My Hua Hin Travel Guide
Hua Hin is what Bangkok families do for a long weekend. Three to four hours south by car, on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand. The Thai royal family has had its summer palace here since the 1920s, which is why the town has the resort scene it does. Calmer than Phuket, easier than the islands, and the resort prices are noticeably gentler than the equivalents down south.
The short version: stay at the InterContinental or the Centara Grand in town if it’s a first trip; book Aleenta or Six Senses down in Pranburi if you want pool villas. Three nights minimum. Hit the night market at least one evening.
My 2026 Hua Hin Travel Guide
- Skip to our Hua Hin FAQ
Hua Hin Basics
- Where to stay in Hua Hin (town vs Pranburi) (coming soon)
- Best time to visit Hua Hin (coming soon)
- How to get to Hua Hin from Bangkok (coming soon)
- Hua Hin weather (coming soon)
Hua Hin Hotels
- Best Hotels in Hua Hin
- Best Hua Hin Pool Villas (coming soon)
- Best Family Hotels in Hua Hin (coming soon)
- Best Hotels in Pranburi (coming soon)
- Best Boutique Hua Hin Hotels (coming soon)
Hua Hin Activities and Attractions
- Hua Hin Night Market guide (coming soon)
- Best Hua Hin beaches (coming soon)
- Hua Hin golf courses (coming soon)
- Hua Hin restaurants (coming soon)
- Day trips from Hua Hin (coming soon)
Hua Hin Travel Planning
Frequently asked questions
How do I get there from Bangkok?
Three to four hours by car or private van. Public van for half the price. Train is the slowest but the Hua Hin station itself is one of the prettiest in Thailand. There's a tiny airport but nothing useful flies to it.
How long for a weekend?
Three nights is the sweet spot. Two nights you'll feel like you just arrived. Four to five nights if you're stretching into a proper holiday.
Hua Hin or Pranburi?
Hua Hin town for restaurants, the night market, walking-distance dinner. Pranburi (30 minutes south) for quiet pool villas. Mix both if your trip is over four nights.
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About Bangkok John
Bangkok John was started in 2020 when I posted my first hotel review. The site now publishes regularly updated guides to Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin, and all of Thailand.
I'm a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member and an Emirates Skywards Gold member, so I lean toward Marriott properties when the choice is close. I pay for my own rooms.
Questions? Email me at hello@bangkokjohn.com.