48 Hours in Hua Hin: A Simple Weekend Itinerary

This 48-hour Hua Hin weekend itinerary is built for real travel timing. It keeps the drives short and the plan clear. You will do the beach, one water park, two weekend markets, and Khao Takiab at sunset.

Want a simple base for a group weekend in Hua Hin? Check availability and contact us here.

Quick notes before you start

• Best days for this plan: Friday to Sunday. Cicada Market opens on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, usually from late afternoon to late evening.
  
• Tamarind Market: commonly runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the late afternoon and evening.
  
• Klai Kangwon Palace: it is a royal residence and is often not open for public visits. Plan it as a quick photo stop from outside, then move on.
  
• One big activity rule: pick one water park on Day 2. Do not try to do both in one morning.

Day 1: Arrival, Beach, Night Market

Late morning: coffee and a beach walk at Hua Hin Beach

Aim to arrive in Hua Hin late morning. Drop your bags, then head to the beach area. Start with a coffee, then take a slow walk along Hua Hin Beach. The goal is simple: fresh air, sun, and an easy first hour in town.

Keep this part flexible. The tide changes the width of the sand, and some days the water sits closer to the walkway. If the sand is narrow, stay on the firmer parts and keep moving.

• Suggested time block: 11:30 to 13:00
• What to bring: water, hat, sunscreen, and sandals

Afternoon: Klai Kangwon Palace photo stop and nearby cafes

After lunch, do a short drive north for a quick stop near Klai Kangwon Palace. This works best as a photo stop, not a long visit. Because it is a royal site and access can be limited, it is common for visitors to only see the area from outside.

After photos, pick a nearby cafe and take a proper break. This is also the best time for a reset if you are traveling with friends. Some people can nap, others can shower, and everyone can meet again before dinner.

• Suggested time block: 15:00 to 17:00
• Keep it simple: photos, coffee, then back to town

Evening: Hua Hin Night Market for seafood and souvenirs

The Hua Hin Night Market is a reliable first-night plan. It is known for seafood, local snacks, and simple souvenir shopping. Many stalls feel more active from around 7 pm onward, so do not rush there too early.

A good way to do it is one full walk-through first. Let the group see what is available. Then choose a seafood spot and sit down. After dinner, do a second lap for fruit, dessert, and small shopping.

• Suggested time block: 18:30 to 21:30
• Best flow: browse first, eat second, shop last
• Bring cash for small stalls

Staying with a group and want everyone under one roof? You can use our large villa as your weekend base: see the 7-bedroom villa and facilities here.

Day 2: Water Fun, Art Markets, Sunset

Morning: pick one water park

Day 2 is built around one main activity. Choose either Black Mountain Water Park or Vana Nava Water Jungle. Both are popular. Both take a half day if you include travel and lunch.

Option A: Black Mountain Water Park

Black Mountain Water Park is commonly listed as open daily from around 10:00 to 17:00. It is a simple choice if you want an early start. Plan for a few hours in the water, then a late lunch.

Option B: Vana Nava Water Jungle

Vana Nava is commonly listed with opening hours around 11:00 to 17:00. It can feel like a slightly later start, which many people prefer after a night market evening.

If you want a clear rule, use this one: arrive around opening time, stay 2 to 3 hours, then leave before the afternoon heat peaks. That gives you energy for the markets later.

• Suggested time block: 11:00 to 14:00 in the park, then lunch
• Bring: dry bag for phones, a change of clothes, and a towel
• Use lockers if you have valuables

Afternoon: Cicada and Tamarind Markets (weekends)

This is the weekend part of a Hua Hin 2-day itinerary. Cicada Market and Tamarind Market are in the same general area, and many travelers visit both in one evening. They are known for food, crafts, and a calmer vibe than the main night market in town.

Cicada Market’s official site lists it as open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 16:30 to 23:00. If you want to double-check times before you go, use the official page here: Cicada Market official info.

Tamarind Market is commonly described as a weekend market as well, usually running Friday to Sunday in the late afternoon and evening. It is often a good first stop for food because it is direct and easy.

Here is a simple way to do both without rushing:

1. Start at Tamarind: eat early and keep it light. Think grilled items, simple Thai dishes, and fruit.
2. Walk to Cicada: browse crafts, small shops, and art stalls. Take your time.
3. Finish with dessert: then head out before it gets too late.

• Suggested time block: 16:30 to 20:30
• Best flow: Tamarind for food, Cicada for browsing

Sunset: Khao Takiab viewpoint, then dinner by the sea

End the weekend with Khao Takiab, also called Chopsticks Hill. It is a well-known viewpoint south of Hua Hin. There is a temple area and clear views over the coast.

The spot is also known for monkeys. Keep snacks and drinks secured. Do not hold food in your hand while walking. This is not about fear. It is just basic travel sense.

Tourism Thailand describes Khao Takiab as a coastal hill attraction near Hua Hin. If you want a quick reference, you can read it here: Khao Takiab overview.

• Suggested time block: arrive around 17:10, stay through sunset, then dinner
• Wear shoes with grip if you plan to walk more

Getting around Hua Hin

For a 48 hours in Hua Hin plan, transport is usually the part that decides if the trip feels smooth or stressful. If you are a couple, local taxis and tuk-tuks can work for short hops. If you are a group, a pre-booked van often saves time and keeps everyone together.

To keep things simple, use one base and do short out-and-back trips. That is the easiest way to avoid wasting time on pickups and waiting.

If you want to see the general location and layout for a group stay, you can use our gallery and map page here: gallery and map.

Planning a small celebration during your weekend

If you are planning a birthday, a small reunion, or a relaxed group weekend, the easiest plan is to attach the celebration to the schedule you already have. That way you are not trying to build a second itinerary inside the first one.

• Do your main dinner on Day 1 at the night market or a seafood restaurant.
• Do your “celebration moment” on Day 2 after the water park, before the markets.
• Keep travel simple. One car or one van is easier than splitting into many cars.

FAQ

One last tip for a smooth weekend

Keep Day 1 light and steady. Save the big activity for Day 2. When you do that, the weekend feels easy, and you do not spend the whole trip rushing.