Written by: Grace Oktaviani
Co-Written by: Shannon Osztonits
Sandy beaches, cobblestone roads, beautiful wineries and amazing Greek food (who loves some Mediterranean cuisine?) – what’s not to love about Greece? But reality check: A big fat Greek holiday might go over this year’s holiday budget.
It’s ok, you don’t have to fly all the way to Greece because Thailand has your answer to an affordable Greek vacay – Hua Hin (aka Thailand’s Santorini).
Travel to Hua Hin with your friends and enjoy the same Santorini-ish activities at a fraction of the cost (only USD $308 per person). From sandy beaches to white-and-blue boutiques – just name it, Hua Hin has it.
What are some Santorini type things to expect?:
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Cruises to islands and water activities
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Vineyard tours (do wine-tasting too!)
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Seaside restaurants and cafes
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Boutique shops at Greek-like villages
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And more!!
Enjoying a 4D3N Santorini (in Thailand) vacation with friends is definitely possible, especially with this itinerary on hand.
PS: For a more seamless trip, book a private transfer on Bookaway to get from the airport to your hotel in Hua Hin!
Read more:
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26 Reasons why Hua Hin in Thailand is just like a getaway to Santorini in Greece
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10 Affordable beachfront hotels in Hua Hin under $70
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12 super unique Hua Hin restaurants and cafes to chill in
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25 out-of-the-ordinary things to do in Hua Hin and Petchaburi region
Overview
This itinerary includes everything you’ll need for a spectacular Santorini-esque friends’ vacation in Hua Hin – from Greek-style accommodation to amazing places to eat and shop at.
Here’s a brief overview of the 4D3N Santorini Friends itinerary
Tap sections below to scroll to the relevant section
Recommended Accommodation
Getting around
Day #1: Visit Santorini Park, have a ton of fun, and enjoy chilling by the beach!
Day #2: Island hop to Monkey Island, go sea-fishing, swim in the sea and more!
Day #3: Relax with a picnic, go wine-tasting at the vineyard and have a Santorini dinner!
Day #4: Time to get artsy and cultural just like the Europeans before you head home!
Total Cost Breakdown
Recommended Stays
1. A Santorini paradise in the middle of Hua Hin – Resort de Paskani
If you want the ultimate Santorini stay, then there’s nothing else like Resort de Paskani. It’s been designed to look like the typical Greek-style villas you’d find on the island, so it feels like you’re actually in the Greek town, walking up and down the street hills and alleys.
They have 6 room types, and each are as equally gorgeous as the other! They’ve also set up the villas next to the waters of the pool, adding to the oceanic vibes, and it’s just 10 metres from Khao Takiab Beach.
Photo Via Lazy_yang_diary
Check Rate on Agoda
2. Santorini-ish and pocket-friendly! – First Choice Suites By The Sea
Yep, it’s not by the sea or on a winding hill (unlike Santorini’s many stays), however, it does give off some subtle Santorini vibes. More importantly, it’s affordable price tag and comfy stay makes it a place you could consider staying at, especially if you’re on a budget!
Photo Via Jahjajubjub, Lookzjeab_k, Sweets_intoxication
PS: Looking for pick up or drop offs to/fro your Hua Hin hotel? Bookaway has you covered!
Getting around
Looking for the best way to travel around Hua Hin? You’ll need to hire a bus or private transfer and/or rent a car to move around the city – as public transport is difficult to get in Hua Hin.
1. Bookaway’s shared transfer (minivan or bus) From USD $13 / 395 baht one way
If you’re keeping costs low (or if you don’t have much luggage), opt to take Bookaway’s shared transfer (minivan or bus) to/from Hua Hin. At only a fraction of a private transfer’s cost, you can save money for other Santorini activities – perfect for budget travellers.
2. Bookaway’s private transfer From USD $65 / 1991 baht one way
Bookaway’s private transfer with a driver to/from Hua Hin takes you directly to your Hua Hin accommodation or a specific location – ensuring your trip starts on the right note (no more getting lost on the road!).
