Hua Hin Walkabout + Budget, Luxury Hotels Tour
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ม.ค. 2025
- PART 2 NOW UP: • Hua Hin Revisited 2020...
Took the train down to Hua Hin recently and stayed at both budget and luxury hotels plus had a wander around the beaches, bars & town. Too much content to fit into 1 video so will add a part 2 soon time permitting.
Please like (if you like;) & subscribe for more vids
Become a Patreon? / sidetriplife
Music: bit.ly/2VJ3RWB
Hotels/Notes:
Hua Hin Hotels: www.agoda.com/...
*Pls note: prices shown in video were still in low season
*also did not opt in breakfast at Hilton as do not do brekky buffets (and to save $;)
Train booking online: www.thairailwa...
*newer style train in video is #31 leaving Bkk at 14:45
*return from Hua Hin train is #40 leaving at 16:00 (express seater style)
Oh and budget or luxury? Doesn't matter, Hua Hin is the main draw.
Thx for viewing. Kindly like (if you like;) and pls subscribe for more.
Cheers!
STL
----------
UPDATE: Have a wedding to attend in Hua Hin upcoming so tried to book that new train #31 again. Online it said sold out so then called the SRT hotline. They said can no longer reserve for short trips (like Bkk-Hua Hin) on what is essentially a 2cnd class a/c seat but also converts into a bed for longer journeys (makes sense actually). So for short journeys looks like one either selects the 8 a.m. commuter seat a/c train, or 3rd class on others (no a/c, can get hot and seats are not comfortable). Also SRT gal said online bookings cap at 15% of total seats. But can book at stations directly. So if it says sold out online, try at the station or call SRT hotline: 1690 - can also call and reserve in advance and then pay at the station within 24 hrs.
I'm a fan of Euro trains. Wish we had such in the US. I have yet to take a Thai train, but will try this very trip on my next vacation to Thailand. Thank you for sharing!
One of the most informative blogs out there.Great job. Just subscribed.
I really appreciate your style of video. You visit many properties without making first world judgments. It's very refreshing. Thank you. Nice to see a world traveler who is respectful of the people within whom he is visiting.
Thank you Andrew. Thailand & Thai people have been wonderful to me. I feel both fortunate and grateful to be here. Wish all wanting to return be able to and in the not too distant future. Take care all
I always like your laid-back style reviews. They are informative but are delivered in a nice paced way and very easy to imagine one's self following your footsteps. Kinda being there are the same time sorta thing. Thanks! Can't wait to get back and enjoy new adventures there. Cheers from Alaska!!
For sure new adventures and trips await for you and many others, hang in there and cheers as always AK :)
Great Hua Hin intro - i love how you incorporate the google earth map - puts everything nicely into perspective!
Well done !
Great Vlog, by far the best informative video I’ve seen on TH-cam, nice camera work, good tempo , not quick or slow, like the different price accommodation reviews 👍
Love Hua Hin, golfers heaven 🏌️♂️😎
Really well done vlog packed with information. My very first place I stayed in Thailand was The Hilton in Hua Hin. 2 weeks of absolute heaven. Hua Hin will always be my home away from home. Thanks again.
Just came across your channel and I must say your videos are nicely put together. I am hoping to relocate to Hua Hin soon and your info is very valuable. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Thank you Fadi. Did a followup video on some top spots and beaches nearby Hua Hin plus a look at condos etc, can see here: th-cam.com/video/ZXDedcBdZLQ/w-d-xo.html
Cheers!
STL
The way you edit these is great. You have a gift or whoever you hired is,
Thx. Just me
Really enjoyed the vlog. So well done. Editing is fantastic and just soooooo much information.
I am now a subscriber. Thank you. I look forward to viewing more from you.
First time viewer, Happy New Year. Loved this informative, enticing vlog, cannot wait to view part 2. Keep up the great work. All the best throughout this fresh new year.
Very nice informational video my friend. Great 👍 camera work as well. All the best!
@Foreigner Joe Thanks Joe, enjoying following your adventures as well. Cheers! STL
Wow I like that train. It looks pretty clean.
Nice to get a bit of a squiz around the place, my wife and I are thinking of relocating from Chiang Mai to HH or the area.. be down there next month to suss it out... Thanks for the preview!
very nice, looking forward to part 2!
cheers!!!
seconded, pt 2 please!
