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Hua Hin

Hua Hin is the oldest beach resort in Thailand located 200 km south of Bangkok. The town boomed in the early part of the 20th century when the Royal Family and Bangkok's elite would vacation here in the summer. Now it is a haven for European sun seekers.

Accommodations are plentiful and available for all budgets. Restaurants are everywhere and the seafood is very fresh. Nightlife, while not like Phuket or Samui, is still fun and can run late.

Khao Hin Lek Fai: This hill to the west of town is a good vantage point to look over Hua Hin and out into the Gulf of Thailand. If you are an early morning person and feeling energetic then take a climb to the park at the top and watch the sunrise. You will not be disappointed.

Beaches: The white sand beaches of Hua Hin are loaded with all of the amenities you can think of. Jet skis, sailboats, windsurfers, Kayaks and wakeboards are all available for rent along with countless other beach and water activities. Hat Hua Hin is a long white sand beach running from the centre of town south for over 5 km. The beach is lined by a number of higher end big resort hotels like the Hilton, Hyatt and Sofitel along with a number of smaller less pricey resorts. To the south are more lovely beaches including Hat Khao Takiab, the next beach south set under a large temple topped hill.

Markets: Hua Hin has a couple of day, night and weekend markets that are interesting to poke around in. The Night Market is on Thanon Dechanuchit and is ok but not great. The one in Cha-am on Wednesday night is much better and cheaper. Chat Chai Market is a day market sprawling north of Thanon Dechanuchit and is worth a look.

Palaces: There are a few Royal Palaces in the area. Klai Kangwon Palace in northern Hua Hin was built by King Rama VII in 1926 and is used by the current king as a summer palace. The Palace is not open to the public but Mrigadayawan Palace between Cha-am and Hua Hin is open to visitors. It was built by King Rama VI in 1923 as a summer palace. There are three large wooden buildings connected by raised walkways set in lush, well landscaped, tropical gardens. The Palace is open daily from 9-4 and has a small admission fee. Khao Wang Palace also known as Phra Nakhon Khiri can be found 65 km north of Hua Hin on top of Khao Wang in the Phetchaburi Town. Built in 1860 by King Rama IV as a summer palace, it is now a park and museum. Open Wed-Sun, 9-4. In 1916 King Rama V built Phraram Ratchanivet Palace and planned to use it in the rainy season. The palace was instead used to house state visitors to the area. The palace is located 65 km north of Hua Hin in Phetchaburi Town.

Hua Hin Jazz Festival: The beginning of June is a time to listen to some great performers from around the world.

King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament: Early September this charitable tournament occurs to raise money for The Thailand National Elephant Institute. Although not as fast as regular polo, it is much more fun to watch.

Snorkelling and Diving: There are a few places like Koh Talu that have good snorkelling but if you are looking for some diving, you are better to head to another destination. There are a couple of diving trips to Koh Tao but it is a very long day trip.

Rafting: The Petchaburi River, an hour north of Hua Hin is a nice spot for some mellow rafting. No class 4 rapids here but the scenery is beautiful and it's a great way to see the countryside.

Golf: There are a few good golf courses within easy reach of Hua Hin. The green fees are reasonable and the service and amenities are good.

Fishing: Charters can be arranged for day and night fishing.

Thanarat Infantry Camp: This Royal Thai Army camp can be found 25 km south of Hua Hin off highway 4. The camp offers climbing, trekking and rafting outings as well as commando training courses. A museum onsite is dedicated to the life of Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, a famous soldier and past Prime Minister. The Royal Thai Army's weapons and uniforms from the past are also on display. Open daily from 9-4.

Kaeng Krachan National Park: Located 75 km to the northwest of Hua Hin, this is the largest National Park in Thailand. The main attraction is the large lake created by the naturally camouflaged Kaeng Krachan Dam. Boats are available for rent to explore the small Islands. The park also has lots of multi tiered waterfalls, caves and a mountaintop camp site. If you can tear yourself away from the beach for a day, this park is the perfect place to go. There is a restaurant and accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park: Located 65 km south of Hua Hin, between highway 4 and the coast, is this small coastal park. There are a few caves, including Tham Phraya Nakhon which has a Royal Pavillion and has been visited by many Thai Kings, Including the current King Bhumipolone who came twice. The park also has some fantastic limestone mountains and a bunch of small Islands. There are 3 restaurants and accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.