Nestled along the scenic coastline of Thailand, Hua Hin offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights, making it one of Thailand’s most sought-after destinations for those in the know. With it’s local charm and laid-back vibe, Hua Hin is a haven for gay travellers seeking romance, relaxation, and adventure. From vibrant markets to serene beaches, exquisite accommodations to delectable seafood, Hua Hin warmly welcomes travellers of all kinds. For gay couples, the combination of romantic settings, diverse experiences, and cool cafe and restaurant scene makes Hua Hin an unforgettable getaway for a couple of days or more.
Getting to Hua Hin From Bangkok
Traveling to Hua Hin is straightforward, but timing is key. Situated approximately 200 kilometers from Bangkok, various transportation options cater to different budgets and preferences. Each offers their unique style and charm.
By Car
Driving to Hua Hin is perhaps the most popular choice, offering flexibility and comfort. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, but beware of peak-hour traffic in Bangkok—it can easily add hours to the trip. To avoid being stuck, consider travelling early morning or late evening. Not to worry if you don’t have a car in Bangkok, there are plenty of transfers you can choose from starting from around THB 2,000 one way.
By Train
For a more scenic option, take a train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station to Hua Hin Railway Station. The ride is slightly longer—around 4 hours—but the views of Thailand’s countryside make it worthwhile. Plus, Hua Hin’s historic train station is a sight in itself! The journey is quite interesting and spectacular and you arrive in the centre of the city at Hua Hin Train Station
By Seaplane
For those looking for a luxurious and unique experience, consider taking a seaplane from Bangkok to Hua Hin. It’s the quickest option, offering stunning aerial views of the Gulf of Thailand, but it’s also the most expensive, but sometimes we all need to indulge!
Where to Stay as a Gay Traveler in Hua Hin
Hua Hin boasts a diverse range of accommodations, from luxurious beachfront resorts to charming local villas. Having stayed many times in the seaside spot, here are some great spots to consider to make sure your stay is as fabulous as the destination itself.
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort
This high-end beachfront resort combines sophistication with comfort. Known for its incredible service and elegant rooms, it’s a fantastic choice for gay couples seeking a luxurious retreat. Don’t miss their private beach area—perfect for a romantic sunset walk. There is plenty of options for food at the hotel and there is also plenty near by with the main shopping centre only moments away from the hotel.
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa
Opt for their Pool Villa for ultimate privacy and romance. Relax in your villa’s private pool or enjoy pristine ocean views from the resort. Its modern design and world-class amenities make it a top choice for stylish travellers. This resort also offers great options for food from oceanfront dining, perfect for an anniversary, to the bakery which is great for a meal on the run or just a good old-fashioned sandwich!
Orchid Paradise Homes
For an intimate and personalized experience, rent a 3- or 4-bedroom villa at Orchid Paradise. Ideal for couples traveling in groups or simply looking for a space to call their own, these villas feature private pools, lush gardens, and outdoor spaces perfect for hosting poolside brunches with friends. Its our pick most of the time when in Hua Hin. There is full service cleaning available for your stay as well if you need as food delivery from the local supermarket and room service!
The Standard Hotel Hua Hin
Located in one of the best locations, near the beach and also the city centre, The Standard Hotel Hua Hin blends style and sophistication with a little bit of glitter. Sit by the pool and sip on Cosmo’s or chill out at with a Michelin star dinner at the resort – if you want Fabulous then try it the Standard way.
Places to Eat and Drink in Hua Hin
From street food to gourmet dining, Hua Hin’s food scene is a paradise for foodies. For gay travelers, it’s also a chance to mix local flavors with relaxed, welcoming environments.
Hua Hin Fish Market
Not the most glamorous place in town, but when it comes to fresh street food this is one of our favourite go-to’s in Hua Hin! It’s simple, laid-back, but amazing fresh seafood to pick from. Wonder from vendor to vendor, pick up your live catch of the day. Pick live seafood fresh from the tanks and have it cooked to order right on the spot or take it back to your villa and cook up a storm on the BQQ. Watching the hustle and bustle on the small road while feasting on tiger prawns or gilled squid street side couldn’t feel more authentic. It’s a truly Thai-style local market nestled on a street side on a small soi with an abundance of choice of local fresh seafood.
4. Cafe Hopping in Hua Hin
Hua Hin’s charming cafes provide a great excuse to take a stroll through town. One of our favorite moments involved walking and discovering hidden gems, from minimalist coffee spots to cute bakeries. Look for Velo Cafe for amazing espresso or 1d+ Day Artist Cafe for beachfront coffee sipping.
2. 4. Slay at the Cicada Market Food Stalls
Wandering through Cada Market felt like a culinary treasure hunt. We sampled local treats while admiring handmade art and crafts. Try dishes like mango sticky rice or spicy papaya salad—they’re as vibrant as the market itself! Of course, the market has many other traditional stalls, from the famous Pad Thai to western treats including wood oven pizza!
3. Brunch Your Heart Out at Tamarind Market
What’s better than brunch? Brunch with a bit of Thai flair! Tamarind Market is a foodie paradise where gourmet Thai street eats meet chic cocktails. Think sizzling pad Thai, fresh mango sticky rice, and a touch of live music to make your taste buds dance.
4. Slay at the Cicada Market
When the sun goes down, the Cicada Market lights up with bohemian vibes and fabulous finds. This open-air market is perfect for snagging quirky art pieces, fun fashion, and handmade jewellery. It’s giving artsy, it’s giving chic—it’s giving everything.
