Excursions in Hua Hin. Wat Huay Mongkol or Big Seated Monk. Summer Royal Palace of King Rama VI
This beautiful resort is world famous for its five-kilometer beach with amazing white sand. There is no need to even talk about the excellent tourist service in Thailand, it is beyond praise. However, to visit the fabulous Siam and lie on the sand (albeit the best) is just a crime.
Fans of unforgettable experiences will definitely visit the Sam Roi Yot and Keng Krajang national parks with the famous Phrayanakorn cave and the Huay Yang and Pala U waterfalls. And how can one be near Phetburi and not visit the city, which houses the most beautiful temples of Wat Mahadrat, Suvanaram and Wat Kamphaeng Leng, palace complexes Pra-Nakhon-Khiri, as well as the unique Khao-Vang? Here you can also admire one hundred and seventy Buddha statues in the Khao Luang cave complex. By the way, and colossal in size, largest statue Buddha is located in Wat Neranchararama, located near Hua Hin temple. Yes, and Klai-Kangwon, the most beautiful Royal Palace to ignore is simply blasphemous.
And if you add to all of the above, there is also an elephant camp, where unforgettable skiing and walks are organized for guests, as well as beautiful nature and a lot of entertainment traditional for everyone sea resorts, but with an indispensable "Siamese component", as well as an inexpensive Thai massage. Copyright www.site
The most interesting cultural and entertainment center is PlearnWan, it is often called a “living museum”. It is stylized as an old village and is a complex of beautiful traditional buildings, interesting craft workshops, small exhibitions, and interesting shops. Visitors to the center will be able to admire hand-sewn traditional clothes, visit artisan workshops and taste popular National dishes. There is even a small pharmacy on the territory of the complex, where you can buy healing herbal preparations.
Sam Roi Yot National Park is considered one of the main natural attractions of the resort. natural landscapes. On its territory there are spacious green valleys, and mountain ranges, and impenetrable jungle, in the thickets of which waterfalls of fabulous beauty are hidden. There are many interesting places in the park hiking trails, on its territory there are several beautiful caves. The most interesting is the Tham cave. Phraya Nakhon, an old gazebo built in 1896 has been preserved in it.
Tours are very popular among nature lovers. Koh island Tao, also known to many travelers as Turtle Island. This island of Thailand is one of the most sparsely populated in the country, with an area of more than 21 square meters. km, less than one and a half thousand people permanently live on its territory. The main natural value picturesque island, which is almost completely covered with dense tropical thickets, is a large population of Hawksbill tortoises. Here you can watch these amazing marine animals, and some of the beaches of the island are available for tourists to swim.
The Kaeng Krachan Dam reserve is one of the largest in Thailand; it received the status of a national park back in 1981. It is one of the few nature reserves in the country where wild elephants live. In total, more than 400 species of animals and birds can be found in this amazing natural area. The reserve is well equipped for tourism, there are excellent restaurants on its territory, as well as several more accessible places for fishing. The main entertainment for the guests of the park are walks in picturesque places.
floating market
The floating market was built specifically for tourists recently, located 3 km west of Hua Hin. The place is worth a visit as an exotic, because. looks quite impressive: old-style pavilions with pink roofs (each has its own name), bridges over the lake, a small temple with a statue of a monk. On the lake you can ride a boat or catamarans made in the form of animals.
Directly on the market in the pavilions they sell the usual set of goods that can be bought everywhere in Thailand - clothes, shoes, handbags, souvenirs, crafts. There are cafes to eat. You can get to the Floating Market only by your own transport or by taking a taxi. In the first case, follow the signs. The market will be located on the left side of the road, among the fields.
Hua Hin Farm
Nearby, 50 meters from the Floating Market, there is another interesting attraction of Hua Hin - a farm (Hua Hin Farm). It was also built specifically for tourists and is a rather interesting example of antique-styled architecture: a wooden and brick house, a mill, a pen for animals. Inside the wooden house you can buy all sorts of things for the house, such as jugs, mugs, soft toys, figurines.
Hotel Sofitel Centara Grand Resort
Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villa was built in 1923 and in the past was called a railway hotel. Until now, outwardly, he retained his ancient architecture. At one time, it was bought and restored by the well-known hotel chain Sofitel, and therefore it is still operational. Pretty expensive. Located in the city center, right on the coast, on Damnernkasem Rd.
Retro Village Plern Van
This is really an attraction that everyone in Hua Hin should see, especially those who want to be transported back 30-50 years ago. Often referred to as a retro village or a shopping center, Plern Wan is neither. It obviously does not pull on a village with its size, and it is located right on the main thoroughfare of the city. Definition " shopping mall” is also not very suitable, because. here, some goods are not for sale, but are simply exhibited as antiques: cars of the past, an ancient gas station, TVs from the 70s and 80s, telephones almost a century ago, Beatles posters, etc. And sold here for the most part souvenirs, crafts and food. European and American music of the 70s and 80s sounds from cafes and shops (we identified Michael Jackson, Madonna, Ottawa, Boney M and Baltimore with Tarzan Boy). Quite an interesting place, it seems that it really is in the yard of the 60-80s.
The retro village is a two-story wooden structure, at the very end there are small attractions and a small Ferris wheel. By the way, here you can rent a room at the Piman Plearnwan hotel, it's expensive - but it's worth it. This attraction is located on main road- Phetkasem Rd (between Soi 38 and 40), close to Klai Kangwon Royal Palace, on the opposite side.
Wat Hua Hin
Wat Hua Hin is the main temple located in the city center. Nothing outstanding - just a few modest buildings in the Thai style. If you have already seen the ancient and grandiose temples in Bangkok or Phuket, then you can easily bypass it. It will be of interest only to those who are in Thailand for the first time and have never seen Thai religious buildings. There are almost never people. Monks live on the territory, sometimes they drop in here locals. The temple is located on the main road Phetkasem Rd, not far from the clock tower.
Night market
The night market in Hua Hin occupies an entire street in the city center (Soi 72) running perpendicular to the main road Petchkasem Rd. As in all night markets in Thailand, here you can taste national dishes, buy clothes, shoes, souvenirs and much more.
Huai Mongkol Temple
Wat Huay Mongkol is a temple, interesting because the main shrine is not a Buddha statue, but the world's largest statue of St. Lungpo Thoth. This monk lived over 400 years ago and is one of the most revered in Thailand. This attraction of Hua Hin is located 18 kilometers west of the city (take highway No. 3218). It is better to get on your own transport, following the signs. You can use taxi services.
Palau waterfall
Palau is a waterfall in the Kaeng Krachan nature reserve, 60 km from Hua Hin, right in the jungle. There are many amazing plants and animals here. Huge streams of water have 16 levels. Below are several natural pools where you can swim and dive. This is one of the most big waterfalls Thailand. Entrance to the National Park - 200 baht.
In this article, I have collected the most interesting sights of Hua Hin, because this city is very much underestimated, and it was in this region that all the kings of Thailand built their palaces since 1800! They prayed in the local caves and preserved the local nature.
I will immediately try to describe for you how everything works: there are very few attractions in Hua Hin itself, it’s rather simple small resort with good clean beaches, where the King of Thailand and half of Bangkok come to rest for the weekend.
When my wife and I came here for a week to consider it as a wintering city, we fled after 3 days. We were completely disappointed because we expected to see a "Piece of Europe in Asia", in fact, this review appeared. But I had to come back because I forgot my passport at the guesthouse =) I ended up driving around a bit and fell in love with this place! A week later, we came here for 8 months and even for them we could not go around everything we wanted!
Therefore, I will share for you the sights of Hua Hin by directions. The maximum range is 60 kilometers, so everywhere you can ride a bike in one day.
Hua Hin attractions of the city itself
There are very few attractions in Hua Hin itself, so I included everything within a radius of 5 kilometers from the city and the road there will cost you less than 100 baht in a taxi. In addition to those described here, there is also a very interesting Cicada night market, which is open only on weekends, but all the creative personalities of Hua Hin gather there - various craftsmen sell their handmade works, singers arrange concerts, and dancers light breakdance. There is also the Plearnwan shopping complex, which is stylized as ancient village, but it is too dull and there is absolutely nothing to do there.
