Trip from Bangkok to Hua Hin
September 19, 2017.
Tags: Attractions, Hua hin
We all know Hua Hin is another option for a weekend getaway to the beach. Hua Hin’s beach is less hectic and is known for being way cleaner and better preserved, which is why so many locals prefer a trip to this beautiful city than the touristy beach of Pattaya. There are numerous places to go and activities to do when in Hua Hin. Moreover, it takes no more than 3 hours to drive there, and with so many options of apartments for rent, Hua Hin is the place for everyone’s long vacation.
If you are planning to go to Hua Hin from Bangkok by car, 3 hours of driving can cause a bit of stress and exhaustion. Therefore, we recommend you to leave the capital early and stop by at the following spots, in order to make your road trip more delightful.
1. Tham Khao Luang Cave
A Buddhist temple located in a magnificent cave, this was amongst one of Rama IV’s favorite place to visit back when he was on his track to Hua Hin. His Majesty had organized a team of workers to build a pathway and stairs that lead down to the cave. Ranked top on the list of activities to do in Petchaburi, the sunlight that comes in through the cave is a truly magical sight. Apart from the spectacular view of the changing shadows in the cave, you will get to see a bunch of friendly monkeys gathered at the exit of the cave waiting for you to feed them nuts and bananas.If you are not in hurry, we recommend you to explore Phra Nakhon Kiri (or Holy City Hill) historical park filled with old royal palaces and big Chedi (or stupa).
Opening hours: Daily, but best when it’s sunny
To get there: Click
2. Phra Ram Ratchaniwet (Ban Pun Palace)
This palace is a great example of Rama V’s taste in Western architecture and the desire to modernize Siam. His Majesty appointed German-born architect Karl Siegfried Dohring to design him a palace for the rainy season that takes inspiration from the European palaces he encountered when he was abroad.
The palace has a blend of Baroque and Art Nouveau style of architecture that emphasizes modernity with keeping it as simple as possible with no grand sculptures or mural paintings that are normally seen in the architecture of that time. Apart from that, the palace also accentuates the natural light by having tall windows that are extra big and wide, which makes the palace appear spacious and extravagant. The interior shines luxury and grandness with the first floor with yellow ceramic tiles while the second floor is decorated with the main color of green. Once you enjoy your time admiring the building, you can also take a walk in the small garden with fountains surrounding the palace.
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 5AM – 8PM; Weekends, 8.30AM – 4.30PM
To get there: Click
3. Tha Yang Market
Located along the Petchaburi river, Tha Yang Market is where the locals gathered for food and live music. You will experience amazing selections of local cuisine like spring rolls and papaya salads, souvenirs, homegrown and organic vegetables, as well as OTOP products that represent each Thailand’s distinctive province. More than that, there are activities to do by the river like renting a bike and cycle around or you can get into pairs and go rowing boats. Family can spend time together making merit by releasing fishes back to the sea.Decorated by colorful flags and lights, this market reminds of the traditional temple fair that gathers villagers to the city center. On weekends, there is a traditional performance of Thai dancing from locals that are guaranteed to give all the visitors a vibrant energy to your road trip.
Opening hours: Daily, 8AM – 8PM
To get there: Click
4. Santorini Park
This park is an imitation of the picture-perfect Greek island of Santorini. Known for its classic white buildings with the blue domed roof. There’s an endless lineup of shops, restaurants and a water park that promise all its visitors enjoyable time. This photogenic outdoor outlet is distinctive and occupies an expansive area just before the main highway reaches Hua Hin and Cha-Am Beach.Santorini Park is separated into different zones: Village, Park, Event, and Rest area. The village zone consists of shops selling local and handmade products that range from fashion accessories to home furniture, restaurants, and café, while making sure that all stores keep the Greek-island theme. The park zone is filled with fun attractions for family and friends like the giant Ferris Wheel and 2-story Merry Go Round. Whereas the event zone is where all short-term pop-up stores and markets open up temporarily throughout the year to create a weekend art market and even concerts. Lastly, Santorini Park offers a relaxing rest area that is full with convenient stores and pharmacy as well as gas station to provide assistance.
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 10AM – 7PM; Weekends, 9AM – 7PM
To get there: Click
These are just 4 examples of more places to go during your 3-hour road trip to the beautiful beaches of Hua Hin. Make sure you get enough sleep and enjoy your weekend in the sun!