A great vid and a lot of good insights! I saved it for reference 👌
Nice video mate. As you were leaving Hua Lampong that was not the E&O you saw. It was part of the SRT Prestige train.
@Kenneth Bell Well spotted Kenneth. Previously took a brief tour of the E&O at Hualamphong so should have known it was a different livery. Thanks for pointing this out. Cheers
Hi there-that was an awesome video! Thanks for sharing:)
Beautiful city hua hin thanks for watching😃🙏
LOVE Hua Hin ! In 6 weeks Im going ther for 7 weeks !!!! thanks for Vid .
15 minutes isn't long, longer the better for me.
That was marvellous. Extremely informative and interesting. I'll watch all your videos. Khop khun krap mak mak
Loved this vid great work
lucky you. I took the old train many years ago. New once is so nice.
@Banner Traveller Actually I love both old n new trains BT but the old style will always have a soft place in my heart and memories:) STL
@@SideTripLife I hear you. Thanks for the video
Back there in Feb and have made note of this video
As always fantastic job.
great vlog .. been there last year sep .. amazin city but unfortunately couldnt cover it all ..
Great video guys👍
Another great video.
made my rainy day....thanks
Thank you Michael. Hope the rain stops but if not, here's part 2:
th-cam.com/video/YtByLljTlXY/w-d-xo.html
and part 3:
th-cam.com/video/ZXDedcBdZLQ/w-d-xo.html
Cheers, STL
Another enjoyable and informative video , going there next month myself 👍
We always stay at the Mini tel on the edge of town often have the pool too ourselves
Really like the video. Thanks!
Very good and informative video. Thx.
Stayed at the Centara Grand there and really nice with a an excellent Japanese restaurant. Otherwise Hua Hin felt like a Bangkok suburb by the sea. Train ride from there to Surat Thani was nice, interesting to see the landscape and language change the further south you go.
@Luke Justice Perhaps have a look at Prachuap Khiri Khan just an hour South but about 20 years difference: th-cam.com/video/Z7FE2_vqOcY/w-d-xo.html Also this absolute gem, again just South of PKK at Huai Yang: th-cam.com/video/LuCat_-uks8/w-d-xo.html
Currently I'm at Dolphin Bay and can hardly wait to upload a vid from here, another complete gem. So, next time in Hua Hin, maybe rent a car (can get from 6-800 baht day) and stretch just a wee bit further South for a couple nights (or weeks;). In fact the entire coast down to Bang Sapan & Chumpon plus Kanom in NST and Samila near Hat Yai is incredibly beautiful yet hardly visited in comparison to other areas. STL
@@SideTripLife Thanks for the advice:) much appreciated. I've heard good things about Prachuap Khiri Khan, hopefully check it out in future. I'm actually in the south a lot and know Khanom a little, also Nakon Si Thammarat. I remember the days when the only western style shop in town (Nakonsi) was Carrefors. Anyway, enjoy the videos, keep up the good work.
Don't forget there is English radio in Hua Hin - 102.5 Surf FM with BBC News
My daughter loves the pugs. Great shot of them. That will get her over to see me in Thailand.
I love the old train carriages
Ditto DD & the slower the better, part o' the charm ;)
This video number 5 I saved 😎 really. Where is the channel before 😂😂 go ahead ❤ God bless you
Thank-you, learn so much from informative video.
Nice informative video, thanks for sharing.
Yes the train looked enjoyable
@Johnny Siam Thx. The new carriages are quite quiet and stable even on the old existing track, plus with hot showers too (only on the single Southern line new train thus far which is #31). Also new double track construction looks well underway. Should cut the time to HH by more than 1/3. But for me even the slower single track is enjoyable, absolutely love the train.
Is that New at KBA kite surfing?
very nice my Thai girlfriend wont ride trains. in Hua Hin now we always stay it city beach resort. cheap and clean she loves to eat at hotel restaurant where you stayed at
where is part 2 ? and thanks for a great video
@ saffira35 Hi! Sorry for the delay, been so busy plus lost the HD which also had much of that content BUT re-visted Hua Hin recently and also did some re-filming. May finally find some time this week or next to complete part 2 and upload. Thanks for your kind comment (and patience :)
Dim Sum for 580 baht is more expensive than Vancouver Canada, where you get the best dim sum outside of Hong Kong, love Thailand but more so in 70’s Hua Hin was a sleepy little place back then 1500 people, now a big city on the beach.
