In recent years, the once sleepy beachfront resort town of Hua Hin has begun to attract well-deserved attention. As the location of the King of Thailand’s summer palace, Hua Hin had always found favour with wealthy Bangkok Thais long before it was discovered by Western tourists. Today, it is not just big city Thais slipping away for a weekend of clean air and fresh seafood that visit the town. Hua Hin is now squarely on the map as a premier holiday destination and is attracting visitors from around the world.
About Hua Hin
Hua Hin is situated in Prachuap Khirikhan province, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Hua Hin is approx 200 kilometers south of Bangkok on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is easily accessible by road, rail and air. Although the boom in business, hotels and housing has meant that the town has inevitably lost it sleepy feel, Hua Hin has managed to retain its charm and is free of the sleaze that plagues many of Thailand’s other beach resorts. Hua Hin is an excellent family destination, a paradise for golfers and an idyllic place for retirees wishing to escape the dark and cold European winters.
Today Hua Hin is undergoing rapid expansion as Bangkokians and Westerners look this way for a second home, be it a quaint house nestled in the hills or an upmarket condominum with ocean views. Over the past few years, the town has seen countless housing developments spring up, new golf courses constructed, a brand new shopping complex and movie theatre and a boom in local businesses. The charm of Hua Hin is that it still retains its fishing village serenity which is now side by side with the bustling center of a modern luxury beach resort.
Hua Hin has much to offer visitors. The town’s rise in popularity has seen it attract some of the finest hotels, including the Chiva Som Resort which has been voted the best spa in the world. Other top hotels with a presence in the town are the Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort, the Hilton Resort and Spa, the Evason Six Sense Resort and Spa, the Marriot and the Oriental. A fabulous seven kilometer stretch of beach and shallow water make Hua Hin the perfect playground for whole family.
The wide expanse of sand is used for a range of activities including horse riding, kite boarding and alfresco dining on fresh seafood. Beachfront accommodation is plentiful and the town offers something for all budgets, from simple guesthouses to five-star luxury resorts and spas.
Attractions in Hua Hin
A Golfer’s Paradise, golfers will also find Hua Hin to their liking as it is home to many top quality golf resorts. Thailand’s first golf course opened in Hua Hin in 1924. The Royal Hua Hin Golf Course still welcomes golfers today and is located behind the railway station. Another eight superb courses, including the championship Nicklaus course at Springfield and the Black Mountain View Golf Club are all located within 20 minutes of the town, meaning that golfers are spoilt for choice.
Beach Life Suan Son Pradiphat Beach is a three-kilometer stretch of sand just south of the town’s main beach and separated from it by Kao Takiap, otherwise known as Chopstick Mountain. This quiet, curved bay has shallow, clean waters suitable for swimming. Further south is Khao Tao beach, an excellent location for a swim or a picnic. Food stalls along the beach and nearby local restaurants provide superb dining opportunities.
Jazz Festival The Hua Hin Jazz Festival began in 2000 as a small event and now pulls in more than 15,000 visitors a night for the two day. Spread out along the beachfront, artists perform on two stages, one outside the Hilton Resort and another in front of the Sofitel. From its humble beginnings just a few years ago as a showcase for local jazz talent, the festival is now starting to attract major international names. The free event is one of the town’s biggest annual attractions.
Places of Interest In and Around Hua Hin
Kaeng Krachan National Park is Thailand’s largest and perhaps least known park. Established in 1981, it extends to over 2,915 square kilometers of forest, spanning Prachuap Khirikhan and Phetchaburi provinces. Visitors can experience stunning scenery and a rich and varied flora and fauna. On the edge of the park are many resorts and guesthouses providing accommodation to suit all budgets. The area around the reservoir has several excellent restaurants serving delicious cuisine. Locally caught fish feature strongly on the extensive menus.
Sam Roi Yot National Park, also known as the ‘mountain of 300 peaks’, is one of the country’s smallest parks. Although it covers just 100 square kilometers it has many interesting features and should not be overlooked. The forested landscape and limestone peaks are a haven for over 300 species of bird and animal life, most notably the serow, a goat-like antelope.
Pranburi is 30 kilometers south of Hua Hin and although the beach itself is nothing special it has become an increasingly popular getaway location for the Bangkok crowd. A number of chic boutique resorts have opened in the town and several of them provide a shuttle service for customers who wish to enjoy the lively nightlife in Hua Hin. Pranburi is an area of outstanding beauty and its close proximity to Hua Hin and Bangkok make it an excellent escape for a weekend or extended break. The Pranburi Forest Park located in Klongkao-Klongkob National Reserve covers 1,984 rai and was established in accordance with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s wish. An excellent spot for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, the forest is home to a variety of small animals and birds such as porcupine, squirrel, chipmunk, monitor lizards and kingfishers.
Ao Manao near Prachuap is a favourite getaway for local people. A one hour drive from Hua Hin, the lovely beach and shallow azure water make it an excellent destination for a Sunday excursion with the kids.
Bang Saphan is an idyllic beach located two hours drive south of Hua Hin. The water here is clear and there is an abundance of marine life and coral reef, making it an excellent weekend escape for divers.
Amenities
Hua Hin’s long connection to Thai royalty has meant development in the town has proceeded at a more considered and controlled pace than elsewhere in the kingdom. Hua Hin has everything necessary for a safe, comfortable and convenient lifestyle. A new shopping mall called Market Village features an array of brand name shops as well as local retailers. A major supermarket also provides a huge selection of food items, electrical goods and clothing.
Healthcare
Traveling overseas for medical treatment has become increasingly popular in the West. The benefits are clear; whether for dental care, a minor operation or major surgery, patients find that by seeking medical care outside of their home country they save both time and money. Thailand was one of the first countries to recognize the potential of medical tourism and is now considered as a medical hub. Americans travel to Thailand to avoid outrageous costs, the Brits come to avoid the queues and the well-to-do from a host of under-developed nations come for peace of mind and quality care. Hua Hin is home to international standard hospitals and clinics with English speaking doctors and dentists. Using the latest technology, well-trained doctors and nurses provide excellent medical care.
Education
There are a number of good schools in Hua Hin and an international school is being built to accommodate the needs of the growing expatriate community. The American Webster University has an international campus just outside Hua Hin.
Banking
All of Thailand’s major banks have a presence in Hua Hin and cater for the expatriate community. English speaking staff are on hand to assist with all your banking needs. ATMs are plentiful throughout the town.
Getting to Hua Hin
By Road
From Bangkok to Hua Hin wil take about 2- 2.5 hours, depending on the traffic. If you haven’t got a car or don’t wish to drive, a regular bus service leaves from Bangkok’s southern bus terminal every 40 minutes. Another option is to go by taxi. A one-way trip can be secured for approx 2,200-2500 baht depending on your bargaining skills. Minivans also leave from Victory Monument in Bangkok, with a one-way ticket priced at around 200 baht. For those staying at one of the five-star hotels in the town such as the Central Sofitel Hua Hin Resort, they will happily arrange limousine transport for their guests to and from Bangkok.
By Rail
Traveling to Hua Hin by train is the most relaxing option. Trains leave from Hualampong station in Bangkok on a regular basis. It is strongly advisable to book in advance. The journey takes around four hours and is an excellent way to see the beauty of rural Thailand. The carriages offer comfortable reclining seats, air-con and fans. Once seated, a hostess serves passengers a cold drink and a snack, and halfway through the journey, a glass of iced water. The journey ends at the beautiful and historic railway station in Hua Hin, making this one of the best ways to begin a visit to the town.