“Which Hua Hin beach is best?” It’s the first question most visitors ask, but the answer depends on what you’re after. The main beach comes alive with morning walkers and then later for sunset drinks, while just a short ride south, you might have a whole stretch of sand to yourself all day long. Stretch for 30 kilometres along Thailand’s gulf coast, each beach offers something different – from bustling resort strips to quiet fishing villages and national parks.
I’ve spent the past couple of years getting to know these beaches in every season. This guide will help you find exactly the beach experience you’re looking for – and tell you when to go to find it at its best.
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Note: all these photos except the one above are our own, (we don’t have a drone so we had to buy this one) Otherwise no fancy stock photos are included. This is exactly what the beach looked like over the last 6 months.
From Fishing Village to Royal Resort: Why It Matters Today
Hua Hin’s evolution from Samore Riang – a modest fishing village – to Thailand’s original beach resort shapes how you’ll experience it today.
The 1920s royal summer palace, Klai Kangwon (“far from worries”), established a pattern that continues: the northern beaches attract wealthy weekenders from Bangkok, while southern fishing communities retain their traditional character.
Understanding this split helps you choose where to base yourself: northern beaches offer resort amenities but higher prices, while the provinces southern beaches provide more authentic experiences and better value.
Hua Hin Beaches: Your Ultimate Guide
One of the first things that confused me about Hua Hin was all the different beach names. Heading south from Cha Am, you’ll pass Tassanee Beach, Bor Fai Beach (look for the love heart sculpture) and City Beach. The northern stretch is lined with fancy resorts but the beaches there are narrow and often disappear at high tide – I’d skip them unless you’re staying at one of the hotels.
The main action starts just past the Hilton in town. This part of the sand is what most people mean when they say Hua Hin Beach. From there, the sand stretches south all the way to Monkey Mountain, changing names and character as it goes. Let me walk you through each section… But first we need to talk about the tides!
King Tides in Hua Hin
One thing that surprised me when I first arrived in Hua Hin was how dramatically the beach can change with the tides.
Understanding Hua Hin’s tides can make or break your beach day. The beach experiences two high and two low tides daily, with dramatic changes in between – during high tide, the water can reach over 2 metres, while low tide drops below 1 metre.
These patterns shift with the seasons. During the northeast monsoon (roughly October to February), higher water levels mean narrower beaches during the day. When the southwest monsoon arrives, you’ll find more exposed beach perfect for long walks.
Want to walk all the way from central Hua Hin to Khao Takiab? Plan your trip for late afternoon or early evening when the tide drops below 0.5 metres. I always check local tide tables before heading out – it’s the difference between a perfect beach walk and finding yourself paddling through water home.
During king tides (around full and new moons), what looks like a wide beach in the morning might completely disappear by afternoon. This is especially true from October to December.
This February, we’ve been swimming off the seawall in the mornings, but by midday there’s plenty of beach again. In March the tides switched a bit and the afternoons became quite high.
Last July and August it was the opposite – afternoon walks were tricky. The beach is always there, you just need to time your visit right. I usually check the tide tables before planning activities.
Swimming and Jellyfish
During the rainy season (July to October), especially after storms, you’ll need to watch out for jellyfish. There are three main types we see here: large White ones that usually just give mild stings, smaller White ones that can hurt a bit more, and the small Brown ones which you really want to avoid. Box jellyfish sometimes show up too, but that’s pretty rare.
I usually skip swimming at the beach during jellyfish season and stick to beach walks instead. Most hotels and restaurants keep vinegar handy for stings but I prefer to play it safe and use the hotel pool. If you’re keen for a beach day during this time, there are several beach clubs in Hua Hin with nice pools right by the ocean – ideal for enjoying the sea views without worrying about jellies!
Main Beach (Central Hua Hin)
Central Hua Hin Beach changes dramatically throughout the day and understanding its rhythm helps you enjoy it at its best:
Dawn to 9am: The local hour. Join Thai families walking their dogs, retirees doing their morning exercises, and small groups of friends sharing breakfast on beach mats. The sunrise here is spectacular but it’s the sense of community that makes early mornings special.
