After a few weeks in a tiny Hua Hin condo, we were craving space and silence. The Wyndham Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Villas, just 30 minutes south of Hua Hin promised both. Set across 20 acres of tropical gardens, this former Evason property seemed like the perfect escape from our temporary urban life.
We spent two nights in a pool villa to experience what this peaceful corner of Thailand has to offer. If you’re wondering whether to venture beyond the bustle of Hua Hin, our review covers everything from the spacious villas to the local attractions that make this location special. We’ll share what we loved, what could be improved, and all the practical details you need to plan your stay.
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Location: Why Choose Pranburi?
While some might see the 30 minute distance as a drawback, we found it perfect. The resort sits between the Gulf of Thailand and forest-covered hills, far from Hua Hin’s busy streets. There are no rows of beach umbrellas here, no competing beach vendors – just waves lapping at the shore and birds calling from nearby Pranburi Forest Park. It’s amazing how much difference a short drive south makes.
First Impressions
A golf cart met us at the car park, and as we wound our way to reception, we got our first look at the massive grounds. The resort spreads across 20 acres, with activity areas thoughtfully placed throughout the gardens.
We passed tennis courts where guests were playing their morning games, and caught glimpses of a skateboard area and volleyball courts between the palm trees. The drive ended at a serene lily pond – a perfect preview of the peaceful days ahead.
Our Pool Villa
After check-in, we followed our host along wooden walkways to our pool villa, one of 40 scattered throughout the resort.
At 90 square metres, it felt incredibly spacious after weeks in our condo. But it wasn’t the bedroom or bathroom that won us over – it was our private garden.
The moment we walked through the villa, we spotted the plunge pool through the floor-to-ceiling windows. It took us less than five minutes to change and jump in. The pool is deep enough for a good soak, with a traditional sala providing shade when you need a break.
We especially loved the massive outdoor bathtub, surrounded by trees and water lilies, which became our favourite spot for evening soaks under the stars.
Room Options
The resort offers several options worth considering. The Garden Rooms are perfect if you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring or by the main pool – they’re comfortable spaces with private balconies where we saw guests enjoying their morning coffee.
If you like extra space to spread out, the Garden Studios and Deluxe Studios offer larger terraces and living areas. We peeked into a Seaview Studio during our stay – the ocean views are stunning, especially at sunset. For families, the Family Suites provide a clever layout with separate sleeping areas, ideal if you’re traveling with kids who have different bedtimes.
Our pool villa felt like our own private resort, but it’s worth noting that even the standard rooms come with thoughtful touches like rain showers and quality bath products.
The layout of the resort means every room category gets a decent view – either of the gardens or the ocean, except the pool villas that have high private walls.
Days Filled with Choices
While we could have happily spent our days moving between our pool and sala, the resort offers plenty of ways to stay active. We borrowed bikes one morning and cycled to a nearby village, watching the boats bring in their morning catch.
The next day, we tried our hand at archery (included in the room rate), and spotted families playing tennis on the courts we’d passed on arrival.
What impressed us most was how these activities fit naturally into the peaceful environment. Whether you wanted to join the morning yoga session or just relax by the pool, everything felt optional and unrushed. The grounds are so spacious that even when the resort was full, I can’t imagine it ever feels busy.
Blue Lotus Spa: More Than Just a Treatment
I can’t stay at a Thai resort without trying the spa, and the Blue Lotus Spa didn’t disappoint. I booked a treatment for our second afternoon, choosing the signature Thai massage. The spa itself is beautiful – a separate building set among the gardens with its own lily pond.
There are a variety of treatment rooms. You can choose from a cave room, a room overlooking the ponds or a private room which I opted for. I could hear birds chirping as my therapist worked out the knots from too many hours hunched over my laptop. The pressure was perfect – firm enough to be effective but not so strong I couldn’t relax.
After my massage, I sat in the relaxation area and enjoyed a cup of ginger tea while watching the sun set through the trees. It was one of those perfect holiday moments where you realise you made the right choice staying an extra night.
Dining Experiences
The open-air restaurant overlooks the gardens and the ocean, and the buffet spread was impressive – fresh tropical fruits and juices, made-to-order eggs, and a good selection of cold cuts, cheese and salad and decent coffee (always a relief at a buffet). I particularly enjoyed the local dishes that changed daily.
For our first night, we ate at the resort’s restaurant, which offers both Western and Thai cuisine. After weeks of local food, we were craving a steak – and it turned out to be the best decision. The tenderloin was perfectly cooked and honestly the best piece of meat we’d eaten in Thailand.
The next day at lunch, we decided to try their Thai menu. My fish stir-fry was fresh and fragrant, while my partner’s pad see ewe was perfectly balanced. The kitchen clearly knows how to handle both Western and Thai cuisine equally well.
But on our second night, we ventured out to experience local life. The resort staff pointed us toward a nearby street market where we found plastic stools set up right on the beach. We joined locals enjoying super-fresh seafood straight off the boats, followed by drinks at a casual beachfront bar. It was the perfect complement to our luxurious accommodation – a reminder that you’re never far from authentic Thai experiences here.
Is This Resort Right For You?
After two nights here, we understood why people choose to stay in Pranburi rather than Hua Hin proper. This isn’t a resort for those wanting nightlife or shopping on their doorstep. Instead, it’s perfect if you’re looking to properly switch off.
You can be as active or lazy as you like – join the morning yoga, try some archery, or just float in your private pool all day. We did a bit of everything and loved how peaceful it felt even when doing activities. The grounds are so huge that you rarely see other guests unless you’re at breakfast or one of the organized activities.
The mix of luxury accommodation with local experiences nearby makes it special. One minute you’re having a massage in a high-end spa, the next you’re eating seafood on plastic chairs by the beach. It’s Thailand at its best.
Getting OuT and About
While the resort is wonderfully self-contained, Pranburi has some gems worth exploring. The hotel’s free bikes make it easy to discover the area at your own pace. We cycled to several local beaches, each more peaceful than the last. Khao Kalok Beach was our favorite – just a few local restaurants and fishing boats, no tourist development in sight.
The staff suggested we visit Phraya Nakhon Cave, and I’m glad we did. It’s about a 30-minute drive away, and while the early morning start was a bit painful, seeing the sunlight stream through the cave ceiling onto an ancient pavilion was spectacular. They can arrange a guide or just help you sort out transport if you prefer to explore independently.
If you’re into golf, there are several courses nearby. The Hua Hin Korea Golf Course is closest, and the resort can organise everything from tee times to transport.
Worth Booking?
This isn’t your typical Hua Hin resort experience, and that’s exactly why we loved it. There’s no pressure to do anything – we saw couples who never seemed to leave the pool and families making use of every activity on offer. The staff strike that perfect balance between being attentive and leaving you alone, and the massive grounds mean you’re never fighting for space or peace.
If you’re after nightlife and shopping, stay in Hua Hin proper. But if you want to experience a quieter slice of Thai coastal life while still having plenty to do, this could be your perfect escape. Just book an extra night – you’ll want it once you’re here.
The Practical Bits
Getting here is straightforward – it’s about three hours from Bangkok by car, or 30 minutes south of Hua Hin. We drove ourselves, but the resort can arrange transfers from either city if you prefer not to drive in Thailand. Having a car made it easier to explore, but between the resort’s transport service and local taxis, you can manage without one.