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Since 1996
Royal Waiting Room at Hua Hin Railway Station
Hua Hin is unlike any other beach resort in Thailand. If you're looking for
bright lights and the frantic all-night action of cabarets and discos, you
may be disappointed here. However, if you enjoy walks through the quiet winding
streets of a friendly coastal village, sampling delicious seafood in restaurants
overlooking the brightly lit fishing boats on the Gulf of Thailand or a round
of golf on one of the several international standard links, Hua Hin could
very well be what you're looking for; Hua Hin has a special character all
its own.
Hua Hin became popular as a rainy season retreat in the 1920's with the
construction of the railway line from Bangkok. The beautiful, colonial style
Railway Hotel was built near Hua Hin's famous rocks in 1923 by the State
Railway Authority, which also built Thailand's first public golf course in
Hua Hin in 1924. In 1926, King Rama VII built the Klai Kangwon (Far From
Worries) Palace on the beach a few km north of the Railway Hotel and this
palace is still frequently used by the Royal Family. This set the stage for
Hua Hin's popularity and unique ambiance which remains to this day.
Hua Hin is 200 km south of Bangkok on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand.
Travel by automobile takes less than three hours and by air is less than an hour.
The resort may also be reached by rail or coach.
This page also has links to several maps, one an interactive Google Map with over 200 placemarks in Hua Hin, Cha Am, and Praburni that you can
explore and another, a map made using a Garmin GPS that you might want to print and carry with you. There are also maps of Dolphin Bay,
Samut Songkhram and Ratchburi, and Korat and Khon Kaen.
While the smaller guesthouses have spartan rooms for a few dollars a night,
high-rollers can be pampered to their heart's delight for a bit more at one
of the several 5-star luxury resorts and spas, including the Dusit, Chiva Som, Marriott, Sheraton, Hilton, Hyatt and Sofitel.
While Thai and Chinese seafood reign here, there are also many restaurants
offering everything from pizza and pasta to tandoori chicken and meat pies
and other popular international dishes.
Lovers of fast food need not worry, Hua Hin now boasts (or regrets?) the openings of KFCs, Starbucks, McDonalds, Burger King, both the
Pizzas, a couple of Steaks and ice cream shops with various logos. Fans of suki and Japanese food should also be pleased.
Also be sure to sample the wide variety of fruits and kanoms (Thai
sweets) available in restaurants, shops and stalls along the road. Though
there are several luxury spas in Hua Hin, I'm sure no one loses weight
during their stay here.
There are many shops selling local handicrafts, silver, silk, tailors to
fit you for that custom suit, and dozens of photo opportunities. There are also large shopping malls, outlet stores and large discount stores for those looking for shop after shop in the same building.
Bicycles, motorcycles and small jeeps can be rented from shops around the
Hua Hin Bazaar, near the Sofitel entrance, and just about every spot that used to be a parking place for visitors. Unless you have extensive experience
dodging kids, bicycles, scooters and the occasional cow, be very careful
when driving yourself.
Many beach front hotels have concessions for wind surfing and sailing needs
and power boats can be hired. Walks down the beach will take you to temples
and fishing villages.
There are also pleasant beaches in nearby Cha Am and Pranburi.
These courses are world class and green fees and caddy charges are very
reasonable. Electric carts are available at most though a walk in the
beautiful climate of Hua Hin is a pleasure in itself.
Whether a pro on a break or a family on a holiday, golfers will enjoy the
professional facilities here.
To the south, Thailand's first marine national park, Khao Sam Roi Yot, is
only about 35 km away.
A bit further away, in Kanchanaburi Province, there are five more national
parks, Erawan, Sai Yoke, Sri Nakarin, Khao Laem, and Chalerm Rattanakosin.
Here we discuss education, housing, Internet, banking, medical issues, TEFL teaching and other topics important to the increasing number of
folks choosing to reside in Hua Hin on a longer basis.
THE HUA HIN PAGES
The Original Site for Hua Hin, Thailand
We have recently started adding photos of the local area. To see these, please go to Photos
In addition, there is a new page featuring photos from the Dan Sing Khon Border Market here.
GETTING THERE
ACCOMMODATION
There are close to 100
hotels and guesthouses in and around Hua Hin with over 5,000 rooms with more
opening all the time.
DINING/ENTERTAINMENT
The active fishing port guarantees
fresh seafood and Hua Hin has it all, including dishes not found in other
parts of Thailand. There are many styles of restaurant, from a row of large,
brightly lit establishments with extensive menus along the beach near the
pier, to small stalls at the lively night markets specializing in only a tasty
dish or two.
THINGS TO DO IN TOWN
Hua Hin is small enough
that one can wander for hours without the need of motor transportation. Most
hotels are no more than few minutes walk to the beach, the market or a friendly
restaurant.
BEACHES
The white sand goes
for miles from the Sofitel at the end of Damnoenkasem Rd. At the main beach
there are umbrellas for lounging and vendors will satisfy your needs for
drinks and snacks, and even pony rides, jet skis and a Thai traditional massage. Hua Hin is now also well known for kiting or kite
boarding with several shops towards the southern end of the beach providing instruction and equipment rental.
GOLF
The first golf course
in Thailand was built in Hua Hin in 1924 and there are now 10 courses within
40km of the town including the new Banyan and Black Mountain courses.
DAY TRIPS
Though the beaches
and swimming pools are always beckoning, the Hua Hin area also has shopping,
temples, waterfalls, caves, quaint neighborhoods and historical sites that
will create memories for all members of the family. A leisurely drive though
the countryside, where one can see rice paddies and pineapple plantations,
children playing in the canals, and the beautiful scenery of Prachuapkirikhan
and Petchburi provinces is also a must. Within a few km there are also floating
markets, amusement parks, sheep farms, water parks, and elephant camps which are
great for the kids and provide many opportunities for photographs.
NATIONAL PARKS
Kaeng Krachan National Park extends
along the Burmese border from Petchburi Province north of Hua Hin with beautiful waterfall to be seen during the rainy season.
You may also be able to organize a trekking tour to visit some of the hill tribes in the area. Opportunities for ecotourism abound here.
LIVING IN HUA HIN
1950: King Bhumibol’s Garden Of Smiles
1966: Holder Of The Kingdom, Strength Of The Land
| Dining |
Frangipani.com hopes this site will introduce the newcomer to the delights
of Hua Hin while perhaps turning old-hands on to something they didn't know
or have forgotten. As we want to improve this service, I appreciate comments.
If you think I've left something out, let me know. If you've got a tip or
a perspective you want to share, let me know that also:
dhanks@frangipani.com