The Venezia Hua Hin
Awesome place. This is a large quarter, made in the style of Venice. A canal passes through it, in which a Thai in a vest rides tourists on a gondola. Each street is made in the style of one of Italian cities(at least as Thais see them). In fact, there are 3 or 4 separate streets inside, in each house there are shops, restaurants, some are given entirely for children's playrooms. And of course, the whole territory is just dotted with interesting places for photos! That's why I really respect the Thais: it doesn't matter how you relax, but you will definitely have amazing and vivid photos that are nice to review later.
On the territory there is a museum of 3D paintings. This is when you can interact with the picture and be part of it, as well as the upside down house.
What is especially pleasant is the opening hours: from 6.00 to 22.00. In fact, this is the only place where you can go in the evening on weekdays.
Railroad station
Royal Railway Station 1911! She is active and easy to deal with. On the territory there is a museum of the king and a great coffee shop. The station is located in the very center of the city and is very beautifully illuminated at night. All official holidays and parades start from it.
Do you already feel how interesting it is in the city itself, if the railway station is presented here and in any guide to the sights of Hua Hin?
Viewpoint on the city
This is a mountain in the city center with 8 observation platforms. Only 3 of them are interesting, and only 2 are equipped. But I still recommend going there. The mountain offers a very beautiful view of the city, the sea and warships that guard the entrance to the harbor. On the mountain itself, it is cool and generally pleasant to walk along small paths.
On the way you will meet whole hordes of monkeys, there are a lot of them in every city of this province and they live around the mountains.
The current royal palace
On the territory of the city there is a real royal palace, where the king himself, or members of the royal family, often comes. When there are no distinguished guests, the territory of the palace is open to everyone. This is the most big park in Hua Hin and the locals are very fond of walking there in the evenings. It is for this attitude towards the inhabitants of the King in Thailand that they are very loved and revered. Picnics, dog walks, or provocative behavior are not allowed in the royal garden. Rather, this is a place for romantic walks and sports.
floating market
Today in every tourist city Thailand has its own floating market. Rather, they take small lake, break through a couple of channels from it and build a lot of tourist shops with souvenirs. There has never been any exotic there - this is originally tourist attraction. You buy the same souvenirs, only sitting in a boat and they take money from you for the entrance. The only more or less normal market is located in Bangkok and is called Damnoen Saduak, but it has already become completely touristic.
Monkey Mountain or Khao Takiab
Mountain near the sea. It separates the central Hua Hin beach from Khao Takib beach. Famous for being along central beach there are hotels, and behind the mountain condominiums begin, where winterers with children like to settle. On the mountain itself there is a Buddhist temple and there are several pleasant observation platforms. By the way, as on any mountain in this province, there are a huge number of monkeys. It is better to climb on your own transport, because as always you will have to go without sidewalks and in the heat, but at the top you will find a pleasant sea breeze and good views of the city.
Night market in Hua Hin
Every evening from Friday to Sunday, the city center is blocked and a large night market is held. It stretches across several streets. But the most pleasant thing in this market is the gates. The whole huge stream tourists are coming along this one street, but there you can turn aside several times and find yourself on a quiet street, where creative workshops and pleasant quiet places to relax are concentrated, among this bustle of the market. Naturally, all the vendors in the area come here on weekends, so in other areas it can be difficult to find the usual street food these days.
Hua Hin attractions from the south side
To the south of Hua Hin, attractions created by nature are collected. You will need to drive along the federal highway, but with a fairly good shoulder and a small flow of trucks, so there should not be any special problems.
I would recommend going here for 2 days with an overnight stay in a national park with a cave. You will have the opportunity to swim and relax and see a lot of things. But here you need to understand what an overnight stay in a national park is - this is when life stops after sunset - even there is no light on the territory. And the sunset in Thailand is always at 18.30 =) Therefore, after this time, even eating can be difficult. We usually downloaded movies to the tablet and took sandwiches with us.
