11 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN HUA HIN

During my fabulous Christmas stay at The Blue Lotus, Hua Hin, I compiled a list of my top 12 things that I’d experienced in the surrounding area. There are of course a plethora of activities to choose from as well as day trips in the area but with only just over a week in the area, here’s my round up!

1. Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park

Khao Sam Roi Yod translates to  ‘mountains of three hundred peaks; and is an enormous area of limestone mountains, caves, beaches, islands and marshy wetlands, which calls itself home to much flora and fauna. Approximately 300 species of birds come here from all over the world to feed on the mudflats and rest before continuing their southerly journey. The National Park is classified as the largest wetlands in Thailand and as well as birds there are crab-eating macaque, barking deer, Malayan pangolin, dusky leaf monkey, fishing cats, wild elephants and guar. 

The parks most popular feature is Phraya Nakhon Cave, arguably one of the most spectacular caves in all of Southeast Asia. Its spectacular chamber houses a stunning gold and green pavilion — a sight that few visitors to Thailand are lucky enough to see for themselves as it can only be seen as its majestic self between the hours of 10-11 am, when the light shines through it at an angle.

Please note that the hike is not for the feint hearted. A level of physical fitness is required as it is very steep and there are many loose rocks and stones. The path is well marked out but in high humidity and heat even for an avid hiker like myself, it was tough!

We hiked up to Phraya Nakhon and on the way back spent time relaxing at the beach. We opted to take a fishing boat back to the mainland as it was approaching early afternoon when the sun was at its brightest.

A traditional Thai lunch is also provided before returning to the hotel.

Private tour booked via The Evason Six Senses Spa Hua Hin.

Sam Roi Yod National Park Kui Buri District Prachuap Khiri Khan Thailand Website

2. Blue Lotus Plant-Based Cookery School

For all you cooking enthusiasts who always wanted to learn how to cook Thai food and a whole host of other cuisine, you may just have found your answer. I say may, because the Evason Hua Hin, has on its grounds, Blue Lotus, which is a plant-based cookery school. Let me tell you, the choice of classes and workshops are phenomenal and whether you follow a vegan diet or not, you will be sure to walk away with some delicious recipe ideas, which will for sure make you think about a plant-based lifestyle. Get all the lowdown of my plant-based culinary experiences at Blue Lotus Hua Hin: A plant based cookery school.

3. Six Senses Spa

*** Now BLue `Lotus Spa***

Evason has an award –winning spa, you’ve got to have heard if it. Yes The Six senses Spa is in the heart of the resort providing a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by beautiful lush gardens and lotus ponds. It fuses traditional Thai features with modern treatments. Choose from the comprehensive menu of signature massages, facials and body treatments to revitalise your body and your mind. I highly recommend the silk facial, oriental massage and Indian head massage

4. Hua Hin Railway Station

The Evason is located 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Hua Hin town so it was inevitable that we took a half day orientation tour of the town. The Hua Hin railway station, which is Thailand’s oldest station and surprisingly has a very colonial feel to it. It’s still in operation today and for train enthusiasts, there are a couple of steam engines to keep you transfixed! There is a private pavilion and waiting room for the King and the royal family, unfortunately it’s not open to the public.

Hua Hin Railway Station Hua Hin District Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110 Thailand

5. Mrigadayavan Palace

Summer Palace in Hua Hin. This is also known as the Mrigadayavan (palace of love and hope) designed by King Rama VI and completed in 1924. It’s a stunning teak wood building with the most coastal views and has not been almost restored to its former glory. Note the separate bathing pavilions down a long corridor, which have beautiful views out to sea.

Mrigadayavan Palace 281 Phetkasem Rd. King Rama VI Army Camp Hua Hin 76120 Thailand

6. Wat Khao Takiap

Wat Khao Takiap. A mountain top temple, which is over run and guarded by wild monkeys. Once at the top, the views of Hua Hin are incredible.

