Royal Waiting Room
Platform
The ornate red-and-white wooden pavilion where royals once waited for their train. It is the most photographed building in Hua Hin.
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Hua Hin, Thailand
Hua Hin Railway Station
One of Thailand's prettiest railway stations, with a red-and-white wooden royal waiting pavilion from the 1920s.
Favourite places
Old station building
Town centre
The wooden station house with its ticket windows and platform canopy, kept as a heritage landmark.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)The new elevated station
Next to the old station
Trains now stop at the modern elevated station nearby, so the old platform is calm for a walk.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Damnoen Kasem Road
From the station to the beach
The street leading from the station towards the sea, a short walk past shops and cafes.
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Historical places
Royal Waiting Room
Hua Hin Railway Station
The pavilion first stood at the Sanam Chandra Palace in Nakhon Pathom and was later moved to Hua Hin, where it served the royal family on their journeys to the summer palace.
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Local food
Khanom jeen
Hua Hin, Thailand
Fresh rice noodles with curry sauces and a basket of herbs and vegetables, a classic Thai breakfast or lunch.
Kuay teow
Hua Hin, Thailand
Noodle soup with pork, beef or fish balls from the small noodle shops around town.
Where to eat
Chatchai Market area
Town centre, near the station
The central market area has food stalls and noodle shops serving locals through the day.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Hua Hin Night Market
Dechanuchit Road
A few minutes walk from the station for dinner.
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Where to stay
Hua Hin town centre
Hua Hin, Thailand
Everything within walking distance — the station, the beach, markets and restaurants.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Cha-am
Hua Hin, Thailand
A quieter beach town north of Hua Hin, popular with Thai families, about half an hour away.
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Culture
The Royal Waiting Room is linked to the royal family and is treated with respect. Do not climb on the pavilion or the railings, and keep to the visitor areas.
History
The railway brought Bangkok's royals and elite to Hua Hin in the 1910s. The ornate Royal Waiting Room was moved to the station from the Sanam Chandra Palace and became the town's symbol. In 2024 trains moved to a new elevated station nearby; the historic one is kept as a landmark.
Tour plans
Old Hua Hin walk
Half dayStep 1: Railway station
Start early at the Royal Waiting Room.
Step 2: Damnoen Kasem Road
Walk towards the sea.
Step 3: Centara Grand gardens
See the old Railway Hotel facing the beach.
Step 4: Lunch in town
Noodles or seafood near the Chatchai Market area.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
December to April; early morning is best for photos without crowds, and late afternoon light suits the red-and-white woodwork.
How to get there
In the town centre at the end of Damnoen Kasem Road.
Getting around
The town centre around Naresdamri and Dechanuchit roads is easy to walk. Green songthaews run up and down Phetkasem Road between the town and Khao Takiab; flag one down and press the buzzer to stop. Grab, tuk-tuks (agree the fare first) and rented scooters cover the rest. For day trips to the national park or the vineyard, hire a car with driver or join a tour.
Travel tips
Free to visit; come in the early morning for photos without crowds.
