Travelling outside the country is always about escaping our daily routines and enjoying new experiences.
We love beautiful landscapes and exciting family adventures, so we visited Hua Hin for our year-end holiday. This time, we travelled in a large group of 17 people, including six kids. We booked two vans and a villa to accommodate everyone and spent six days in Hua Hin. There is so much to do in Hua Hin with kids and so little time.
Hua Hin
Located two hours southwest of Bangkok, Hua Hin is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush tropical mountains, and vibrant night markets. Since we were in Hua Hin with kids during our six-day sojourn, we indulged in thrilling activities such as mountain climbing and ATV riding and visited temples and bustling markets.
Friends have been enquiring about the details since they were excited by the videos we posted on Instagram. So here are the details.
Summary of Itinerary of Hua Hin with kids
Due to the sheer size of our group, we split into two vehicles. While my hubby drove, the other family members hired a driver instead to enjoy the sceneries around Hua Hin fully. Hiring a driver in Thailand is super easy these days, especially if you prefer to focus on enjoying Hua Hin with kids.
You can go to Klook and book your driver. If you prefer to take control of the steering wheel, click here for car rental.
Klook.comThese are the places that we have visited and enjoyed.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park (Phraya Nakhon Cave)
Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh and Boat Trip
Chiang Dao Cave
Wat Huay Mongkol
Cha-Am ATV Park
Market Village HuaHin
Let’s Relax Spa
Hua Hin Railway Station
Khao Hin Lek Fai
Kui Buri National Park
Mae Klong Railway Market
We started our itinerary on Day 2 of the trip. Having learned from our previous experience travelling from Bangkok to Khao Yai, where we got stuck in congested Bangkok for many hours in the late afternoon, we made sure to leave Bangkok as early as possible on Day 1 and headed straight to Hua Hin.
Day 2
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
We would always try to include trekking experiences in our overseas family trips. So in our Hua Hin with kids, we visited one of the most popular trekking destinations in Hua Hin – the Phraya Nakhon Cave in the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
Phraya Nakhon Cave
Phraya Nakhon Cave is located in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, approximately a 45-minute drive south of Hua Hin.
We registered for a half-day tour with Travel Hua Hin and were grateful that our local guide spoke a little English, trying hard to explain what we saw along the way.
To reach Phraya Nakhon Cave, the tour company drove us to Bang Pu Beach, where we boarded a boat. For 15 mins, we enjoyed the rough, salty waves splashing onto our faces while the bum boat travelled alongside the rocky cliffs facing the Gulf of Thailand.
We disembarked on Laem Sala Beach and were welcomed by sandy white beaches before our trek up the slope. It took us over an hour to reach the cave.
According to our guide, the best time to capture stunning photos is at 11:30 am when the sun shines directly onto the Khunha Kharuehat Pavilion, providing optimal photo opportunities.
We made our way down the hill, all feeling famished and eager to gobble down the simple lunch provided by the cafe at the start of the trail.
Check out the package we booked with Ken Diamond here.
Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh
In the afternoon, our guide took us on a boat trip along the Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh where we could observe natural wildlife, such as herons, and a cliff structure resembling a crocodile. The mountainous backdrop added splendour to the otherwise plain-looking marshland.
If you are short of time, you can skip this ride. We took a chance to rest and recharge during the comfortable, breezy ride that lulled one of the twins into a peaceful slumber.
Bueng Bua Boardwalk
Next, we arrived at the Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk, a kilometre-long boardwalk suspended above a freshwater marsh spanning over 26,000 square metres of land.
If you visit in February or March, you will enjoy a splendid picture painted in a sea of blooming lotus flowers.
Unfortunately, the boardwalk has been dilapidated for years, with parts of it repaired in 2019. As we walked, we couldn’t help but notice the cracks and gaps in the woodwork.
So if you have small kids with you, take caution and hold on to them to avoid any unfortunate accident of anyone falling through the cracks.
Day 3
On Day 2, we planned to focus on the west side of Hua Hin since TripAdvisor recommends the Monsoon Valley Vineyard as one of the top destinations. The restaurant in the vineyard is known for a wide variety of delicious dishes, while the vineyard itself boasts a beautiful landscape.
Unfortunately, our visit was ill-timed as the place was closed for a private event. Disappointed, we moved on to the other nearby destinations we had planned for.
Cave Dao
If you like to venture into limestone caves, Tham Dao, or Cave Dao, may be worth considering.
This cave in Nongplub Village is not as renowned amongst tourists as the Phraya Nakhon Cave, where the trekking paths can get slightly overcrowded. We had the Tham Dao all to ourselves.
The cave has two paths, 92 metres to the west and 108 metres to the north, with many stalagmites and stalactites to look out for along the way.
