Hua Hin Off The Beaten Path

Close to 80km south of Hua Hin is the another beach town called Prachuap Khiri Khan.
There you will also find Khao Chong Krajok ( Mirror Tunnel Mountain) named after the hole through the side of the mountain that appears to reflect the sky.
At the top of the mountain is Wat Thammikaram. You can climb the 399 steps to the top and see nice views of the town and bay. Before you climb the steps you must buy some bananas from the ladies selling them, to feed the monkeys, or they won't let you pass.

If you have a car or motorbike, you will find Khoa Sam Roi Yot National Park an interesting place to visit. It is around 60km from Hua Hin.
The small 98 sq km park is on the Gulf of Thailand.
The park is best known for its limestone pinnacles that rise 650 m high.
The parks wetland provides a sanctuary for migratory birds and it is home to many other animals.

If you want to get away from the people and see some greenery for a day, head for the waterfalls at Kaeng Krachan National Park, about 50 km out of the town i think. If there are a few of you, you can rent a pickup truck and driver for the day for not a lot of money.
At the park, there is a trail that will take you thru the forest up to a series of waterfalls. As you walk, you will feel the air cool down - it feels very refreshing in teh hot season. None of the waterfalls we saw (we didn't see half of them) were spectacularly high, but at many of them you can jump into the pool of water at the waterfall to cool off. I think there are nearly 20 waterfalls if you walk all the way up, but we took it easy and played in the water for quite a while.
I put this under 'off the beaten path' because in 1994, there was nobody else there. I don't know what it is like now. It is a great day trip.
If you are by yourself or there are just two or you, you can rent motorcycles in HH for the day.
Another trip suggestion is going to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park about 20 km south of HH town. I have written more about it on my Thailand page in the hiking travelogue.

Do try and get away from the main tourist areas, this tips probably applies to anywhere! There are plenty of tours and excursions but if you want some good ideas obout where to go then always have a chat with hotel staff. You can head off towards the mountains of Hua Hin and find wonderful villages, even hilltribes that are yet to be part of the tourist trail. A car and driver will cost about USD30-40 for a full day including fuel, ask the driver to take you away from the main tourist areas.

When you want to take your time, bring your favorite book and go to the Chinese temple at the end of a street off the Naresdamri Rd, at the back of Lookghai guest house. You'll enjoy 270 degree panoramic ocean view from there! It is a small place and there are some benches under the tree. It is nice!

South of Hua Hin on the way to Sam Roi Yot National Park. The Pranburi river has scenic natural beauty.