Hua Hin is a two and a half hour drive from Bangkok by car on Route 35 and Route 4 (198.8 km). Since this is a fairly short distance with transportation connections available, Hua Hin has increased in popularity as a weekend get retreat, and an excellent way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Bus to Hua Hin
Taking a bus is an excellent option if you are already in Bangkok or have just landed at Bangkok International Airport. You can reach Hua Hin directly from the airport on a 24-seat bus. There is no charge for water and every bus has a toilet. The service counter is located near Gate 8 on the ground floor. The price of your ticket is just 340 Baht. Departures are scheduled eight times every day. The first one leaves at 9:00 a.m. There is then another departure every ninety minutes.
In most instances, you will reach Hua Hin in three hours. The traffic is heavy during peak hours so you should plan on some extra time before you arrive. The buses are equipped with excellent air conditioning for your comfort. If you become chilled easily, it is a good idea to bring a sweater or a light blanket, especially after your flight.
You can also take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok. These are slower buses. Your trip will require between five and six hours. Getting to the station can be difficult because it is not located on the main MRT or BTS station. You may want to consider taking a taxi. A metered taxi from Khao Sam Road costs around 200 to 300 Baht. You will pay 200 to 300 Baht for a ticket to Hua Hin. You can purchase your ticket after you get to the station.
If you are traveling during peak times, you are better off checking in advance. You can book your transportation at a specific time. The buses leave every twenty minutes. The Sai Tai Mai terminal is also a shopping centre. If you have enough time, you can stroll through the shops. There are also restaurants, a food court, banks, ATMs and a clinic.
Minivan to Hua Hin
One of the easiest and cheapest way of getting to Hua Hin from Bangkok is by taking a minivan. The traveling time is roughly the same as car but is dependent on traffic conditions. The capacity of a minivan is ten to twelve people. The minivans are air-conditioned; with tickets priced at around 180 Baht. The advantage is flexibility due to the departure points. This is different than taking a bus because there are numerous transport points available.
These points are Mo Chit New Van Terminal, Khao San Road and Ekkamai. The disadvantage is space is limited for baggage and passengers. A minivan is not the best form of transport when there is a lot of baggage. Minivans are cheap transportation, but they can become crowded when filled to capacity.
Train to Hua Hin
Although boarding a train is not as fast as a minivan or a bus, the scenery is beautiful. A train will never be late because they are not affected by traffic. The train from Bangkok regularly leaves from the railway station in Hua Lamphong. The departure times begin at 8:05 a.m. The last train departs at 22.50 p.m. The typical journey requires approximately four hours.
Passengers can choose from three ticket classes. The price depends on the class. The cost of third-class is around 150 Baht, second-class 400 Baht and first-class 600 Baht. For passengers traveling during the night, sleepers with air conditioning are available. The price will be higher. Passengers do not need to book their tickets in advance. The tickets can be purchased at the counter prior to departure.
Hua Hin by Taxi
This is an excellent option for anyone more interested in convenience and comfort over expense. Passengers can find a taxi in the city centre or at the airport. A booking can also be made in advance. There are taxi stands located right at the airport. The prices for set destinations are generally already fixed. The average price to reach Hua Lin is approximately 3,000 Baht.
It is possible to negotiate a special price from the city centre. A taxi to Hua Lin may cost as little as 2,000 Baht. The journey will require around three hours. Private car companies are available online. The price to Hua Lin is between 3,000 and 3,500 Baht.
Hua Hin by Rental Car
Renting a car to Hua Lin is a nice option. The driver has complete control of the car. Being able to drive around Hua Lin is also extremely useful. Unless the individual does not plan on leaving the town, transport will be necessary. Although there are minivans, taxis and Tuk Tuks available in Hua Hin, driving is the most convenient option, especially when the party is larger. The drive from Bangkok is fairly straightforward. The road signs provide both in English and Thai.
This is an excellent opportunity to stop at some places of interest along the way. This includes some of the temples in Petchaburi, the Damnoen Saduak floating market and Phraya Nakhon.
Booking in advance is preferable to renting a car at the airport. Choices include Sixt and Budget and the price is determined by the amount of space necessary for the luggage and the group. For a maximum of five people, a sedan or hatchback can be rented from about 1,200 Baht for each day. An SUV seating seven runs roughly 1,500 Baht for each day.
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