9am to 4pm: Tourist time. In high season this is a busy time of day with horse rides, jet skis and beach chairs filling the sand. Prices peak during these hours and the narrow beach can feel busy, especially during high tide. In low season when the temperature rises people tend to stay away until later in the day.
4pm onwards: The social hour. Local teenagers play volleyball near the pier, food vendors emerge with grilled chicken and som tam, and the beach transforms into an impromptu evening market.
Beach Cafes and Bars
The beach restaurants here fall into two categories: hotel venues with high prices and sea views, and local spots offering better value and more authentic food. Here are the local places worth exploring:
Northern End (Near Market Village)
- La Ou Lemon: Specialises in fresh lemonades and creative cocktails. Beach chairs (and sometimes even towels) available for customers. Dog-friendly. ฿60-120 for drinks. Open 9am-6:30pm (closed Wednesdays). Find it here
- Drip Rim Lay (Next to La Ou Lemon): Serious coffee spot with international beans and sea views. More expensive than local cafes but quality matches the price. Find it here
Central Area (Near Bluport Mall)
- Vee Sea Hua Hin 77: All-day beach bar with quality food and reasonable prices. Beach chairs and loungers available. Thai mains ฿180-250, drinks from ฿80. Perfect for a full day at the beach – they serve everything from morning coffee to sunset cocktails. https://maps.app.goo.gl/SFmzfQFZs3Yb2W856
Finding the Beach
The beach is hidden behind buildings, accessed through narrow lanes (sois) that tell their own story of Hua Hin’s development. Here’s how to navigate them:
Best Access Points:
- Soi 67: The widest entrance, with proper parking (฿20/hour). Popular with Thai visitors.
- Soi 75/1: Passes through a local community where residents sell homemade coconut sweets.
- Centara Soi: Historical entrance by the colonial-era railway hotel, but often crowded
Getting there: Green songtaews (shared pickups) run along the main road parallel to the beach until at least 8pm, ฿15 per person. Alternatively, book a grab or Bolt; fares from anywhere in Hua Hin are likely under ฿100.
Khao Takiab Nuea Beach
The stretch from Bluport Mall to Monkey Mountain offers Hua Hin’s best balance of comfort and calm. Less developed than the main beach but more accessible than Khao Takiab village, it’s where many long-term visitors base themselves.
The vibe here is totally different from the main beach – more peaceful, with plenty of space to spread out. There is also usually more sand here even in high tides.
Watch out for the local monkeys though – they’re part of the charm but best observed from a distance!
Beach Bars and Restaurants
You’ll find lots of nice cafes and ice cream shops tucked between the condos, perfect for escaping the heat. Prices are better here too – a coconut will set you back 50 baht and meals usually run 150-200 baht.
- Bunker Bar: Minimalist beach bar with stunning views. Excellent cocktails and quick service. Run by Bill and Jimmy who create a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Perfect for sunset drinks.
- Baanbunma: Up on the main road. Ben and Nan serve some of Hua Hin’s best-value Thai meals.
- Monkey Mountain Restaurant: Simple but reliable spot with great views and a strong breeze. Quick, friendly service. Chang beer ฿80, good chicken wings. We visit weekly for sunset drinks.
Getting Here: Take the Songtaew to Khao Takiab (final stop). Walk down the laneway to the left of the stop and you will see sois that lead down to the beach. I usually walk down the last one past Verso Hotel straight down to the beach.
Khao Takiab Beach
Around the base of Khao Takiab (which means Chopstick Mountain in Thai), you’ll find what I think is one of Hua Hin’s best-kept secrets. Take the songtaew to the end of the line and you’ll discover a beach that feels worlds away from the main stretch, with its wide sandbar and calm waters making it perfect for a lazy day.
The beach here has a totally different feel – there’s a small fishing port adding local colour, and the restaurants tend to be more laid-back and reasonably priced. Beach chairs are easy to find and won’t break the bank. I love coming here when I want a quiet day away from the busier beaches.
