Hua Hin, Thailand
Hua Hin welcomes you to an
unforgettable holiday experience. The oldest and most
traditional Thai resort combines the attractions of a modern
holiday destination with the charm and fascination of a still
active fishing port. And while
most other Thai holiday
destinations cater mainly to foreign tourists, Hua Hin is a
holiday resort for foreigners and Thais.
Besides it's great 5
mile long beach Hua Hin provides the highest density of world
class golf courses
anywhere in Thailand while it's yet virtually undiscovered as an
international Golf destination. Green-fees and other costs are
currently among the lowest in the world while course maintenance
and services are superb.
History
While the beaches of Phuket and
Samui were discovered only recently and have since undergone
rapid and sometimes destructive development, Hua Hin has already
been the favourite Thai resort for over 70 years.
The resort was
discovered in the early 1920s by King Rama VII as an ideal
getaway from the sultry metropolis of Bangkok. The tranquil
fishing village was turned into the Royal resort and
consequently became popular among Siam's nobility and
upper-class.
The construction of aВ
railway line from Bangkok ensured its accessibility and
popularity with a wider part of the the Thai public. But it was
the resort's royal endorsement which has given Hua Hin a special
character of its very own.
In 1928, King Rama VII built his Klai
Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace which remains until this today
an official royal residence. It is still frequently used by
members of the royal family and is open to the public for
visits.
Hua Hin continued to
develop in its own leisurely way, both as a aristocratic resort
with the added attraction of an 18-hole golf course, and as a
fishing port. The Railway Hotel, today's Sofitel Central Hua Hin,
was built by the State Railways of Thailand in 1923 in the
architectural style of old Siam.
Many of Bangkok's rich and
famous built their own beachfront summer homes to the north and
south along the curving sandy bay, enjoying leisurely family
weekends in a resort which has maintained its unique identity.
Attractions
Today's visitor to Hua Hin will
still sense this special atmosphere and old world charm. Besides
sun-filled days on the mile-long beach there are leisure
activities for the whole family from watersports to golf. The
area around the town let's you discover fabulous parks and
peaks, caves and waterfalls.
In the evening the
winding roads with a great variety of shops make a great stroll.
And the restaurants built on stilts into the sea offer superb
seafood in the legendary and unsurpassed preparation of the Thai
cuisine. Hua Hin has all the ingredients for a very special
holiday experience.
Prachuap Khiri
Khan Travel Information
Prachuap
Khiri Khan is located some 281 kms. south of Bangkok. After the
old town was abandoned during the fall of Ayutthaya, a new
settlement was established in 1845 in the reign of King Rama IV.
The province, today, is more famous for its natural charm of
beaches and mountains than historical attractions. Hua Hin, its
major attraction, is one of Thailand's most popular seaside
resorts among overseas visitors as well as Thais.
Klai Kangwon Palace King Rama Vll commanded this
summer palace to be built in the year 1926 to the north of
Hua Hin. The palace consists of 3 Spanish style mansions
facing the sea. It is open to the public daily from 9.00
a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Call (032) 511115 for more information.
Hua Hin This is Thailand's oldest beach resort for the elite
of Bangkok society. It is east of Km. 232 of Highway No. 4,
about 195 kms. from Bangkok or 85 kms. north of Prachuap
Khiri Khan. Hua Hin is noted for its long and white sandy
beach, superb seafood restaurants and a wide range of
accommodation.
*
Book hotels on Hua Hin before you leave home and save money!
Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre
This is located on Naepkhehat Road in Hua Hin. There is an
old typical house, more that 80 years old. It has a
collection and exhibition of many contemporary works of Thai
artists, as well as old furniture and many pictures about
Hua Hin in the past.
Hua Hin Railway Station
В Built in the reign of King Rama Vl, this is one of
Thailand's most beautiful train stations of which the local
people are very proud.
Khao Takiap
This hill is only 4 kms. south of Hua Hin. There is a
road leading to the top where a temple is situated. The
nearby Khao Takiap beach offers mostly bungalow
accommodation. To get to this beach, visitors may take a
local minibus from Hua Hin.
Koh Singto Fishing lovers can enjoy a day's outing to
this island, just a few kilometres from Hua Hinor Khao
Takiap where some boats for hire are available.
Suan Son Pradiphat or Sea Pine Tree Garden This beachside
area belongs to the Army Welfare Office and is open to the
public. It is at Km. 241, some 8 kms. south of Hua Hin.
Accommodation is available.
Khao Tao
This hill is located about 10 kms. south of Hua Hin and 1
km. along an access road. Next to the hill is two quiet
beaches called Hat Sai Noi and Hat Sai Yai , which are the
locations for some bungalows and fishing villages.
