Why You’l Love Thailand's Hua Hin

Many of Bangkok’s elite look the way of Hua Hin for a holiday or when they want to escape the busy life in Bangkok. While most holiday regions in Thailand cater mainly for foreigners, Hua Hin is a holiday region most frequented by Thais and offers a more authentic Thai experience

Hua Hin Train Station

Just 200 km south of Bangkok, Hua Hin boasts a 3-km long beach, old style charm, an active fishing port and Kangwon Palace, Thailand’s official royal residence since 1928.

This - the oldest and most traditional Thai resort has all the attractions of a modern holiday destination, plus the charm and fascination of a still active port. The near proximity of this region to the capital – Bangkok, makes it easy to reach and is one of the reasons why the elite in Thailand love making Hua Hin their home. It’s a wonderful mix of city and sea with a cosmopolitan ambiance - add to that, world class golf courses, lively markets, tasty street treats and long wide beaches. Hua Hin is for those who prefer being near the action in Bangkok, but far away enough to have a white-sand experience. Its a good consideration for a great Thai holiday, renowned for exquisite health resorts for people looking to rejuvenate their health.

So, what to do in Hua Hin?

Beach at Dusit Thani Hua Hin Hotel

This is Thailand’s original beach resort and offers something different from what other areas such as Phuket offer. The beach and city combination with a cosmopolitan feel is worth the experience.

A visit to town is always special and one of the must do experiences if you are spending a few nights.  One attraction that almost rivals the beach is the night Market. It’s a favourite spot to eat for locals. There is a lot of fresh sea food on offer, just choose your catch and it will be prepared for you there and then.  But it’s not only about food; you can pick up some great textile bargains at the various stalls aligned along the each other. Other than the night market, there are some good entertainment spots. You will get a much better chance to experience the culture and mingle with the locals on a night in town.

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard

If you are a wine connoisseur you might want to visit the Hua Hin Hills Vine Yard. 45 Km west of the town, in a scenic mountain valley are some beautiful vineyards, made up of different cultivars used in Thailand’s Moonsoon Valley Wine Label. There are daily vineyard tours on offer, including dinner and wine tasting. If you are lucky, you will encounter the beautiful Elephants that roam free within the vineyards.

Trekking - at Sam Roi Yot National Park

Sam Roi Yot National Park is a good option for adventure seekers. Towering limestone outcrops form a rocky jigsaw-puzzled landscape at this 98-sq-km park, whose names translates to Three Hundred Mountain Peaks. There are also caves, beaches and coastal marshlands to explore for outdoor enthusiast and bird-watchers. With its proximity to Hua Hin, the park is well travelled by day-visitors and contains a mix of public conservation land and private shrimp farms.

Hua Hin has a lot to offer for travellers. It is definitely a great option if you are on a short visit to Thailand or if you do not want to travel far from the capital city.

For travel packages to Thailand please visit our Far East page.
By Dumi Khumalo - Thompsons Holidays

Take a Sho’t Left

Sho’t Left is what South African taxi commuters shout when they want to get off the taxi on the next stop or they want a ride to a nearby destination. For us it's a vacation close to home, but far away enough for one to feel relaxed and escape the mundane environment. It's simply a holiday close to home, or what some call a "near-cation"  Most of us are guilty of not exploring our local destinations enough. Normally when holidays come to mind, we immediately think of abroad and far away destinations.  A local holiday can be more relaxing, fun, and certainly less costly than a big travel extravaganza. You don't have to go far for an amazing holiday if you are a South African citizen.

So, a Sho’t Left holiday is an easy, no passport, nor visa or foreign currency required type of holiday. It’s a stress free deal and is ideal if you have limited days for a holiday. It’s as easy as getting your friends, lover or family and heading out to somewhere fun. Take advantage of the long weekends and holidays during the year, the good times are just a road trip away.

There are many advantages of going on a local holiday - here are some suggestions to make the best of it:

1. Find timely, exciting events. If you are a fun-loving person, there are plenty of great events throughout the year in South Africa. Keep track of them and plan ahead for your local holiday to coincide with something special.

2. Share the costs. No need to go at it alone, call your friends or family, get a family size vehicle and get on with your holiday. You can save on petrol and share the cost of accommodation, food and other expenses while strengthening friendships and family bonds.

3. Planning goes a long way. Just like any other holiday, you should have a plan of where to go and what to do. It’s imperative to know your country. So, while we all have bucket lists of international destinations we dream of – everyone should have a list of local areas they have not visited. Tick something off the list at least once a year.

4. Lookout for great deals. The good thing about local travel is that sometimes you don’t need to plan too long ahead. If a good deal comes along, you don’t need to apply for a visa, get foreign currency or deal with too many customs officials at the airport.

5. Go off-season. Most South African destinations are pleasant all year round. So while we receive most international tourist in summer – why don’t you take advantage of the low hotel and service rates during off-peak season. Believe me, you will have more beach space to yourself!

6. Just let go. Last but not least, just let go of stress and work issues. Take a Sho’t Left and come back refreshed.

Don’t be reluctant to explore your country. It really is fun and easier to take a local holiday

Check out our local South African deals for more ideas on your next Sho't Left
By Dumi Khumalo - Thompsons Holidays