6. Indulge at Hin Lek Fai Restaurant
For when you’re feeling fabulous in nature, Hin Lek Fai is perched beautifully on a hilltop overlooking the city. Imagine savoring modern Thai dishes with a breathtaking view of Hua Hin sparkling below. It’s where adventure meets sophistication, with a side of spicy papaya salad. Their crispy snapper with Thai herbs and a zesty margarita to keep things extra spicy.
Fine Dining at the White Lotus Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Speaking of heights, the White Lotus is the glamorous go-to for fine dining with a stunning ocean backdrop. Everything here whispers sophistication, from their curated wine list to their decadent seafood platters. Take your time here; luxury is the vibe.
What to try: Lobster Thermidor and a flute of chilled champagne. Because why not?
Beachside Thai Classics at Cha Ban Kradan
This hidden gem is giving understated fabulousness—think boutique beachside vibes with a modern twist on Thai classics. It’s the spot where flavor meets flair, with live music adding a dash of magic to your evening.
What to try: Green Curry Soft Shell Crab. It’s luxurious yet comforting, like food should be.
Dining Artistry at Azur at InterContinental Hua Hin
For the ultimate splurge-worthy experience, Azur brings fine dining to a divine level. Their artistry on the plate is matched only by their jaw-dropping poolside ambiance. An intimate dinner here will leave you feeling like royalty. Werk that crown, honey.
What to try: Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce. Decadent, delicate, devastatingly delicious.
Exploring Hua Hin
Hua Hin offers much more than just sandy beaches. Its unique attractions are a joy to explore and promise something for everyone. Be it a lazy stroll through the city or a winery tour, Hau Hin has many great things to expore.
1. Hua Hin Beach at Sunset
Picture this: a long walk along the golden sands, the gentle sound of waves lapping onto the shore, and the most enchanting sunset painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. For us, this was one of the most romantic experiences in Hua Hin—a perfect memory to cherish.
2. Monsoon Valley Vineyard
A Thai-style winery? Absolutely! This vineyard is tucked into the countryside outside Hua Hin and features sprawling vineyards and a world-class gourmet restaurant. Sit in their beautiful outdoor sala for a wine flight paired with authentic Thai dishes. The scenery alone is worth the trip and is sure to be a day trip once you start opening those bottles of award-winning wine from Thailand.
3. Explore the Markets By Night
A hub of creativity and culture, Cada Market is a must-visit for art and food lovers. Immerse yourself in the buzzing ambiance as you shop for local crafts, munch on street food, or enjoy live music—there’s always something happening here and it all comes alive in the evening. Think of Cicada Market as the Beyoncé of Hua Hin markets—glamorous, vibrant, and a total showstopper. Open on weekends, this open-air market is all about art, design, and fabulous vibes. Whether you’re hunting down chic handmade jewelry, adorable home décor, or snazzy boho outfits, this is the place to slay.
Serving you less glitz and more chill, Tamarind Market sits right next to Cicada, making it perfect for a laid-back yet scrumptious experience. This spot is foodie heaven, darling, with a lineup of food stalls featuring everything from Thai BBQ to crispy crepes that are almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Pair your food escapades with acoustic live music under the stars.
If you’re a night owl prowling for iconic Thai street food then the Hua Hin Night Market is your playground. Located right in the heart of town, Hua Hin Night Market has all the sultry aromas of grilled seafood, noodle soups, and mango sticky rice wafting through the air. Plus, those cute little souvenir stalls? They’re packed with treasures waiting to be scooped up – Chanel doesn’t make keychains this adorable.
Werk on That Tan at Hua Hin Beach
Start your trip with the ultimate chill vibes at Hua Hin Beach. Think powdery white sand, the sound of gentle waves, and a cocktail in hand (obvs). Whether you’re flaunting your freshly pressed sarong or just soaking up the sun, this gay-friendly spot promises both relaxation and a chance to mingle.
Unwind in Luxury at a Spa Day
It’s not a trip without a bit of pampering. Hua Hin is dotted with world-class spas offering tantalising Thai massages and full-body treatments. Choose something bold and indulgent—you deserve it after all that werk. Some of the best spa’s in Hua Hin are located in the top 5 star hotels so best to plan ahead to get your spot dear!
Party at Hua Hin’s Gay Bars
Looking to spice things up after dark? Hua Hin might be much quieter than Bangkok, but it’s still got a gay bar to visit. Hit up gay-friendly spots like Billy’s Bar or grab a drink at a rooftop lounge to kick things off.
Getting Around Hua Hin
Getting around Hua Hin is a breeze if you know your options. While the town isn’t vast, having reliable transportation ensures stress-free exploration.
Grab App
For the ultimate convenience, use the Grab App to call rides wherever you are. It’s affordable, reliable, and eliminates the need to barter with local taxi drivers.
Motorbike Rentals
If you’re comfortable on two wheels, rent a motorbike for a fun, flexible way to explore at your own pace. Just remember to wear a helmet and avoid busy streets if you’re not experienced.
On Foot
Hua Hin’s central areas, including its markets and many cafes, are walkable. Exploring on foot will allow you to soak in local sights and hidden gems.
Final Thoughts
Hua Hin is a great city escape from Bangkok, the ideal destination for those who are spending an extended time in Bangkok and want to get away from the Hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a unique alternative to Pattaya without the sleazy nightlife but enough still fabulous and fun. Tranquillity can meet style in Hua Hin with the right choice of accommodation and the town is designed to explore and discover.
