Indulge in a family-friendly getaway just 2.5 hours from Bangkok at SO/Sofitel Hua Hin, where endless fun awaits for both kids and adults alike!
Venue: 115, Tambol Bangkao, Tambon Bang Kao, Hua Hin, Chang Wat Phetchaburi 76120, Thailand
Embark on a journey of family-friendly bliss at SO/Sofitel Hua Hin, where luxury meets leisure in the heart of Thailand's vibrant landscape. For families seeking an unforgettable getaway, this idyllic 5-star retreat offers an oasis of relaxation and recreation, promising cherished memories amidst breathtaking surroundings. Catering to the diverse needs of families, SO Sofitel Hua Hin ensures every moment is infused with comfort, joy, and cultural richness.
The resort is ideal for both tourists and locals seeking a convenient family getaway, providing a wide range of on-site activities for families to enjoy without the hassle of moving the family around.
*This stay was sponsored by SO Sofitel Hua Hin, but the review are our own.
Location
Situated approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok, SO Sofitel Hua Hin offers families an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The resort sits outside the Hua Hin city centre (approx. 30mins away) but families will be spoilt for choices to-do and to-eat within the resort!
Families from overseas looking to get to SO Sofitel Hua Hin will fly to Suvarnabhumi International Airport and take a 2 - 3 hours car journey, depending on traffic conditions, to arrive at the resort. The resort offers transport and these can be booked prior to your arrival.
Hotel Design
SO Sofitel Hua Hin stands as Hua Hin’s most distinctive luxury resort. The resort's ‘Imaginative Escape’ concept brings guests to another world, where nature, design and technology come together to create a mesmerizing, playful retreat.
Stepping into the resort, you are met immediately with the grand entrance with long stairway to the reception giving you a feel of royalty and luxury. As you approach the top of the stairs, you will immediately notice the water feature with the resorts logo and animal structures, a great spot for photo taking.
There are 100 rooms and suites as well as 9 villas. All guestrooms are equipped with full facilities to provide maximum comfort such as rain showers, MyBed with sleep menu for a fabulous night’s sleep, plus the latest cutting-edge technology sound system, complimentary Wi-Fi and a complimentary in-room private bar.
Accommodation
The resort offers one-bedroom and two-bedrooms villas with your own private pool, giving your family an exclusive experience throughout the visit. Apart from the villas, there are several room configurations and each of them look simply amazing!
For our trip, we had the opportunity to stay at the SO Comfy Pool Access. We had 2 rooms, one on Level 1 and the other on Level 2. Both had direct access to the pool through a private terrace. Rooms on Level 2 have a private staircase that brings you to the terrace and to the pool.
For both rooms, we had the King-bed configuration where the kids slept in one room while we slept in the other. You also have the option of the twin bed set-up and even to add an additional bed too.
The highlight in the room is definitely the ceiling to floor rain shower but the kids preferred to have their bubble baths in the bath tub.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable but our family found ourselves drawn to the abundance of activities the resort offered. Instead we were usually out and about, enjoying the many activities available within the resort.
Family-Friendly Facilities and Activities
Let's explore the many family-friendly to-dos at SO Sofitel Hua Hin.
Signature Pool with Obstacle Course
You definitely won't want to miss out on the Signature Pool featuring an exhilarating inflatable obstacle course! It's bound to be the main attraction for families, where laughter and splashes abound as parents and little ones tackle the course together. With depths reaching 1.7 meters at one end, we recommend the obstacle course for intermediate swimmers, while younger ones can enjoy the safety of life vests, available for their use.
Although there are vigilant lifeguards on duty, it's always wise for parents to keep a watchful eye on their children. For those who prefer a more relaxed view, seats at the SO Sundae poolside ice cream cafe and snack bar provide the perfect vantage point, or if you've booked a poolside room, you can easily keep an eye on the action from there too.
Younger children can splash around in the dedicated shallow kids' pool area, while the more adventurous ones can opt to rent the H2O Water Scooter for a stylish zoom around the pool. Rentals start from THB300++ for 30 minutes of fun.
SO Wet Bubble Experience
Dive into a world of aquatic excitement with the newest addition to SO Sofitel Hua Hin's lineup of fun activities – the Wet Bubble Pool! Shaped like a playful octopus, this vibrant pool promises endless entertainment for the whole family. Watch as little ones climb, bounce, and slide down the bubble while getting splashed by the water fountain cannons.
At first glance, it may seem simple, but after a round of King of the Hill, you'll quickly discover that the Wet Bubble Pool is where the most fun is had! So don't miss out on a splashing good time that will leave your family smiling from ear to ear!
SO Hot Wheels
Cruise through the resort in style with the SO Hot Wheels scooters, offering a thrilling adventure for the whole family! Kids can enjoy the excitement of riding tandem scooters, while adults and families can explore on larger scooters, taking in the picturesque surroundings from the private beachfront to the lush garden areas.
