Dubbed the Land of Smiles, Thailand certainly has a little of almost everything for today’s traveler. You can hike in the mountains, trek in the hill tribes, and interact with some wonderful people all along the way. As a tropical paradise, Hua Hin has evolved into a gem of a destination to consider visiting as you travel around this Southeast Asian country. If this is your first time going to this particular beach town, there are some things that you should know, along with a few activities you really must add to your bucket list of things to do. Let’s talk about this destination now.

Get Ready for the Beach

While it is true that Thailand certainly has its fair share of great beach destinations, few match the splendor and convenience that is found in Hua Hin. You will find this town to be just a short three-hour drive from the Bangkok airport, so you can be checked into your hotel and on your way to the beach in no time at all. It also tends to be less crowded, so you and your family can really enjoy your time on the beach. Bring plenty of toys and sports equipment to really take advantage of all that this city has to offer.

Remember Your Sunscreen

As you prepare for your time at the beach, it is important to remind you that Thailand rests not far from the equator. The sun in this part of the world is rather intense. Just a few minutes outside can burn your skin if you are not protected. Part of the beauty of Hua Hin is that there are very few tall buildings to shield your view of the beauty found in the nature in this part of the country. As a result, there are few places to hide from the sun. Instead, you will want to embrace it. Just remember to apply sunscreen liberally and often in order to not regret it the next day. It can be rather expensive to buy in Hua Hin, so consider stocking up on a healthy supply before you leave home.

Shopping and Food

One of the attractions of Hua Hin lies in the fact that the town itself is not really all that big. Because of this, shopping and food venues tend to be located in close proximity of one another allowing visitors a chance to explore this part of the city on foot if they choose to do so. For you, that means lots of shopping to be done.

The Night Market

You will find the night market to be a particularly popular shopping destination in Hua Hin. It is here that you will find many different types of Asian souvenirs to add to your collection back home. There are plenty of items for sale, usually at prices that are much cheaper than you would find in the West. If you like art, particularly paintings of tropical landscapes, this is the place to find them. Remember that bargaining over the price is not only acceptable in Hua Hin, it is part of the fun. Decide what you are willing to pay for an item and then test your skills by trying to get the vendor to agree!

Restaurants Galore

You will find no shortage of eating options in Hua Hin as well. As opposed to trying to find your own comfort foods, view this as an opportunity to explore Thai cuisine and its rich flavor. You will find that most restaurants are quite used to visitors, so they know how to tone down the level of spices. If you like it spicy, however, do not be afraid to let them know. Speaking of where to eat, the opportunities are endless. You will find local street side stalls to be quite tasty and inexpensive. If you have a special occasion to celebrate, you will find gourmet seafood restaurants located steps away from the beach. The food is caught that day, so it doesn’t get any fresher than that!

Family Friendly Activities

You will find a host of activities offered in Hua Hin for everyone to enjoy, including the little ones in your party. This is a great place to visit for the first time, and you can be rest assured that there is more than enough to keep the whole family entertained for the entire length of your stay. Most hotels have a great swimming pool to enjoy when the heat of the day gets to be a bit much. There are other activities to enjoy as well.

Ride an Elephant

No trip to Hua Hin is complete without a visit to the elephant camp. You can learn how these special animals are cared for, and you can ride one if you so desire as well. This will provide a memorable experience for the entire family, so be sure to take lots of pictures. People back home just might not believe the adventures that you have had, so you will have to rely on those photos to give proof to your words!

Hiking

Be sure to pack some comfortable shoes and take a hike in the natural surroundings. You will find coconut trees, beautiful animals, and so much more located in near proximity to the beach. There are regular tours that you can take part in, so consider these as well. While Hua Hin can be explored on your own, you can rely on a guide to take you off the beaten path just a bit. Nothing can substitute for their local knowledge, so you will learn a thing or two along the way as well.

This guide is meant to help you as you plan a visit to Hua Hin for the first time. Be sure to leave time in your schedule to just relax and enjoy the surroundings. You are guaranteed to not be disappointed. This is a trip that you are sure to remember for a lifetime.