Joanna James
The picturesque coastal resort of Hua Hin may be famed for its beach, but there is much more to look forward to on a holiday here. Apart from its main attractions, there are also those that are not as quite well known, but which offer a rewarding experience for travellers of all ages.
Around 10 km from Hua Hin, Khao Takiab is home to a charming village which is well worth exploring. Amongst its most notable allures is Khao Takiab Mountain which offers some truly spectacular vistas from its viewpoint; do be mindful there are plenty of monkeys here too and sometimes they can get rather mischievous! The bay area is a great spot for a laid-back walk or to engage in some water sports; you can also plan a visit to the Buddhist temple known as Wat Huay Mongkol which features the largest statue of Luang Phor Thuad (a revered monk) in the world.
Another coastal gem is the village of Khao Tao and one of the best things to do in Hua Hin is to plan a trip here; approximately 15 minutes from the town centre, this idyllic locale has two beaches that can be found on either side of a hill; while collectively known as Khao Tao Beach, they are also referred to as Hat Sai Yai and Hat Sai Noi and provide ideal spots to soak up the sun by the shore. Other highlights here include the Khao Tao Temple, a statue of a huge golden tortoise which is said to bring good fortune and local restaurants serving some delectable dishes.
Wat Bor Fai is a charming temple that is sometimes overlooked by tourists visiting this part of Thailand; only around a 10-minute drive from local properties such as Avani+ Hua Hin Resort, this holy site is known for something that kids are bound to love seeing too; ponds with numerous sacred catfish! You may feed these catfish after making a small donation, while the surrounding area has some lovely shady spots for a relaxed picnic too.
Another hidden gem of an attraction in Hua Hin is the Hutsadin Elephant Foundation, a non-profit organisation which offers an unforgettable day amongst Thailand's gentle giants. Founded to rescue and care for elephants, the site is not only a great place to learn about them but to also enjoy interactive activities; this includes the chance to walk with elephants as well as to feed and bathe them too.
Wine connoisseurs or those looking for a day in the countryside can plan an excursion to the Monsoon Valley Vineyards which is approximately 36 km from the centre of town. One of Thailand's leading wineries, this vineyard is known for producing "New Latitude" wines and is a great place for a tour. Apart from getting to explore the scenic vineyards and learning about the winemaking process, you can also engage in activities like grape picking, mountain biking and wine tasting!
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