Hua
Thanks for the comments. Must have been wonderful to experience Hua Hin in the 70's. If only many places East and West could have remained sleepy little places... such is 'progress' sigh... Just for the record the 580 baht dim sum @ 10:00 was for an 'All You Can Eat' Buffet at the Hilton Hotel rooftop restaurant (top of top-end, similar to say rooftop dining at a Vancouver 5* hotel which would be plenty more expensive;). Note the price to stay at the Hilton right on the beach in low season was approx $85 (less than an Econo Lodge in some Western cities) and even currently at approx $110 still less than half what one would pay in Van and many other Western cities for similar. Also in Hua Hin you can still get hotels with pools for $30 and guesthouses for under $15 and a myriad of cheap eats at the markets and many smaller Thai restaurants off main sois and even at Market Village mall downstairs.
I first visited Hua Hin in '97 and although it has really grown in that time ( like most cities, moreso since 70's naturally) Hua Hin thankfully still manages to retain a charm, may she continue to. Or, if looking for a quieter less built up Thai seaside town just an hour and change South, Prachuap Khiri Khan (PKK) may still tick some boxes, here's my vid: th-cam.com/video/Z7FE2_vqOcY/w-d-xo.html
which station should I select for bangkok to hua hin train? I didn't find any option on the menue for Hua Hin
Hi Hu Man , I'll try to give a fuller response for others perhaps looking in too:
1) Go to the SRT (State Railway of Thailand) site:
www.thairailwayticket.com/eTSRT/
2) Top right corner click the English flag to change language
3) Select 'SOUTHERN' line option
4) Select destination Hua Hin
*Note: Since my trip in the video I again tried booking a 2cnd class AirCon seat for a wedding in Hua Hin.
However, Hua Hin trains were all sold out or did not appear. I thought because high season demand or???
So I called the SRT hotline 1690 and they said can no longer book aircon seats on far South-bound routes
for such a short trip such as to Hua Hin (on seats which are also beds for longer journeys) - makes sense really.
EXCEPTION: 8:05 a.m. special express which is an A/C commuter seat train with 4 carriages.
Also note: SRT said they limit online bookings to 25% of total seats to be fair to all.
If one still wants to book the new #31 train I took, you could try to book and pay for a higher fare to say PKK /
Prachuap Khiri Khan (approx 1.5 hours after Hua Hin) but disembark at Hua Hin.
Prachuap is an absolute gem, so if you miss the Hua Hin stop, you'll likely LOVE PKK!
See my vid on PKK here:
th-cam.com/video/Z7FE2_vqOcY/w-d-xo.html
Would NOT recommend taking a NON aircon train even to Hua Hin as it will not be comfortable.
Failing all the above, it's the Southern Bus Terminal out Mor Chit way or Mini Van
Also see response to ochaleklaw comment by wayne bevan below for Suvanabhumi bus.
Enjoy Hua Hin and perhaps PKK too!
The problem with Hua Hin for us is the crazy road between all the places to live and the beach. Need to live near the foot bridge overpass maybe.
Yes Petchakasem Rd can get like a busy motorway making crossing by foot daunting or downright dangerous with the crazy speeds some travel at. Ideally they need to add foot bridges every 500 m (similar to the distance between the Market village pedestrian overpass and the one at Vittayalai School just up the road). For sure need to add at least 1 at Grand Inn night market and another at Soi 94 or 96 (both 'ideally'). Until then crossing Petchkasem can be a bit like playing Frogger in real life.
Very good video, nice to see the higher end hotels and options and normal sightseeing, the girlie bars gets a bit same same lah!
@Peter Fortune Cheers Peter! BTW, if anyone would like to see how Hua Hin looked last week, please see this updated video: th-cam.com/video/jfKFpziF-IA/w-d-xo.html
Also, Part 2 is here: th-cam.com/video/jfKFpziF-IA/w-d-xo.html
And final part 3 is now up: th-cam.com/video/-2DZiC8A_68/w-d-xo.html
Where do you catch the train from the Bangkok airport to Hua Hin ? Thank you
Take the Airport Rail Link on bottom floor of the Suvarnabhumi Airport to Makassan Stn and cross over to MRT/Subway to Hualamphong. But beloved old Hualamphong stn will pass the torch to new Bang Sue Grand Station in future. Love Hualamphong so much, hope she remains partly functioning as a station but grateful she'll be preserved as a museum at least.
