Hua Hin is a popular beach destination located around 200 km from Bangkok. It is known for its relaxing nightlife, lots of shopping malls, night markets, beaches, and natural attractions.
This beach city is a popular weekend getaway for many locals from Bangkok looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It also attracts lots of retirees and expats because of its relaxed vibe, good healthcare, and affordable living.
I have traveled to Hua Hin a few times and the latest time was during Christmas. In this article, I will show you the best areas to stay in Hua Hin, and some best places to stay in each area. I also share personal experience staying in Hua Hin, and the pros and cons of staying in each hotel.
For more information about Hua Hin, you can check out these articles:
- 26 Best Things to Do in Hua Hin
- A Perfect Itinerary for 4-5 Days in Hua Hin
- How to Get to Hua Hin & Get Around
The 7 Best Areas to stay in Hua Hin
I stayed in Soi 94 and Soi 55, which are both popular central locations in the heart of Hua Hin. I prefer staying in Hua Hin City Center because it gives me easy access to beaches, shopping malls, night markets, entertainment areas, and all tourist amenities.
The city center is home to major attractions such as Hua Hin Night Market, Soi 80 Bar street, Soi Bintabaht, Soi 94 expat area, Market Village, and Bluport Mall. This area is also close to major weekend night markets which include Tamarind and Cicada night markets.
#1. Hua Hin Beach. This is a 7km long beach located in the city center of Hua Hin, stretching from Hua Hin Pier and Chinese temple to Monkey Hill. There are lots of beachfront resorts and hotels that offers easy distance to the beach, malls, night markets, and all tourist facilities.
#2. Near Hua Hin Train Station. The Train Station is located right at the heart of Hua Hin City Center and is convenient for those traveling by train. There are plenty of hotels and guest houses near the train station. You can easily walk to the hotel when you arrive at the train station.
Staying near the train station means you will be within walking distance to the night market, Hua Hin Beach, and various entertainment areas such as Soi 80, Soi Bintabaht, and Naresdamri Road.
#3. Hua Hin Soi 94. This is the popular expat area in Hua Hin, located just 15 minute walk south of Hua Hin Train Station. If you want a vibrant nightlife with wide range of restaurants and bars serving both local and international dishes, Soi 94 is a great choice.
#4. Bluport Area. This is a nice area around Byport Mall, located just 10 minutes walk south of Soi 94. You can find several big hotels here and easy access to the beaches and the malls.
#5. Khao Takiab Beach. This is the south part of Hua Hin Beach. This part is quieter than the northern area. It is home to Monkey Hill and the Big Standing Buddha on the cliff, and close to major night markets such as Cicada and Tamarind Night markets.
#6. Khao Tao Beach. This beach is located 14km south of Hua Hin and is great base for local atmosphere and still having easy access to all amenities and a short taxi ride from the city center with its lively nightlife scene.
#7. Bo Fai/ North Hua Hin. This is an affluent residential area, and is a good place to stay for long term visitors, offering more local vibe than other tourist areas.
My top hotel picks in Hua Hin:
- Luxury: Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa
- Mid-range: Royal Pavilion Hua Hin
- Budget: Baan Nilrath Hotel
The best places to stay in Hua Hin
1. Hua Hin Beach
Hua Hin beach is the main beach in Hua Hin City Center. It is a 7km long beach stretching from the fishing port to the giant Buddha on Monkey Hill. The beach has white sand and clean water, which is good for swimming, sunbathing, walking, kitesurfing, and horse riding.
The northern part of the beach (from Soi 55 to Soi 85) is busier than the southern part of the beach. This area is a short distance from the train station, night market, malls, and Bar Streets (soi 80 and Soi Bintabaht).
Running parallel with the Beach is Highway 4 (aka Phetkasem Road), and the Nongkae-Takiap Road. There are plenty of tourist amenities on the main roads and small alleys connecting these roads to the beach. Market Village, Bluport, Cicada, and Tamarind Night market are all located close to the beach.
The public green songthaew songthaews running on Phetkasem Road and Nongkae-Takiap Road. You can use these local buses to get to the beach, in addition to motorbike rentals and Grab Taxi.
Hua Hin beach is lined with luxury resorts and apartments, which is an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing beach holiday. If you want to be close to the nightlife and malls, you can choose to stay in the northern part of the beach; for a quieter atmosphere, you can choose to stay at the southern part of the beach.
Where to stay in Hua Hin Beach:
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa
Hiton is one of the top places to stay in Hua Hin for couples and families. This is a 5-star hotel located on Naresdamri Road, right on Hua Hin Beach in the city center of Hua Hin.
