The journey to Hua Hin is straightforward and takes between 2.5 and 4 hours depending on the mode of transportation.
Arrival Thailand:
Flight to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Hua Hin Airport has no Int’l connection
Transfer to Hua Hin:
- Airport bus
There is an airport bus to Hua Hin (bus terminal) for 325 baht/person – takes 4 hours and should be reserved https://airporthuahinbus.com/airport-to-huahin/ - Taxi
The taxi costs about 2500 baht, if my wife reserves it in Thai about 1300 baht and tip 100 baht. Meet at Gate 3 Meeting Point and drop off at hotel in Hua Hin.
3rd turn
Trains also go to Hua Hin but you have to change trains and it takes 5.5 hours. But the journey is very varied and even goes through the middle of the market in Saumt Sakon. https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Suvarnabhumi-Airport-BKK/Hua-Hin#r/Train-via-Krung-Thep-Aphiwat-Central-Terminal-Station
Security in Hua Hin:
Hua Hin is one of the safest cities in Thailand, as the royal palace is well guarded and the police are very strict about nothing happening in the royal city.
Transportation in Hua Hin:
I have been recommending the taxis from the Grap app for some time, good, fast and no taxi mafia. There are also shared taxis that run up and down Petchkasem Road.
Beaches in Hua Hin:
The beaches start right after the hotels and are all public. Smoking has been banned here for some time. However, most Thais go to Kao Takiab for swimming or drive to Suan Son Pradipat Beach, which is on a military site and costs 20 baht by car. https://goo.gl/maps/Mo8SYH2wdzobKJAN6 .Further south there are very nice bathing opportunities towards Pranburi or Pak Nam Pran. This is also where the kite surfers meet.
Shopping:
Hua Hin is not Bangkok, but has two good shopping malls with shops and restaurants. The Market Village has almost a whole floor just for electronics (mostly phone) https://goo.gl/maps/P2ZnDTz4xxaL8fww6 The second is Bluport with a good range of clothing. https://goo.gl/maps/Mo8SYH2wdzobKJAN6