In January, we had the chance to share one of our travels with some more friends. Our longtime friends, Amy and Jack flew in from Minnesota to visit Chad and me in Hua Hin—a long journey that brought them first to Bangkok for a quick overnight stay. The next morning, they hopped on the same train we had taken earlier in our trip and made their way down the coast to meet us.
We stayed together at the beautiful Wora Bura Hua Hin Resort & Spa, a beachfront resort that immediately set the tone for a relaxing week. The pool became one of our favorite spots—lined with lush palm trees, blooming plumeria, and charming little elephant fountains that made it feel uniquely Thai.
The beach itself was perfect for slow mornings. After the high tide rolled out, the shoreline opened up into a long, walkable stretch—ideal for a casual stroll.
One morning, we walked along the beach toward Wat Khao Takiap—better known as “Monkey Mountain.” Amy and Jack took it a step further (literally), climbing up to the temple and feeding the monkeys along the way. It was equal parts fun and a little chaotic, but definitely a memorable way to kick off their time in Hua Hin.
Back at the resort, one of our favorite meals was dining right on the beach. We ordered a pan-fried whole fish topped with a creamy sauce and served with vegetables—simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious.
Between beach walks, poolside lounging, and exploring local markets, the whole trip had an easy rhythm to it. Hua Hin proved to be not only relaxing, but also incredibly welcoming—especially for expats and travelers looking for a more affordable beach destination in Thailand.
We also made our way to Pae Mai Market, a vibrant Tuesday night market that quickly became a highlight. Open from 3 pm, it’s a colorful maze of 8 food alleys and a couple more for things like clothing and small goods. The variety was incredible—everything from sushi and pizza to classic Thai dishes—plus some amazing traditional Thai desserts that we couldn’t pass up.
Finding a table, however, was its own adventure. Since it’s not a typical hawker setup, you have to grab your own table, and without speaking much Thai, it was tricky to figure out when people were leaving. We hovered, guessed, and waited it out—but persistence paid off, and we eventually secured a spot to enjoy our feast. The energy, occasional live music, and local crowd made it feel like a truly authentic Hua Hin experience.
Thai food wasn’t the only option. We found this amazing Georgian Restaurant near our hotel. If you love carbs and cheese! Yum!
Having Amy and Jack there made it all the more special. It was the perfect mix of exploring, relaxing, and just enjoying good food and great company in a place that continues to surprise us in the best ways.
More Than A Foodie 