Hua Hin Destination Guide
The once-sleepy beachfront resort town of Hua Hin has begun to attract well-deserved attention. The location of the king of Thailand’s summer palace, Hua Hin found favor with wealthy Bangkok Thais long before it was discovered by Western tourists. Today it is not just big-city Thais slipping away for a weekend of clean air and fresh seafood that visit the town. Hua Hin is now squarely on the map as a premier holiday destination and is attracting visitors from around the world.
Just 125 mi/200 km south of Bangkok on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is easily accessible by road, rail and air. Although the town has lost its sleepy feel because of a boom in business, hotels and housing, Hua Hin has managed to retain its charm and is free of the sleaze that plagues many of Thailand’s other beach resorts. Hua Hin is an excellent family destination, a paradise for golfers and an idyllic place to bask in the sun.
In the early 1920s, during the reign of King Rama VI, the Royal State Railway of Siam opened a line to the seaside town in order to allow ease of access for the royal family. A beautiful railway station was built and to this day remains as one of the oldest, most well-preserved stations in Thailand. The advent of the railway was closely followed by the construction of Klai Kangwon Palace in 1926 by King Rama VII. Meaning “far from worries” in Thai, Klai Kangwon continues to be used as the official royal residence, a fact that ensures Hua Hin has a special place in the hearts of all Thai people.
A fabulous 4-mi/7-km stretch of beach and shallow water make Hua Hin the perfect playground for the whole family. The wide expanse of sand is used for a range of activities including horseback riding, kite boarding and alfresco dining on fresh seafood. Beachfront accommodation is plentiful, and the town offers something for all budgets, from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts and spas. Golfers will also find Hua Hin to their liking, as it is home to nine top-quality golf resorts. The town also hosts an annual jazz festival in June. 140 mi/225 km south of Bangkok.
