Dolphin Bay (Sam Roi Yot): The Slow-Paced Thai Beach Stop Almost No One Talks About

If you've already chosen how you're getting from Hua Hin to Chumphon, the next question is where to actually stop. My first stop south of Hua Hin was Dolphin Bay, in the Sam Roi Yot area, and it set the tone for everything that came after.

Dolphin Bay: Where the Pace Changes

As soon as the Grab driver turned onto the beach road, I knew I had made the right decision. The hustle and bustle of Hua Hin faded almost instantly, replaced by white sand, towering karsts, and, unexpected to me, pine trees lining the shore.

Dolphin Bay is magical. Wide open beach, barely anyone around, longtail boats sitting quietly in the water, and very few Western tourists. Nothing staged or trying to impress you.

Where I Stayed

I stayed at Blue Beach Resort, a simple spot just a short walk from the beach, for about $24 USD a night. The gardens were impeccably kept, the rooms were comfortable, and it had that relaxed, easy feel that fits this area perfectly. In hindsight, I would have splurged the extra couple of dollars for one of the private bungalows, but I'll save that for next time.

How I Spent the Day

My day was spent walking miles along a mostly deserted beach, except for the occasional ATV (quad bike) carrying Thai tourists up and down the shoreline.

For dinner, I ended up at an Indian restaurant right on the beach, another surprise, and met the owner from India, along with a French guy who later drove me about 2 miles to 7-Eleven in his sidecar (selang) so I could grab sunscreen and bug spray.

The One Downside

The only downside to Dolphin Bay is that once the sun goes down, it's quiet, like nothing is happening at all. Granted, it was low season, but the pace here is beyond slow. As much as I enjoyed my time, I found myself ready for the hike the next day.

Is Dolphin Bay Worth a Stop?

If you want a real break from the noise of Hua Hin and the energy of the islands, yes, absolutely. Just don't come here looking for nightlife. Come here to sleep, walk the beach, and reset before the real adventure: the hike to Phraya Nakhon Cave in Sam Roi Yot National Park.