The wife and I are planning a trip to Hua Hin from Udonthani and we are trying to figure out whats the most economical and efficient way to get there. We were thinking of taking the VIP bus to Bangkok and then trying to get to HH from Bangkok, but we've never done it before and dont know what mode of transit to take from BKK to HH.I checked Air Asia from Udonthani to Bangkok and its around 2000 baht each way per person plus baggage charges of around 300 baht each, then we would have to find our way to Hua Hin. We can take the VIP bus to Bangkok for around 500 baht and then also need to find our way to Hua Hin.We have a car that gets around 6 litres per 100km but the wife doesnt want to drive.We are also looking for a nice place to stay around the 1000 baht price per night. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

You can get minibuses to HH from Victory Monument- the sometimes lethal type. The train is very slow as it chugs out through N. Bkk, but hassle free once your're on. The public bus is a pain as you have to get all the way out to Sai Thai Mai, west of BKK.

If it were me I'd be using the minibus as dangerous as they are, just because they're by far the most convenient. I guess you could get a taxi?

Minibus from Victory Monument, every 20 minutes and takes 2-3 hours, cost 180 Baht...taxi will be in the region of 1,500-2,000. There are a lot of new bus services connecting Hua Hin with the North, I know you can go to Surin, Chiang Mai, Korat and Ubon direct, may be worth asking at Udon bus depot if there is a direct bus

Udon is just a short hop from Korat and there is a very good first class come VIP double decker does the run to Hua Hin from there.

Not sure of the timetable but at least a few times a day.

You can usually see the bus quite easily identified as you enter Korat Bus Terminal, if it's in the parking bay.