Hua Hin is quite a popular holiday destination. Most people go there to get away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. The coastal town is the best place to unwind and forget all your worries for a while.

After all, it's home to the Klai Kangwon Palace whose name means "free from worries." Who doesn't want to lie on a sandy beach somewhere while staring at breathtaking sunsets? I sure want to.

Believe it or not, there is much more to Hua Hin than the beautiful beaches. Here is a list of unforgettable things you can do in Hua Hin if you do manage to tear yourself away from the beach.

Visit the Hua Hin train station

This is one of the most extraordinary places in Hua Hin. It is a beautiful train station with a kind of Victorian feel to it. Its popularity increased during the 1920's when King Rama VI constructed the Klai Kangwon Palace.

He used this train station and even had a royal waiting room. Make sure to explore this site. I would however not advise on taking a train here if you are in a hurry. The service is quite laid back. Many people can be spotted strolling without a care in the world.

Splash at the Black Mountain Water Park

Do you want to splish splash but you're tired of the irritating sand getting all over you? Well, this is for you. Black Mountain Water Park is a small water park located on the outskirts of Hua Hin. It is in a secluded area surrounded by mountains. It has an assortment of fun activities for the whole family. It has a wave pool, kids' pool, beach pool and slides among other facilities.

It's spotlessly clean and is just opposite a golf course of the same name so you can cross over and have a short game of golf.

Climb Khao Takiab hill

Khao Takiab translates to Chopstick Hill. It is however commonly known as Monkey Mountain because of the monkeys that live there. When climbing the hill, you will encounter some large bells and a Buddha temple. When you finally do make it to the top of the hill, the rewarding view of the Hua Hin shoreline is worth it. And down at the shoreline, you can indulge in water sports including para-sailing, kayaking and banana boat riding.

Enjoy the view at Wat Huay Mongkol Temple

This is an experience everyone should have at least once. There is nothing quite like a huge statue to fill you with awe. This temple contains a large statue in honor of Luang Phor Thuat who was a monk known for performing miracles like turning salt water to drinking water. It is a huge statue with an elephant on each side. Trust me; this is not something you will soon forget. Many people fill this place to pray for good luck.

Appreciate art at the Cicada market

This market is all about culture and art. Art buffs will have a field day with this. This flea market is where you want to be. Every form of Thai art is represented here. It has four sections; Art of Act, Art a la Mode, Art Indoors and Art of Eating.

The Art, a la Mode section, occupies most of the outdoors and is where clothes and handmade crafts are sold. Art Indoors is inside, and this is where paintings and sketches are sold. Performed arts like live music are found in the Art of Act section.

Moreover, you can get a taste of Thai cuisine at the Art of Eating section. There is also a beer garden in this market.

Explore Thai nightlife at Hua Hin Night Market

If you want to enjoy Thai nightlife, you can't afford to miss going to this market. This market has several stalls selling seafood and others selling handicrafts and clothes. It's the go-to place to eat for Hua Hin locals. It is a busy market that is quite suitable for a night stroll.

Stand in awe of Mareukhathaiyawan Palace

The Mareukhathaiyawan Palace is located on the shore of Cha Am beach making it a perfect vacation spot. Like many buildings in Hua Hin, this palace was built in the 1920’s by King Rama VI. The palace has high walls and is characterized by a lot of corridors and verandas. It is made using teak pillars. This palace is also known as the Palace of Love and Hope.

Get a piece of Greece at Santorini Park

If you love Greece, you will love this place. It is like a tiny piece of Greece in Cha Am. Everything is spot on from the white walls to the pretty decorated windows. It has domed buildings and stone paths. You won’t even believe you’re still in Hua Hin. This park has a lot of activities. It has a Ferris wheel and a carousel amongst other pleasantries. There also a lot of shops and restaurants to cater for all your needs.

Indulge in wine at Hua Hin Hills Vineyard

Well, your vacation can’t possibly end without a little wine. Not to worry, Hua Hin has got you covered. At the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, you can sit at the balcony sipping some wine while enjoying the green country view.

Shop at Plearn Wan Shopping Village

Think 1950's Hua Hin. That is literally what this shopping village represents. This is a place for all things vintage. Wood is the primary material of construction here, even the lighting reminds you of the past. It is as though this place lay frozen in time. Food is the main attraction here, but you can get other souvenirs like toys and liquor. There is also an outdoor cinema, beauty salon, photo studio and guest house.

Parting shot

If you haven’t been to Hua Hin, you better start making plans. Everything from art, food, sandy beaches and amusement parks can be found here. Really, what more could you ask for?