How to Spend 1 Day in Hua Hin

With its tropical climate, sandy beaches, and bustling markets, it’s no surprise that Hua Hin, located south of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand, is one of the country’s premier seaside resorts. From learning kitesurfing to savoring fresh seafood at the night market, here’s how to spend a day in the city.

Morning: Get a Taster

Start by sampling Hua Hin’s highlights—its beaches, food, and sights. Relax on the sand, or up the pace during a kitesurfing lesson. Hua Hin’s breezes make it a kitesurfing hotspot and options span everything from short lessons to full-day courses, which can be booked complete with hotel transfers for a hassle-free experience. If you’re a foodie, book a tour of Hua Hin’s morning markets, sampling specialities like moo wan (sweet pork) with culinary insight provided by your guide. Alternately, choose a full-day tour around Hua Hin’s landmarks, such as its railway station and nearby mangroves, and uncover the city’s past as a royal retreat—insight you’d miss if exploring independently.

Afternoon: Explore Further

If you didn’t take a Hua Hin tour earlier, dedicate this afternoon to the city’s attractions. While it’s possible to explore on foot and bus, you’ll see more landmarks more quickly on a tour. They typically cover sights such as Monkey Mountain (Khao Takiab)—a Buddha-statue- topped hill named for its monkey population—and the Wat Huay Monkol temple. From there, you can travel to a vineyard in the nearby foothills to learn about local wine production and enjoy alfresco tastings.

Evening: Ride and Dine at the Markets

Hua Hin comes alive at dusk as its night markets light up and locals come out to eat and shop. If you’ve spent the day at the beach or discovering local foods, make the most of the evening on a city tour: Ride a trishaw (samlor) around Hua Hin old town to view the night market and fishing pier before sitting down at a local seafood restaurant. Alternately, delve into Hua Hin’s street foods. Visit food stands to try rice balls and other staples, and sample dishes such as leaf-wrapped fish. A guided tour will point you to off-the-beaten-track restaurants you’re unlikely to find by yourself.