Only 125 miles (200 kilometers) away from Bangkok, Hua Hin has been a popular destination for the past century among those hoping to get away from the city. With tropical white-sand beaches overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, the patronage of the Royal Thai Family since 1920 has transformed Hua Hin from a sleepy fishing town to a popular resort destination, while still retaining the laid-back local atmosphere that makes it a true retreat. The neighboring beaches of Cha-Am and Pranburi also offer many Hua Hin resort developments, generally with life here moving at a slower pace than at the main beach resorts in Hua Hin.

Hua Hin hotels offer a variety of choices, whether you want to be pampered in luxury accommodations or you are looking for a mid-range to budget Hua Hin resort. Hua Hin lacks the frenetic nightlife of other popular destinations such as Pattaya and Phuket, making it a popular choice for families and couples on a honeymoon. Most Hua Hin hotels are concentrated in and around Hua Hin town itself, whether right on the beach or in the town with easy access to the beach and the water. There are also many golf courses nearby for those who might wish to practice their swing.

Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa

Among the options for luxury accommodation in Hua Hin is the Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa (pictured), arguably the best Hua Hin hotel, with a huge turquoise beach-side pool fringed with palm trees, and a superlative location within close range of the beach, town and Hua Hin markets. Another good choice for five-star treatment is the Sheraton Resort and Spa, one of the newest beach resorts in Hua Hin. Amenities at the Sheraton include an enormous private lagoon pool, with 56 of the rooms opening right onto the lagoon, extensive spa treatments and facilities, and the excellent service expected from a Sheraton hotel.

Thailand Map

Veranda Lodge

If you seek slightly more reasonably priced accommodation in Hua Hin, you might consider the Veranda Lodge, with private balconies, rooms with kitchenettes, an outdoor pool, and a private, more intimate atmosphere with only twelve rooms and six suites. Just outside central Hua Hin but still within easy access to the town you can find a mid-range Hua Hin resort, such as the three-star Baan Bayan hotel, located right on the beachfront with its own private pool. The Baan Bayan is also one of the area's smaller hotels, with only 24 rooms, three suites, and three villas, with the intimacy and service to match.

Khao Takiab is another option for finding accommodation in Hua Hin. This town is located so close to Hua Hin that if you are standing on the beach in Khao Takiab you can see Hua Hin. Khao Takiab offers a variety of mid-range boutique hotels as well as budget hotels, though of course luxury resorts are also available. Family- and couple-friendly, some of these mid-range Hua Hin hotels offer a choice of staying in bungalows, villas, and suites, and many have luxurious pools reminiscent of the more expensive beach resorts in the area. In addition, numerous boutique hotels offer excellent value for the money.