@@SideTripLife thank you so much enjoy watching every single video of yours. Fantastic job so informative very grateful for all your videos. Thank you again
How much was your hotel per night? was it guest friendly?
The bird guesthouse...does it have ac and free parking???
Hi Hellen. Yes Bird Guesthouse has A/C rooms as well as fan. Unfortunately there's no real parking area along the row of seaside guesthouses. A couple options: The little soi ends at the Chinese temple where there may be a couple spots to park if you get there very early. Failing this, might try the large Wat parking area but check with them first as they may have big events happening. Last chance would be parking on the sois (likely over Petchakasem) or even at the City Hall lot as there's usually not many spaces avail beach side. Pro tip for short term parking while you scope it out: Just round the corner park under the Hilton Hotel, then get grab a coffee to go at The Coffee Club next door and get a stamp - free temp parking, well, with a coffee. Good luck
SideTripLife thank you....can’t wait to be there!!!
its this the for 1 night or what
❤You are The Best, Greetings from Europie ❤
Thank you! 😃
It is a great vlog, very well done. That said, it's certainly not all that wonderful. I've lived here 3 years now, and a number of things are changing, not necessarily for the better in HH. For one, the air pollution here is really bad and getting worse. The ocean here is not something most locals go in very often, it ranges from 6-10 foot visibility to zero. They're continuing to build condos and hotels at a furious pace, with very little upgrade to the already strained infrastructure. We're going to be seeing more bus tours, despite the tiny streets and lack of parking. It's also one of the most expensive cities in Thailand, on a par with Pattaya or Koh Samui, not quite as expensive as Phuket, yet. The police, of course, are pretty much non-existent unless there's some money to be made, as in shaking down tourists with road blocks, and drunk driving continues to be a huge problem after sundown. The tourism authority has a delusional vision of HH as Bangkok's Palm Beach or Malibu, so there's a lot of upscale development without much in the way for average to budget travelers. So, just a warning, as nice as HH looks in the pictures, it's still a far cry from a perfect retirement getaway or fun beach destination. Sorry for the buzzkill.
@James Pardue Some good points to ponder, thanks. Not saying this applies to you but just some perspective as this may help to also address some perpetually disillusioned commenters: Many are seeking a 'Unicorn' type place to visit or retire, with cheap accommodation, cheap food and drinks, plus great infrastructure and high standards- all at a low overall cost of living... Nothing wrong in wanting all that but the unfortunate reality is, these things do not usually go together...
For sure in Phuket, Samui, Hua Hin etc or in any main Thai tourist area, one can pay a premium for Thai or Western food especially on main tourist streets. But stroll just a block away down most side sois/streets and you're often seeing local prices again. Yet many choose instead to head straight to the most expensive Western pub or restaurant in foreign tourist central and order fav dishes from home, or a western steak, or buy same from a western supermarket, plus imported condiments etc from home and marvel at the prices.
Meanwhile in Hua Hin one can still eat local for pennies, or find western meals for under $5 even at swish Blu Port or Market Village malls downstairs and at others. Can also easily find a modern studio condo with pool and gym to rent in Hua Hin for $300/month or a small townhouse for same. Can also still find guesthouses in Hua Hin for under $15 and hotels with pool under $30 (can't even find an Econo Lodge type room in America or Europe for those prices;) However, there are trade-offs, of course...
Many also want or expect high quality infrastructure with high standards and planning, plus 1st world health, safety and enforcements- all at a cheap overall cost of living... Again, nothing wrong in wanting all that, but reality is if Thailand eventually raises standards to the seeming desire of some, say a Singapore or Sydney etc, cost of living will also be similar as living in those locales.