3. Car rental without driver From USD $19.42 / 590 baht per day
Brave enough to drive on unfamiliar roads? If yes, consider renting a car without a driver from AVIS or Hertz. (Prices vary depending on the car model.) For your comfort, we recommend renting a car solely for travelling around Hua Hin so you can rest during the commute between cities.
Day 1
Visit Santorini Park, have a ton of fun, and enjoy chilling by the beach!
To get the most out of your trip, we highly recommend taking the earliest flight to Bangkok so you still have half of the day to explore Thailand’s Santorini. For this itinerary, we’ll be using First Choice Suites By The Sea as the default accommodation.
PS: It takes around 2.5 hours to reach Hua Hin so grab some snacks and drinks before you leave the airport in case you get hungry midway.
Lunch and stroll through the cobblestone streets and boutique shops – Santorini Park (3 hours)
At this super cute, European-themed park, you’ll find many restaurants and cafes to have your first lunch together (Miffy Cafe for a themed lunch? – from 95 baht / USD $3.15).
Afterwards, take a stroll around the streets of ‘Santorini’ (with cobblestone streets, the buildings donned in iconic Santorini blue and white), and shop at street-side stores offering both local and international brands.
Don’t forget to check out the rides and attractions such as the Ferris wheel, carousel, water park, swings and haunted house too!
Classic, classy and so oceanic, a beautiful mall like no other – Seenspace Hua Hin (3 hours)
We all love to shop when on vacay, and the real Santorini’s streets are lined with little boutique stores. It’s no different here at this stylish beachfront mall with cute cafes done in an overall blue and white theme!
Wander around the boutiques, chill on beach cabanas and watch the waves. Shopping-wise, expect to find mid-range to affordable designer-wear here.
And when you finally feel famished, dine at Oasis, a beautiful beachside bar and restaurant (with its own pool!).
Photo Via Nampunyisa, Iboattt, Aummiizn_n
[PERMANENTLY CLOSED] Finish the day at one of the most retro villages – Plearnwan Village (1 hour)
Just like how Santorini is all about memories and having a great time, Plearnwan Village is too! (Fun fact: Plearnwan loosely translates to Play/Learn Yesterday.)
This vintage village fully encompasses “the good old times” inspired by Thai Chinese neighbourhoods that once occupied Hua Hin and Bangkok. Spend the evening browsing through shops or indulging in more incredible street eats!
PS: Once you’re done, head back to your hotel!
Photo Via Sitiyostina, Maiivii
Day 1 Route
Day 2
Island hop to Monkey Island, go sea-fishing, swim in the sea and more!
Have a quick breakfast at the hotel before you go island-hopping! In the evening, shop at the local weekend night market and enjoy some authentic Greek food. Yummmm~
There’s something so magical about being on the water on a boat – Cruise by Ratee Petra (9 hours)
Greece is made up of many small islands, hence the whole beachside, oceana feeling that we get when thinking of it as a country, right?
And of course, when you’re on an island, you just have to take a cruise… Luckily for you, you can experience the wonders of being on the water with your friends for a quarter of the price over here in Thailand.
This tour includes a visit to Monkey Island, sea fishing, swimming in the sea and a delicious Thai lunch buffet.
PS: You’ll be picked up from your hotel and sent back afterwards.
Photo Via Oyvind-Losnegard
Website
What’s a beach day without ice-cream? – Skoop Beach Cafe (1 hour)
Whenever we were down at the beach, which was literally every day – we would always get an ice-cream. So when you’re tired after all that island-hopping fun, what’s better than getting re-energised with something cold and refreshing?
Photo Via Fangthunw, Sanamgolf19
Shop ‘til you drop at an artsy weekend night market – Cicada Market (1 hour 15 min)
Remember those cute white and blue boutiques in the real Santorini? It’s actually a must-visit place in Santorini, not just because of its aesthetics but because of the shopping!!
Anyway, if you and your friends still want to shop, Cicada Market’s the place you want to be at.
Open only from Friday to Sunday, you can find food, clothes and other cute trinkets for sale at this artsy outdoor market. You can also get cartoon faces of yourself on t-shirts and beachy accessories here – so don’t miss out!
