SO Sofitel Hua Hin Thailand Review
SO Sofitel Hua Hin review: Restaurants, spa, location, and facilities.
SO Sofitel Hua Hin is a luxury beach resort at Cha-Am Beach in Thailand.
The hotel is ideal for a memorable beach vacation for couples and families.
It features premier rooms, outstanding dining, and various activities.
I recently enjoyed several nights here and would like to share my experience.
Location
The Sofitel is located at Cha Am Beach, around three hours south of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok.
It’s about a 30-minute drive from the hotel to reach Hua Hin.
My Room
I enjoyed staying in a SO Comfy Pool Access Room on the second floor.
The room was impressively spacious, featuring high ceilings and expansive windows.
It was furnished with a plush king-size bed with a view of the hotel’s signature pool.
For entertainment, there was a large smart TV perfectly positioned for movie nights.
The room also included a cozy sitting area, ideal for sipping tea or taking a break from the hotel’s numerous activities.
A standout feature was the bathroom’s unique rainshower, centrally located in the room.
This design, while unconventional as it doesn’t separate the shower area, effectively utilizes the space and contributes to the room’s overall appeal.
Despite the open shower concept leading to a wet bathroom floor, I found the floor to be non-slip and quick to dry.
High-end amenities, including a luxurious bathtub, add to the room’s sophisticated charm.
The room also has direct access to the Sofitel Signature pool: a private staircase from the bathroom leads to a spacious private terrace.
The 100-square-meter terrace is complete with lush grass and a cozy sitting area.
This private outdoor space seamlessly connects to the hotel’s signature pool, separated only by a sleek glass door, offering a blend of privacy and direct pool access.
Pools
The hotel has four pools and one jacuzzi.
The photo above shows the Sofitel signature pool to which my room had direct access.
The highlight of the signature pool is the Wibit Adventure Float, Thailand’s first inflatable obstacle course set in a swimming pool.
The pool is 60 meters long; I really enjoyed swimming in there. And after all the delicious meals at the Sofitel, a daily workout was really needed!
If you want to do a swimming workout, I suggest visiting the pool in the morning or evening for a chance to have it all to yourself.
Another cool attraction, especially for kids, is the Wet Bubble pool.
The Wet Bubble, with an image of an octopus, is a multi-functional water attraction that combines a water playground, a slide trampoline, and a climbing wall.
For a quieter sunbathing experience, I suggest the adults-only solarium pool in front of the gym and spa area.
Additionally, another pool and jacuzzi are situated between the White Oven restaurant and the beach, where I particularly enjoyed the beach-facing sunbeds in front of the jacuzzi.
After lunch, I asked the waiter to serve dessert right on the sunbed. So good!
Beach
SO Sofitel Hua Hin features a private beach area.
While swimming isn’t possible, it is still a great relaxing spot.
As the photos above show, you can select from various chillout zones to unwind and enjoy the scenic setting.
Wellness & Spa
The hotel boasts an opulent spa offering a variety of treatments, including traditional Thai and aroma massages and facial treatments.
I opted for a one-hour aroma massage. Before the massage, my therapist asked about my preferred focus areas and any medical conditions I might have.
Following this, I could select an oil, a music playlist, and a small, healthy snack to enjoy after the massage.
The treatment room was nicely decorated and had a bathtub! The massage was so relaxing; I really enjoyed it a lot, as you can see in the photos.
After the treatment, my therapist served tea in the spa’s unique Cocoon Relaxation Area, adorned with stars, perfectly wrapping up the luxurious spa journey.
Gym
Next to the spa is also a small gym equipped with various cardio machines, where you can exercise while enjoying views of the solarium pool.
Activities
The hotel offers various on-site activities, like mini-golf, tennis, pickleball, and table tennis.
On weekends, you can take a yoga class or try Muay Thai. I joined a Muay Thai class, and it was a lot of fun!
The hotel also features dedicated bicycle lanes, and you can rent bicycles, electric scooters, or SO Hot Wheels (see photo below).
It is especially a fun and safe activity for kids!
If you are a fan of water activities, I definitely recommend trying the water scooter. It was my most favorite activity. Pro tip: Use the fast mode!
Activities
During my stay at the hotel, I also booked a tour to the nearby Nayang Bat Cave. It’s only a 15-minute drive by car!
