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HUA HIN
(185 kilometers southwest of Bangkok)
Immediate & Related Attractions
Hua Hin can lay claim to being Thailand's oldest beach resort.
This status dates from 1926 when King Rama VII built a beachside
palace named Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries). The Thai royal
families still customarily spend the hottest months of the year,
generally March through April, there. Many prominent Bangkok
families maintain beachside villas. Hua Hin boasted Thailand's first
golf course (still in use as the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course after
some 70 years) and the resort continues to exude, despite
modernization, a genteel fin de siecle
atmosphere.
Hua Hin Beach
This extends some three kilometers southwards from the fishing
village and rocky headland (that gives Hua Hin, literally Rocky
Head, its name) until a southern headland where Buddhist temples
cling to yet another, somewhat formidable cliff. Fine white sand,
resort hotels, many water sports opportunities lends the resort its
distinctive ambiance.
Khao Takiap
This hill marking the southern extent of Hua Hin supports
Buddhist temples and offers a commanding view of the resort,
particularly early in the morning.
Sea Pine Tree Garden
This is located 8 kilometers south of Hua Hin. A left turn is
made at Km 240 on Highway 4 for a distance of half a kilometer.
There are restaurants and accommodation facilities. Further details
may be obtained from Hua Hin 511-239-40.
Pala-U Waterfall
This scenic waterfall, some 60 kilometers west of Hua Hin, is
an increasingly popular destination.
Khao Tao/Sai Noi Beach
Between the Km. 243 and 244 markers, there is a branch road,
which leads to a scenic lake, and a beautiful beach named Sai Noi.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
This coastal national park literally translated as 'Three
Hundred Peaks', covers more than 24,500 acres. High, thinly
vegetated Limestone Mountains and coastal marshlands overlook
several islands. The marshlands support a great variety of waterfowl
species and the limestone masses are riddled with popular caves.
Accommodation and camping facilities are available.
Prachuap Khiri Khan
This unpretentious and somnolent provincial capital lies 90
kilometers south of Hua Hin and nestles against a crescent bay with
a fine beach. The most prominent landmark is a beachside hillock
named Khao Chong Kra Chok (Mirror Mountain) near the provincial
office. The hillock supports a Buddhist shrine on the top, which is
reached by a climb of some 390 steps. A tribe of mischievous monkeys
inhabits the hillock. The summit affords exhilarating views of the
rugged coastline to the north, including Sam Roi Yot, and a splendid
view of Prachuap Bay.
Golf
Golfing opportunities abound in Cha-am and Hua Hin. Indeed,
golf is the major sport aside from popular watersports. Some of the
courses are well established. Others are recent creations, several
having been specially designed by internationally renowned golfers.
Major golf courses include:
Springfield Royal Country Club of Cha-am
- 36-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus
Palm Hills Resort & Country Club
- 18-hole course designed by Max Wexler.
Majestic Creek Country Club & Beach Resort
Lake View Princess Resort & Golf Club
Milford Golf Course & Condominium
- 18-hole course designed by Robert Mcfarland.
Special Event
Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair Each February, the
hilltop Phra Nakhon Khiri palace in Phetchaburi becomes the focal
point of a popular fair, which features light & sound presentations,
bazaars, folk entertainment and other special activities.
Shopping Hua
Hin is best known for its cotton products, which come in a wide
range of prints and colors, and its dried seafood products, which
enjoy enduring appeal among those who favor Thai and Chinese
cuisine. A nightly street market in Hua Hin is the favorite venue
for shoppers. Phetchaburi has long been renowned for the excellence
of its Thai-style sweets, which include subtle custards and egg -
based confectionery. Several specialty sweet shops are located at
the foot of Khao Wang on the northern outskirts of the provincial
capital.
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