Namtok Pa La-u
This waterfall is located within a year long verdant
forest where various kinds of birds and butterflies are
found, especially in the morning. It is composed of 11 tiers
of rock, some of which can be reached along a trekking trail
parallel to the stream. To get there, visitors may take
local transport from Hua Hin for a distance of 63 kms.
Sam Roi Yot National Park
This park is located 63 kms. south of Hua Hin. It
occupies an area of 98 square kilometres with undulating
ranges of limestone mountains, mangrove swamps, and beaches.
It is also home to various kinds of local and migrating
birds, which are plentiful from November to February. With a
large number of ridges, Khao Sam Roi Yot (or the mountain of
300 peaks) stands as a landmark for seaman and also provides
a good shelter for ships during a storm. To get to the park,
follow the direction signs marking the remaining distances
of 38 and 15 kms. at Km. 256 and Km. 286.5, respectively.
Attractions within the park area include:
Hat Sam Phraya located 3.5 kms. north of the park
office, is a beautiful beach. lined with pine trees.
Accommodation is available.
Tham Kaeo is situated some 23 kms. from Pran Buri or
15 kms north of the park office. This cave is full of
stalactites and stalagmites. Oils lamps can be rented at a
nearby Khung Tanot Village.
Tham Sai is 9 kms. north of the park office. Exploration
inside the cave takes about half an hour. Oil lamps can be
ranted at nearby Khung Tanot Village.
Hat Laem Sala is located 16 kms. north of the park
office. lt can be reached by boat or walking across a hill
from Bang Pu Village. Walking up a beachside mountain for a
while, visitors will arrive at a famous cave called "Tham
Phraya Nakhon". The cave has a big hole through which a
shaft of light reaches and permits the growth of various
kinds of plants. Phra Thi Nang Khuha Kharuhat, a Thai style
pavilion, lends the most attractive sight to the cave and
has become the symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan. It is a four-porched
building first constructed in Bangkok in 1890 during the
reign of King Rama V, then dismantled and moved to the cave
where it was reconstructed. Its gable tops were raised by
the King himself.
In addition, there is a viewpoint on Khao Daeng, 400 meters
from the park office and Ban Khao Daeng, a canal side
village, which is the starting point for a boat trip to
watch wild birds.
Khao Chong Krachok
This hill is located in the north of Prachuap Khiri
Khan. From the foot of the hill, up 395 steps, sits a much
revered monastery. The stupa here contains the relic of Lord
Buddha. The hill also offers a spectacular view of the town
and the southern seacoast.
Ao Manao
This beautiful curved bay is under the care of the Royal
Thai Air France. It is some 5 kms. south of the town. This
area use to be a battlefield between the Thai and Japanese
armies during the Second World War. Accommodation should be
reserved in advanced at the 53rd Squadron, Tel: (032)
611017, 611031 ext. 2146.
Wa Ko
This locality has had historical importance since the
reign of King Rama IV. The King made a trip to Wa Ko to
witness the full moon eclipse. A long white sandy beach
lined with pine trees offers a pleasant atmosphere. It is
located at Km. 335 of Highway No. 4, 12 kms. south of town.
Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park
This is located to the west of the town. Travel along
Highway No.4 till km. 331-332, then turn right and drive for
another 8 kms. Among large stones placed by nature in the
area, there are narrow walks leading to wide rocky fields on
the mountain top overlooking the view of the city and the
sea.
Dan Singkhon
This Myanmar-Thailand border pass is located in Tambon
Khlong Wan, 4 kms. from Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park. It used
to be a strategic line for military movement in the past.
Hat Wanakon National Park
This park is 22 kms. south of Prachuap Khiri Khan. and
another 3.5 kms. on an access road. It offers a 7-km. long
beach lined with sea pine trees. For accommodation, contact
the Faculty of Forest Affairs, Kasetsart University, Tel:
579-0520
Namtok Huai Yang National Park
This park covers a forested area on the Tanaosi Mountain
Range. Follow a sign at Km. 351 of Highway No. 4 and drive
along a 7-km. access road to the park office. Namtok Huai
Yang near the park office is its main attraction. The
waterfall is composed of 5 small cascades situated among
recreational surroundings.
Ao Mae Ramphung
This is a scenic bay in Amphoe Bang Saphan. Travel about
75 kms. south of Phrachuap Khiri Khanto km. 399, turn left
and continue for another 17 kms. via Bang Saphan Market.
Accommodation and seafood restaurants are available.
Ao Bo Thonglang
This is located 4 kms. beyond Ao Mae Ramphung along a
beach road. There is a clean and white sandy beach suitable
for swimming.
Koh Thalu, Koh Sang and Koh Sing
These three islands suitable for fishing can be reached
within 20 minutes by boat from Ban Pak Khlong, 3 kms. east
of Bang Saphan.