Every day at sunset, more than two million bats fly out of the cave in search of food.
Sofitel organizes the whole trip and also provides drinks, snacks, and binoculars.
Seeing all these bats leave the cave was a special moment, and I recommend this tour! I think, in total, it took around one hour! You’ll be back at the hotel for dinner.
Another activity that I joined was a bicycle tour to the nearby fishing town and Cha Am Beach.
Restaurants & Bars
Sofitel has three restaurants: White Oven, Beach Society, and SO Sundae.
White Oven
Opening times: 6:30 am – 11 pm
White Oven is the main restaurant at the Sofitel, with an indoor and outdoor sitting area.
I especially enjoyed sitting outside to enjoy the nice view of the pool and beach. I recommend reserving the table just in front of the pool!
Breakfast: 6:30 am to 10:30 am
Breakfast is served daily at White Oven restaurant from 6:30 am to 10:30 am.
The international buffet caters to all tastes, featuring a variety of Asian dishes, an egg station, fresh fruit juices, and a selection of bread, ham, cheese, and sweets, including croissants, waffles, and fruits.
The restaurant also features various live cooking stations, allowing guests to order their meals and observe the chefs preparing them. Pretty cool!
Lunch: 11 am to 6 pm
While breakfast is exclusively served at White Oven, you can dine at either White Oven or Beach Society for lunch and dinner.
Each restaurant presents a diverse menu featuring a variety of cuisines, including local Thai dishes, Indian food, and Western-style food.
Dinner: 6 pm to 11 pm
One of the signature dishes at the White Oven restaurant for dinner is the Premium Thai BBQ, also known as Moo Kra Ta.
This offer includes vegetables, a selection of five unique sauces, and a variety of meat and seafood options.
Some highlights include Australian Striploin, Kojibuta Pork Belly, Sea Bass Fillet, and White Shrimp.
It was a great dining experience and one of my favorite meals at the Sofitel.
If you enjoy meat and seafood, I highly recommend trying it!
Beach Society
Beach Society offers a unique open-air dining experience right by the beach.
I recommend booking a table on the beach, next to the water, for an unforgettable dinner.
During my stay, I tried a local fish dish, freshly sourced from the nearby fishing port I explored on my bicycle tour.
The fish was really well prepared, and its flavor was even better with the sound of the waves.
Beach Society is also an excellent choice for lunch, or you can try one of their delicious cocktails at the beach bar.
For lunch, try the salmon salad; for dessert, their tiramisu is irresistible and my favorite!
SO Sundae
SO Sundae, or “tent of happiness,” is next to the signature pool.
You can enjoy light bites, ice cream, milkshakes, and refreshments here.
Kinds Tent
Sofitel also has a dedicated kids club, the Kids Tent, next to the Signature Pool.
I obviously didn’t use it, but I liked the room’s design, and the kids all looked thrilled!
If you’re traveling with small children, you’ll have some free time, creating a win-win situation for everyone.
Things to do nearby
There’s so much to explore around SO Sofitel Hua Hin. So make sure you’re not missing out on these highlights.
Nearby attractions include:
- Cha Am Beach: 9 minutes by car;
- Nayang Bat Cave: 15 minutes by car;
- Hua Hin Nightmarket: 30 minutes by car;
What I loved
My stay was extremely good overall, but I’d still like to point out some highlights for you.
- My room was a dream, with high ceilings, a unique design, and huge windows.
- The rain shower was definitely another highlight of the room!
- I also really appreciated the direct pool access! I enjoyed relaxing on my private terrace and jumping into the pool whenever I wanted
- The whole team at Sofitel did a fantastic job! The Service was outstanding, and everyone did their best to create a really nice vibe.
- Although I was traveling alone, I never got bored due to the wide range of activities offered at Sofitel.
- I also want to highlight the food at Sofitel’s restaurants! It was delicious!!!
- The 60-meter-long signature pool with the Wibit challenge was so much fun! My favorite pool activity was the water scooter!
Disclaimer: I was a guest at SO Sofitel Hua Hin. My opinions, as always, are solely my own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SO Sofitel Hua Hin a good luxury resort for families?
