A Perfect Day Trip: Hua Hin
What would you do if you had one free day? Would you spend the day at home, read some books, and home cook your favorite dishes? Or would you rather go out and meet your friends for a little catch-up? No matter what kind of a person you are, everyone likes it when they can make the best use of their time. So why not leave the confines of your home, or the same settings of your everyday life, and travel? You might think that a day isn’t enough for a trip outside of town, but you’d be surprised.
Bangkok, located right at the center of the country, is the perfect starting point for any destination you have in mind. Whether you want to go to the beach or climb the mountains, all are possible to do so within a day trip. We decided to test that out and see how much we can do in a day. The destination for today’s adventure? Hua Hin.
Hua Hin is considered to be one of the top tourist destinations in Thailand for its beautiful scenery and peace. It is a beautiful beachside city that is surrounded by the magnificence of mountains making it a great place to get away from the hectic city life. The best time to go would be on Fridays-Sundays, which is when night-time activities are open so you can enjoy all that Hua Hin has to offer.
Being just under 3 hours away by car from Bangkok, we figured it was best to leave in the morning around 8 am and would reach Hua Hin just in time for lunch. For those of you who are more adventurous or don’t own a car, we do recommend that you rent one. You can also reach Hua Hin from Bangkok by train, bus, or even by plane, but a car would be the most convenient one for a day trip like this. Let’s go and see what we can do in Hua Hin within a day.
Seafood Lunch
Krua Huai Sai
This kitchen offers home-style dishes made from fresh ingredients from the ocean every day. The restaurant was full, and we had to wait for an hour before getting a table. We got the recommended dishes like Garlic Stir-Fried Scallops and Steamed Egg with Seafood, both of which swiftly disappeared into our mouths once we had a taste. The best part about this place is that the rice is free and unlimited. Even with generous portions of food, the bill came out very friendly, and we left in a great mood.
Krua Jea Nong
This restaurant is another place that offers home-style seafood dishes, but now with a seaside view. There were stairs down to the beach enabling us to explore the shores while waiting for our food. We ordered the recommended dishes like Steamed Squid in Lemon Stew and Soft Shell Crab Curry, and we ate like we haven’t had food in days. The food was amazing, and the scenery made it even more pleasant.
Café Break
Once we had our fill of seafood, we checked in at a local café with a unique twist that will melt anyone’s heart.
Inu Café
As soon as we entered we were greeted by an army of cute Japanese breed we call Shiba Inu. They were very friendly and even smiled for our cameras. The café is small, but feels very cozy and makes you feel at home. If you haven’t eaten, there’s a wide selection of home cooked Thai classic dishes as well as refreshing drinks of your choosing. The owners were super friendly and welcomed us like family. We’ll be back again for sure.
During The Day
There’s more to Hua Hin than just the ocean. We wanted to explore attractions that might interest different crowds, so we went to three different places that offer unique experiences. One of culture, one of exploration, and one of relaxation.
Mrigadayanvan Palace
A seaside holiday villa in King Rama IV dating back to 1923. The construction was overseen by Italian architect Ercole Manfredi consisting of sixteen teak buildings, raised by concrete pillars and linked together by a series of walkways. It was astonishing, to say the least.
Khao Hin Lek Fai
We were able to catch a bird’s eye view of picturesque Hua Hin after hiking up this mountain. No matter which viewpoint you choose to climb up to, the view that you will get is just stunning. Whether you just like to exercise, find a relaxing spot up on the hills, or catch a view of the dusk, look no further.
Seen Space
As we entered this beachfront mall, we got this very laid-back vibe. Everybody was chilling and enjoying the activities available at the place. Whether you enjoy shopping, listening to live music, good eats, or even pool parties, you can do it all at Seen Space.
Dinner Time
Since we already had seafood for lunch, we opted for something different for dinner. We wanted to wind down from a long day of exploration, and these places did the job just right.
Living Room Bistro & Wine Bar
Around the peaceful stretch of sand we call Hua Hin Beach, we found this golden teak beach house built in traditional Thai-style with a hint of colonial architecture. They serve international and Thai cuisines as well as a selection of wine you can enjoy throughout the evening with the sound of waves crashing nearby.
Matapita.Tea
This cozy spot offered us a vast selection of tea in which we chose the “Pink Flamingo”. All pastries were homemade by the owner, and it would still be an understatement to say they were one of the best treats we had in awhile. The unique decoration makes the café itself very Instagram-worthy, and the owner was super friendly. It is the perfect place to wind down after a long day.
Before Heading Back
Aside from the bustling Hua Hin Night Market that we all know and love, let’s take a stroll at the other famous night market to end the night. Compared to other bazaars that are full of energy, this place is more laid back and allows you to appreciate the location with the occasional sea breeze.
Cicada Market
Cicada Market is mainly a meeting place for art enthusiasts where local artists come to showcase their handmade crafts and creations. You can also find a small amphitheater where plays, stand up comedies, and mini-concerts are to be enjoyed from time to time. Drop by the market and look for some interesting souvenirs you’d like and some late night bites for the drive back home.