Khao Hin Lek Fai Viewpoint, Hua Hin

Standing 163 metres high, Khao Hin Lek Fai (‘Flintstone Hill’) rises tall behind Hua Hin’s picturesque railway station. And with its convenient location close to central Hua Hin, the hilltop viewpoint offers visitors the chance to enjoy panoramic views of the royal resort city and its coastline.

The viewpoint at Khao Hin Lek Fai is a popular location for Hua Hin locals. With a park, landscaped gardens and coffee shop at the top of the hill it makes for a pleasant place to spend an hour or two. The gardens also feature a statue of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) the monarch who built Klai Kong Won Palace in Hua Hin in 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 distinctive shape of Khao Takiab (‘Chopstick Hill’) can clearly be seen. And looking down on central Hua Hin, you will see the manicured fairways of the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course in the near distance and the Gulf of Thailand on the horizon.

You are likely to see some monkeys at the top of the hill and on the road up to the viewpoint. Although they weren’t aggressive on my recent visit, there are some tips here to avoid being pestered by monkeys. I’m told there are also peacocks that live in the park, but I didn’t see them when I was there.

The main viewing points have platforms and safety railings, but there are a couple of easy to reach areas where those without a fear of heights can sit on the rocks and enjoy the view. The sun sets behind the hill so you won’t get those classic fiery sunsets over the ocean, but it is still a great place to go as dusk falls and the lights of Hua Hin are switched on bringing a new dimension to the city.

How to get to Khao Hin Lek Fai

Khao Hin Lek Fai is located approximately 3kms away from the centre of Hua Hin. A paved road leads all the way to the top of the hill so it’s an easy enough drive if you have your own vehicle. You can approach from Soi 88 or you can 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 depend on your negotiating skills and the mood of the driver, but expect to pay at least 200 Baht each and possibly a bit extra depending on how long you want the driver to wait for you.

On my visit I walked from the centre of Hua Hin. Starting at the Night Market on Dechanuchit Road it took me approximately 50 minutes of steady walking. The walk up the hill does involve some effort so you will need to be reasonably fit, but it’s paved all the way which helps. I found the worst part of my visit wasn’t the walk up, but encountering a couple of aggressive dogs at the entrance to the temple at the bottom of the hill. It was dusk by this time and from my experience the soi dogs are usually more anti-social in the evening. Because I do a lot of walking in Thailand this is something I’m wary of. As the dogs continued barking and moved closer to me, I pulled out the small telescopic umbrella I carry in my camera bag to warn them off. They did back off, but the dogs (and monkeys) are something to be aware of if you do walk up to the Khao Hin Lek Fai viewpoint.