Wat Tham Khao Tao
An interesting temple located by the lake with walking paths. It is interesting because it is located around the mountain, i.e. he wraps her around and different levels there are statues, it turns out you go through labyrinths and through artificial caves, and at each level you stumble upon something interesting.
mangrove forests
This is a small national park with mangrove forests, which is under the patronage of the Queen of Thailand. And everything that has been done with the participation of Queen Sirikit is worthy of attention, because she attracts the best craftsmen and European specialists. For those who do not know, Mangrove forests grow in water and have huge branched roots, among such forests it is very common to arrange a kayak trip. Well, here there is little water and high-quality wooden paths are laid through the forest at a height of about 1.5 meters. You walk along the flooring, and it boils under you local life- a hundred crabs are running somewhere, unknown fish are sitting in small puddles, something unknown is digging out of the mud and digging in. In general, this is not the forest we are used to and it is definitely worth a visit. I liked the observation deck above the forests most of all, when you get out of the thicket and climb to a height - it is very, very beautiful there.
It is located right on the seashore, there are also houses for those wishing to stay overnight and a cafe with inexpensive Thai food. The visit is free.
Viewpoint with a crocodile
In fact, this is a temple on a mountain with an amazing view and a large crocodile monument. There is nothing more interesting here, I just love it very much beautiful views and chill. And after a few hours in the heat, being on the top of a mountain where a cool breeze blows and sitting down to relax in silence is a real pleasure. I advise you to come here only on weekdays, because there are a lot of people on weekends and the whole effect is lost.
Phraya Nakhon Cave
Phraya Nakhon Cave in Hua Hin is Thailand's number one attraction. This is a magnificent cave with a temple, which can be seen in any guide to Thailand. It is located about 60 kilometers from Hua Hin in the national khao park Sam Roi Yot. Almost any traveler will tell you that this is his favorite attraction in Thailand and it really is amazing. But getting there is not so easy, because on all sides it is surrounded by mountains and you need to either go through them or rent a boat. The sheltered bay will also have overnight accommodations and a gorgeous beach.
The cave temple was built at the end of the 19th century. Another interesting thing is that on the walls of the cave there are personal signatures of the two kings Rama 5 and Rama 7. We advise you to visit the cave in the morning, when the sun shines with a bright beam directly on the temple. This creates a special atmosphere.
Birdwatching at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
There are many interesting things in this national park. Yes, and the area itself is very beautiful, but we visited a place for bird watching. At the very foot of the mountain there is a large beautiful lake. The Thais made wooden decks over it and set up pavilions for relaxation. You don’t need to make a special trip here, if only “on the road”. The whole walk takes about 40 minutes, you can see storks, herons and other birds that walk below. It's just that the picture itself is very beautiful - white Asian gazebos at the foot of the mountain rise above a large lake.
Hua Hin attractions to the north (towards Bangkok)
If we talk about this direction and describe the sights of Hua Hin, then there are 3 big centers of attraction: Cha Am city 30 kilometers away, The accumulation of all kinds of attractions 40 km. from Hua Hin: here is a huge sheep farm Swiss Sheep Farm, and the famous water park Santorini Park, and entertainment center Camel Republic and many, many other things, several of these huge amusement parks open every year, because they are located on the Bangkok-Hua Hin highway and every weekend a lot of tourists go through them, and special tours are organized here from both of these cities. I will not describe any of them, because they are more entertainment than sights, and there is enough space if you write about them all. The city of Phetchaburi town, which you simply must visit, it is located 80 km from Hua Hin and there are at least 2 places that are included in the TOP 10 attractions of Thailand. But I will recommend a few more interesting places.
Maruekhathayawan Palace
Maruekhathayawan Palace is a non-functioning royal palace that operates as a museum. More precisely, it was originally a gift to the king, but he never lived in it, so now it has been converted into a museum. The photos are very spectacular - large, beautiful palace on stilts, by the sea. But there is nothing to do there at all, because all the rooms are empty. Those. just an empty house, without windows and doors on the seashore, and even the entrance is paid. In general, there is nothing to do here.
Open daily from 08.30 to 16.00 (as they say on the official website, but it seems they have a day off on Thursday)
Cha Am Forest Park
A small park near Cha Am, it is free and there is 1 roundabout that takes 30 minutes. But the biggest feature of this park is the gibbons. A whole family of gibbons lives here and now I think that these are the coolest monkeys in the world, at least they are much better than the macaques that live near other attractions. Gibbons are very kind, they move very funny on the ground and love to study people, or rather just observe from a distance, if you bring some fruit, then there is a chance to get to know each other better. Seriously - they are very cool, we came several times just for them.
