Sights

There are not very many sights within Hua Hin itself. This is very much a place to relax, sit on the beach, and maybe play a little golf. The Klai Kangwon ("far from worries") palace is the only real point of interest in the city, but it is only open to the public when the royal family is not in residence, and in recent years, His Majesty has chosen to spend most of his time here, far from the noise and pollution of Bangkok.

At the southern end of the the beach is a rocky hill called Khao Takiap ("Chopstick Hill"). On the beach side of the base of the hill is a large standing Buddha statue, while at the top is a tall white chedi. Behind the hill is a smaller stone hill covered with many small shrines of different types and styles. At the base of the hill is a funerary temple.

Excursions

Hua Hin does make a practical base for exploring some of Thailand's most untouched protected forests. North of Hua Hin is Kaeng Krachan National Park, one of Thailand's largest protected areas and home to many endangered species.

South of Hua Hin is the spectacular Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park. The name translates to "300 Peaks Mountain" and aptly describes the park's most obvious feature, a craggy limestone mountain that rises up to 650 meters above the ocean. The peak is surrounded by marshes and mud flats that attract a wide variety of water fowl as well as other wildlife. There are also many caves, including one called Phraya Nakhon which has a partially collapsed roof. On a slight mound near one of the openings is a small delicate royal pavilion built for a visit by King Rama V in 1896.