When I first arrived in Hua Hin as a young guy in '97 it seemed idyllic. And it was in many ways but the reality also was there were many more hazy days due to much dirtier diesel and gas/petrol and almost no stigma against burning fields. Of course Thailand still needs to do MUCH more to stop burning - cane currently (also as seen on NASA Firms Fire map doesn't help majority of burning is in Cambodia and it's been blowing our way). Also back in '97 and for several years the road to Bangkok was mostly a two lane white knuckle ride (or crawl) especially thru the 'rollercoaster' areas before/after Samut Songkhram. There were no modern supermarkets, so one relied on the wet market with beef n pork hanging on hooks with flies in the heat awaiting your order. The streets and beaches were far dirtier as there was much less awareness of tossing trash carelessly. Water treatment was minimal and although the plant in town has had many upgrades, it struggles to keep up (again, the cost of adding several modern treatment plants plus widening roads etc etc will be enormous and borne by tourists and residents alike). Also back then the internet was accessed on dial up modem and cost 3 baht per minute (if you could even connect). Now there's cheap, reliable, unlimited and fast mobile plans. I could go on and on about the 'good ol days'. Yes there were far fewer people, buildings, traffic etc but the same goes for many towns which westerners grew up in. Then others moved in (like myself to Hua Hin back when and many others since). Unfortunately few places simply stand still and many towns, especially in desirable rapidly growing locales in developing countries, usually struggle to cope.
Over the years have seen some get twisted in knots because in reality their chosen 'unicorn' destination couldn't match their ideals and they returned home in a disillusioned huff (or huffed off to other countries only to discover the same). Thus, one can choose to either try to reconcile some less than ideal shortcomings, or choose to be perpetually dissatisfied (or sadly for some, just be downright miserable wherever they go). Personally would choose to try to reconcile what I could and enjoy life, or at the least make the best of every day.
So would I wish to return to Hua Hin of old? Certainly in some ways it would be nice, although nowadays Hua Hin offers a far improved lifestyle overall by many metrics (but with short comings and drawbacks, of course;). However, is Hua Hin still 'idyllic'? I would say less so with all the development. Is Hua Hin still charming? I would say yes, largely due to the endearing legacy of HM King Rama 9, and also due to those same narrow sois/streets in town with all the old characterful shophouses (sadly also disappearing at pace). Is the ocean less or more clear than before? Note the water (and air) was actually pretty clear in late Oct when I filmed. However, Hua Hin is located up the gulf near Bangkok thus depending on wind, currents and tides, is subject to both murkier water from central river outflows and churned up seas from the gulf. This has not changed. There's far clearer waters further South but Hua Hin still has the x-factor of ease of access and proximity to Bangkok on a modern motorway. So there we have it. One can move to say more idyllic Bang Saphan or Sichon etc but most of the above negatives will also come into play as things so-called 'progress' there too (haphazardly as it does in developing countries;)
Meanwhile, all things considered, I still absolutely love imperfect but perfectly lovely Hua Hin
Where's the part 2 that you teased?
@Clifford - Bad/Good news - Bad news: misplaced the ext HD with much of my part 2 footage... Good news: spent a week in Hua Hin again recently and re-filmed some content. Just need to find time to splice it all together and upload, hopefully soon. Meanwhile, thanks for your interest and kind patience :)
Hua Hin looks clean and white sand beach than Pattaya .
first time viewer,the only criticism i have for your video,is you are cutting from picture to picture ( from this view to another view ) a little too fast.
but other than that,pretty good video.
but i think it would be vise to ease up on cutting from picture to picture that often and that fast.
Yes, you are right. Still learning and appreciate the feedback.
Made a follow-up video to this series, hopefully not as many fast transitions:
th-cam.com/video/ZXDedcBdZLQ/w-d-xo.html
I usually try to add a lot of info so may have to make longer vids or cut info.
But as 'too fast' is the #1 critique will for sure try to slow down going fwd.
Thanks :)
STL
First stayed at the Hilton 10 years ago, last stayed 6 months ago, low season prices are okay but high season prices are a joke and it is no longer a luxurious hotel. Centara which you showed is much better, so is Hyatt.
@capio78 Actually the few remaining old 'classic' rooms at the Hilton are likely disappearing (sadly, as they were fine and good value comparatively). The hotel is being refurbished and judging by the floors which had the upgrade, looks quite good too. However, would still give the entire foyer a good going over, shades of the old Melia imho. Today note some classic rooms online going for 3152 THB / approx $100 and by most metrics still not a bad deal for a tropical ocean front Hilton in high season.