Bat Cave
Natural landmark of Hua Hin, every day, half an hour before sunset (approximately at 18.00 - 18.30), bats come out of the cave in the mountain to hunt. Eat famous cave where they live by the thousands. The stream of mice looks like a huge live snake that flies out of the mountain and for 10-15 minutes there is a constant and endless stream. I really liked it, the photos do not convey even part of the emotions received, so I highly recommend going there on your own.
The locals even put something like observation deck, there are dilapidated chairs upstairs, admission is free, and most likely there will be no one there.
Phra nakhon khiri historical park
Refers to the sights of Hua Hin from the category "Must visit". This is a palace built on rocks. I will try to convey my delight to you in two words. The castle was built on a 100-meter cliff, there are battle towers in the corners, a royal palace with a beautiful observation platform rises in the center, Buddhist temples rise on the neighboring hills, and narrow paths are laid between all the peaks, and all this is buried in the jungle, you walk along the vines, and hundreds of monkeys are running around you. You feel like a real Indiana Jones.
The whole point is that tourists stop there for an hour, on the way from Bangkok to Hua Hin, so their time is limited and they usually only see the palace, but you have the opportunity to walk along this hill only with your company! And these are amazing emotions, especially if you step aside with hiking trail- there will be ancient barracks, baths, warehouses. All this among vines and monkeys. But be careful, because the monkeys consider this territory theirs and often take away food and water from tourists.
Opening hours: daily from 8.30 to 16.30, entrance 150 baht including lift. There are 2 entrances: from the side of the highway - there is a lift directly to the palace, and there is from the side of the city, there the entrance is 50 baht, there are a lot of monkeys in the parking lot and you will have to go alone through those very non-tourist trails.
Khao Luang Cave
Hua Hin Cave, which is included in the TOP-10 of the best attractions in Thailand. I did not expect what I saw, so I was completely delighted. The cave is located inside a hill in Phetchaburi town. Inside a large number of Buddha statues, including a large reclining Buddha. But she is famous for her beam of light. There is a natural hole in the ceiling through which a powerful beam of light hits directly into the center huge cave. The king of Thailand himself liked to pray in this cave (the one who built the castle on the hills) and now it is a place of attraction for tourists and pilgrims.
Come by 12.00 - at this time the beam is especially bright.
Wat Khao Ban Dai It
From myself, I also note the observation deck next to the Wat Khao Ban Dai It temple. It is located directly opposite the palace on the hills and was still under construction in 2015. But from there the view opens up to the rice fields and it is very beautiful. I searched for it for a very long time, circled around the hill a lot, driving into all the small turns: I found several hermits (these are caves in which monks live and they often even board up the entrance to keep out strangers). As a result, the entrance turned out to be completely terrible road with abandoned houses, but it was worth it.
I was there on the weekend, so there were not even builders. I recommend this point only experienced travelers and only on weekends.
West of Hua Hin
The easiest direction for a self-guided trip to the sights of Hua Hin, because everything is within 40 km and you do not need to go to the federal highway. Therefore, the direction is also suitable for inexperienced bike drivers and cyclists most often choose it. Plus, the landscape itself is very beautiful, because. you are driving towards the mountains. And small rural roads with endless rice fields against the backdrop of mountains - this is what you can love Asia for. On the way there are a large number of European cafes with normal coffee, you also come across a couple of 7/11, but it is better to stock up on water in advance.
I will describe only the most interesting things to see, otherwise there will simply not be enough space: You will pass 2 floating markets (which I do not recommend), Hua Hin Artist Village (a large store where every artist can exhibit their work, if there is time - then you can stop by to see), an elephant farm (elephants are everywhere in Thailand, so we did not stop by).
Wat Huay Mongkol or Big Seated Monk
On weekends, a lot of pilgrims gather here, because this is a functioning Buddhist temple and all major religious events are held here.
I like this place in and of itself. Around very beautiful park with a lake and monitor lizards, where no one ever visits. You can safely take a walk, sit on the benches, look at the artificial fountains on the lake. In general, if you find yourself at the temple, you will not regret it.