Yes, SO Sofitel Hua Hin is an excellent luxury resort for both families and couples. The resort features the Kinds Tent kids club with supervised activities, crafts, and games for children. Families can enjoy the giant inflatable water park in the pool, floating breakfast trays, cooking classes, and outdoor movie nights. There are multiple dining options including the casual SO Sundae ice cream parlor. The private beach area, tennis courts, and bicycle rentals provide plenty of activities for all ages.
What restaurants are at SO Sofitel Hua Hin?
SO Sofitel Hua Hin has four dining venues. White Oven is the main restaurant serving breakfast buffet with live cooking stations, plus lunch and dinner featuring international cuisine and the signature Premium Thai BBQ (Moo Kra Ta) with Australian striploin, Kojibuta pork belly, sea bass, and white shrimp. Beach Society is an open-air beachfront restaurant perfect for romantic candlelit dinners on the sand with fresh seafood and cocktails. SO Sundae is a poolside ice cream and dessert parlor. Kinds Tent offers a family-friendly dining space for children.
Where is SO Sofitel Hua Hin located and how do I get there?
SO Sofitel Hua Hin is located at Cha-Am Beach in Thailand, approximately three hours south of Bangkok by car. Hua Hin town is about a 30-minute drive from the resort. You can reach the hotel by private car transfer from Bangkok, by taxi, or by driving yourself via the main highway south. The resort’s beachfront location on Cha-Am Beach offers a quieter alternative to Hua Hin’s busier central beach area while still being close enough for day trips into town.
What rooms are available at SO Sofitel Hua Hin?
SO Sofitel Hua Hin offers several room categories, including the popular SO Comfy Pool Access Rooms on the second floor with direct pool access, high ceilings, expansive windows, and king-size beds. Rooms feature large smart TVs, cozy sitting areas, Nespresso machines, minibars, luxury bathrooms with rain showers, and private balconies with pool and garden views. The resort also has suites and higher-category rooms with additional living space for guests seeking an even more premium experience.
Does SO Sofitel Hua Hin have a spa?
Yes, SO Sofitel Hua Hin has an opulent full-service spa offering traditional Thai massages, aroma massages, and facial treatments. Before your treatment, your therapist will ask about focus areas and any medical conditions, then you can choose your preferred oil, music playlist, and a healthy post-treatment snack. The beautifully decorated treatment rooms include private bathtubs. After your massage, tea is served in the unique Cocoon Relaxation Area adorned with stars. The resort also has a modern gym with cardio machines and free weights located next to the spa.
What activities are available at SO Sofitel Hua Hin resort?
SO Sofitel Hua Hin offers an impressive range of activities for guests. Water activities include kayaking and the giant inflatable water park in the pool. Fitness options include Muay Thai boxing classes, tennis courts, yoga sessions, and a fully equipped gym. Cultural experiences include Thai cooking classes and evening entertainment shows. The resort also offers bicycle rentals for exploring Cha-Am Beach, sunset cocktail making classes, and outdoor movie nights on the lawn. For relaxation, guests can enjoy floating breakfast trays in the pool or unwind in the beachside chill-out zones.
What are the best things to do near SO Sofitel Hua Hin?
The area around SO Sofitel Hua Hin offers plenty to explore. Hua Hin town is a 30-minute drive away and features the famous Hua Hin Night Market with street food and shopping. The region also has beautiful temples, local markets, and Hua Hin’s historic railway station. For nature lovers, nearby national parks offer hiking and wildlife experiences. The resort’s concierge can arrange day trips and excursions to help guests explore the best of the Hua Hin and Cha-Am area.
Can you swim at the beach at SO Sofitel Hua Hin?
SO Sofitel Hua Hin has a private beach area at Cha-Am Beach, but swimming in the ocean is not possible at this location. However, the beach is still a wonderful spot for relaxation with beach loungers, umbrellas, and various chill-out zones to enjoy the scenic setting and sunset views. For swimming, the resort has a large signature pool with sun loungers, poolside cabanas, and pool access rooms. The giant inflatable water park in the pool also provides a fun aquatic experience for families.
- About the Author
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Tim Kroeger, founder of Universal Traveller, is a Luxury Wellness & Active Travel Specialist with over 15 years of experience exploring the world.
Through his work with leading luxury hotels and travel brands, Tim helps connect premium travelers with exceptional experiences. His expertise spans hospitality trends, digital nomad lifestyles, and luxury bikepacking, combining adventure travel with comfort and style.
