10 Things to Do in Hua Hin on a Small Budget

Rajabhakti Park is a massive public urban park 14 minutes north of the city centre dedicated to preserving the history of the 7 greatest Thai kings in history. This 7 Kings Monument showcases 13.5-metre-high statues of the kings, all standing in a line and backed by a scenic mountain. As you explore, you may learn a bit about the kings as well, one of whom is considered the founding father of modern Thailand, and another of which regained independence for Thailand from Burma.

The park is open every day and is completely free to enter. In fact, even the cycle hire in the park is free; you just ask to borrow a bike and go.

Hua Hin Night Market is a traditional market that encompasses an entire street between the railroad line and Petchkasem Road with all manner of handmade arts, crafts, food and culture. Just about every kind of merchandise you can imagine can be found here, from housewares to clothing, wall art, souvenirs, trinkets and jewelry. A number of the stands also sell food from fresh produce to prepared foods and up and down the street, you'll find a wide range of popular seafood eateries.

The prices here are pretty great all around, and the sights and smells are free. It doesn't cost anything to browse and just soak up the local color. It comes to life every night as the sun goes down.

Wat Huay Mongkol is a temple featuring a gigantic statue of the famed, legendary monk named Luang Phor Thuad, which stands 12 meters tall and 10 meters wide. It seems even larger, however, because it sits atop a huge mound. You can see it through the trees from far away as you approach. This spot is not just an attraction for visitors, however; it's a very revered site for locals who come to pay respect to the monk and request his blessing for good luck, happiness, fortune and favors.

The complex also houses a Buddhist temple, shops vending Buddhist amulets and more statues, including one of King Taskin the Great. It's 22 minutes west of the city centre.

Pran Buri Forest Park offers a wilderness preserve to protect the mangrove forests while educating visitors about their importance in the local ecology, which involves protecting against natural disasters. Many people don't realize that these ancient forests are the first line of defense against hurricanes, tropical storms and tsunamis. You'll walk a well-maintained boardwalk trail above the forest so you can see the preserve from canopy level without disturbing the local ecology.

The complete trail loop covers about 1 kilometer for the full circuit. Most neighborhoods are shaded. About 2/3 of the way in, you'll be able to climb a viewing tower for fantastic photos. It's only about 22 minutes south of the city centre, along the coast.

Suan Son Pradipat Beach, or Sea Pine Tree Garden Beach, is about 8 kilometers south of Hua Hin and offers white sand, crystal clear waters and pine forests. This one is a family vacation dream, offering everything from the classic beach experience with bathing, sunbathing and sandcastles to a wide range of outdoor adventures. You can hire a banana boat to get out on the water, ride jet skis and even go horseback riding in the surf. Lining the beach are several options for dining, from quick eats to sit-down establishments.

The beach is not completely free; it does carry a nominal entry fee, but it is quite affordable. It's also quite clean and well-maintained.

Tamarind Market is a night market in Hua Hin open every weekend on the outskirts of the city centre, offering dozens of vendors, food, drink and even live entertainment. Every weekend, you'll hear live music played by fantastic local acts, and the food stalls showcase everything from traditional Thai food to fusion cuisine and even pizza. The catch here is that this particular market is almost entirely food. You'll find very few arts, crafts or souvenir vendors here.

You will, however, find plenty of culture and family fun every night on the weekend. It's a place to come to get affordable food for a wide range of tastes and be entertained at the same time.

Queen Sirikit Park is a public beach honoring the famed Queen Sirikit and offering serene surroundings on a vast stretch of soft white sand and turquoise waters. Here, you can enjoy relaxation, bathing, sunbathing, sandcastle building and beautiful natural surroundings. During the week, the beach is sparsely visited, meaning you won't have to deal with crowds. You can also explore a range of eateries a short walk away, offering all sorts of food including some great local delicacies.

The beach is just about an hour and 20 minutes north of the city centre. It's an ideal spot to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy sand, surf and sun while you relax with the family.

Maruekhathaiyawan Palace is an iconic palace crafted from teak wood in the early 20th century as King Vajiravudh's summer home. It's located right on the beach, so you can enjoy a visit to the shore just a few steps away from the palace's splendor.

When you visit this palace, you'll find an impressive architectural style quite different from what you'd normally see in Thai Palaces. The king himself completed the design with help from an Italian architect. Inside, you can get an idea of what life was like for royals in this time period. It's located just a couple of miles north of the city centre.

Khao Daeng Viewpoint is among the most famous vistas in the region, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of mountains, forests and villages far below that make for outstanding photo opportunities. You can reach the viewpoint at the top of Khao Deng mountain through a hiking trail deep in the forest. It's a medium difficulty hike, so bring comfortable shoes and prepare. You may spot local wildlife like monkeys in the trees.

At the top, you can capture spectacular sunrise or sunset views, but bring a flashlight if you'll be ascending or descending in the dark. Khao Deng Viewpoint is located a mere 50 minutes to the south of the Hua Hin city centre.

Get around Hua Hin by songthaew, using this unique form of taxi cab at low cost and high convenience. Songthaew are local pickup trucks that operate like buses and follow fixed routes. You can download a map of the Songthaew routes so you always know where and when to catch one. They're quite affordable and offer an unusual combination of taxicab or rideshare and public transportation, operating on an efficient route, but with a more individualized service.

If you're looking for a way to get around Hua Hin quickly and easily without breaking the budget, Songthaew pickup trucks are all over town. They'll get you almost anywhere you need to go.