As a bonus, I'll tell you a story: this is a statue of the legendary Thai monk Luang Phor Thuad, who lived in the 1500s. He is revered by Buddhists all over the world, medallions are printed with him and many believe that he brings good luck. I found only one plausible legend: at that time there was a big competition between Buddhists from Thailand and from Sri Lanka, then the king of Sri Lanka said that he would give the Thais a task and if they solved it, he would give them ships full of gold. The best minds from the then capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya, fought over the tasks, but all failed. And only the young monk Luang Phor Thuad solved it, which brought him fame!
Opening hours: every day from 5.00 to 22.00
Hua Hin Hills Vineyard
Vineyards of Hua Hin. In fact, I noted them here, because tours there are sold in every travel agency, and taxi drivers persistently offer to visit this beautiful attraction. In fact, these are ordinary vineyards at the foot of the mountain, i.e. this is a typical winery. There is nothing for the entertainment of tourists, such as. But it's quite beautiful and they sell good wine.
Open daily from 10.00 to 18.00
Pala-U Waterfall in Hua Hin
The Pala-U waterfall in Hua Hin is another Thai trick, there is no normal waterfall there, but only small rapids 1-2 meters high. It's about the same as . There are few impressions from him, and it is too far to go after them, so I would not recommend coming here.
Although there is an interesting point: The road is divided into 2 parts: the usual city is about 40 kilometers and the road through the national park is about 20 km. Here you are driving through the national park with local flavor, because elephant excrement is often found on the highway, and everywhere there are signs that if you see an elephant, then turn around and leave as soon as possible, because it can attack you.
At the entrance, you may be charged, as for visiting a national park - about 200 baht per person, or they may not be charged.
Dam
Dam at the lake. Just pretty a nice place where you can go if you are nearby. This huge reservoir among the mountains with good views. If you travel around, you can find a temple with a good observation deck. We were there on the weekend and I didn't meet a single person in the temple itself, we just walked around and sat with my wife in the shade of the trees overlooking the lake. In general, the impressions are very pleasant, but I recommend it only if you have already traveled all around and you don’t want to sit in the city at all. This is more of a place to unwind than a tourist attraction.
Conclusion
As you can see, this region really has something to see, it is not inferior to either Pattaya or Phuket. The roads in the region are very good and always have mountains in the background, so driving is pleasant and easy. I haven't talked about resort towns around which I am simply delighted and will definitely write about them separately - this is Cha Am with 4-seater bicycles, and Phetchaburi town with fountains along the streets, and small town with five star hotels but no beach.
But the most important thing is that during the trip, do not repeat my mistakes and do not wear T-shirts. This is how I looked after every ride
- Hin Lek Fai Viewpoint- An interesting, slightly abandoned place. Lots of wild monkeys. You can see the whole city.
- Khao Takiab Temple on the hill of the same name there are many wild monkeys, the city is clearly visible. Near the temple there is a seafood market.
- Tham Khao Tao Temple- the temple is located on Khao Tao beach, near the lake. There are many fishing boats on the shore near the temple.
- Big seated Buddha on the hill of Tham Khao Tao temple — good view on Hua Hin.
- Sai Noi beach The best beach in Hua Hin. Located in a small bay, almost immediately deep.
- Peacock near Sai Noi beach- usually sits on a pole by the road. In 2018-2019 the peacock is gone.
- Temple with a big red flag- Very atmospheric place. Located on a hill, you can clearly see the surroundings of Hua Hin.
Day trip to Pranburi
- Mangroves near the Pranburi River- a small park with mysterious mangroves.
- Red rock in Thaao Koh Sa national park — amazing place near Hua Hin.
Trip to Phraya Nakhon Cave
- Temple green crocodile- located near the mangroves. From the hill where the temple is built, one can see the meandering river Pranburi.
- pineapple plantations- located on the road to the bridge over the Pranburi River and on the road to the temple with a green crocodile
- Phraya Nakhon Cave- such an amazing cave that you have to go there!
Drive from Hua Hin to Cha-am. What to see
Not far from Hua Hin small town on the seashore. On the way from Hua Hin to Cha-am, there is also something to see.
- temple boat- looks more impressive on google maps
- giant woman- in Runet received the nickname "Black Woman". She was involved in a love triangle, for which she paid with her life
- Cha-am Khiri Cave Temple– a small temple by the hill with Buddha statues in the caves on the hill
- Flight of a thousand bats- cool show. Fascinating. It's worth seeing. Be sure to watch the video in the post.
