Hua Hin was Thailand’s original beach escape, favored by royalty since the 1920s for its long crescent of sand, seafood shacks, and relaxed pace. Today, it’s a polished seaside town in Prachuap Khiri Khan that still feels local—where fishermen dock beside cafés, monks walk at dawn, and horses clip-clop along the surf.

Beyond the beach lie dramatic karst peaks, mangrove forests, hidden caves, and a rare chance to see wild elephants. Sam Roi Yot National Park shelters the luminous Phraya Nakhon Cave, while Kui Buri National Park offers one of Asia’s best ethical wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Expect open-air night markets, weekend art bazaars, and food that swings from royal Thai recipes to briny, just-off-the-boat seafood. Practical notes: dress modestly for temples, carry cash for markets, and use ride-hailing or local songthaews for short hops. November–April brings the balmiest beach weather; May–October sees tropical showers but fewer crowds.

Hua Hin

Hua Hin blends coastal leisure with heritage. The postcard-pretty Railway Station—complete with a royal waiting room—hints at its history as a regal retreat. Khao Takiab (Monkey Mountain) watches over the southern bay, while weekend markets pulse with music, art, and street food.

• Top sights: Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin Railway Station, Khao Takiab Temple, Rajabhakti Park, Suan Son Pradipat Beach, Pranburi Forest Park (mangrove boardwalk).
• Nature day trips: Sam Roi Yot National Park (Phraya Nakhon Cave), Kui Buri National Park (wild elephants), Pala-U Waterfall (Kaeng Krachan), Khao Daeng Viewpoint.
• Food favorites: Chao Lay Seafood (classic pier-side Thai seafood), Lung Ja (night market stalwart), Koti Restaurant (old-school Thai), Supatra by the Sea (romantic oceanfront), Hin Lek Fai Restaurant (garden setting, homestyle Thai).
• Fun facts: Horses on the beach are a century-old tradition; the town’s weekend Cicada Market spotlights Thai design students and makers; sunrise here can be spectacular on hazy, glassy-water mornings.

Where to stay: Pick central Hua Hin (walk to markets and the beach), leafy Khao Takiab (quieter, near Monkey Mountain), or Pranburi (boutique, nature-forward). Browse stays on VRBO and Hotels.com.

Getting there: Fly into Bangkok, then continue to Hua Hin.

• Flights to Bangkok: Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Train (Bangkok → Hua Hin): 3.5–4.5 hours from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal; A/C seat ~THB 220–400. Check schedules on Trip.com Trains.
• Road transfer: 3–3.5 hours depending on traffic; expect ~THB 2,500–3,500 for a private car. Minivans/buses run ~THB 180–300 from Bangkok’s terminals.

Day 1: Arrival, First Taste of the Sea

Morning: Travel to Hua Hin. If you’re landing in Bangkok this morning, grab the mid-day train or a private car south. Keep a light day bag handy with sunscreen, a hat, and sandals.

Afternoon: Check in, then walk straight to Hua Hin Beach for a leg-stretch. Wander by the photogenic Hua Hin Railway Station for a quick history hit and photos of the royal waiting room.

Evening: Eat your way through Hua Hin Night Market: try grilled river prawns at Lung Ja, pepper-crab or steamed seabass at Chao Lay Seafood, and mango sticky rice from a cart. For a sundowner with a view, take the elevator to Vana Nava Sky Bar or head to Seenspace for beachfront vibes.

Day 2: Old Town, Khao Takiab, and Weekend Markets

Morning: Breakfast at Ob-Oon Deli Boulangerie (butter-rich croissants, Thai iced coffee). Browse produce and snacks at Chat Chai Market, then stop by the small Hua Hin Chinese Temple above the fishing piers for sea views.

Afternoon: Taxi to Khao Takiab (Monkey Mountain). Climb to the hilltop temple for wide-open bay vistas—mind your belongings near the macaques. Lunch on stir‑fried morning glory and fried squid at Sopha Seafood. Finish with a gentle horseback ride along Suan Son Pradipat Beach.

Evening: If it’s Fri–Sun, make a night of it at Cicada Market (art, crafts, live music) and adjacent Tamarind Market (street food galore—look for grilled pork neck, pad thai, and kanom krok coconut pancakes). Weeknights, graze at Soi 94’s casual bars and noodle shops or book an oceanfront table at Oceanside at Putahracsa.

Day 3: Sam Roi Yot National Park and the Legendary Phraya Nakhon Cave (Full Day)

Trade the beach for limestone peaks and a sunlit cavern in Thailand’s first coastal national park. This guided outing handles the logistics so you can focus on the scenery and the hike.

