Hua Hin Beach

หาดหัวหิน

A fine-sand beach stretching about 5 km, at the heart of Hua Hin, Thailand’s royal seaside resort. Beach horse riding, sunrise views and beachfront hotels are Hua Hin’s classic experiences.

Hua Hin Beach runs about 5 km south from the old Sofitel hotel in the city center (originally the Hua Hin Railway Hotel, built in 1923) to Khao Takiab Monkey Hill. The sand is fine and white, the slope is gentle and there are almost no big waves, making it ideal for family splashing and long walks. At the northern end of the beach are several large rocks, from which the name “Hua Hin” (meaning “stone headland”) derives.

A signature activity is beach horse riding. A handler leads your horse along the sand for about 15–20 minutes, at roughly 300–600 baht, negotiable. Jet skiing, banana boats and kitesurfing (February to April, when winds are strong) are also available.

The beach is lined with Hua Hin’s best hotels: Centara Grand (the former century-old railway hotel, whose colonial-style architecture and gardens are attractions in their own right), Hilton, Hyatt Regency and others. Non-guests can also dine at the beachside restaurants. The beach is open free all day. Sunrise and late afternoon are the most comfortable times, while midday is scorching.

Nearby, you will find the wooden-house old street and seafood restaurants along Naresdamri Road in the city center; the Hua Hin Night Market on Dechanuchit Road, open 17:00–23:00 every evening and known for grilled jumbo prawns and seafood; and the Blúport and Market Village shopping centers.

Getting around: the city center is within walking distance. You can walk south along the beach to Khao Takiab, or take a songthaew (shared pickup truck) for 20 baht.

Note: the water is not very clear, so snorkeling is not recommended. Watch for notices about jellyfish in the rainy season. Sun loungers and umbrellas are provided by beachside restaurants and are free with a purchase.

Hua Hin Beach

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby