10 Things You Need to Know Before Trekking in Hua Hin/Cha-Am

**CLICK HERE for special room rates, discounts and reservations on Hua Hin/Cha-Am Hotels**

Trekking is one of the most popular activities in Hua Hin and Cha-Am. The fresh air, stunning sceneries, virgin forests and national parks in and around Hua Hin and Cha-Am all make trekking thoroughly enjoyable. If you want to try trekking and see the undiscovered wilds of the province, there are a few things you need to do and think about before trekking in Hua Hin/Cha-Am.

Assess yourself. Ask yourself why you want to go trekking in the country. Is it the sights you want to see or is it the experience you’re after? What is your goal in the expedition? Gauge your level of fitness and realize that you can still see the wilds without trekking on foot, if you think you can’t handle the strain. There are, in fact, some tour companies offering mountain biking in the wilds and elephant rides in parks and forests. Even if you don’t plan to trek for a whole week or even one day, the journey can be difficult and it might be better to just experience it from the back of an elephant or while cycling with a group.
Bring first aid. Your tour guide will most likely have one for any emergency situation you might have, but if you’re the kind who wants to take control, it would be wise to bring your own first aid and make sure you can tackle anything requiring immediate medical attention like sprain, for example. Remember that once you’re in the wilds, it would take some precious time to go back to civilization.
Gear up properly. Wear lightweight comfortable clothes with your own comfort and protection in mind. In a tropical country such as Thailand, long shorts or loose pants and shirts with long sleeves that can be rolled up would be most ideal. Don’t wrap yourself up completely unless you’re used to the heat or you can acclimatize yourself easily. Take note that the cold season in Hua Hin and Cha-Am most probably translates to hot season in your country, if you come from Atlantic regions.
Shoes and boots are a must. Obviously, you need sturdy shoes and boots that are comfortable and fit perfectly.
Backpacks. Most tour companies would already provide you with backpacks for the things you want to carry, but if they don’t, be sure you have one with you to put all your things inside.
Bring water. You need to replenish all the water lost in your body. With Thailand’s heat, it is recommended to drink up to five liters of water every day.
Bring a change of clothes. Whether it’s a half-day tour or whole day trip, you should be ready with clothes you can change into. Be sure to bring a jacket too because the nights tend to get chilly in the mountains.
Apply mosquito repellant lotion. There are bound to be stagnant water lakes in the forest and they all breed mosquitoes. Make sure you apply a mosquito repellant lotion and bring the bottle with you for reapplication.
Use UV Rays lotion. You should also use SPF lotion for sun protection. An SPF 50 is said to be adequate.
Wear hats. Protect your eyes and your face by wearing hats. Wide-brimmed hats, even though they may provide perfect protection, often get in the way, so if you plan to go trekking in Hua Hin/Cha-Am, bill caps may be more appropriate.