Before you enter the cave, be sure to donate to the temple located in front of the cave. Get help from the temple staff, although their knowledge of English is near to none. Google Translate has helped us to facilitate communication with them. They guided us to the cave entrance and turned the lights inside on. Otherwise, it would be all cloaked in utter darkness.
A side-track to an introduction to the Google Translate app if you are not already using it. Speak into the phone, and the app will translate it into your required language. Tap on the audio symbol to listen to the translated version.
It felt cold and eerie when we first entered the cave. Most kids were not bold enough to venture with us, for scores of bats hung from the ceiling above us.
The descending path was slightly wet from the damp conditions under the ground. Thankfully with the lights turned on, we could quickly and carefully manoeuvre down the slope. Along the entrance leading down the tunnel, there were several statues to behold.
We spent about 15 minutes underground before returning to the rest of the company, who awaited our return at the entrance. My 70-year-old gung-ho dad joined us too, but there was a dangerous section ahead, a steep descent down a wobbly ladder in the dark. And hence we forbade him from venturing further.
Wat Huay Mongkol
Next, we proceeded eastwards to Wat Huay Mongkol, a Buddhist temple a mere Hua 15km west of Hua Hin town.
The temple is famous for its towering statue of the revered monk Luang Phor Thuad, a Buddhist monk in the 16th century. Legend had it that he possessed otherworldly abilities to protect his devotees from harm.
As I lifted my gaze towards the towering statue of Luang Phor Thuad, I felt peace and tranquillity. Something about the figure seemed to radiate a sense of calm, serenity and wisdom, so much so that I couldn’t help walking around the statue’s base a couple more times.
Reuannamphung Cafe
We sat down for lunch at the Reuannamphung Cafe, a nearby eatery that had garnered a respectable 4.3 out of 5 rating on Google. While the food wasn’t particularly delicious, we were drawn to the cafe’s meticulously landscaped garden like a work of art.
Day 4
Cha-Am ATV Park
Going to Hua Hin with kids meant we had to engage in more activities suitable for them. We had an absolute blast driving the powerful ATVs at the Cha-Am ATV Park, regardless of age. Even my twin 5-year-olds had the opportunity to ride along with an adult, and they were undoubtedly thrilled to do so.
The 11 and 12-year-olds were confident enough to each take the wheel of their own vehicle. The three kids rode immediately behind the instructor for added safety, with three additional trainers in tow, ensuring we remained out of harm’s way.
Before starting our ride through the muddy tracks, the trainers provided raincoats to keep us from getting excessively dirty. Additionally, we were given haircaps to wear under our helmets for hygiene purposes.
The ATV park offered three tracks for us to explore. We started on Track A, which provided the opportunity to learn basic driving skills, including acceleration, braking, turning, balancing, and learning road safety rules.
After that, we ventured onto Track B, slightly more challenging, with winding, uneven, and steep roads. Both tracks were located within the Cha-Am ATV Park.
Finally, the real adventure began on Track C, where we left the park and drove onto the main road, eventually making our way into the scenic paddy fields, where mud and potholes awaited us.
My son hit a massive pothole and found himself stuck, but the trainers came to the rescue promptly. They pulled him out of the pothole. Other than getting his legs wet, he emerged unscathed. Thankful for the pair of waterproof shoes we got him from Decathlon, his foot remained comfortable and dry for the rest of the day.
As for me, I was inconsiderate and reckless, with no regard for the poor souls around me. I sped through the muddy waters, splashing my poor brother with mud throughout the journey. It was a thrilling and memorable experience for everyone who joined the drive.
We spent more than an hour outside the ATV park. I imagine a group consisting solely of adults might finish the track in less time. However, as a huge family group with young and old members, we took our time and savoured every moment of this exciting adventure.
Contact Cha-Am ATV Park directly if you’re eager to experience the exhilarating adventure of ATV driving. You can visit their website at http://www.cha-amatvpark.net/en/atv.php to learn more. The location is in the link here.
Market Village HuaHin – Let’s Relax Spa
After a fun morning, we proceeded to indulge in a much-needed massage in the Market Village, which is one of the largest shopping malls in Hua Hin. Though the streets of Hua Hin were filled with massage parlours, we opted to luxuriate in a slightly high-end establishment with multiple locations across Thailand – Let’s Relax Spa.
As we settled in for our hour-long session, our skilled masseurs worked their magic, soothing our weary bodies tired from earlier excitement. Remarkably, the cost of our experience was no more than that of a comparable massage in our local neighbourhood.
You can book your massage session via Klook, which is cheaper than booking your session directly with the massage parlour.
Hua Hin Railway Station
We spent the evening taking photos at the renowned Hua Hin Railway Station, a 7-minute drive from the Market Village Hua Hin.
