Beach Guide

5 Hidden Beaches You've Never Heard Of

Escape the crowds and find your secret paradise

Everyone knows Hua Hin Beach and Khao Takiab. But if you want to escape the tourists and find your own slice of paradise, these are where locals actually go.

1. Pak Nam Pran Beach

Location: 35km south of Hua Hin in Pranburi
Why it's special: Completely undeveloped, fishing village vibe

This is where I go when I want absolute peace. It's a working fishing beach, so you'll see colorful boats and local fishermen more than tourists. The water is crystal clear, the sand is soft, and you might be the only foreigner there.

There are a handful of small seafood shacks where fishermen's wives cook whatever was caught that morning. Point at what looks good, they'll grill it for you. 200฿ gets you a feast.

Getting there: Rent a scooter or car. No public transport. Follow signs to "Pak Nam Pran."
Facilities: Basic. One or two restaurants, no chair rentals, bring your own stuff.
Best time: Weekday mornings. Locals fish early, then it's all yours.

2. Dolphin Bay (Had Dao Ruang)

Location: 12km south, past Suan Son
Why it's special: Sometimes you can see dolphins

The Thai name means "dolphin beach" because dolphins occasionally swim by (early morning is best). Even without dolphins, this crescent bay is gorgeous. Rocky outcrops on both ends create a protected swimming area.

There's one resort here (Dolphin Bay Resort) but the beach is public. On weekdays you'll have it mostly to yourself. The resort restaurant is decent if you want lunch.

Getting there: Scooter/car, or Grab from central Hua Hin (200฿).
Facilities: Resort facilities if you eat there. Otherwise, bring supplies.
Tip: Bring snorkel gear—rocks on the sides have fish.

3. Rajabhakti Beach

Location: Behind Rajabhakti Park, 20km south
Why it's special: Wide, empty, and usually deserted

Everyone goes to see the giant king statues at Rajabhakti Park, but almost nobody realizes there's a beautiful beach right behind it. It's military-controlled (like Suan Son) so it's kept pristine—no development, no vendors, no noise.

The beach stretches for kilometers and you might see 5-10 people total on a weekend. Locals come for picnics under the pine trees.

Getting there: Visit Rajabhakti Park, then ask security how to access the beach (they'll point you).
Facilities: None. Bring everything. No alcohol (military beach).
Best for: Long walks, shells, bird watching, total peace.

4. Thap Sakae Beach

Location: 45km south
Why it's special: Where Bangkok weekenders haven't discovered yet

This is Hua Hin 20 years ago. A small Thai beach town with cheap seafood, simple guesthouses, and zero pretension. The beach is long, clean, and empty. Thai families come on weekends but it never feels crowded.

Stay for sunset and eat at one of the beachfront restaurants. Fresh seafood dinners cost 150-300฿ and you can sit with your feet in the sand.

Getting there: Drive or take a bus heading to Chumphon, get off at Thap Sakae.
Facilities: Basic restaurants, small hotels, everything you need but nothing fancy.
Best for: Day trip or overnight stay to really disconnect.

5. Sam Roi Yot Beach (Laem Sala)

Location: Inside Sam Roi Yot National Park
Why it's special: Accessible only by boat or hiking

Most people come to Sam Roi Yot for the famous cave. But inside the park is this incredible beach that you can only reach by longtail boat (50฿) or a steep hike over the headland.

Because it requires effort to reach, it's never crowded. The water is clearer than anywhere near Hua Hin. Mountains rise up right from the beach creating this dramatic backdrop. It feels like a secret island.

There's camping available if you want to stay overnight (book ahead at park office).

Getting there: Enter Sam Roi Yot National Park, drive to Bang Pu village, take boat or hike.
Facilities: Basic camping facilities, toilets. Bring food/water.
Best for: Adventure, camping, incredible scenery.

The Secret to Finding Empty Beaches

A few tips from someone who's been exploring Hua Hin's coast for years:

  • Go weekdays. Thai families come on weekends. Monday-Thursday these places are ghost towns.
  • Early morning is magic. 6-8am you'll have anywhere to yourself.
  • Bring your own supplies. Remote beaches have no facilities—pack water, snacks, umbrella.
  • Respect the locals. These are their beaches. Don't litter, be friendly, buy from local vendors.
  • Ask fishermen. They know every cove and beach. A smile and "beach nai mai mee kon" (empty beach where?) goes a long way.

The best beaches are still the ones you discover yourself. Rent a scooter, head south on Route 3169, and explore every side road that leads to the coast. You'll find your own secret spot.