New rooms seem a hit too. From a January Trip Advisor post:
"Third stay here and it has improved hugely. Newly located and spacious executive lounge, with attractive and attentive staff. My room, same floor plan as last time, was beautifully modernised and refurbished"
Centara/Railway hotel is lovely, what a gem but priced accordingly of course. Hyatt can be a good deal if a 'World of Hyatt' member as a friend is. Exec suite for the price of a standard room and wow. Meanwhile, can still find good cheap grub n grog in Hua Hin, plus a hotel with pool under $30, guesthouses for half that, rent a condo for 8-10K (or spend lots more, 'Up to U' as they say;) Either way, still love Hua Hin and visit often.
Es ist bereits Luxus in Thailand leben zu dürfen. Und ich mag diesen Luxus sehr. Nicht als Ausländer, sondern als Fremder, welcher auch die Sprache der Thailänder sehr liebt und schätzt.
good vlog, Hua Hin is a great place to live, if we can help with rental or sale properties please contact us.
For a Hilton it is quite disappointing to me then Hua hin seems nice and quiet a cozy place for relaxing 😂 Kap
@Krakatoa_ 81 Actually Hilton Hua Hin had been undergoing upgrading and I wonder if they accelerated this during the current down time, we'll see. The room we stayed at was the older 'classic' style room, was great value comparatively too. Will be sad to see the lower rate older rooms switch to all modern / upgraded and pricey new rooms. Either way, the pool and views remain fantastic. Cheers! STL
Thanks Love that beach. RobNoi
probaly the cleanest city in thailand
It was not very clean when we were there last november and december. A lot of garbage on the beach. And rats in the Streets. (Even one dead one in front of a 7 eleven shop.)
@MrPleers Thanks for your update (and thumbs down?). Anyways I filmed this vid in late October just before your arrival and the beaches were pretty clean as can be seen in my vid. So not certain what happened in such a short time? Strong winds in Nov/Dec as the monsoon changes might blow more debris onshore as well as churn up the water, not sure. As for rats, all over SE Asia and even in a well regulated Singpore with over 100 pest control outfits in a small city it still has a big rodent problem (plenty about it on google, also: 'Sydney Struggles to Get Rat Problem Under Control'). Thus one either avoids SE Asia plus Singapore/HK & Australia etc etc or well, grin n bear it :)
We love Hua Hin ! Visit every 2nd weekend.
And yes ,one of the cleanest towns in Thailand.
Took too long to get to the point.
@1990 Sorry, but what was your point, specifically? How would you have made this video differently? Always looking to improve. Thanks STL
So slow
Hi Nicholas, sorry not getting what was slow? In Oct when this was filmed Hua Hin was a bit slow but we returned for New Years and also last weekend and most of the chairs on the beach were full and the night market was packed. Video upcoming (if uploading videos was the slow bit, sorry just a bit busy lately). Cheers
no real information
totally bull
lol title Budget/Luxury Hotels, stayed at both plus showed much of the town. Not enough then? Perhaps try these for more detail:
Hua Hin Condos: th-cam.com/video/towFyXTfvWU/w-d-xo.html
Hua Hin becoming like Pattaya? th-cam.com/video/-2gCRzcafyw/w-d-xo.html
Cheers
Spent a week here last month, what a waste of time. It is lifeless, nothing happening. Zero buzz or atmosphere. Its cheap for a reason. Never going again.
@chris carter - Just curious Chris, where in Thailand do you prefer to go? Also where did you stay in Hua Hin and what did you do? Won't be everyone's cup o tea but personally like that Hua Hin is usually quite peaceful, however it can get busy at times. We re-visited a couple weeks ago (in January) and in next video will show plenty of options and plenty of life.
I am a regular to HH...not as good as it was 10-15 years ago, but it's still a place I like to go back to....the night time food park across the railway line is great, packed out just about every night of the week, the beer is inexpensive and plenty of western food. There are some good beaches to the south of the town, Sai Noi is one such beach. The town is not cheap really, but it's not expensive (Phuket) either.
you must return for the best outdoor market/ festival anywhere...on weekends just South of Hua Hin...live music, dance, plays, and the best variety of fresh food that I have ever experienced!
if it wasnt for the dirty water full of dangerous jellyfish, I would return