Other attractions in Hua Hin and near the city
If you are in Hua Hin, be sure to take a look - this is one of the main attractions of the city.
And a few words about those places in Hua Hin that did not particularly attract our attention or did not impress.
Hua Hin and its surroundings are full of noteworthy places. There are also traditional attractions for Thailand - Buddhist temples and floating markets. I recommend that connoisseurs of beauty look into the village of artists and the 3D art gallery in the local Venice complex. Wine connoisseurs should take a tour of the vineyards, and nature lovers can wander along the paths laid through the mangrove forest.
Our review of interesting places is divided into two parts. First - what to see in Hua Hin, the second - in the vicinity of the city. All objects are marked with letters and for the convenience of the reader marked on the map at the end of the post. More Full description, if something is of interest, you will find it by clicking on the links to the corresponding post. And where there are no links, they will appear in the near future. Our work is somewhat behind the turbulent life ...
Train Station(A)
Those arriving by rail will get to know one of the sights as soon as they get off the platform. It will be easy for everyone else to find it. The station is located in the center of the city, Soi 76 rests against it. By the way, on the other hand, this jay goes straight to the sea, to the busiest one.
Hua Hin Station is one of the most beautiful in Thailand. It was built in 1911 from teak wood. To the left of the station building is a separate pavilion - royal hall expectations. Not far from it, in the form of a wagon, there is a museum, a library and a waiting room for non-royal passengers. To the right of the station there is a cozy, pretty coffee shop where you can take a break after drinking a very good coffee at a price of 50-70 baht.
Waterpark Vana Nava(W) 
The water park is a relatively new attraction in Hua Hin. Vana Nava Water Park opened at the end of 2014. On the territory - 19 slides with a total length of 800 meters, a "lazy" river and others water activities. The park is very popular with children, and many adults. By the way, children are those whose height is below 122 centimeters for them the cost of a ticket - 600 baht(for visitors over 60 years old - also 600 baht). For those over 122 and under 60 - 1000 baht. Children under 91 cm tall can visit the park for free. When buying tickets through the website of the water park vananavahuahin.com - a 10% discount.
Water park opening hours - from 10.00. until 18.00.
Vana Nava is located at the southern exit of Hua Hin, on the left side of the road.
Night market(B)
Hua Hin Night Market is malls in the very center of the city, on Soi 72, which turn around after 17.00 hours. The assortment in the shops is quite large, but quite ordinary: clothes, shoes, souvenirs, music discs ... Much more interesting is a number of cafes located on the territory of the Night Market. Here you can find fresh seafood, including 2-kilogram lobsters, and excellent steaks (from 150 baht). Moreover, the food - grill - will be prepared very quickly and in front of your eyes.
Cicada Market(C)
(D)
Wat Hua Hin is the main temple of the city. Built in traditional Thai style, without any flashy features. Monks live on the territory of the temple, and there is almost the only paid parking in Hua Hin…
The temple is located in the very center of the city, not far from the night market, and you can visit it just on occasion.
City Beach(E)
In the south of Hua Hin, the city beach rests on Mount Takiab ( Khao Takiab). This place is a triple attraction. Firstly, at the foot of the mountain there is a hefty Buddha statue, and above, if you climb the stairs, there is a temple. Secondly, the beach near Takiab is a well-lived place, with cafes, sunbeds and ... monkeys. Entire hordes of macaques are not only deployed on the slopes of Takiaba, but also regularly spin on the beach and even swim in the sea. Watching the life of primates is a pleasure. Admire: .
Artists Village(G)
Antiquarian Museum(I)
Next to (before reaching) "Venice", on the same side of the road there is a box shopping complex FN Factory Outlet. It is of little interest, it seemed: a cafe-dining room, a hefty industrial market, departments of branded clothes from my grandmother's times. But if you go deep into the courtyard, you will see the entrance to the cafe. The cafe and the museum of antiques are one. In the shop windows there are a lot of old things: radios, cameras, telephones, globes, etc. There is another room - in the basement (to the left and down). There are chic (very!) cars of the 50-60s of release, retro medical equipment, bicycles of the last century. The walls are decorated with a gallery of non-trivial paintings.
