Restaurants, bars and nightlife in Hua Hin
Hua Hin bars are also known for their live music
Hua Hin has a wide array of restaurants to choose from that range from upmarket fine dining facilities to basic food stalls. If you are in the mood for the freshest seafood imaginable, head to Chatchai market. This area has a number of quality seafood eateries that are extremely popular and relatively inexpensive when compared to Western prices. Another great spot for seafood is Chomsin, near the large fishing pier.
For those interested in sampling traditional Thai cuisine, there are a large number of restaurants sprinkled throughout the town. The Damnoen Kasem area has a large concentration of eateries and food stalls servicing spicy local favourites. If you need to find more familiar dishes, one of the best areas for international cuisine is near Jed Pee Nong. Here you can find a quality selection of restaurants catering to international palates, most of which also serve Thai dishes, although these are typically not as spicy as locals are accustomed to.
The beach area also has a number of dining establishments to choose from including restaurants serving both Thai and international gastronomy. Needless to say, there are also a large number of seafood restaurants along the beach although prices are naturally higher than the markets. Also represented in this area are Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Italian cuisines.
See our bar guide to Hua Hin.
Recommended Hua Hin restaurants
Tourist restaurants can be found along Damnoen Kasem, Phunsuk and Naretdamri Roads and on many of the side streets nearby. Fresh seafood is available at virtually every restaurant along the waterfront.
Pasta Factory (Italian): for a romantic dining experience, this restaurant offers sumptuous Italian favourites in a stunning setting. Besides marvellous food, the décor is gorgeous and the classical music played in the background adds a touch of elegance. Soi 73, 129/5 Petchkasem road, +66 (0)8 9918 1827. $$
Hagi Restaurant (Japanese): for lovers of Japanese fare, Hagi Restaurant serves traditional Japanese favourites and also features live music performances. Hagi’s specialties include delectable sushi prepared to perfection and the freshest seafood in the area. Damnernkasem road, Tel: (032)512 021-38. $$$
Kim’s Thalutchanan Kitchen (Thai & International): serving up both European and Thai favourites in an informal setting, this establishment specialises in local curries. Railway Road, near Hua Hin Station, +66 (0)1 966 2848. $
Budget rating
$ dishes b30 - b70; quart of beer b70; whiskey shot 80 baht; cocktails b100
$$ dishes b70 - b120; quart of beer b100; whiskey shot 100 baht; cocktails b120
$$$ dishes b100 - 250; quart of beer b120; whiskey shot 130 baht; cocktails b150
Coco 51 (Thai & International): a hotspot among the young and trendy set, here you can dine al fresco near the water in a romantic setting. Boasting international chefs, the European dishes are reliably good here, though authentic Thai food is also on hand. Live jazz music most nights. Open: 11:00-23:00; Soi 51 Hua Hin, by the sea, tel: (032) 515 597, email: coco51bythesea@gmail.com. $$$
La Mer (Seafood): enjoy excellent views over the bay while dining at this top-notch seafood restaurant. Perfect for couples, this place is always busy and service is prompt. 111/2 Nong Kae, Khao Takiab, tel: (032) 536 205, email: info@lamer-Huahin.com. $$
Hua Hin Night Market: eat like the locals and sample authentic Thai cuisine. Using only the freshest ingredients, dining at one of the stalls here is a lively experience. Central Hua Hin. $
Palm Seafood Pavillion: this exclusive seafood restaurant in Hua Hin is set in the luxurious Sofitel hotel along the waterfront. Expect first rate service and food in this wonderful setting. Open: 19:00-22:30; 1 Damnernkasem Rd., tel: (032) 520 238 Open: 11:00-23:00; Soi 51 Hua Hin, by the sea, tel: (032) 515 597, email: coco51bythesea@gmail.com. $$$.
Buffalo Bills (International): is perfect for visitors who are tired of Thai food and want a nice juicy steak, messy ribs, burgers, big English breakfasts, Western seafood recipes and more (they even have Thai food). Visit their site for a 10 per cent discount voucher. 8 Naresdamri rd., Corner of Chomsin and Naresdamri Roads, +66 (0)8 6603 5335. $$$
Bars and nightlife in Hua Hin
The small resort town has a vibrant nightlife scene. There is a nice choice of nightspots to choose from including dance clubs, pubs and live music venues. But visitors shouldn’t expect the glitzy go-go bars and trendy hotspots that are prominent in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. The club scene here is more family-oriented and caters to visitors who just want to dance, have a drink and listen to some good music. As far as music goes, there is something for everyone with nightspot venues on the rise.
A well-liked area for expats is a spot along Selakam Road. The Jungle Juice Bar (Open: 10:00-02:00) and Johnnie Walkers (Open: 09:00-02:00) pub and restaurant are two of the more visited establishments. Octopussy Bar is also in this area and is a popular spot that’s known for its extensive selection of beer. The annual Hua Hin Jazz Festival in June is a good time to visit.
Gay scene in Hua Hin
Hua Hin also has a vibrant gay scene with a number of clubs and gay-friendly restaurants on offer. One of the hottest clubs is the Red Indian Bar (4/34 Naresdamri Rd., tel: (032) 535 676) in the Hua Hin Bazaar. The club is frequented by both expats and local Thai men. If you want to see a cabaret show, Willy’s Station is in the same area and has some of the most realistic looking ‘ladyboys’ performing.
There is also a popular venue called Guys, which offers gay sauna and massage. Located on Naresdamri Road, Guys has massage rooms, a VIP room as well as a bar. Visitors can be treated to herbal steam treatments and massages for men by men.
Further reading...
- Restaurants in Hua Hin
- Attractions and activities in Hua Hin
- Hotels and guesthouses in Hua Hin
- Getting to Hua Hin - transportation