Photo Via Cicadamarket
Website
Food so typically Greek this could be in Santorini itself – Greek Taverna (1 hour)
If you’ve never eaten at a traditional Greek taverna, this is a close enough second to being in Santorini itself that you’re going to get, all the way out in Thailand.
It’s authentic, and all you’ll have to do is place your order and wait for a delicious array of greek delights! (Nothing beats a great Mezze after a day at the beach).
Enjoy all the usual taverna favourites; Tzatziki (90 Baht), Dolmades (150 Baht), Melenzano, Greek Salad (180 Baht) – you’re going to leave feeling all Greeked up and your tummy oh-so-satisfied!
PS: After a long day out, head back once you’re done with dinner!
Photo Via Nokwheet
Website
Day 2 Route
Day 3
Relax with a picnic, go wine-tasting at the vineyard and have a Santorini dinner!
Your trip to Thailand’s Santorini isn’t perfect yet unless you’ve visited the city’s beaches and vineyards (since.. ya know..Greece is known for their wines and majestic cliffs). Also don’t forget to end your last night here by treating yourself to a good ol’ Thai massage!
Breakfast in a fairytale? – Memory House Cafe HuaHin (1 hour)
What I liked best about Santorini was how you could go to the beach one day and visit the gardens the next. So imagine my surprise discovering Memory House Cafe HuaHin, a white farmhouse cafe surrounded by a wheat field. It looks like a scene from a fairytale!
Bring your friends over for breakfast! Try their delicious baked goodies and drinks, and you can even have a picnic outside!
Tip: Grab a quick breakfast from the hotel before coming here if you need something more filling to start your day.
Photo Via Bamchonnic, Nathida_manivong, Yunajmy
Website
Take a little drive, do some exploring and head for this epic rocky beach – Khao Kalok (1.5 hours)
Take a little drive with your friends to this amazing beach. Loved by locals but visited by few travellers, all of the rockery and beach, transport you to another place and it doesn’t feel like a Thai beach at all.
When it’s at low-tide you can go out pretty far into the ocean thanks to the calm waters, just as if you were on the island of Santorini. You can even do some light hiking on the hillside next to it.
Photo Via Emphaticnomadic
Have lunch right on the beach! – 1d+ Day Artist (1 hour)
Who can ever have enough of beaches, especially when you’re in Hua Hin on a “Santorini with friends” trip? At 1d+ Day Artist, you can have your dig-your-toes-in-the-sand meal on the beach!
My favvv? Digging into some fried chicken while slurping up refreshing fruit slushies right from the watermelon!
Photo Via Worapin, Nnana.b, Fai_mala
Explore vineyards, taste delicious wine, learn the art of winemaking – Monsoon Valley Vineyard (2 hours)
Not only are there THOUSANDS of vineyards in Greece, drinking (wine) is basically part of the Greek culture (you’ll find it with every meal) too.
So visiting and experiencing the wine/vineyard here in Hua Hin is pretty much a given if you want a true Santorini experience.
PS: As you wait for the 4pm vineyard tour, take a seat at Sala Wine Bar & Bistro and enjoy the sweet tastes of Rhone grapes that make up the Monsoon Valley label wine. Here they do a food & wine pairing – isn’t it just divine!
Photo Via Mayanne_chan
Website
Treat yourself to a spectacular last Santorini dinner with absolutely stunning views — Big Fish & Bar Hua Hin (1.5 hours)
Big Fish has the same Mediterranean vibes of the cafes in Santorini. Tastefully decorated, airy and light and with the ocean views.
You and your friends will looove the fresh seafood here (their BBQ grill is the one to try), as well as Phuket lobster and they even do a ceviche! They also serve simple snacks and grilled meats, with an International and Asian fusion.
Photo Via Hipponite, Junehoney
Unwind, relax and choose from a wide selection of treatments – Let’s Relax Spa (1 hour)
While a Thai massage isn’t Greek, the art of knowing how to relax is definitely quite Grecian in theory.
Let’s Relax Spa offers loads of different treatments and packages from foot reflexology massages, to a Four Hands Thai massage.
