Explore Bangkok - Hua Hin, indulge in luxurious check-ins for just 6 million VND/person

After an Instagram-worthy trip with friends in Bangkok and Hua Hin, I discovered that traveling to Thailand isn't as expensive as we thought. We found many magical photo spots that rival those in Europe. So today, I'm sharing tips on a budget trip to Hua Hin from Bangkok with friends for only 6 million VND/person.
Our group consisted of 4 people. We spent 5 days and 4 nights, with 1 day in Bangkok and the rest exploring Hua Hin.

1. When is the best time to visit Thailand?

2. Booking flights to Thailand

Flight tickets to Thailand with budget airlines Vietjet and Nok Air generally range from 900,000 VND to 1,100,000 VND per way. Booking early can get you cheaper prices. We booked 3 months in advance through Mytour during a promotion, so we got a good deal.
We purchased round-trip tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok with Nok Air for 850,000 VND per way. Since there were 4 of us, we only bought 2 additional checked bags to share.
Expense: 1,800,000 VND for round-trip tickets.

3. Where to stay in Bangkok and Hua Hin

3.1. Accommodation in Bangkok

As we mainly explored the outdoors with friends in Bangkok, we opted for hostels. You can choose hostels in central areas like Siam, Sukhumvit, Silom... I once read about some incredibly beautiful hostels in Bangkok and was thrilled. Bangkok is known for its fantastic hostels with various styles. Highly-rated ones include Chao Hostel, Once Again, Phrayajasaen, all located close to the city center. You can find more hostels in Bangkok HERE.
Since our stay in Bangkok was only for 1 night, we chose a hostel in Sukhumvit to explore the cafes in this area. And we were extremely pleased with this choice.

Hostel shining like a fancy house. @Analog Hostel

Hostel shining like a fancy house. @Analog Hostel

Bangkok boasts plenty of top-notch hostels. @Analog Hostel

Bangkok boasts plenty of top-notch hostels. @Analog Hostel

The dorm rooms are very clean, with a separate toilet for our group of 4. @Analog Hostel

HERE

3.2. Hotels in Hua Hin

Hua Hin is best known for its pristine beaches and countless resorts. That's why our group chose to visit Hua Hin, a resort paradise just over 2 hours drive from Bangkok. When it comes to resorts and hotels in Hua Hin, there are countless options, truly the weekend getaway for Thais, as there are so many resorts with different styles.

Stone Head Hua Hin Hotel is located near many dining and entertainment areas. @Mytour

On the first day, we chose a hotel called Stone Head Hua Hin. The advantage of this hotel is its central location, making it easy to go anywhere. Not to mention, Stone Head Hua Hin has a very stylish vibe. The hotel is modern in style, with youthful design, featuring many beautiful corners. The rooms here are extremely clean and convenient. During our two days here, we mainly explored outside, and when we returned tired, just lying on the bed felt comfortable enough.

The hotel may be small but it's modern. @Mytour

Here

The next day, our group chose to stay at a resort with a strong Santorini vibe called The Crest Santora Room 77. Initially, we were quite surprised because the upscale resort is located right next to the beach, has a swimming pool, and a private beach, yet the price is very affordable. Moreover, we also had an apartment for 4 people. Although the room was a bit small, staying together felt fun.

The Crest Santora Room 77 Resort exudes the essence of Santorini in Hua Hin. @meowwarissara

The resort has a private pool and is right by the beach. @bokorn

Every corner is perfect for Instagram shots. @aiyaaiyaaaa

As for The Crest Santora Room 77, this place is absolutely stunning for Instagram check-ins. With the dominant Santorini colors of blue and white, every corner of the resort looks surreal and dreamy. Besides its beauty, The Crest Santora Room 77 is also a fantastic retreat. It features a large swimming pool and a beach just a few steps away. Whether you want to swim or take a stroll by the beach, it's just a step away. Relaxing by the pool or beach in the evening is all you could ask for.

Here

4. Getting Around in Thailand

4.1. Getting Around in Bangkok

First, let's talk about getting from the airport to the city center. In Bangkok, there are 2 airports, Suvarnabhumi International Airport (located 45 minutes from the city center) and Don Muang Airport (located 20 – 25 km from the city center, taking over 1 hour to travel).

