There’s a saying that a good shopper will always find something to buy. Not exactly renowned for its shopping offerings, Cha-Am after all has other things working its magic. While shops in town perhaps cater mostly for the locals, and a new supermarket for the needs of a slowly-growing expat community, Thai people are known for their skills and craftsmanship. Be on the look-out for some local crafts like shell work, printed fabrics and carvings even, sold by some beach vendors and at a few places in town. If you have an overwhelming urge to splurge, Hua Hin’s night market is just 15 minutes away, and makes for a fantastic shopping excursion – a showcase of local arts and crafts. For what to buy and where, our Hua Hin Shopping section has plenty suggestions.
Shopping in Pranburi
Shopping in PranburiRenowned for their fine craftsmanship, wherever you find Thai people you’re bound to also find the evidence of their skillful talents. Even though Pranburi is not known as a shopping destination and the shops in town cater mostly for the needs of locals, you’ll be surprised by what you can find with a bit of exploration. The best place to head to for shopping would be Hua Hin’s night market, a true showcase of the region’s arts and crafts. Hua Hin is just 25km away, making it very accessible and quick to reach. Our Hua Hin Shopping section has a detailed overview of the kinds of things to look at for, and several other shopping highlights.
Shopping Directory
Hua Hin Shopping Directory
In this section we list some of the best shopping places in Hua Hin, from art galleries and places to shop for handicrafts, to supermarkets and factory outlets. It always helps to know where to go – even though Hua Hin is not a big place. Apart from these places, make a big note not to miss the Day and Night Markets! Hua Hin and the area around it are wonderful places to shop for virtually all of Thailand's traditional handicrafts. In addition, the town itself has become a centre for contemporary art with several small galleries in town featuring works by local artists. If you are looking for a suit or dress, there are legions of tailors in hotels and other areas that will craft one to your specifications.
Handicrafts and Art
There are a lot of art and handicrafts on offer in Hua Hin. Although it is difficult to generalize, you'll find lots of products from seashells near the Sofitel and loads of handicrafts in the nearby Hua Hin Bazaar. Paintings, carpets, handicrafts and antiques are offered in many shops on Naresdamri Road. The shopping bHere are a few places to get you started.
Art Gallery
41/91 Thavorn Village 5
Soi Mooban Noi, Nongplub Road, Hua Hin
(08) 1890-5786
A good selection of pictures and oils by local artists.
Gaw Gai Shop
2/1 Dechanuchit Road, Hua Hin
Near the entrance to the ChaoLay Seafood Restaurant. It offers ceramics, wooden bric-a-brac and lamps made from Thai pottery.
Phaiboon
56/1-4 Dechanuchit Road, Hua Hin
A large shop with virtually all types of handicrafts represented. A good place for Kom Ma Phat, a beautiful local cotton print cloth.
Hua Hin Gallery Orient
7/14 Sra-Song Road, Hua Hin
(0) 3253-0652
Thai handicrafts, wood products and numerous antiques.
Hua Hin Night Market
Dechanuchit Road, Hua Hin
Although thought of primarily as a place to eat, Hua Hin's Night Market and the adjoining Night Plaza are excellent places to shop for Thai trinkets and handicrafts.
Tailors
There are over 100 tailors in and around Hua Hin. Remember not to expect miracles and insist on a couple of 'sittings' to insure garments fit properly. Compare shops and prices to obtain the best deal and quality. Although tailors in hotels and resorts are usually more expensive, they are generally higher in quality. Here a few of the more popular shops.
Daniel
47/1 Dechanuchit Road, Hua Hin
(0) 3253-0169
Milano Costumes
31 Naresdamri Rd or 54/2 Dechanuchit Rd, Hua Hin
(0) 3251-2613 or (0) 3253-0080
Saga Tailor
82/1 Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin
(0) 3251-5373
Thipurai Store
29 Naresdamri Road (adjacent Hilton), Hua Hin
(0) 3251-4104
Miscellaneous
Tesco Lotus
234/1 Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin (near Hua Hin City Hall)
(0) 3252-6071
An enormous store and supermarket from overseas with everything anyone could ever want. Open from 9.00 AM to 11.00 PM
Choke Chai Optical
36 Amnuaysan Road, Hua Hin
(0) 3251-2084
Orchid Optical
123/3 Naresdamri Road (adjacent Hilton), Hua Hin
(0) 3253-2574
Premium Outlet
Phetkasem Road, 9km from Cha-am
A large factory outlet featuring 100% branded clothing from producers like Nautica, Wrangler, Luigi Batani, Speedo and the like. Open daily 10.00 AM to 8.00 PM. There is a shuttle bus available from in front of the night market throughout the day.
