Thailand in Brief
and holidays
Rail
There are several trains daily from Bangkok which stop in Hua Hin on their way south. Most leave Bangkok in the early to late afternoon and arrive in Hua Hin about fours later. A 2nd class seat on an air-conditioned Express train is less than $6 and may be purchased up to 90 days in advance at main railway stations. Tel: Hua Hin Station Office, Damnoenkasem Rd. (032) 511-073.
Air-conditioned buses leave the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok every 30 minutes between 0500 and 2200 for Hua Hin. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs less than $4. The air-conditioned bus terminal in Hua Hin is at the Siripetchkasem Hotel on Srasong Rd, near Dechanuchit Rd, and buses leave for Bangkok every 30-40 minutes daily between 0300 and 2100. Tel: (032) 511-654, 512-543.
There are also nightly air buses to other cities in southern Thailand. Most depart Hua Hin around 2200 and fares range from $22 to Phuket or Koh Samui to $26 to Hat Yai.
There are also non air-conditioned buses which travel between the market on Srasong Road in Hua Hin and the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok around the clock. These cost about $2 and take 4 hours.
Bangkok Airways has resumed daily flights to and from Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport to Hua Hin and charters from Hong Kong and Singapore are being discussed. Bangkok Airways Hua Hin Office, 114/7 Petchkasem Rd, Tel: (032) 512-083.
Mini-vans leave as they fill from the southwest outer ring of the Victory Monument in Bangkok. Hours are from around 0600-2000 every day. Not good for lots of luggage but great for a quick trip. Major hotels such as the Dusit and Sofitel have daily vans from their hotels in Bangkok to their hotels in Hua Hin. These usually leave Bangkok after lunch and take about 2.5 hours to reach Hua Hin. Prices vary but are around $20/person.
Some Bangkok taxis will travel to Hua Hin for $60-75. The trip takes about 2.5 hours and allows you to see a bit of the countryside if your time in the Kingdom is limited. These taxis are best arranged at the airport or by your hotel in Bangkok.
Travel agents in Thailand and around the world offer packages to Hua Hin. These can be golf tours complete with green fees, transportation, and caddies or group tours for families or couples. If you prefer one-stop shopping, contact your local agent. Should you like to explore a bit more, above are ways of reaching Hua Hin from Bangkok.
In addition, especially for golfers and those coming for only a few days, the larger hotels often have golf packages and/or weekday specials, with prices especially low during the off season between January and October.
In many cases in Thailand, agents can often provide lower rates than hotel clerks or airline reservation offices. It's always best to check around and compare prices and services if you're looking for a deal.
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