In Bangkok, there are various transportation options such as BTS Skytrain, taxi, Grab, tuk-tuk... The most convenient way to get around Bangkok is by using the BTS Skytrain, which is cheap, fast, and avoids traffic jams. I bought a BTS card for 100 baht (70,000 VND), allowing me to travel comfortably all day long.

4.2. Getting from Bangkok to Hua Hin

During the self-guided trip to Hua Hin, I had several ways to travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin:

In summary, the most cost-effective and quickest way I chose is to take a mini van from Bangkok to Hua Hin.
From Bangkok to Hua Hin
Most of the trips from Bangkok to Hua Hin depart from Saitaimai pier, so I went there. To get to Saitaimai, you take the BTS to Victory Monument station, where you can take bus number 539 to Saitaimai bus station, or you can take a taxi or Grab directly to Saitaimai.
Here, you can buy tickets to Hua Hin. The 12-seater mini van costs 180 baht (~130,000 VND), while the 50-seater bus costs 150 baht (~110,000 VND). If you take the mini van and have a lot of luggage, there will be an additional fee, but if you take the large bus, there is no luggage fee.
The journey takes about 4 hours and stops near the center, close to Hua Hin night market.
From Hua Hin to Bangkok:
Returning from Hua Hin to Bangkok, it's best to buy a ticket back to Bangkok and choose the time in advance when getting off at Hua Hin station. From Hua Hin to Bangkok, the bus stops at Saitaimai or Mochit station in Bangkok. The ticket price to Mochit station is about 160 baht (~116,000 VND).

4.3. Getting around in Hua Hin

5. Bangkok - Hua Hin 5-day 4-night Itinerary

Day 1: HCMC > Bangkok

I took the earliest Nok Air flight departing at 7:30 a.m., arriving at Don Muang Airport, went through immigration, collected my luggage, and took a Grab back to the hotel in Sukhumvit around 11:00 a.m. It was not yet time for check-in, so we left our luggage there and wandered around, enjoying coffee and food in this area.
The Commons
The first destination on the trip is also my favorite spot in Bangkok, The Commons on Thonglor Alley 17, a complex of beautiful cafes. Every time I come here, I feel envious of Thai locals for having such lovely co-working spaces. The Commons space is modern, minimalistic, perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. Upstairs, there is a large open area with plenty of greenery.

The Commons, Thonglor Alley 17. @destinasian.com

Start the day with a cup of coffee and brunch at ROAST in The Commons. It's a fantastic choice for breakfast and lunch combined. The coffee here always smells amazing. After breakfast and a leisurely coffee, I stroll around The Commons and take a few #OOTD photos.

Back to my favorite spot in Bangkok. @roastbkk

Breakfast at Roast. @roastbkk

Sukhumvit Area
Thonglor, Sukhumvit with its small alleys is full of interesting corners to explore. On that pleasant day, my friends and I wandered around this area, not with any specific purpose but to admire the charming small alleys with a distinct Thai vibe. We were just looking for new spots or cool corners. Even just a brief stroll in this area led us to discover many Instagram-worthy spots. Some of the small corners even gave me a feeling of being in Japan.

A Japanese tea house at Sukhumvit 49. @bkkmenu

You'll easily spot charming corners like this in the Sukhumvit area. @bkkmenu

After a tiring stroll, we returned to the hotel to check-in and rest for a while, then geared up and took the BTS to Siam to continue our journey.
Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre (BACC)
I've heard a lot about this exhibition area, so I was determined to visit. BACC is located in the heart of Siam, opposite Siam Discovery. Take the BTS to Siam station, then walk to National Stadium station, and you'll arrive at BACC. It takes about 5-7 minutes on foot from BTS Siam station.

Unique architecture at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC). @baccbkk

Art exhibition area at BACC. @baccbkk

BACC is one of the must-visit art centers in Bangkok. @baccbkk

The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) boasts beautiful arch-shaped architecture. Visiting here broadens my horizons about Thai culture, art, and allows me to admire many fascinating paintings. Oh, and don't forget to capture plenty of Instagram-worthy shots at BACC. The artistic space here is currently a hot spot for check-ins in Bangkok.

Siam Area
The Siam area is the heart of Bangkok, offering plenty of entertainment options. Notable shopping centers include Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, Siam Square One. It's also a food paradise; just step into Siam Paragon to discover a wide array of cuisines. At Siam Square Soi 5, there's an outdoor market offering all kinds of food, drinks, clothing, and souvenirs.
Let me spill the beans: the Siam area is also a massive entertainment complex with Bangkok's hottest attractions like Line Village, Madame Tussauds, and Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World... perfect for experience-hungry adventurers.