Beach Bars and Restaurants
Nong Kim Seafood: A beachfront favourite serving authentic Thai seafood that doesn’t compromise on flavour for tourists (though you can request no chilli). Their crab omelet is perfectly non-greasy, and the mixed tom yum strikes just the right balance of flavors. The restaurant might look simple, but the service is consistently good and prices remain reasonable despite its popularity.
Pineapple Surf Club: Laid-back beach cafe and surf school combined. Serves healthy food options and cocktails. Surf lessons available for beginners with experienced instructors (ask for Kong). Equipment rental includes surfboards and skim boards. Prices are mid-range but the beachfront location justifies it.
Mola Mola Espresso: Sitting at the rear of Pineapple Surf Club this Quality coffee is known for proper flat whites and all-day breakfast options. Environmentally conscious with reusable cups. Look for Simba the cat – the unofficial greeter. Budget-friendly with most items under ฿100.
Getting Here: Jump on the songtaew heading to Khao Takiab (it’s the last stop), then it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the beach. If you’re driving, there’s decent parking available – a welcome change from the main beach!
Suan Son Pradipat (Army Beach)
“Suan Son” means pine garden and these towering trees make this beach unique. Managed by the Royal Thai Army, it’s popular with Thai families and offers a tranquil alternative to Hua Hin’s busier beaches.
The beach itself offers a completely different experience from central Hua Hin. The sand stretches wide and clean, usually quiet even on weekends. Thai families spread picnic mats under the pines and the atmosphere feels more like a peaceful park than a tourist beach.
Everything here is remarkably budget-friendly. Beach chairs cost just ฿20 and the clean food court serves authentic Thai dishes at local prices. You’ll find vendors wandering the beach with grilled squid and ice cream, adding to the traditional Thai beach atmosphere.
Getting Here: Getting here is straightforward – the beach sits just 100 metres from its own train station, served by trains 254, 255 and 262. If you’re driving, follow the clear signs south past Khao Takiab. The parking fee is ฿20 and there’s plenty of shaded space under the pines.
Khao Tao Beach
Tucked between Army Beach and Sai Noi, Khao Tao Beach curves around its namesake fishing village, offering some of the clearest water in the area.
A temple anchors one end, a small marina the other, creating a natural, unmanicured stretch that feels worlds away from Hua Hin’s tourist spots.
There’s decent snorkeling around the rocks near the temple end, and the small islands offshore make for great photos. Come early morning for the clearest water, before the afternoon winds increase.
Beach Bars and Restaurants
There is not a lot on the beach here, we usually bring our snacks with us or drive back up to the restaurants along the nearby Reservoir with its beautiful temple when hunger strikes.
- Carapace Beach Club: Beach club with a swimming pool overlooking the sea. Good balance between beach atmosphere and resort comfort. Offers cocktails, coffee and food.
Getting here: The beach is just a 10-minute drive south of Hua Hin. Follow the signs to Khao Tao village, where you’ll find plenty of parking near the temple. If you’re not driving, any songtaew driver will know the spot – simply ask for Khao Tao Beach and they’ll drop you at the entrance.
Sai Noi Beach
About 15 minutes south of Khao Takiab, Sai Noi offers the whitest sand and clearest water in the area. Unlike Hua Hin’s main beach, you can sometimes catch decent waves here, making it popular with local surfers.
The vibe here is distinctly laid-back, with beach chairs available for ฿100 and traditional Thai massages for ฿300 right on the sand. Free parking adds to the appeal and the beach never feels crowded, even on weekends. The water tends to be clearest in the morning before the afternoon winds pick up.
Beach Bars and Restaurants
- Boonsong Restaurant: Right on the beach, serving authentic Thai food at local prices. They also rent kayaks and surfboards for the adventurous. A true beach-shack vibe with friendly service.
- Kiss Cafe (right next door to Boonsong): Located inside Sanae Beach Club, this dog-friendly spot serves excellent breakfast sets and cocktails. Two pools (adult and children’s) available with any food order. Opens at 11am. While prices are on the higher side, the quality reflects the cost.
Getting Here: Drive south past Khao Tao village and watch carefully for the signs – the beach access road is easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. There’s no regular songtaew/bus service here, so having your own transport is preferable.
