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