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Located 150 miles from Bangkok, Hua Hin's magnificent beach runs
south from a rocky headland, which separates it from a tiny fishing
port. It curves gently for about two miles to its southern point
where Buddhist temples cling to the cliffs. Beyond lies another
beach Hat Khao Tao, pine-fringed and more secluded.
The beaches of Hua Hin first came to the country's attention in
1926, when King Rama VI's royal architect constructed Phra Ratchawong
Klai Kangwon, a seafront summer palace of golden teak just north
of what was then a small fishing village. Once endorsed by the royal
family, Hua Hin has remained a traditional favorite among Thais.
The palace is still used by the royal family from time to time.
Hua Hin's Night Market is a popular spot, with a wide selection
of souvenirs and local Thai handicrafts, and a good source of Thai
food. Several world-class golf courses are within a short drive
from the resort. Hua Hin is easily accessible by rail, bus or flights
from Bangkok and takes less than three hours to get to by car.
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| Notable sites: |
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Hua
Hin Night Market
Hua Hin's famed night market is a popular among visitors and
locals alike for souvenirs, clothing and general goods.
His Majesty the King's Summer Palace
Klai Kang Won
Klai Kang Won, meaning 'far from worries', was designed
with a European architectural feel and was built in the late
1920s by King Rama VII; it is still used as a summer palace
by the present monarch. The palace consists of 3 Spanish style
mansions facing the sea, and beside the royal residence are
beautiful gardens. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00
p.m.
Wat Khao Takiap
Located at the southern end of Hua Hin beach, the temple-topped
hill of Khao Takiap is well worth climbing for its scattering
of Buddhist shrines and the panoramic views. Climb the steps
of this mountain-side temple to get an excellent view of the
bay. Keep an eye out for wild monkies on the cliffs and in
the tree tops. |
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Hua
Hin Railway Station
One of the oldest railway stations in Thailand, its most striking
feature is the unique Royal Waiting Room, built in Thai architectural
style. |
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In the environs: |
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Sam
Roi Yot National Park
This is the first national park by the sea, literally translated
as 'three hundred peaks', covering more than 24,500 acres.
Marshlands support a large variety of waterfowl species and
the limestone masses are home to three popular caves: Phraya
Nakhon, Kaeo and Sai. Phraya Nakhon Cave contains a pavilion,
built in 1890 by King Rama V. It is said that when sunlight
shines into the cave onto the pavilion, it makes the cave
more beautiful than any other in Prachuap Khiri Khan. With
a large number of ridges, Khao Sam Roi Yot (or the mountain
of 300 peaks) stands as a landmark for seamen and also provides
a good shelter for ships during a storm.
Kaeng
Krachan National Park
Thailand's largest national park is located some 50 kilometres
north-west of Cha-am. The park extends towards the Burmese
border to the west, is characterised by forested hills and
mountains and waterways, and has as a major focal point the
Kaeng Krachan Dam, a 58-metre-high and 760-metre-long structure
that dominates a scenic reservoir.
Marukhathaiyawan
Palace
This beachside palace was formerly used as a royal summer
residence by King Rama VI during the 1920s. The palace was
designed by an Italian architect and built of golden teak.
Khao Wang
This 92-metre hillock on the northern approach to Petchburi
supports the Phra Nakorn Khiri Palace, built in the 19th century
by King Rama IV. The palace presents a fascinating collection
of buildings that combine both Thai and Western architectural
styles. Parts of the complex include an observatory and museum
that are open daily to the public. |
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Pa-La-U
Waterfall
This beautiful, 15-tier waterfall is in the middle of rich
and fertile virgin forest. It is located about 60 kilometres
west of Hua Hin town centre. Water cascades down the fall
throughout the year and various species of birds and butterflies
can be found there, especially in the morning. |
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Golf courses: |
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Hua Hin is home to six world-class golf courses,
which are all within 15 to 30 minutes' drive from Baan Talay Dao.
Springfield Royal Country Club
The course is generally considered as one of the premier golfing
resorts in Thailand. The famous golfer Jack Nicklaus designed this
course to meet the high demands of recognised championship golf,
and yet it remains an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all standards.
Palm Hills Golf Club
The course is a garden paradise with over 40,000 mature palms and
mountains all around. The 18 outcrop extends from the mountain range.
Holes are arranged in two distinctive nine-hole sections, separated
by the clubhouse and a rocky outcrop extending from the mountain
range.
Majestic Creek Country Club
The course was designed by a local golf architect and is claimed
to be a course needing to be played with imagination and skill.
The journey to the course is interesting as the road passes through
rural Thailand with small pineapple and sugarcane farms. |
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Imperial
Lake View Golf Club
With a good championship length of more than 6900 yards from
the back tees, the course has been designed to convey a sense
of adventure. Greens are often hidden from the tees, but the
well-defined fairways provide the necessary pointers for golfers
to retain a sense of direction. |
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Royal Hua Hin Golf Course
The first golf course in Thailand, it was built in 1924 and set
among the rolling coastal hills. A notable hole is the 14th, with
an exotic glimpse of a Buddhist temple halfway up a densely wooded
slope.
Milford Golf Club
The Milford course lies in a spectacular location, nestled in the
valleys of a chain of mountains directly adjoining the coastline.
Tourist information on Hua Hin and the surrounding area is available
at the municipal office (032-511047, 532433) on the corner of Th
Phetkasem and Th Damneon Kasem, a couple of hundred meters east
of the train station. The office is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30
pm.
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