Pranburi Beach (30km South)
About 30 minutes south of Hua Hin, Pranburi feels like stepping back in time. The beach stretches for kilometres, backed by casuarina trees rather than hotels, creating a natural setting that’s rare along this coastline. It’s where locals head for weekend picnics and you’ll often spot traditional fishing boats pulling up on shore.
Beach Bars and Restaurants
The northern end near Pak Nam Pran offers excellent seafood restaurants right on the beach. While there are a few boutique resorts and beach cafes scattered along the shore, prices remain reasonable and the atmosphere stays genuinely Thai.
Getting Here: Follow the coastal road south and watch for signs to Pak Nam Pran – the beach access points are well marked. There’s usually plenty of parking under the casuarina trees. While songtaews don’t run this far regularly, it’s a straightforward drive or taxi ride from Hua Hin.
Khao Kalok Beach (Skull Mountain)
If you’re willing to venture about 40 minutes south of Hua Hin, Khao Kalok Beach is worth the trip. The name means “Skull Mountain” in Thai, referring to the distinctive headland that looks like a skull from certain angles. The beach here is wide and wild, with almost no development – just a few local restaurants and small resorts tucked away in the trees.
This is where you’ll find some of the clearest water in the area, especially early morning before the afternoon winds pick up. The northern end near the mountain is particularly beautiful and usually empty except for local fishermen.
Beach Bars and Restaurants
As you enter the beach, you’ll find rows of beach chairs for rent. Within minutes of settling in, someone will bring you a menu – your food is cooked in the kitchens across the road and delivered right to your chair on the beach. The food is simple but fresh, and prices remain at local rather than tourist levels.
Getting Here: Drive south past Pranburi and follow signs to Khao Kalok – the route is well-marked. There’s plenty of parking near the beach restaurants, usually free when you’re dining. No public transport runs this far, so arrange a car service if you’re not driving.
Essential Information
Best Time to Visit
I really don’t think there is a bad time to visit Hua Hin however there are times that may suit you better than other times:
- Peak Season (December-February) Main Beach gets busy – head to Sai Noi or Khao Kalok for quieter spots. Early mornings are best for photography and swimming. Water is usually clearest during these months.
- Hot Season (March-April) Temperatures regularly hit 35°C+. Pranburi and Army Beach offer natural shade from trees. Morning visits are essential – most locals leave by 11am.
- Green Season (May-October) Watch for jellyfish warnings, especially after storms. Khao Takiab and Khao Tao beaches tend to have calmer waters. Many beach restaurants offer shaded seating.
- November to April offers the most reliable weather, with December and January being particularly pleasant. Here’s how to make the most of each season:
Family-Friendly Beaches
Khao Takiab Beach is very popular with families, its calm waters and plenty of sand for castle building. Main Beach offers gentle horse rides for children, while Army Beach provides natural shade perfect for summer visits. It’s best to avoid Sai Noi with small kids – the waves there can be surprisingly strong.
Water Sports
Kitesurfing dominates the water sports scene here, with perfect conditions from November to May.
Main Beach offers jet ski and paddleboard rentals, along with banana boat rides, while Sai Noi attracts beginner surfers with its gentle waves. Don’t expect Pattaya-style activities – Hua Hin keeps things relatively low-key.
Beach Access
Most beaches in Hua Hin are pet-friendly, especially early morning and late afternoon. However, accessibility for people with mobility challenges is limited – most entry points involve steps or narrow paths.
None of the beaches have matting for wheelchairs or proper ramps. I would suggest Khao Takiab Neua as your best option.
Final Tips
Each of Hua Hin’s beaches offers something distinct: Main Beach for convenience and activities, Khao Takiab for family-friendly calm, Army Beach for shade and simplicity, and the southern beaches for escape and authenticity.
My advice? Don’t stick to just one. Spend mornings at Main Beach watching the town wake up, afternoons under Army Beach’s pines when the heat hits, and evenings at Khao Takiab Nuea for sunset drinks. The variety is what makes Hua Hin special – you just need to know when and where to go.
For more local insights, check out our other Hua Hin guides including How to use the local public transport, tips for taking the bus to Bangkok and more.
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