All this luxury can be seen and photographed for free. But the cafe workers will be very happy if you order at least a cup of coffee after the “pleasant viewing”. (By the way, it's not bad and inexpensive.)
Photo gallery:
In the vicinity of Hua Hin there are even more attractions than in the city. And perhaps more varied. The most convenient way to get there is by bike or car. Taxi drivers will also not refuse to organize an excursion for you to any named place.
Wat Huay Mongkol is located 20 kilometers west of Hua Hin - a temple complex with a huge statue of a real, very revered monk in Thailand, Luang Phor Tuad. The “Black Monk” this attraction was nicknamed because of the color of the sculpture. The place is always crowded. Buddhists from all over the world flock here to ask the monk for something sacred.
There is a cafe with good coffee, a nice park, a pond with colorful fish, many birds and even ... a half-wild peacock that emerges from the bushes when it pleases.
All in all the place has a soul. And if you grab it, then you can’t drag it away from the park by the ears. At least, that's how it was with us. .
Park next to the Black Monk(K)
floating markets(L, M)
About the second -
Farm&Coffee(N)
Vineyards(o)
About 30 kilometers west of Hua Hin are plantations of Hua Hin Hills Vineyard vineyards. From 8.30. until 18.30 you can wander around the territory, taste grapes, as well as wine and juice from it in the restaurant. The institution is located on a hill, from where a picturesque view of the plantations and vistas opens.
Photo and description here:
Excursions are sold to the vineyards, but we went on our own, on a bike. On the way, we got a little lost, but we saw how the trees “weep” with rubber.
Royal Palace(P)
Rock Khao Kalok(X) 
Khao Kalok is unusual rock with a large hole at the top. But not only and so much the “rock with a hole” is interesting, but the picturesque surroundings: a pretty beach, bizarrely shaped trees under an overhanging stone, a path through the mountain to the neighboring beach.
Thais love this place fewer tourists- are located on picnics in the shade.
Probably the only minus of Khao Kalok is its location at a distance of about 30 km from Hua Hin (in the Pranburi area). We went to this place a couple of times, guided by the map.
Tyr(Q)
A shooting range with real military weapons is located near the Royal Palace. 10 shots from a pistol, or a revolver, or a rifle cost from 300 to 750 baht. Before shooting, there is a briefing: the ex-policeman explains and shows how to load the weapon, how to aim and pull the trigger. Headphones are required. The process can be photographed and filmed. And take a perforated target made of cardboard with you as a trophy and evidence of accuracy.
Shooting report: .
Temple ship(R)
Behind the town of Cha-Am (20 km north of Hua Hin) moored unusual ship, inside of which there is a very beautiful temple Wat Ta Nod Luang. At the entrance - the steering wheel, as expected. Internal interiors surprise even more. For example, a whole stained-glass window vividly depicts a picture of a shipwreck. Probably, only sinners sailed on the ship in distress. Because, as soon as they fell into the water, predators immediately attacked them: fish with fangs, a possessed octopus, half-birds - half-dragons, and even a real crocodile, which does not seem to be found in the seas.
The Ship Temple is a well-known attraction in the Hua Hin area. But few people look inside. We succeeded, and we are happy to share the gallery:
.
City of Petchaburi(S)
turtle temple(T)
Wat Khao Tao is located 12-15 kilometers south of Hua Hin, next to the most beautiful Sai Noi beach in these places.
The turtle temple is interesting because the Thais piled up everything there that, in their opinion, should be in this place, but for some reason was missing.
As a result, man-made caves appeared, stones scattered in a picturesque mess, paths and ladders winding along the slopes of the mountain. It turned out funny, especially since at the very top there is a functioning Buddhist temple, where they will gladly help you perform a simple ceremony (for 100 baht).
It is definitely worth visiting this temple: the views of the sea and the city are excellent. And you can stop by not as a separate excursion, but on the way to the cozy Sai Noi Beach.
Sai Noi beach(U)
mangrove forest(V)
Map of attractions in Hua Hin and surroundings
P.S. This is a fairly complete, but not exhaustive, guide. notable places Royal resort. This is just what we have seen with our own eyes.
— — what to choose and where to buy.
