Joanna James
From floating markets to palaces, Hua Hin is replete with iconic places, sights and attractions. Here are six of the best places to visit in the city.
The Cicada Market in Hua Hin is one of the best places to visit when residing in a resort in Hua Hin. It is an outdoor market and is located near Route 4. It is fondly known as the best of its kind in the entire country. The Cicada Market sells a variety of different items ranging from paintings and art to local cuisine, tattoo shops and even a pineapple speciality store. This outdoor market is open daily from 6 to 11 pm except on Tuesday and Wednesday. A number of the vendors are comfortable with patrons bargaining and therefore, haggling is acceptable here.
Built during the 1920s, the Maruekathaiyawan Palace is a stunning piece of Victorian architecture in Thailand. It was built during the rule of King Rama VI and was designed by an Italian architect. This particular attraction is found in the nearby neighbourhood of Cha Am and the Maruekathaiyawan Palace actually overlooks the beautiful Cha Am Beach.
The primary beach in the city is the Hua Hin beach which runs for around four kilometres along the Gulf of Thailand. The beach is easily accessible from Hua Hin as well as Khao Takiap and the latter also hosts a beautiful beach that is worth visiting as well. Tourists paying a visit to this beach will be able to see a number of stunning rock formations which have effectively given the area its name for 'Hua Hin' actually means 'stone head'. The beach provides the perfect setting for a peaceful stroll along the water and is ideal for sunbathing as well as swimming.
Venezia Hua Hin is a themed shopping mall based on Venice, of course. This particular shopping attraction is complete with a number of Venetian tourist hotspots such as the Bell Tower, gondolas that float along the canals as well as St. Mark's Square. With a few other attractions such as an Upside Down House and a 3D Museum in addition to shops, those visiting should note that there is a 50 baht entrance fee. Those who wish to visit Venezia Hua Hin can reach this particular attraction by travelling along Route 4. Those coming from the South should find the turnoff to Venezia Hua Hin on the left after Stamford International University, while those coming from the north will find it on the right after passing AVANI Hua Hin Resort & Villas on the left.
Ideal for families, the Black Mountain Water Park is an attraction found in Hua Hin. Complete with nine water slides as well as a lazy river and a wave pool, the Black Mountain Water Park is found around ten kilometres from the city centre. The Park hosts its own restaurant and is even equipped with a first aid room.
Thailand is well known for its numerous floating markets both in Bangkok as well as in other parts of the country. Those visiting Hua Hin should aim to visit the Sam Phan Nam Floating Market if they wish to see one in operation. While the Cicada Market is a must visit when in Hua Hin, the Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is one of two floating markets in the area. It hosts over forty boat vendors.
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