Hua Hin
Hua Hin, located at approximately 200 km south of Bangkok in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, is a famous beach resort town in Thailand. Being the first Thai beach resort, it has been visited by wealthy people in Bangkok at the beginning of the 20th century. Foreign tourists come here due to the pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. With its fresh and healthy air, Hua Hin is a lovely alternative to the many other resorts in Thailand. Unfortunately, the city’s charm has been shattered by the chaotic building in the ‘90s.
Hua Hin has been a royal resort since 1926 and has become one of the most popular resorts. The king basically lives here throughout the year. In 1928, King Rama VII built Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace, which is till this day an official royal residence. Members of the royal family frequently use it and it is open to the public for visits.
Although the number of tourists – Europeans in particular – has considerably increased over the past few years, Hua Hin is still a peaceful and quiet destination. However, the local authorities should keep a close eye on the development of the city if they want to maintain its fame of quiet paradise.
Hua Hin is renowned for its golf courses. In fact, Thailand itself is a favorite destination for golf players, but Hua Hin in particular seems to be a premier golf destination. One of the most beautiful courses is the famous 18-hole Springfield Royal Country Club in Cha-Am, designed by the American golf champion Jack Nicklaus. The course has amazing breathtaking views over the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding terrain. Other famous courses include the Alpine Golf Club, Royal Hua Hin, Palm Hills, Bangkok Golf and Milford Resort.
If you’re travelling from Bangkok to Hua Hin, you might consider taking the train and enjoying the beautiful landscape in between. Two railway stations have been built at approximately 100 meters apart: one for the royal family, and the other one for regular tourists. As long as you’re there, you should check out the Royal Waiting Room and old steam locomotives. Although the Royal Railway Station is quite small in size, it is a true work of art and a statement of Thai style and architecture. The Eastern and Oriental Express luxury train stops here on its Singapore-Bangkok-Chiang Mai route.
There are a lot of things you can do in Hua Hin. You can visit one of its many temples, go to the Elephant Village, the Animal Park, enjoy a lovely day at the spa or on the beach or do some shopping. And as long as we’re at the shopping chapter, if you want to avoid the heat and burning sun during the day, Hua Hin offers the opportunity of nocturnal shopping at the Night Bazaar. You can find anything your heart desires and you’ll avoid the sweat and crowds that are common during the day.
Hua Hin’s beaches are renowned for their extensive length – which prevents overcrowding – and for its breathtaking sunsets, making them a perfect place to relax and unwind. Hua Hin is perfect for families in particular, but not only. Kids can enjoy a ride in a banana boat or on a pony, while their parents take in the sun and the much needed peace and quiet.