PS: Let’s Relax Spa is located at Hua Hin Market Village, so if you’re done and don’t wish to call it a day just yet, feel free to stroll around!
Photo Via Hitchbird, Ilovkunk
Website
Day 3 Route
Day 4
Time to get artsy and cultural just like the Europeans before you head home!
Before you head back to the airport, get creative at Hua Hin’s Artist Village and enjoy a seafood feast for your last ‘Santorini’ meal.
Enjoy your last breakfast with a beach view – Living Room Bistro & Wine Bar (1 hour)
Sad to leave this Santorinian paradise? Not so fast. Enjoy your Thai or Western-style breakfast accompanied with the sound of calming waves at this beachside restaurant.
The perks of coming here early in the morning? You get to enjoy the rare sight of a serene beach. 🙂
Dada_icfly, Lamun_pk, Minimaii
Website
Nourish your creativity with an art class – Hua Hin Artist Village (1 hour)
Europeans are all about their rich history, culture and art, and they’re very proud of it too! The Thai are the same and they’ve really preserved their history.
Before you guys leave, do something different and immerse yourself in a true Thai cultural experience by taking the short trip from Hua Hin city center to Hua Hin Artist Village.
Experience Thai art first hand, while observing and interacting with the nineteen different in-house artists: painters, sculptors and more! You may even partake in an art class instructed by one of Baan Sillapin’s professional artists (for a fee).
Photo Via Boonchaj, Whatheutt
Website
Seafood, seafood and MORE seafood!! – Aroi @ Huahin (อร่อย@หัวหิน) (1 hour)
As an island, seafood is a definite must-eat in Santorini. Have your last seafood meal before heading back to Bangkok.
From crabs to shellfish and prawns, Aroi @ Huahin has it all. And when they’re cooked in your favourite Thai spices (my fav is the yellow curry!)? Absolute perfection!
Photo Via Chanin_zae, Cookie_si, Nokwan_ladymafia, Pradt, Qien96
WebsitePS: Leave here latest at 12:30pm to make it to your evening flight. To reach the airport in the shortest amount of time and for convenience, we highly recommend booking a direct transfer on Bookaway from here to the airport.
Day 4 Route
Total Cost Breakdown
For 2 adults
Accommodation: USD $21 x 3 nights = From USD $63
Transportation: USD $26 x 2 times + USD $17.25 = From USD $69.25
(Find more affordable transport options from cars to buses, trains and more on Bookaway!)
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Day 1 Meals and entrance fees: From USD $33
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Day 2 Meals and entrance fees: From USD $143.08
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Day 3 Meals and entrance fees: From USD $79
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Day 4 Meals and entrance fees: From USD $22.64
TOTAL = USD $409.97 ~ USD $205 per person
~ SGD $285.16 per person
~ RM864.71 per person
Your friends will love you for finding, sharing and making this trip happen. No need to waste anymore time wondering where to holiday together – you’re welcome!
Please let us know if you liked this itinerary, and if you have any other Thai travel stories you’d like to read in the future, in the comments below – we’d looove to hear from you.
Loving all the great transport options on Bookaway?
You’ll be happy to know that wherever you travel in Thailand, you won’t have to worry about getting anywhere. Dreaming of a romantic train ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai? How about taking a ferry from one island paradise to another (Phuket to Krabi)?
However you’re getting around, from trains to ferries, or cars and buses, Bookaway has you covered! So… Why book Bookaway?
1) Travel without Hassle
Enjoy a stress-free booking experience with secure payments, no hidden costs, online payment, and have your itinerary emailed to you immediately.
2) Make Well-informed Travel Decisions
With schedules, reviews, amenities, and other useful information available on Bookaway, you’ll be able to choose and the most suitable mode of travel according to your needs before you book!
3) 24/7 Support
If you have any enquiries or require support, Bookaway’s travel experts are available 24/7 to help with what you need through instant responses via chat, email, and phone.
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Sign up to win fantastic prizes from our partners
Sign up now if you want us to send you an email whenever our partners have something to share with everyone!
FREE air tickets, free stays, free tours or free gifts!
Coming soon! Exclusively on TripCanvas
| PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us |
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