Hua Hin - Thailand

Hua Hin Hijinks: Slow Travel Adventures with a Side of Philly Cheesesteak

Greetings from Hua Hin, Thailand, where the adventures are plentiful, the views are breathtaking, and the cheesesteaks are… wait, we’ll get to that. Let’s dive into a whirlwind of songtaews, golden Buddhas, and more expats than you can shake a mango sticky rice at!

***For those who’d rather watch than read (we see you, attention span squad), we’ve got you covered! Check out this short video clip of our Hua Hin highlights. 🎥😂 Enjoy!

Facebook Friends IRL – The Plot Thickens!

First stop: a Monday coffee meet-up with the fabulous folks from the Hua Hin Beginners Facebook page. Shoutout to Monzi and the admins for making it all happen—seriously, y’all are the real MVPs of Hua Hin.

Meeting strangers from the internet? Sounds sketchy, right? WRONG! Within minutes, we were laughing like old pals over iced lattes at the stunning Air Space Coffee Shop. By the end of the morning, we had life-long friends and plans for get-togethers.

Hua Hin Ladies – Cocktails, Camaraderie, and Secrets We’ll Never Tell

Oh, Hua Hin Ladies, where have you been all our lives? Huge shoutout to Sarah and the admins for running this fabulous Facebook group—it’s not just a page; it’s a vibe!

A good friend and I decided to shake things up (literally—cocktails were involved) and joined a cocktail meet-up hosted by the group. Let me tell you, it was an evening of laughter, stories, and drinks so fancy they deserved their own Instagram accounts.

The fun didn’t stop there because, in true “Why not?” fashion, we took the party to The New Guy Bar. What happened there? Let’s just say what happens at The New Guy, stays at The New Guy. (We’re taking those shenanigans to the grave—or at least until the next cocktail meet-up.)

Ladies of Hua Hin, if you’re not part of this group yet, join ASAP. It’s like finding a secret society, except instead of secret handshakes, you get amazing company and killer drink recommendations. Cheers! 🥂🎉

Monkey Mountain – Bananas and Buddha

Next up, we hopped on a songtaew—the adorably chaotic bus system that doubles as a crash course in “hold on for dear life” skills—and made our way to Monkey Mountain at Khao Takiab.

At the base, we found a cozy restaurant with views that made us forget our fear of the cheeky monkeys waiting to raid our bags. Standing guard was a 20-meter-tall golden Buddha—impressive, serene, and perfectly Insta-worthy.

Pro tip: 160 steps may not sound like a lot, but trust us, your thighs will be crying. At the top? Views so gorgeous they made the climb worth it.

Jurassic Park Vibes at Wildlife Friends Sanctuary

Cue the dramatic movie soundtrack: we entered Wildlife Friends Animal Sanctuary and immediately felt like extras in Jurassic Park. Zinnia, our incredible guide, left her career in Florida to do her own adventure—goals, right?

This sanctuary is home to an incredible array of rescued animals, from elephants and leopards to gibbons and tigers. And the best part? You can even stay there overnight (sadly, no T-Rex sightings, but there’s always next time).

Row, Row, Row Your Boat – Longboat Races

Timing is everything, and we lucked out by catching the 17th Annual Longboat Races. Picture sleek, colorful boats zipping down the water while we cheered from the Pin Up Café with a beverage in hand. Perfect seats, perfect vibes, and zero chance of getting splashed.

Mangroves and Markets – A Tale of Two Adventures

Pran Buri National Park took us into the heart of a mangrove forest. We strolled a 1km boardwalk, climbed a lookout tower, and soaked up the serenity. Want to step it up? Hop on a longtail boat for a tour—it’s like a jungle cruise but without the cheesy jokes. 

Back in Hua Hin, the street markets became our nightly obsession. From the live music and food at Cicada Market to the madness of the Tuesday Market, we ate our way through every skewer, noodle, and dumpling we could find. (Pro tip: never shop on an empty stomach—it’s a dangerous game.)

For Western food, Satan’s Grill is the unexpected hero. Who knew Hua Hin could serve up a Philly cheesesteak that rivals anything from Philly itself?

Beach Days, Pink Bean Bags, and Critters

Hua Hin Beach, you magical stretch of sand, you’ve given us so much more than just sunburns and sandy shoes. First up, we kicked back on pink bean bags at Seacret Cafe, sipping drinks and soaking in the beauty of the Loy Krathong celebration. Floating lanterns, good vibes, and even better company—10/10 would recommend (bean bags included).

Then there was La Costa Bar, where we discovered the unparalleled joy of watching storms roll in over the sea with a cocktail in hand. Nothing says relaxation like thunder and lightning while arguing over who forgot to bring an umbrella.

And I can't forget to mention the crabs! The beach was teeming with little scuttling critters, and me? Oh, I was in my element (so Eric tells me), narrating their every move like I was hosting a nature documentary. (“Look at the pincers on that one!”) Meanwhile, the crabs were probably planning their escape from my newfound fandom.

Foodie Frenzy – Markets, Scooters, and Fried Rice Dreams

As self-proclaimed foodies, Hua Hin was basically our culinary playground, and oh boy, did we play! From the artsy vibes at Cicada Market to the salty sea breeze at the Fishing Pier Market, we ate our weight in noodles, fried rice, and things we couldn’t pronounce but definitely devoured.

Then came the Tuesday Market (Pae Mai), a bustling maze of food, trinkets, and—apparently—scooters out to get us. Poor Eric nearly got taken out by a daring duo who thought squeezing up the left side of a stopped vehicle was a great idea. Spoiler: it wasn’t. No major damage, but we’re guessing they’re rethinking their life choices—and possibly investing in better brakes. 🚦

For a low-key meal, we hit up the food court at Market Village, which was a glorious mix of cheap eats and air conditioning—a winning combo in our book. But the real MVP? The humble food cart outside our hotel, dishing up fried rice so perfect, we were practically drinking the prik nam pla straight from the bowl. Because honestly, is it even fried rice if it doesn’t leave your lips tingling? We think not. 🌶️🍚 

Moral of the story: Hua Hin is a foodie paradise. Just watch out for scooters. 🚴‍♂️🍜

Twists, Turns, and Foot Rubs – The Thai Massage Chronicles

Ah, Thai massages—where relaxation meets the occasional “Am I supposed to bend that way?” moment. Eric and I became connoisseurs during our Hua Hin stay, and after sampling many, Orchid Massage took the top spot.

These ladies were amazing. They had the perfect balance of soothing strokes and “oh-wow-I-didn’t-know-my-back-could-crack-like-that” precision. And don’t even get us started on the foot massage—my toes have never been so pampered.

Moral of the story? Don’t leave Hua Hin without indulging in a proper Thai massage—or ten. Your body will thank you! 🦀💆‍♀️🌴

Cooling Off in the Malls

After all the adventures, we discovered the true expat survival hack: air-conditioned malls. Whether it was shopping at Market Village or just wandering around BluPort, we got our retail therapy while escaping the heat. Bonus: the cinemas are top-notch and perfect for a lazy afternoon with friends.

Hua Hin – The Gift That Keeps on Giving

From golden Buddhas to golden sunsets, Hua Hin has stolen our hearts. Whether you’re sipping coffee with new friends, climbing mountains, or munching on street food, this coastal town truly has it all.

We didn't experience all of Hua Hin so expect us back soon! Until the next adventure, keep wandering and keep laughing! ✨