Khao Hin Lek Fai: Gaze the Majestic Viewpoints in Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a beautiful coastal tourist city with gorgeous beaches on the Gulf of Thailand. Encircled by the nature of the mounts encompassing Khao Takiap, Khao Krailat, Khao Lan Thom, and others, it is a city with many tourist attractions. The Khao Hin Lek Fai viewpoint in Hua Hin is one of them.

Khao Hin Lek Fai is one of the most elegant viewpoints of Hua Hin. You can see most of the city from this viewpoint, and it is a great place to enjoy the scenery of the Gulf of Thailand. The area contains different plants and animals, mainly peacocks, while the viewpoint is another favorable attraction for watching the sunrise at dawn and sunset at dusk.

If you are looking for a friendly and excellent view of the city and the Gulf of Thailand, visit Khao Hin Lek Fai in Hua Hin, but first, read more about it here.

 Fun Fact!

The six unique viewing platforms at Khao Hin Lek Fai offer a considerable chance to encounter the Hua Hin "from above." It is suitable to visit the place in the early morning when the sun rises on the horizon over the Thai bay.

A Majestic Sight in Hua Hin

Similarly known as "Radar Hill" due to the radar towers placed right at the top, the Khao Hin Lek Fai sight is not far from the center of Hua Hin. The hill is approximately 163-meter high and is a fabulous place to use up an hour or two to see Hua Hin and its surroundings. As you arrive at the vast car park, the map on the right indicates you have a choice of 6 viewing points, though viewpoint one does not seem to exist any longer.

The central area has a park, beautifully manicured gardens, and a coffee shop at the mountain top. Here, viewpoints 4, 5 & 6 are placed within the neighborhood. Of the five accessible viewing locations at Khao Hin Lek Fai, only 4 & 5 have viewing platforms and metal safety barriers. Some of the others impose tiny bushwalking and probably some rock climbing, though none of it seems at all dangerous. It’s part of the fun of such dramatic views of Hua Hin.

Six Viewpoints in Khao Hin Lek Fai

Whilst some paths to the lookouts provide you with an ‘off the beaten track’ touch, if you continue, you will see tremendous views. Early morning or later in the afternoon and night are your best times. Make sure to wear safe walking shoes, mainly for the viewing points with no platform.

Viewpoint 1

As of the moment, it may not seem to exist any longer.

Viewpoint 2

This viewpoint starts to the right, just before the small cafe, which is frequently unattended during the week. The vantage level here is good, with views towards the Gulf of Thailand to the east and Khao Takiap to the south. But if you are adventurous, climb an additional 50 meters up the big rocks to the right; it is a relatively easy climb, but you will be well cited if you do. Once you stay in the rocky mood, you can see incredible 360° views of Hua Hin. This viewpoint is by far the nicest of the five available lookouts and one that the locals heavily utilize.

Viewpoint 3

There is no indication for this one, but if you search the map, you will see where it is. This one will hold you down to a disused dam or water storage. You head down the track around 100 meters until you get to the dam. Around 40 meters past the dam, the path ends in rocks with a view toward the hills to the Southwest of Hua Hin and South of Khao Takiap. The scenery is reasonably unspectacular, and it is clear to see why this one is now not signposted.

Viewpoint 4

This viewpoint is close to the main trail and is the most easily convenient look out of the other six. It shows a nice view of the Gulf of Thailand to the East but mainly steps Southeast towards Khao Takiap. There is a large metal viewing platform and a sign of Hua Hin.

Viewpoint 5

To reach this panoramic viewpoint, you will have to track along a paved way for 100 meters, with the last 30 meters sloping upwards. The path then bends to dirt, where you head along another 100 meters, slowly heading down, stopping in stone steps that direct to the metal viewing platform. From here, you are facing directly East of the Gulf of Thailand. However, you can see from Cha-am to the North, past the centrally located Hilton Hotel, and onwards to Khao Takiap to the South.

A tiny dirt track branches off to the right just before you reach the stone steps. This track goes up for around 20 meters and directs to a vantage point looking back to the Southwest and the hills of Hua Hin.

Viewpoint 6

From the central area where viewpoints 4, 5, and 6 meet, you may follow a paved track past the toilet block on the right. You hike for 200 meters before attaining the final 20 meters on a dirt track, guided to a region with some rocks. There is no setting at this lookout, and the viewing point looks Northeast over the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course and towards Cha-am to the North.

  Trivia!

The lookouts are prominent with picnicking locals, mainly on weekends. The climate always looks to be a few degrees cooler, thanks to the steady breeze.

Why Visit Khao Hin Lek Fai in Hua Hin?

Standing 163 meters high, Khao Hin Lek Fai rises tall behind Hua Hin’s scenic railway station. And with its convenient location near central Hua Hin, the peak viewpoint allows travelers to rejoice in majestic views of the royal resort city and its coastline.

A park, landscaped gardens, and a coffee shop at the top of the hill create a fascinating place to devour for an hour or two. The gardens also emphasize a sculpture of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), the Emperor who built Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin during the 1920s.

There are six different viewpoints at the top of Khao Hin Lek Fai. Looking north, you can see the coastline up towards Cha-Am. To the south, the unique contour of Khao Takiab (‘Chopstick Hill’) can be seen. And looking down on central Hua Hin, you will see the manicured fairways of the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course near the distance and the Gulf of Thailand on the border.

You may also be inclined to see some monkeys at the hilltop and on the road up to the viewpoint. Although they don't look aggressive, be careful. And during the walk, you will discover various kinds of creatures, such as bantams, wild fowls, and different species of birds. If you are lucky, you might see peacocks walking and dancing with lovely tails to see each other.

So, if you need to see the glamour of Hua Hin and its surrounding towns from several kilometers above the ground, Khao Hin Lek Fai is the exact place to go. You will be treated to beautiful views of the land and everything beyond.

How to Visit Khao Hin Lek Fai in Hua Hin?

It is located roughly 3 km away from the center of Hua Hin. A paved road directs you to the top of the hill, so it's a simple enough drive if you have your car. You can reach from Soi 88 or take the route from Soi 70 (Chomsin Road), which takes you across the railway roundabout and then on to Khao Hin Lek Fai Road.

If you don't have a car or motorbike, you can ask a tuk-tuk to take you there and back. Price will rely on your negotiating skills and the driver's mood. But expect to pay at least 200 Thai Baht each and probably a bit extra depending on how long you need the driver to wait.

  Did You Know?

In addition to seeing the city, you can also celebrate the gorgeous view of the Gulf of Thailand. And maybe even spot a couple of Thai warships guarding the ocean off the royal family palace of the Klai Kang Won Palace.

Map & More Information

Khao Hin Lek Fai is a prominent viewpoint, not that far away from the Hua Hin city center. You can drive up to the top and park your vehicle in the parking lot. From there, you may desire to walk a little to some viewpoints that will open up the area to the city. There are six viewpoints, each with a different beautiful side of the city.