Hua Hin is one of the oldest and most reputable beach resort towns in the country, with even the royal family putting down roots here. For those looking to enjoy a calm cool vacation while learning a little about the culture and history of Thailand, this is the place for you.
Location
Located just 225 km southwest of Bangkok, Hau Hin is one of eight districts in the northern part of Thailand’s Malay Peninsula. While a flight to Bangkok was once on the itinerary from the nearby airport, currently the only way to reach this beach resort town is on wheels: car, bus, or train. Bus transfer from Suvarnabhumi International Airport takes about three and a half hours.
Beach Vacations
The hustle and bustle of urban life has not reached the quiet beaches of Hua Hin, where a relaxing stay is assured by one and all. Beaches tend not to be crowded and the shoreline is nice and shallow, making it perfect for families with young children.
Likewise, the long stretches of sand couldn’t be greater for those who like long walks along the beach.
Sights
Should you choose Hua Hin as your vacation destination, you might be graced with a glimpse of members of the royal family who often vacation here. They’re ports of call while in Hua Hin are a number of royal palaces, both old and new: Mrigadayavan, Phra Nakhon Khiri and Ban Puen. In addition, the Khao Luang Cave Temple and the Rama V Pavilion in Phraya Nakhon Cave are both worth a visit.
Hua Hin is also famous for its national parks. Khao Phanom Bencha and Sam Roi Yot, also known as Three Hundred Peaks Park, excite with their bizarre limestone formations, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife.
Entertainments
Hau Hin is replete with restaurants, cafés, shops, day spas, and beauty salons, with hotels providing the entertainment in the evening.
Should you feel like you want to wander off and discover the area, why not take in one of the many excursions on offer, including a tour of the local Center of Arts and Crafts where a large collection of art and antique furniture resides peacefully alongside a great many works by contemporary Thai artists. The Royal Klai Kangwon summer palace, the old railway station, and a number of other options to assist in your Thai cultural education are also on offer.
The pride of Hua Hin however is its traditional royal polo tournament held annually in September, which attracts both local and European teams.
Active Leisure
If golf is your sport, then this is where’ll want to focus your time in Thailand. A number of first-class clubs, including the famous Royal Hua Hin Golf Club, of which His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej Rama IX happens to be a member, is located here.
Please note:
English is the main international language spoken in Hua Hin.
