Not every worthwhile stop in Hua Hin involves the beach. The old Hua Hin railway station sits a short walk from the shoreline and offers something different from the rest of the city’s attractions: a well-preserved piece of Thai history with architecture that most visitors have never seen anywhere else in the country.
Whether you arrive in Hua Hin by train or are looking for things to do in Hua Hin beyond the usual beach itinerary, this station deserves a place on your list.
History of Hua Hin Railway Station
The original Hua Hin train station opened in 1910 as part of the Southern Railway Line connecting Bangkok to the south of Thailand. The route made Hua Hin accessible to the Thai royal family and the country’s elite, and the town quickly grew into the country’s first resort destination.
The station was rebuilt in 1926 under the direction of Prince Purachatra Jayakara, who served as commander of the Royal State Railways of Siam at the time. The structure built that year is the one still standing today: a red and cream building combining Victorian and traditional Thai architectural elements in a way that remains distinctive more than a century later.
For decades, the Hua Hin railway station served as an active stop on the main southern line. On 11 December 2023, operations officially moved to a new station built as part of Thailand’s double-track railway project. The final train to use the original platform was service No. 255 from Thon Buri to Lang Suan.
The old building now functions as a cultural landmark and informal museum. It welcomes visitors daily and remains one of the most photographed Hua Hin attractions in the city.
What to See and Things to Do at Hua Hin Railway Station
- The Station Building
The main building is the centrepiece of the site. Painted in deep red and cream, it features wooden gables, decorative fretwork, and a design that blends Thai craftsmanship with Victorian-era railway architecture. Widely regarded as the most visually striking station in Thailand, it draws visitors who have no intention of catching a train.
- Phra Mongkut Klao Pavilion
One of the most historically significant features of the Hua Hin railway station is the royal waiting room, officially known as the Phra Mongkut Klao Pavilion. This four-gabled structure was originally built during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) and used by the King during military drills at Sanam Chandra Palace in Nakhon Pathom. The State Railway of Thailand later relocated it to Hua Hin in honour of the King’s legacy. It now stands on the platform as one of the station’s most visited features.
- Vintage Steam Locomotive
On display near the platform is a vintage steam locomotive imported from England and used in Thailand before World War II. The locomotive is a 305 Unit Baldwin model and offers a physical connection to the railway era that shaped the city.
- Sala Burachat Pavilion
Located opposite the main station building, Sala Burachat is a traditional Thai pavilion that adds to the site’s heritage character and provides a shaded spot to rest between photos.
- History Corner and Tourist Information
Inside the station, a dedicated history corner introduces visitors to the story of the Hua Hin train station through displays and information panels. A tourist information counter nearby assists with questions about the area and other Hua Hin attractions.
What to Expect When You Visit Hua Hin Railway Station
The site is open to visitors daily and free to enter. The atmosphere is calm and easy to explore at your own pace. There are no large tour groups typically present, and the space is wide enough that it never feels crowded.
The platform area allows you to walk alongside the old tracks, photograph the station from multiple angles, and spend time examining the architectural details up close. Morning visits offer the best light for photography, and the site is generally quieter before 10:00 AM.
For visitors arriving by train at the new station, the old building is a short distance away and worth the detour. For those driving or using a taxi from central Hua Hin, the location is central and easy to reach.
FAQ: Visiting Hua Hin Railway Station
Q: Is the old Hua Hin Railway Station still in use?
No, the old Hua Hin railway station is no longer the main station in use for regular train service. A newer elevated station opened on 11 December 2023, while the former station building is being preserved as a historic landmark and tourist attraction.
Q: How do I get to Hua Hin Railway Station from central Hua Hin?
The station sits on Damnoen Kasem Road in the centre of the city. From the main beach area, it is approximately 800 metres on foot. Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and tuk-tuks all serve the area. Parking is available nearby for those driving.
Q: Where is Hua Hin Railway Station and how do I get there?
The station sits on Damnoen Kasem Road in central Hua Hin, approximately 800 metres from Hua Hin Beach. You can walk from the beach area in around 10 minutes. Taxis, tuk-tuks, and ride-hailing apps all serve the location. Parking is available nearby for those driving.
Q: What are the opening hours and entrance fee?
The station is open daily with no entrance fee. Facilities on-site include a history corner, tourist information counter, toilets, and a left luggage service, but If you use the station toilet or shower, there may be small fees, such as 3 baht for the toilet and 20 baht for the shower.
Q: What is near the Hua Hin train station?
The Royal Hua Hin Golf Course sits directly beside the grounds. Jek Piah Day Market is about 7 minutes on foot. Hua Hin Beach is 800 metres away, making it easy to combine a station visit with time at the seafront on the same morning.
Explore Hua Hin Attractions from The Palayana
The Palayana offers 5-star beachfront accommodation between Hua Hin and Cha-Am, with private pool villas, a dedicated concierge team, and direct beach access. Whether you are planning a cultural day around Hua Hin’s landmarks or a full day on the sand, our team takes care of the details so you can focus on the experience.
Our concierge team is on hand to help you build an itinerary that gets the most from your time in Hua Hin. Book your stay and let The Palayana handle the rest.