It is also close within walking distance from some attractions such as the Chinese Shrine, the fishing pier, and Soi Bintabaht. You can walk to lots of restaurants, bars, and massage shops. Hilton has a very well maintained ground with multiple swimming pools and lots of palm trees.
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas
Centara is a popular 5-star luxury hotel centrally located in the heart of Hua Hin, short distance from many attractions such as the Night Market, train station, Soi 80, and lots of other tourist amenities.
The hotel has excellent facilities including several outdoor swimming pools, and is a short distance to the beach. Good for both families, couples, and solo travelers.
Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa
This is one of the best places to stay in Hua Hin. It is located between Hua Hin Beach and Highway 4 (one of the main roads of Hua Hin). You have a beachfront location and easy access to a range of shopping malls and night markets on the main road such as Market Village, Bluport, Tamarind and Cicada Market.
Marriott has multiple swimming pools, modern guest rooms, a gym, a kid’s club and tour desk. You can enjoy high quality services and central location while staying at this resort.
2. The Hua Hin Train Station Area
In my opinion, the train station area is one of the best areas to stay in Hua Hin, especially for first-time visitors and those who are staying in the city for just a few days.
If you stay near the train station area, when you arrive by train from other cities such as Bangkok, you can easily walk to your hotel. This saves money on transport.
There are also several bus companies and travel agencies in this area, including Lomprayah, which is convenient for transport to other parts of Thailand such as Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, or Koh Samui.
You can book accommodations in the area between Soi 53 to Soi 86. This area has a high concentration of hotels, restaurants, bars, massage shops, motorbike rentals, and seafood restaurants.
Popular points of interest in this area include Hua Hin Night market, Soi 80 Bar Street, Soi Bintabaht, Naresdamri Road, and Khao Hin Lek Fai. You can easily walk to Hua Hin Beach. It is easily explored on foot or short Grab ride.
Where to stay near Hua Hin Train Station:
Anchan Hotel & Spa
Anchan is a budget-friendly hotel located in a central location, close to everything. It is only a short distance either on foot or tuk tuk from the main beach, the train station, and the night market.
You can walk to the popular Bintabaht bar Street with lots of gift bars, night clubs, massage shops. It also has a nice little swimming pool and clean guest rooms.
Hub Hua Hin 57
As the name suggests, Hub Hua Hin 57 is located on Hua Hin Soi 57, in the heart of Hua Hin City Center. It is a great base for solo travelers, families, and couples who are on a budget.
The hotel is conveniently located within a short distance from popular points of interest like the train station, the beach, the fishing pier, night market, and soi Bintabaht walking street.
3. Hua Hin Soi 94
Soi 94 is a lively expat area located 1 km south of Hua Hin train Station. It is a 2km long street that is packed with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and massage shops. There are lots of tourist amenities on Soi 94 and smaller alleys around it.
This area has a wide range of restaurants serving both Thai and international dishes. You can find Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean restaurants in Soi 94. There are several bar complexes in this area including WonderLand and Rock Zone Bar.
From Soi 94, you can walk to the Market Village, which is a huge shopping mall in Hua Hin. Another shopping mall, Bluport, is also a short taxi ride away.
Soi 94 is home to several small guest houses and apartments. Lots of businesses in this area are owned by foreigners, so don’t be surprised if your hotel’s owner is not Thai. The accommodation prices are slightly cheaper than the city center. Good deals for those on a budget.
Where to stay in Hua Hin Soi 94:
G Hua Hin Resort & Mall
G Hua Hin is a 4-star mid-range hotel located in a very good location, at the intersection of Soi 94 and Highway 4 (the main road of Hua Hin). It is close to lots of coffee shops, restaurants, and malls. It is also a short walk to Hua Hin Beach, which is a bonus for those who want to get close to the beach.
It has a nice pool area with a pool bar. The rooms are clean and in a good-size. They offer a free shuttle at certain times in the evening to Cicada Market and Tamarind Night Market.
Baan Yokmhanee
Baan is a good value for money condo hotel, located in a good location. It is close to the Market Village Shopping Mall and 94 soi for nightlife and food market.
It is still in a quiet location so you’ll have a good night’s sleep. The city center and the beach is 20 minutes walk away or you can take a short ride on public green songthaew.
Lovely Guesthouse 94
This budget hotel is popular for solo travelers and couples. It is conveniently located on the Soi 94, which is lined with lots of bars and restaurants. You can walk to the beach, and big malls such as Market village and Bluport.
4. The Blúport Mall area
Blúport Mall is one of the top shopping malls in Hua Hin, along with Market Village. The mall is located right on the main road of Hua Hin, Petchkasem Road. It is just 3km south of Hua Hin Train Station and is a few hundred meters from Hua Hin Beach.