The cool outdoor market at Siam Square 5. @malaneuabykontomthoon

After You Dessert

The heavenly desserts at After You. @min.fff

Cheevit Cheeva

Introducing the new hotspot, Cheevit Cheeva. @bkkmenu

Delectable desserts at Cheevit Cheeva. @bkkmenu

Train Night Market Ratchada (Talad Rot Fai)
When in Thailand, you must visit a night market. Thai night markets are a shopping and culinary paradise. You can find everything from clothes to trendy accessories at very affordable prices. At the Rot Fai Ratchada night market, must-try dishes include giant spicy ribs, pad Thai, seafood, BBQ, mango sticky rice, fresh fruit juices, Thai milk tea... In short, you can find all kinds of Thai delicacies here.

Train Night Market, also known as Talad Rot Fai. @mattewjulienphotography

Giant spicy ribs. @Youtube

Nightlife buzz at Bangkok's night markets. @coconuts.co

Various dessert options like sweet soup, mango sticky rice, bingsu, fresh fruit... @coconuts.co

We indulged in food and spent around 200 baht per person (~145,000 VND per person).
Check out the complete guide to night markets in Thailand HERE.
A day in Bangkok summed up: exploring cafes, new spots, strolling, and devouring Bangkok's treats. We saved some energy for Hua Hin. If you want to conquer Bangkok, you can refer to this 1-day Bangkok travel guide HERE.
Total spending for day 1: 600 baht

Day 2: Bangkok > Hua Hin

We woke up early to head to Hua Hin, as mentioned above. Around noon, we arrived in Hua Hin and checked into a hotel near Cicada Night Market. Then, our journey to explore Hua Hin began with the following destinations.
Plearnwan Village

Vintage market area at Plearnwan Village. @trablogger

This is Hua Hin's market, not some amusement park in Europe, folks! @gameclyp

Plearnwan features both a fun area and countless picturesque spots. It's called a market, but it's full of charming photo spots. The streets here are all Instagram-worthy, with cool horse carousels, beautifully decorated small eateries, and a variety of delicious Thai dishes. I had pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and dessert. A satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Plearnwan is the market you must visit in Hua Hin.

The must-visit market in Hua Hin. @7_ludear_m

Plearnwan Market has many cute areas like this. @kimberlywoo

And there's plenty of food to satisfy those hungry bellies. @iiidaowdaowiii

The Venezia
Did you know there's a Venice right in Hua Hin? In Thailand, there are two famous European-style villages: The Venezia and Palio Khao Yai. Located about 20 minutes from downtown Hua Hin, The Venezia is a replica of Venice in Italy, complete with a replica of the famous San Marco bell tower and a 200-meter-long canal. You can even take gondola rides around the canal, just like in Venice. The Venezia almost made me forget I was in Hua Hin, Thailand, and made me feel like I was in the heart of Europe.

This isn't Italy, folks, it's Hua Hin! @irenesin

The Venezia Hua Hin. @officialmisslondoncity2018

Here, you'll find plenty of shops catering to all your shopping needs. There's also an amusement area, a music garden, and a 3D art exhibition room. The 3D art zone is worth a visit if you want some fun and quirky photos. Just one visit to The Venezia and you'll have plenty of beautiful pictures to cherish.

The Venezia faithfully replicates the famous canals of Venice. @_hardikgohil

The Venezia entrance ticket

Cicada Night Market
During your independent trip to Hua Hin, don't miss out on the Cicada Night Market. Thais have some seriously cool night markets that dispel the notion of markets just being places to eat and shop. Cicada is a market with plenty of exciting things to explore. For art and music enthusiasts, Cicada Night Market is the ideal destination. The market features 4 unique zones: Cicada Art Factory, Art à la Mode (art, photography), Cicada Cuisine (food), and a stage area.

Cicada is undoubtedly an art market. @cicadamarket

Find unique items easily at Cicada Market. @cicadamarket

Live music performances take place on weekends at Cicada Market. @cicadamarket

There are usually bands and solo artists performing in the round stage area in the middle. With food, drinks, and music all in a beautiful space, Cicada is indeed the number one relaxation spot. Since this weekend market is only open from Friday to Sunday, make sure to plan your schedule accordingly.