The historical Hua Hin Railway Station was built in the early 1920s and is considered one of Thailand’s most beautiful train stations.
The station’s architecture blends traditional Thai and Victorian styles with a red-and-white exterior, intricate fretwork, and a prominent clock tower. It is still a functioning train station, serving as a stop on the Southern Line that runs from Bangkok to the southern provinces of Thailand.
Day 5
Khao Hin Lek Fai
We started the day with a trip to Khao Hin Lek Fai, also known as the “Flintstone Hill”, It is a popular viewpoint located on a hill that rises about 160 meters above sea level and offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Hua Hin and the surrounding countryside.
We drove up the hilltop and explored various walking paths leading us to different viewing points. The hill is especially famous during sunset when the sky takes on warm hues, creating a spectacular backdrop for the scenic view.
However, please be mindful of the many monkeys roaming the park. Keep your food hidden if you don’t want to experience an unpleasant food robbery.
Beside the carpark on the hilltop, there was a mini farm where we paid a small fee to the operator for some animal feeds. The kids spent a good 15 minutes feeding the friendly animals.
Kui Buri Elephant Safari
The Kui Buri Elephant Safari is another must-do if you go to Hua Hin with our kids. Most of us have never been on a safari where we get to observe animals roaming freely.
The safari is located within the Kui Buri National Park. Kui Buri National Park is a protected area in Thailand in the Tenasserim Hills of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The park covers an area of approximately 969 square kilometres and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
One of the park’s main attractions is the Kui Buri Elephant Safari, which allows visitors to observe wild elephants in their natural habitat.
Don’t be surprised if you self-drive and get stuck at the visitor centre. A safari pickup with a guide is compulsory and can be arranged from the visitor centre. Only afternoon guides are available.
Hence, we booked our safari tour with Ken Diamond again. Upon knowing our group was going to Kui Buri National Park, the tour guide who accompanied us to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park switched his schedule to bring us along to look for wild elephants. During our visit, we were transported around the park in three jeeps, each capable of accommodating up to six visitors and two guides.
Despite the guides’ limited English proficiency, they made a valiant effort to inform us about the various animals in the park, including gaurs, the largest wild cattle species. The gaurs are classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and have been since 1986. Presently, only around 21,000 gaurs are remaining, most residing in India.
Spotting the gaurs in the park was notably easier than locating the elephants. The gaurs were typically found grazing in groups on the open grassland, unlike the elusive elephants, which roamed in smaller groups of two or three, often vanishing into the forest’s shadows.
It took us a good half hour of patient searching to catch a glimpse of an elephant. We were lucky to find one foraging for food as we saw it using its trunks to tear branches off the trees.
But thanks to the community of rangers in the park! With just one crackly announcement from the rangers’ walkie-talkie, we were all rushed up the jeeps, which hightailed straight to a family of 3 spotted nearby.
We had to keep our voices hushed and avoid disturbing the animals while the guides manoeuvred the jeeps at a safe distance from the giants. They knew exactly when to reverse the vehicles as the elephants slowly ambled towards us.
Observing the elephants roaming freely on the safari was an entirely different experience from watching them in their enclosed zoo habitat.
We spent 30 minutes quietly watching the pair crossing the road in front of us, not just once, but twice as they u-turned back into the trees where they had initially appeared from.
Kui Buri National Park offers wildlife viewing and a range of activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Visitors can also explore several trails within the park, ranging from easy to challenging. If you love hiking, visit alltrails.com for more hiking options in Kui Buri.
Day 6
Mae Klong Railway Market
On the return trip to Bangkok, we dropped by the Mae Klong Railway Market, located along the way.
The Mae Klong Railway Market is a popular tourist attraction because it is situated on the railway tracks of the Mae Klong Railway. When the train approaches, vendors pack their goods at an amazing speed and retract their awnings to make way for the passing train.
The market offers a diverse range of fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, meat, and other souvenirs. However, it attracts more tourists than locals, so it’s unclear who purchases the fresh food.
If you’re visiting with young children, hold on to them tightly as the market can get very crowded, and there’s a high risk of separation.
Daeng Seafood
I haven’t recommended any restaurants in Hua Hin because I had no exceptional experiences to share, except for Daeng Seafood which I would like to highlight.
Daeng Seafood is located just a 5-minute drive from Mae Klong Railway Market. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision to go there based on a recommendation from Google Maps.
We didn’t have high expectations, but we were pleasantly surprised by our meal. The seafood we ordered was incredibly fresh, presumably sourced directly from the Mae Klong river.
Thanks for reading about our Hua Hin itinerary with kids. I hope you found it inspiring and valuable for your travel plans.
Do you have any interesting Hua Hin itineraries with kids to share with our readers? Please share in the comment box below.
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Chiang Mai with Kids – 7D6N – November 2019
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