There are plenty of tourist amenities around the mall, including hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. The lively Soi 94 and the Market Village are also a few minutes tuk tuk ride away.
Where to stay near the Market Village area:
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort
InterContinental is a family-friendly resort and is one of the top choices for families in Hua Hin. It is located right next to BlúPort Hua Hin Mal and very close to the city center and the beach. I think this hotel is a peaceful and quiet place for a relaxing holiday.
The Peri Hotel
The Peri is a 4-star mid-range hotel located close to the Bluford Mall, and Cicada Market, which are great places for shopping, trying the street food, and enjoying the nightlife. It is a well-maintained garden and pool, as well as clean and comfortable rooms for guests.
5. Khao Takiab Beach
Khao Takiab beach is actually the southern section of Hua Hin Beach. This area has a quieter atmosphere compared to the area near Hua Hin train station and the night market. It is around 10 km south of the city center and easily accessible by public songthaews, tuk tuk, and Grab/ Bolt.
The major cultural attraction in Khao Takiab is the Khao Takiab Temple and the giant standing Buddha located on the Monkey Hill. Khao Takiab Temple has lots of monkeys on its ground and it has stunning views of the ocean from its top.
The Beach is a great place to visit all times of the day, especially at sunrise and sunset. You can dine at one of the beautiful cafes and bars on the cliffs area of Monkey Hill and enjoy the views of the ocean.
The two major weekend night markets, Tamarind and Cicada, are located in the Khao Takiab area. You can enjoy eating local Thai street food and buy souvenirs from the markets.
There are plenty of tourist amenities on the neighborhood’s main road, Nong Kae Takiap and smaller alleys connecting this street to the beach such as Hua Thanon 1, 2,.. And Tatiap 1,2…
Khao Takiab is the best location for those who want to stay in resort-style accommodations on the beach and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere.
Where to stay in Khao Takiab Beach:
The Yana Villas
This is a five star beachfront hotel located in the Khao Takiab, south of Hua Hin City Center. The resort has direct access to the beach and is a short distance from Khao Takiab temple, and several night markets like the Tamarind and Cicada. This is ideal for those who want a luxury quiet stay on the beach.
Anantasila Beach Resort
Anantasila is a beautiful beachfront hotel with a private beach area and is a popular base for families with kids. This hotel offers a calm and quiet atmosphere. You can just spend time on the beach and the pool. It is a bit further from the main town but the hotel offers shuttle service to the markets, and malls.
iSanook Resort & Suites
iSanook is a great 4-star located close to the beach and a good selection of restaurants, shops and massage places. The hotel has an onsite pool with a pool bar, fitness center, poolbar, café and spa. It is out of the main area but there are shuttle buses and taxis taking you to the action.
6. Khao Tao Beach
Khao Tao Beach is a secluded beach area located 14km south of Hua Hin City center. The beach is the southern section of a 7km long coastline that includes Khao Takiab Beach in the north, Suan Son Beach in the middle, and Khao Tao Beach in the south.
If you are staying in Hua Hin for a long term, and are looking for somewhere with a more local vibe and within a 15-20 minutes drive from nightlife and shopping areas of Hua Hin, then Khao Tao is a great choice.
Khao Tao is home to several attractions such as the Khao Tao temple overlooking Khao Tao Beach and Hat Sai Noi Beach. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at Khao Tao Lake in the middle of the village.
Khao Tao’s location also offers easy access to some major attractions in the region such as Phraya Nakhon cave, Pran Buri Forest Park, and Khao Kalok Beach.
Where to stay in Khao Tao:
Charras Bhawan Hotel and Residences
This is a great base in Khao Tao, offering colonial-style accommodations and the relaxing atmosphere. The hotel is close to the beach, the lake, and the temple. It houses a pool and an onsite restaurant serving both Thai and international dishes.
Kao Tao Villa Beach Resort
This resort is located on Khao Tao Beach, close to the Khao Tao Lake, the fishing village, and the temple. It has a swimming pool and an onsite restaurant. There are several restaurants and bars near the hotel.
7. Bo Fai/ North Hua Hin
North Hua Hin, particularly Bo Fai, is a residential area, offering a local vibe while still having easy access to the more tourist central location of Hua Hin. It is close to Hua Hin Old Town, Palm Hills golf course and the airport. This area offers a quieter atmosphere and is a good base for long term visitors.
The downside is that it is located a bit further away from the malls and markets, so you’ll need to get a taxi to get to the main areas. If you don’t mind this and just want a good place to relax, this area is a good choice. You can find several good resorts here.