Star Gems
16/1 Dechanuchit Road, Hun Hin
(0) 3253-1100
They design and manufacture fine jewellery.
Hua Hin Nightlife
Hua Hin, Cha-Am and Pranburi Nightlife Guide
Hua Hin and its neighbours are quieter than Thailand's other beach resort areas, but there is entertainment for those who like a little action after the sun goes down. There are a couple of Thai-style discos in town and there are a few bars and restaurants with live music.
Most of the large resorts have lobby bars with a trio playing a collection of traditional favourites. Several British-style pubs and a few sports bars are available for those who like to drink and eat while watching their favourite sport on a wide-screen TV. The beer bar scene is centred on Soi Bintaban, a lane located near the Hilton Hua Hin Resort. This isn't Pattaya or Bangkok, but most of these bars have hostesses who will be willing to share a drink with you.
Nightlife in Hua Hin
Hua Hin isn’t the place to head to if you’re looking for wild and untamed nightlife experiences . That said, with its diminutive but lively nightlife scene you can certainly find some fun if you look hard enough. Scattered about town are several clusters of beer bars (little ramshackle affairs where you can score a beer and a girl), a number of family-friendly pubs and bars (many of which are located in hotels), and one or two discos.
Though the above adds up to a tame after-dark scene compared to Bangkok, Phuket’s Patong or Pattaya, there is fun to be found and several establishments open past the official 02:00 closing. With an annual jazz festival happening in Hua Hin, it’s no surprise that there’s also quite a lot of live music to be enjoyed, from cover bands to authentic Thai acts. And one thing you definitely won’t find back home is ladyboy cabaret Blue Angel. Check this out for 60 minutes of drama, beauty, elegance and glam, as well as dazzling insight into Thailand’s famous third sex.
Mon, Mar 17, 09:32 1 US$ = 31.45 Baht Recommend Page Link to Page Bookmark Page
Where to go in Hua Hin Nightlife
Where to stay in Cha-AmHua Hin’s nighlife scene is growing gradually, with new places opening up and widening the scope for visitors. There are a couple of tried and tested venues that have been around for a while – being popular with both locals and visitors – and we’ve lined them up for you here
Nightlife Activities
Where to stay in Hua Hin there is fun to be found and several establishments open past the official 02:00 closing. With an annual jazz festival happening in Hua Hin, it’s no surprise that there’s also quite a lot of live music to be enjoyed, from cover bands to authentic Thai acts. And one thing you definitely won’t find back home is ladyboy cabaret Blue Angel. Check this out for 60 minutes of drama, beauty, elegance and glam, as well as dazzling insight into Thailand’s famous third sex.
Nightlife in Cha-Am
Hua Hin Nightlife Nightlife in Cha-Am is almost non-existing, par some small beer bars to go to in town. Once the sun sets here, and after having enjoyed a delicious dinner with family, friends or your partner, you’ll have to head over to Hua Hin if you’re seeking a livelier nightlife experience – with several beer bars, local discos, a few Western-style pubs, and hotel venues where there’s live music, especially on weekends. For more information, have a peek at our Hua Hin Nightlife section.
Nightlife in Pranburi
Nightlife in Pranburi Pranburi is a quiet seaside resort that’s not exactly renowned for raucous nightlife activities. For that, you’re better offer heading to Hua Hin 25km away, where there are a variety of places to go to like beer bars, local discos, Western-style pubs and venues where live music and entertainment can be enjoyed. A good night out in Pranburi would typically consist of a seafood dinner with friends, family or your romantic other half.
If you’re looking for a place to shake you tail feathers after dark, to see a famous ladyboy show, or to enjoy a beer at a venue with friendly girls, have a look at our Hua Hin Nightlife section.
Nightlife Activities
Hua Hin Nightlife Activities
Beer Bars, Discos and Cabaret Show
Mon, Mar 17, 09:33 1 US$ = 31.45 Baht Recommend Page Link to Page Bookmark Page
Beer Bars
While nowhere near as widespread as in say, Pattaya, a generous smattering of beer bars can be found in Hua Hin, mainly around main strip Soi Bintaban. Don’t expect to be wowed by these unadorned drinking holes – they’re typically little more than open front shop houses with a few bar stools, a pool table, and a small arsenal of cheap alcohol. Very basic and bare. However, if you’re open-minded they can be a lot of fun – drink, play pool, watch sports, enjoy loud music (usually soft rock or Northeastern Isaan music) and exchange chitchat or – if you’re willing and able – flirtations with the small posse of female hostesses.
