Visitors to Hua Hin today will not only experience a modern, growing seaside community, but will also sense the atmosphere of the city’s past and an element of old-world charm. There are palaces to see, monasteries and temples to visit, beaches to discover and islands to explore. The variety on offer will easily fill a few days, in addition to time on the beach and in the water.

Khao Chong Krachok
Also known as ‘Mirror Mount,’ this monastery is reached by a trail up a hill in the northern part of the city. There are 395 steps to the top, and although a bit of a climb, the effort is well-rewarded. At the top is a highly-revered monastery, a small pagoda and lots of mischievous monkeys. It’s recommended that you avoid feeding the monkeys as they can be aggressive. The views of the surrounding coastline and sea are spectacular.

Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park
Just a short drive to the west of the city you’ll find Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park. Narrow walkways wind through the massive stones, through wide rocky fields and up to a mountaintop where you’ll be rewarded with views of Hua Hin and the Gulf of Thailand.

Klai Kang Won Palace
Built in the Spanish style, adjacent to Hua Hin’s beach, this palace once provided a summer and provincial residence for King Prajadhipok, also known as Rama VII. The original name for the palace was Suan Klai Kang Won, which means ‘Garden Far From Worries.’The compound comprises three separate mansions, all of which face the sea. In front of each of the mansions are lamps, nautical instruments, stone sculptures and sundials. In addition, there are manicured ornamental gardens including intricately shaped topiary alongside Javanese sculpture. The current king and queen often spend time here.

Koh Singto
For those who enjoy fishing a daytrip to this scenic island can easily be combined with a fishing excursion. The island is located a few miles from Hua Hin and Khao Takiap. You’ll find long-tailed boats for hire on the beach at both of these locations, where you can negotiate a reasonable fee for this pleasant outing.

Marukhathaiyawan Palace
Also known as the ‘Palace of Love and Hope,’ this is another beachside palace, constructed in the 1920s as a summer residence for King Rama VI. The architect was Italian, which can be readily seen in the design, and the construction was largely done in golden teak.

Wa Ko
During the reign of King Rama IV this spot was made famous as the site he chose to witness a full eclipse of the moon. The king astonished many scholars by predicting the exact timing of the event. Today, you can enjoy the long stretch of white sandy beach here that’s lined with pine trees. Wa Ko is located approximately seven and a half miles (12kms) south of Hua Hin, off the main road.

Wat Khao Takiap
This temple is found at the end of Ao Takiap, known in English as ‘Chopsticks Bay.’ It’s not as intricate in design as many other temples in the country, but is an important and popular place for worship nonetheless. There are spectacular views to be had from the top, which can be reached by a series of concrete steps. At sunrise, in particular, the view across the bay is worth the climb.

Catch your dinner on a fishing excursion. At night, boat operators shine green fluorescent lights to attract squid. Fishing trips can be arranged through local travel agents. Typically visitors are taken out in a speed boat headed toward the island known as Lion Head, where they can fish for small grouper, red snapper and squid with the expert help of local fishermen. Whatever you catch can be prepared for dinner, which you can enjoy on Takiab beach.

Cheer on competitors at a Muay Thai match.This form of boxing is quite different from its Western counterpart, in that fighters are allowed to use their elbows, knees, legs and feet to strike their opponent. Young Thai hopefuls start boxing at an early age, as it takes many years to become proficient. Matches can be attended at the Grand Sports Area in Hua Hin on Sunday and Thursday evenings and at Mr Chop Rawee’s Thai Boxing Garden on Tuesdays and Fridays. Five matches are typically held on boxing nights, and both venues offer English announcements and explanations about the sport.

Experience the sea life though diving or snorkelling. Daytrips are easily arranged through local travel operators for both diving and snorkelling. Many of these excursions head to Koh Thalu, a smalllimestone island featuring two caves and good viewing points for coral and sea flowers. The hole through the limestone rock here is the source of the island’s name: Thalu. Both snorkelling and diving are spectacular here, with clear waters and vividly colourful underwater scenes.

Go on a biking or hiking trip. Taking a tour around the countryside on a bicycle or on foot is a great way to appreciate the beauty of this tropical environment. In particular, the Sam Roi Yot Natural Park is a popular destination. Its limestone mountains are filled with caves waiting to be explored. This park is also home to numerous wetland bird species that breed here.

Pamper yourself with some spa therapy. A spa visit and treatment is a very popular visitor activity in Hua Hin. New spas open all the time, competing for tourist money with new and improved offerings that are promoted as a means of reviving energy and reinvigorating the spirit. What’s on offer ranges from traditional Thai massage to aromatherapy and facial treatment. Most of Hua Hin’s hotels and resorts feature separate spa facilities.

Try your hand at kayaking. A great way to take in this unique marine environment is by a kayak trip through Sam Roi Yot National Park. Travelling leisurely and so close to the level of the sea you’ll be able to appreciate the unusual limestone karst formations and explore hidden caves that are only accessible by sea kayak. This sport is easy to learn: operators will teach you basic paddling techniques and safety before you head off.