Just note, the monkeys are wild and very clever. Please ensure you leave your bags, food and sunglasses behind. Carry your cameras around your neck because believe me these guys know how to loot tourists!!

Wat Khao Takiap 123, 55 Nong Kae-Takiap. Tambon Nong Kae, Amphoe Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110 Thailand 

7.Monsoon Valley Vineyard

Tell me, would you associate Thailand with producing wine? Well my answer would’ve been No, until we spent an afternoon wine tasting at Monsoon Valley Vineyard, a short drive from the resort.

Monsoon Valley vineyard is built on a former elephant corral, where Asian elephants were domesticated. The terrain is mostly loamy sand and slate and is perfect for growing grapes for wines.

You can wonder the stunning vineyard and surrounding scenic landscape independently as we did, or you can take one of the organised tours.

Feel free to call ahead and book a traditional wine pairing menu or you can take a seat at the bar and taste one of the wine packages. As it was midday, we thought we would go for the three wine tasting options

To start a Colombard, a delicate crisp white wine with citrus aromas of green apple.

Secondly the Rose, white Shiraz, featuring aromas of strawberries, cherries and some mint.

To end we had the red Shiraz, which was probably our favourite. Full bodied with ripe plum, sour cherries and subtle notes of spices and coffee.

Monsoon Valley Vineyard. 1 Moo 9 Baankhok Chang Patana, Nong Plup Hua Hin. Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110 Thailand. Website

8. Khao Khalok Beach

 Sun worshippers can head to the stunning beach of Khao Khalok Beach, which is ten minutes way from the Evason. The resort has a shuttle to the beach as the resort is on the coast but does not have its own stretch of beach.

The beach is a long stretch with views of limestone mountains as well as miles of pure white powdery sand. Beware if you plan to swim as there are a huge amount of jellyfish in the sea and washed upon the beach.

Khao Khalok beach has many beach clubs and restaurants in its vicinity as well as sun lounger hire and watersports facilities.

Khao Khalok Beach. Pak Nam Pran. Pranburi District. Prachuap Khiri Khan 77120 Thailand

9. Promenade Strolling

Staying at the Evason, inevitably means that one of your daily activities will be strolling along the promenade and listening to the sound of the sea. It’s the perfect place for walking with a sea breeze or even for an early morning or late evening jog. My recommendation is if you’re an early bird, this is the place to come for a breath-taking sunrise. It will be just you, the sea and the sun peeping out slowly to present its technicolour glory!

You can also grab some lovely fruit and veg from the stalls opposite the promenade!

10. Promenade Food Stalls/Market

The same promenade during the evenings is transformed into quite the hub of activity. Food stalls are set up with the locals enjoying picnics on the waterfront. It’s a great friendly atmosphere that is enjoyed by all the family and you will be welcoming to join in!

 11. Cha Bar Coffee

A couple of minutes walk down from the promenade side of The Evason Hua Hin, lies a cute Coffee Shop named Chab ar. It’s essentially a wooden stilt house serving all the coffees, teas and fraps in a variety of flavours that one could ever want! They also do some pretty delicious cakes. But if like me you need a coffee fix at any point during the day this hippie style coffee shop is perfect.

There is the option of enjoying your drinks over looking the promenade or you can sit inside on the floor with scatter-cushions and lowered tables.

Chabar Coffee Pak Nam Pran. Pran Buri District Prachuap Khiri Khan 77220 Thailand

 I’d love to know if you’ve been to Hua Hin and the surroundings, what your experiences of the fishing coastal towns were. Please comment below!

Recommended Related Reading

• A Guide to Authentic Things to do in and Around Hua Hin
• The Evason Six Senses Spa: A Review (Now Blue Lotus Hua Hin)
• Evason Hue Hin/Blue Lotus: Sustainability & Social Responsibility
• Blue Lotus: A Plant Based Cookery School

À Bientôt…

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