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Introduction: Hua
Hin,
Thailand
Hua Hin developed as Thailand’s original beach resort shortly after WW I at
the same time of the construction of the Southern Railway and the new summer
palace of King Prajadhipok (King Rama VII) called “Klai Kangwon Palace”. At
that time Hua Hin was the favorite place for holiday among the Royal family and
the elites. The first hotel, Railway Hotel was then constructed in order to
welcome the King and his entourage. Soon afterwards, bungalows were built along
the beach, bringing Hua Hin to its great popularity as a resort town during
those times. Even today, despite changes, Hua Hin is still a wonderful choice
for a shortly relaxing and quiet stay near Bangkok, alternative to Pattaya which
is more crowded.
Hua Hin is one of seven districts of Prachuab Khiri Khan Province, located
about 92 kilometers north of Prachuab Khiri Khan downtown and approximately 200
kilometers south of Bangkok. Hua Hin sprawls on the total area of approximately
911 square kilometers.
Hua Hin possesses a tropical climate with high humidity. There are three
seasons: hot season (March to May); rainy season (June-October), and cool season
(November-February).
Entertainment & Eating out
Although Hua Hin is not the place of real gourmet with a limit of
upscale-restaurants, it still provides a relatively fine various cuisines both
local and international around town; Thai, Italian, Indian, French, American and
more are of your choices. The excellent cuisines are often found in the up-scale
hotels.
The most well-known eating outlets are the series of sea food pier eateries
which may not offer the exceptional food but the distinctively lively
atmosphere. The area where you can find the cheap local foods is at the Satukarn
Square near the railway station teeming with food stalls which again mostly
feature sea food menus. The nearby night market is convenient for shoppers.
Spa and Thai Massage - Spa and Thai massage increasingly became very
popular activities for tourists. In Hua Hin, there are many outlets to receive
such service. Spa is almost universally available in hotels and resorts. Thai
massage service can be easily found in shops or even on the beach. Chiva Som is
one of the internationally well-known resorts with a wide variety of treatments.
Golfing - Hua Hin is regarded as the golf capital of Thailand as it is
the site of Thailand’s first golf course, Royal Hua Hin Golf course behind the
railway station in the town center where the Thai King and his entourage used to
spend time golfing. Over a half dozen other courses are also dotted around the
town, including the 27-hole-Lakeview, which has its own hotel, the Jack Nicklaus-designed
Springfield Royal Country Club, Palm Hills, just 15 minutes from Hua Hin,
Majestic Creek and Bangkok Milford.
Shopping - Hua Hin is not the ideal place for those who eye for a
shopping extravaganza. A small selection of boutique-type can be found on
Naretdamri Road and some of the surrounding areas near the Hilton Hotel, but do
no expect to find much variety. Despite that, the lively night market selling
T-shirts, leather wallets and other goods is a great experience fro tourists to
see the local colors.
Go cart - For those who are tired of the sun, sand and beach, the more
energetic activity like go-cart driving is available at the well-maintained
go-cart track near the airport.
Festivals & Events
Hua Hin’s most famous and biggest event is elephant polo. Held at the
Pradiphat Pine Forest at Suan Son south of Hua Hin, the tournament attracts many
teams from all around the world.
Other popular festivals include Jazz Festival, a venue of jazz musicians of
both local and overseas. Jazz music performances are featured at various venues
around Hua Hin. Hua Hin/Cha-am Golf Festival also attracts golf players and
enthusiasts as many Hua Hin’s golf courses are ranked as the world-standard.
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