave rider.
Drink tea with an elephant
You can also ride elephants - a traditional entertainment for all foreigners in Thailand. IN Hutsadin Elephant Foundation(176 M7 Huahin - Nongplub Rd) not only trips are organized on movie star elephants (many pets take an active part in the filming of films), but they also offer visitors to play football with an elephant or draw a picture with the smallest 4-year-old elephant Songkran. You can get to the elephants by tuk-tuk (the trip will cost about 300 Bath), 1 hour of elephant riding costs 800 Bath, banana-money and treats for elephants at the request of visitors, but rarely, who leaves less than 1000 Bath here, the local pets can melt the heart and empty the purse of even the biggest miser. But it's worth it!
Play golf and test your courage in the water park
And Thais prefer to swim in the water park black mountain close to the golf club and Black Mountain Golf Condominium Hua Hin (the water park is open daily from 10.00 to 17.00. Admission is 900 Bath for adults and 225 Bath for children, but there is often a 50% discount) or protected areas where the best beaches of Hua Hin are located with an ideal coastline and white sand. Like a small beach in a bay Hat Sai Noi by the hill Khao Tao and the temple complex of the same name, 10 kilometers from Hua Hin.
Swim in the waterfall and learn the secrets of nature
You can also swim by going to the waterfall. pa la-u located almost on the border with Burma, 63 kilometers from Hua Hin in the area Kui Buri, although here, bathing in the eyes of the local population, who came to admire the butterflies and watch the life of wild animals in their natural environment, will look like wild barbarians. The most comfortable time to visit the waterfall is from November to April, but from June to October you can see the waterfall in all its glory, when it is at its fullest. It is definitely worth climbing to its origins, from where a picturesque view of Thailand and Burma opens. You can get to the waterfall by rented car, moped or taxi (ticket price 400 Bath for adults and 200 Bath for children).
The famous national park is located in the same area. Khao Sam Roi Yod. Its name "mountain of 300 peaks" fully corresponds to the impressive landscape that appears before the eyes of anyone who has traveled to these places: a fantastic view of the cave Phraya Nakhon with a Buddhist temple hidden in it, sandy beaches Hat Laem Sala And Hat Sam Phray and turquoise lakes, rare species of animals and birds are just a small part of what can be seen in the park. Navigate through Khao Sam Roi Yod better on a bike, when the forces are running out, you can look into one of the small restaurants near the park.
So in Hua Hin everyone will find a rest for themselves according to their taste and passions, no matter how royal they are.
