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.

Wooden fishing boats pulled up on the empty sand under a deep blue sky at Dolphin Bay, Sam Roi Yot — Old fishing boats parked on the sand under a sky that blue. This is pretty much the whole vibe of Dolphin Bay.

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.

Two girls on the beach near swings at Dolphin Bay Thailand — One of the few moments the beach wasn't completely empty, swings strung up right by the water.

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.

A thatched-roof beachside restaurant called Saloon framed by palm trees at Dolphin Bay, Thailand — The kind of beachside spot you stumble into for dinner here. No menu online, no reservations, just palm trees and whoever happens to be cooking.

Rustic open-air restaurant interior with carved teak posts, a longhorn skull and framed photos at Dolphin Bay — Inside, all carved teak, an actual longhorn skull on the wall, and faded photos of better-known beaches. Exactly the kind of place I came to Dolphin Bay for.

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.

A huge old banyan tree with hanging aerial roots in a quiet garden at Dolphin Bay, Thailand — An enormous banyan tree near where I was staying. When the loudest thing around is the wind in a tree this old, you get the idea of how slow the pace gets here.

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.

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

Dolphin Bay: Where the Pace Changes

Where I Stayed

How I Spent the Day

The One Downside

Is Dolphin Bay Worth a Stop?

Continue the Route

More from Thailand Travel Tips

Hua Hin to Chumphon, Thailand: 4 Ways to Get There (and What Each One Costs)

Phraya Nakhon Cave (Sam Roi Yot): Hike Logistics, Real Costs & What It's Actually Like

Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand: The Coastal Town That Surprised Me the Most

Want a real conversation about your trip?