Total expenses for day 2: 600 baht (~ 437,000 VND)

Day 3: Hua Hin

Khao Takiap
In the morning, I woke up early to admire the sunrise over Khao Takiap hill. The bay and Khao Takiap hill are the perfect spots for witnessing the beautiful sunrise in Hua Hin. Located just 10 minutes south of downtown Hua Hin, Khao Takiap, also known as Monkey Mountain, is home to many wild monkeys.

Scenery from Khao Takiap. @nazimovky

You need to climb to the top of the hill to admire the panoramic view and catch the sunrise at 6:00 a.m. Or you can also see the sunrise from Khao Takiap Beach, but I think it's more beautiful from the high hill. At the top of Khao Takiap, you can interact and take photos with the monkeys, but be careful with your belongings and phone, or the monkeys might snatch them away. On the mountain top, there's also a large Buddha statue, one of the famous landmarks in Hua Hin.

Temple and golden Buddha statue on the mountaintop. @iren_w.o.l.f

We also took the opportunity to stroll along the beach and swim. A bit of morning exercise and being treated to a beautiful sunrise was the perfect start to the day. After visiting Khao Takiap, we returned to the hotel for some rest and prepared for check-out to move to a resort closer to the beach and other attractions. After settling into the new accommodation, we began exploring the remaining dazzling parks.
Santorini Amusement Park
This is the most anticipated place of the trip. I've long heard of Hua Hin having a miniature Santorini, and now I finally got to witness it. At Santorini Park, you'll feel like you're no longer in Asia but in Greece. Everything here is Santorini standard, from the whitewashed buildings, blue windows, to the stone-paved streets, dome-shaped towers, and pink paper flowers. Walking around Santorini Park, I felt like I was in Greece.

Looks just like the original Santorini, doesn't it? @vivisujana928

The blue and white houses and paper flower arches are truly authentic. @rrrrred___

Santorini Park is a blend of entertainment, art, shopping, and dining, with a large park area, retail chains, and restaurants. You can easily spend a whole day here. The park features 5 main zones. The Park Zone is the amusement park area with rides like Ferris wheels, water parks, haunted houses, and thrilling attractions like double-decker conveyor belts, G-MAX reverse bungee, giant swings, interactive games, and Asia's first Wallholla mountain climbing game.

Santorini Amusement Park in Hua Hin. @khunfour

The Village Zone is like a miniature Santorini village with Greek-style shops. You'll find a range of stores, shopping areas, restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, and numerous souvenir shops. Besides shopping and entertainment, Santorini Park also has outdoor spaces for concerts and performances. There's also a weekend art market with a variety of souvenirs and creative handicrafts.

A truly Santorini corner. @syailazaidi

The park is filled with adorable shops. @sya.are

You only realize how grand Santorini Park is when you visit. Initially, I thought it was just a place for photos and fun, but there's so much more to do here. So, if you come, make sure to arrive early to enjoy all the activities.

Santorini Park

Camel Republic
Step into the Moroccan world at Camel Republic. This is a new park in Hua Hin located right next to Santorini Park. Camel Republic with its vibrant Mediterranean style is adorned with warm colors. I'm not exaggerating when I say you can take hundreds of beautiful photos here as every corner is extremely photogenic.

Moroccan world Camel Republic. @erikazamzuri

A trending spot on Instagram among Thai travel bloggers. @peemwong

Someone said this isn't Hua Hin, it's Morocco. @chill.withme

Camel Republic offers countless Instagrammable corners. @e7yng

An interesting thing about Camel Republic is the blend of activities for animal lovers and thrill-seekers. Why? Here, you can spend the whole afternoon making friends with new buddies like Arabian camels, giraffes, or feeding goats. Camel Republic is also home to posh flamingos. Moreover, Camel Republic is an amusement park with many thrilling rides.

There's even a zoo at Camel Republic. @khunfour

Camel Republic – where the perfect travel blogger shot is born. @chill.withme

Play with various animals at Camel Republic. @sellyary050505

All-inclusive Camel Republic ticket

1000 Sook Food and Fam
Another nearby attraction to Santorini Park is 1000Sook Food and Fam, where you'll find everyone bustling with excitement over the sheep when they arrive in Hua Hin. True to its name, 1000Sook Food and Fam is a complex comprising restaurants, a small farm, and various shopping outlets.