Where to stay in North Hua Hin:
Anantara Hua Hin Resort
Anantara is a 5-star beachfront resort located within a 15 minutes taxi ride from the city center and its night market. I highly recommend this resort for families and couples who want a relaxing luxury beach holiday in Hua Hin.
Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa
Mövenpick is located in North Hua Hin, 10 minutes drive from the city center. It is a good weekend getaway place to stay away from busy Bangkok. They have excellent facilities and services, an ideal place for relaxing.
Whale Hua Hin
Whale Hua Hin is a great option for families and couples who are on a budget. The hotel offers free scheduled shuttle services to the downtown area which is a bonus. Grab is also plentiful and reasonable prices to get to the malls, beach, and night markets.
Where did I stay in Hua Hin? My personal experiences
I visited Hua Hin late December, during Christmas time, which is the peak holiday season in Hua Hin and all Thailand. I booked my hotels just a few days before my arrival and most of them were fully booked.
I was lucky to find two hotels available that fit my budget, but I highly recommend booking at least a couple of weeks in advance at least to secure your hotel and also get the better deals.
I stayed at Lovely Guesthouse 94 in Soi 94 for a night and Captain Joe Cafe & Hostel in the city center for a few nights. Here are my personal experiences of staying in these hotels in Hua Hin, including its pros and cons.
Captain Joe Cafe & Hostel
Location
Captain Joe Hostel is located in the heart of downtown Hua Hin in Soi 55. It is walking distance from Hua Hin Night Market, Soi Bintabaht, the Fishing Pier, the Chinese Shrine, and Naresdamri Road with lots of old wooden houses.
You can easily walk to Lomprayah Office for taking the bus to Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, or Koh Samui. There are lots of massage shops, travel agencies, seafood restaurants, bars, and cafes near the hotel.
The hotel is overall in an ideal location for exploring the city on foot and Grab Taxi. Very central location, easy access to the beach, major attractions, and the main road, but still quiet for a good night sleep.
Amenities
The hotel owners were super friendly and gave me a warm welcome with some delicious pineapple juice when I checked in. They also helped me to book a bus ticket to Koh Tao, rent a good scooter and give me a list of places to eat and visit.
My room is clean and spacious. It has a window, which makes it feel airy and bright. There is air conditioning in the room, as well as towels, wardrobe, tables, chair, mirror, tissues, and Tivi. The owner gave me a free bottle of water everyday.
The room comes with a shared bathroom. The bathrooms are separated with toilets. They both are very clean. There is shampoo and shower gel inside the bathroom. There were just 6 rooms in the hostel, so I never had to wait to have a shower during my stay.
I highly recommend staying at Captain Joe Hostel due to its central location, cleanliness, and the warm hospitality of the owner. It is also a great place for budget travelers. You have a private and safe room that is not insanely expensive.
Lovely Guesthouse 94
Location
This hotel is located in the heart of Soi 94, a lively neighborhood in Hua Hin that is popular with expats and long term travelers. It is 1.5km from Hua Hin Train Station, around 100 baht for Grab Taxi to get to the hotel from the station. I walked all the way from the train station to the hotel for around 20 minutes.
The hotel is a step away from a range of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and massage shops. One of my favorite restaurants, Ga Hanoi, is located just 3 minutes walk from the hotel. Lots of bar complexes are within a short walk from the hotel, ideal for bar hopping.
Since it’s so close to a bunch of bars, it can get a bit noisy, something to keep in mind if you’re a light sleeper. The room is not sound proofing, you can consider bringing the earbud to keep you sleep.
Amenities
My room is clean and spacious with a private bathroom. It has a double bed with a large balcony with chair and table. It is a great place to chill and enjoy the views of the city. There is air conditioning inside the room, a fridge, table, chair, a TV, and clothes hangers.
There is no lift in the house, so you have to carry a suitcase to the room, which can be quite difficult if you have a heavy suitcase. The bathroom had a strange, unpleasant smell during my stay. I stayed only one night, so it was fine.
Overall, it is a nice guest house with a friendly owner, in the middle of the expat communities of Hua Hin. My stay would’ve been a lot better if it was quieter at night and the bathroom didn’t have a bad smell.
Hua Hin is a popular beach city near Bangkok. It is a great place for a weekend retreat from the hustle and bustle of the capital city of Thailand. There are hundreds of places to stay in Hua Hin, everything for all budgets.
See more: Where to Stay in Thailand
If you want to stay in the middle of the action, stay in Hua Hin city center, and Hua Hin beach area. If you want to party and enjoy the nightlife, stay in the bar streets such as Soi Bintabaht, Soi 80, and. For a quieter and more local atmosphere, consider staying somewhere on Khao Takiab and Khao Tao Beach.