Pubs and Bars
There are quite a few traditional bars and pubs in Hua Hin. Typically European-style establishments, these are family-friendly and free from most traces of the ‘bar girl’ scene. They include Admirals Pub and Crawford’s Irish Bar, which has a stylish pub ambiance and stocks an abundance of draught beers (including Guiness) and sports TVs. The quality Euro grub served here is also noteworthy. Another is Jungle Juice (Selakam Road), which has a warm atmosphere courtesy of the friendly expat crowd who come here to enjoy games of pool and traditional home-cooked food. For venues flouting sophistication and interior flair, you’re best bet is the in-house bars of Hua Hin’s most illustrious hotels. The Sofitel Central Hua Hin has a great one called Satchmo Club, with live performances by a Filipino band every night.
Discos
The Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa has the most sizeable disco in town, known officially as the Hua Hin Brewing Company Bar. Decorated like a rustic fisherman’s house, both locals and guests flock here each night to enjoy live music and DJs. There is a cover charge of around 120 baht and it closes at 01:00 sharp. Others include Thai-style discos Stepz and Star Planet, where at weekends especially you can dance the night away alongside hordes of friendly whisky-drinking locals.
Ladyboy Cabaret
Don’t miss Hua Hin’s famous cabaret show, Blue Angel. It’s a small-scale show that’s large on ladyboy drama, glam, elegance and beauty. Shows at 20:00 and 21:45 every night. Ladyboy cabaret makes for good family entertainment, and the lip-sinc repertoires normally include tributes to popular music scene divas, comedy skits and some Asian-inspired performances. Afterwards you can also have your picture taken with the performers – naturally, for a small tip.
Nightlife Venues
Hua Hin Nightlife Venues
Hua Hin isn’t the place to head to if you’re looking for wild and untamed nightlife experiences . That said, with its diminutive but lively nightlife scene you can certainly find some fun if you look hard enough. Scattered about town are several clusters of beer bars (little ramshackle affairs where you can score a beer and a girl), a number of family-friendly pubs and bars (many of which are located in hotels), and one or two discos.
Though the above adds up to a tame after-dark scene compared to Bangkok, Phuket’s Patong or Pattaya, there is fun to be found and several establishments open past the official 02:00 closing. With an annual jazz festival happening in Hua Hin, it’s no surprise that there’s also quite a lot of live music to be enjoyed, from cover bands to authentic Thai acts. And one thing you definitely won’t find back home is ladyboy cabaret Blue Angel. Check this out for 60 minutes of drama, beauty, elegance and glam, as well as dazzling insight into Thailand’s famous third sex.
Mon, Mar 17, 09:33 1 US$ = 31.45 Baht Recommend Page Link to Page Bookmark Page
Hua Hin Beach
Hua Hin’s nighlife scene is growing gradually, with new places opening up and widening the scope for visitors. There are a couple of tried and tested venues that have been around for a while – being popular with both locals and visitors – and we’ve lined them up for you here…
Billy's Bar & Restaurant (Hua Hin Bazaar)
This place exudes pub atmosphere, and has lots of Brits in attendance. Food, darts, sports TV and all the other things that make for a good pub.
Blue Angel Cabaret (Soi Bintaban)
A nightly transvestite show at 20:00 and 21:45 and a midnight show on weekends. Probably different than anything you'll find back home.
Crawford's Irish Bar (Poolsuk Road)
Giant TV's, lots of drinks, and highly regarded pub grub. Popular with local expats and suitable for families.
Hua Hin Brewing Company Bar (next to Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa)
Decorated like a rustic fisherman’s house, this is Hua Hin’s busiest disco by far. Live music and DJs.
Johnnie Walkers Sports & Music Bar (Selakam Road)
Good pub food and lots of promotions. Popular with expats.
Jungle Juice (Selakam Road)
Pool and dart leagues, sports on the TV and lots of local expats downing beer and eating good pub grub.
P and P Bar (Poolsuk Road)
Lots of attractive girls here, and pool and 9-ball are free.
Octopussy (Selakam Road)
Popular beer bar with waitresses dressed in risqu? school uniforms. Sports can always be found on the TV.
Satchmo Club (Main Lobby of the Sofitel Central Hua Hin)
A live Filipino band play here every night. Satchmo's is also a great excuse for visiting this classic hotel, reputed to have been Hua Hin’s first luxury hotel.
Cha am Beach
However, there are three small areas in Cha-Am’s town where beer bars can be found. They're not up to much, but all have ‘friendly’ ladies working for them. In Narathip Road, the main road down to Cha-Am beach from Petchakasem Road, there are around a dozen or so little bars. Another area to explore is at the bus station, just off the main beach road towards the south of the town. More towards the north, also just off the beach road, is another small area with around eight bars.
http://www.huahin.bangkok.com