1000 Sook Food and Fam, a charming European-style farm. @hawaiigirl0112

The quaint European-style farms here are reminiscent of European countryside fields. You can frolic with the sheep, Shetland ponies, ducks, and rabbits or take a leisurely stroll around the farm. After exploring the farm, there's a restaurant nearby serving both Thai and Western dishes at reasonable prices. 1000 Sook Food and Fam is a standout spot to visit in Hua Hin, but since we visited Camel Republic, we skipped this place. If you have some leisure time, why not explore these beautiful areas?

Another animal-friendly spot in Hua Hin. @imtiney

Hua Hin Night Market
After a day of exciting adventures, we headed to Hua Hin Night Market in the evening to fill our bellies and stroll around. Hua Hin's nightlife is bustling with tourists, and the liveliest atmosphere can be found at the night markets.

For a satisfying meal, head to Hua Hin Night Market. @foodgem.sg

Hua Hin Night Market is just like other night markets in Thailand, a paradise for food lovers with plenty of delicious and affordable dishes. And when you're in the coastal area of Hua Hin, seafood is a must. If you fancy small lobsters, they may cost a bit more. After a satisfying meal, take some time to stroll around the night market and soak up the lively atmosphere of Hua Hin.

You'll find a variety of Thai dishes at Hua Hin Night Market. @foodgem.sg

Grilled cheese lobster. @foodgem.sg

Of course, you'll find plenty of cheap fashion items and accessories here, but the quality and designs are just average. You can buy some beach essentials like flip-flops, hats, and swimwear if you forget to bring them.

Day 4: Hua Hin

The Crest Santora Room 77
On our last day in Hua Hin, we mainly hung around the resort to relax and hit the beach. Hua Hin beach is undeniably pristine and beautiful, with its white sand and clear blue water, truly living up to its reputation as a tourist paradise in Thailand. As I mentioned before in my review of the Santorini-style resort we stayed at, every corner here can be transformed into a magical photo spot.

Looks like a different version of Santorini in Greece. @supergirllee

Santorini in the heart of Hua Hin is right here. @e7yng

Looking stunning in the photos. @cha_chaaim

A fantastic place to stay. @pattoooooooo

An incredibly beautiful resort at such a budget-friendly price. @aiyaaiyaaaa

Thé tea house
Hua Hin is a sanctuary for charming European-style tea houses. It's unbelievable how many beautiful cafes and tea houses there are in Hua Hin, and I chose Thé tea house for a gentle afternoon tea session.

Can you believe it? There's a high-end European-style tea house in Hua Hin. @Thé Tea House

I absolutely adore spaces filled with natural light and greenery, and Thé Tea House perfectly fits my taste. The venue is spacious and decorated in a French style, making it look like it's straight out of a Western country. Their afternoon tea set is simply divine, just right for some Instagram-worthy moments.

The luxurious ambiance at Thé Tea House. @Thé Tea House

And here's the luxurious afternoon tea set at Thé Tea House. @annesssie_ua_official

Seenspace Hua Hin
Seenspace Hua Hin is a cool relaxation spot in Hua Hin that you definitely should not miss. Seenspace is a complex consisting of many restaurants, beach clubs, and small shops, providing you with a complete experience of dining, relaxing, and shopping. Inside Seenspace, there is Sretsis Mermaid Bar & Shop, a clothing store decorated quite stylishly and with plenty of corners for some Instagram-worthy shots.

The whimsical photo spots at Sretsis Mermaid Bar & Shop. @kwangkwii

Seenspace boasts numerous outdoor and indoor areas, each stunning in its own right. I visited Seenspace in the afternoon, enjoying the cool breeze by sitting outside near the beach. It was the perfect place to admire the sea, indulge in delicious food and drinks, listen to gentle music, feel the refreshing breeze, and interact with friendly people. We were so enamored with the atmosphere that we stayed until evening, had dinner, and then returned to the resort. The evening at Seenspace was pleasantly cool and incredibly romantic.

A beach club at Seenspace Hua Hin. @seenspacehuahin

You absolutely must have a 'chill' meal in Hua Hin. @seenspacehuahin

Seenspace is stunning from every angle, no wonder it's so popular. @seenspacehuahin

Sundance Lounge. @seenspacehuahin

Summary of day 4 expenses: 600 baht (~ 436,000 VND)

Day 5: Hua Hin > Bangkok > Ho Chi Minh City