Sam Roi Yod National Park & Praya Nakhon Cave Join Group Tour

• Why go: Hike to the Phraya Nakhon Cave where a royal pavilion glows in a shaft of light; see fishing villages, beaches, and karst peaks.
• Good to know: The hike includes steep steps; wear sturdy shoes and bring water. If seas are calm, you may take a short boat hop to the trailhead.

Dinner back in town: Book Hin Lek Fai Restaurant for homestyle curries and grilled river fish in a leafy garden, or try Koti for classic central-Thai plates near the night market.

Day 4: Slow Morning + Wild Elephants in Kui Buri

Morning: Lazy beach start and coffee at Velo Café. Optional outing to Pranburi Forest Park for the scenic mangrove boardwalk (easy, photogenic loop; 30–40 minutes south by taxi).

Afternoon: Head to one of Asia’s most reliable places to see wild elephants. Guides in the park coordinate sightings via radio, maximizing your chances ethically.

Elephant and Animal Watching in Kuiburi National Park - Join Afternoon Tour

• Timing: Typical pick-up early afternoon; return in the evening. Sightings often include elephants and sometimes gaurs.
• Bring: Light long sleeves, hat, insect repellent, and binoculars if you have them.

Evening: Back in Hua Hin, celebrate with seafood: try peppery crab at Chao Lay or tom yum goong at Koti. Nightcap at Seenspace listening to the waves.

Day 5: Markets and a Thai Cooking Class, Sunset at Khao Tao

Morning: Learn Thai cooking from market to wok. You’ll shop at a century-old fresh market, then cook staples like green curry, pad kra pao, and tom kha.

Your Introduction to the Thai Kitchen

• Why it’s great: Hands-on techniques and flavor balancing you can recreate at home; excellent cultural context.

Afternoon: Art stop at Baan Sillapin Artist Village (studios and galleries), then pool or spa time. Coffee break at Casa Lapin (Seenspace) for Thai-style cold brew on the beach.

Evening: Sunset at the Khao Tao reservoir viewpoint, then dine at Supatra by the Sea near Khao Takiab—order soft-shell crab, tamarind prawns, and pineapple fried rice.

Day 6: Wildlife Rescue and Ethical Elephant Encounters (Full Day)

Meet the residents of a renowned rescue center that rehabilitates gibbons, macaques, bears, and elephants. It’s educational and heartening, with guides explaining how each animal arrived and how to support ethical tourism.

Tour of the Wildlife Rescue Center

• Tip: Respect no-touch policies and follow staff guidance—your visit helps fund food and veterinary care.

Dinner: Keep it easy after a big day—try Som tam and grilled chicken at a local Isan spot, or seafood fried rice and a cold coconut on the beach.

Optional alternative for water lovers: On another visit, swap today for a long but rewarding snorkeling trip to Koh Talu (crystal water, healthy reefs), departing from Bang Saphan. It’s a 12-hour day; best for strong sun/sea conditions.

Day 7: Last Beach Morning, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Catch a pastel sunrise on Hua Hin Beach, then brunch at Oceanside (shakshuka, crab omelet) or Chaolay’s morning rice porridge near the piers. Shop for edible souvenirs—dried cuttlefish, Thai tea, roasted cashews—at Chat Chai Market.

Afternoon: Check out and travel back to Bangkok by train or private car for your flight. Browse schedules and fares on Trip.com Trains and flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening (if you have time): Early dinner near the station—quick noodles or chicken rice—before boarding.

Insider tips for Hua Hin

• Getting around: Use Grab for short rides; songthaews (pick-up trucks) run fixed routes cheaply along the main road.
• Beach notes: Jellyfish can appear seasonally—ask your hotel about conditions before swimming.
• Temple etiquette: Shoulders and knees covered; remove hats and shoes where posted.
• Budget: Local meals THB 80–200; seafood dinners THB 300–700 per person; coffee THB 60–120; private day trips vary by distance and inclusions.

The four featured experiences used in this itinerary:

• Sam Roi Yod National Park & Praya Nakhon Cave Join Group Tour (see Day 3)
• Elephant and Animal Watching in Kuiburi National Park - Join Afternoon Tour (see Day 4)
• Your Introduction to the Thai Kitchen (see Day 5)
• Tour of the Wildlife Rescue Center (see Day 6)

Seven days in Hua Hin balances slow mornings and big adventures—sunlit caves, ethical elephant encounters, creative markets, and seafood straight from the boats. With easy access from Bangkok, thoughtful dining, and nature at the doorstep, it’s a Thai beach town that rewards return visits.