This exciting activity is a hit with the little ones, providing them with the opportunity to zip around over a spacious area. Rental begins at THB300++ for 30 minutes, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for all. Embark on a memorable journey of exploration and fun with SO Hot Wheels scooters!
SO Wonderland Adventure Golf
Step into a world of enchantment at the SO Wonderland Adventure Golf, where families can embark on a thrilling 18-hole mini-golf journey filled with excitement and friendly competition! Spend quality time together as you navigate through the whimsical course, accompanied by laughter and playful banter.
Amidst the wonderland-themed structures and decorations, capture priceless moments with your loved ones at every turn.
Best of all, this delightful experience is completely free! Simply visit the Kids Tent to pick up your golf clubs and balls, available in various sizes for all ages. After a day in the pool, the fun doesn't end as you create more unforgettable memories!
Kids Tent
Discover a plethora of kid-friendly adventures at Kids Tent, the resort's dedicated kids club! Little ones can take part in various free and paid workshops and programmes inside this air-conditioned space, this include game consoles, LEGO tables and more. Other activities tailored for kids include recycle crafts projects, kids’ yoga, and sand painting.
Children below 4 years old needs to be accompanied by an adult, while those above 4 years old can be dropped off.
Other Play Facilities
Families can enjoy plenty of other fun activities together, such as the purpose-built playground featuring slides, swings, and obstacles. For those who prefer sports, take your pick of pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts available at the resort, with equipment available from the Kids Tent.
Explore the resort's three cycling tracks—the Garden Track, Wonderland Track, and Ocean Track—covering a total of 3.5 kilometers. Simply rent a bike for free and hit the trails!
Additionally, our indoor games room offers entertainment with a pool table, table soccer, and air hockey.
Dining Experiences
SO Sofitel Hua Hin boasts two restaurants and a cafe to satisfy your culinary cravings. White Oven is the main restaurant, offering a daily buffet breakfast, while Beach Society provides a delightful beachside dining experience. For a quick bite or refreshing drink, head to SO Sundae, conveniently located beside the Signature pool.
At White Oven, families can opt for air-conditioned indoor seating or alfresco dining. The restaurant serves a variety of Thai and international dishes à la carte, and we also had the premium Thai BBQ experience. Choose from four different sets, starting from THB1,399++ for two persons, with free-flowing vegetables included.
Meanwhile, Beach Society offers an array of fresh seafood, pizzas, and pastas, all enjoyed amidst the cool sea breeze. Additionally, guests can savor flavorful Indian dishes such as Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala, served with freshly made naan bread.
Other Experiences
What else can families do when at SO Sofitel Hua Hin?
SO/ Spa
Leave your children at the Kids Tent while you and your partner enjoy some quality couple time at the Hua Hin spa, SO/ Spa. The spa features a Double treatment room specifically designed for parents seeking relaxation without the little ones.
SO Explorer Tour
We also embarked on the SO Explorer excursion to Nayang Bat Cave, conveniently located just 10 minutes from the hotel. The hotel arranges transportation and provides a light snack as you await the breathtaking sight of over 2 million bats taking flight across the evening skies.
Here's a helpful tip: Keep an eye out for eagles circling the mountain, as they signal the imminent emergence of the bats!
Things To Take Note
Here are some tips from our trip from Singapore!
- The drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to SO Sofitel Hua Hin takes approximately 2.5 hours. Be sure to pack snacks, entertainment, and prepare the children before setting off on the journey.
- We highly recommend staying for at least 2 nights, or even 3 if possible, to fully enjoy all the resort has to offer.
- Don't forget to pack sunblock, hats, and sunglasses, as you'll likely be spending a lot of time in the water.
- While we didn't use them ourselves, there are shuttle buses available from the resort to Hua Hin city center for those who plan to make the trip.
Special Offers and Packages
Do take note of the following promotions and packages available at the time of writing.
- 'Family Fun at SO Wet Bubble Room Package' starts at S$180 (THB 4,799++) per night, and includes daily breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children (under 12 years old) at White Oven, along with a THB 500 - THB 1,000 resort credit per night to enjoy the host of activities available at the resort.
- ‘TIME TO CELEBRATE – Pool Villa Escape’ includes an exclusive package at the resort’s luxurious pool villa, with late breakfast until 2pm, a DIY Cocktail Kit, Kids Activity, a Bottle of House Wine & Canape, Italian Set Dinner and a 30-min Back & Shoulder Massage.
SO Sofitel Hua Hin proved to be a really family-friendly option for families looking to visit Thailand and as part of a longer trip to Thailand. It is the perfect combination of luxury, convenience, and family-centric offerings, allowing families to have fun, relax and recharge. In fact, we saw many local families during our visit, a testament to its appeal to families.
Visit SO Sofitel Hua Hin for more details and to make your bookings!
