HuaHin Town’s Society
Laying opposite from Pattaya in the Gulf of Thailand, the same can be said for the type of resort it is. The town doesn't have the general bawdyness that has been associated with Pattaya and doesn't posses so called 'entertainment centres'. So for those who want a more tranquil atmosphere, surrounded in a more traditional ambience, then Hua Hin is a more suitable place to visit.
History of Hua Hin
Hua Hin is Thailand's oldest seaside holiday town and has had connections with the Royal Family since the 19th century. The royal connection started in 1868 when King Mongkut travelled here to observe a total eclipse of the sun.
In 1910 the brother of Rama VI, Prince Chakrabongse visited the area on a wild-game hunt. He became so enchanted with the place, he had a villa built there. The first royal to build a palace here was Prince Naris, the son of Rama V, who had Saen Saram House built. In 1928 the Prince's brother King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) added to the royal connection by having the teakwood palace Deer Park built. Finally, in the late 1920's Rama VII had another palace built, Klai Kangwon or 'far from worries'. The name is ironic as it was while the king was here that he was dislodged from the throne in a coup d'etat in 1932. The Royal family still visit the palace to spend their summer days there.
The 1980's saw a resurgence in development, mainly to cater for the wealthier patrons of Bangkok. Condominiums stretch along the white sandy beach to the south of the bay. Championship golf courses have been constructed, to match that of the Royal Hua Hin Golf Club - the oldest in the kingdom, built in 1928. Resulting in Hua Hin becoming a major destination for golfing enthusiasts. Despite the modernisation, the charm of Hua Hin can still be found in the local community's continuence of their everyday activities. Visitors need not go no further than the fishing harbour and pier. The common sight of the fishermen turning over their catch, before loading up with ice and then head off into the night for the next days catch. Several restaurants near the pier are a good place to sample the catch. The nightmarket in the centre of town is another good place for getting to try out as many local dishes as you want.
Inside Hua Hin
This popular resort town a few hours south of Bangkok offers a wide range of beachfront accommodation, good golfing, and seafood galore.
Popular Resort
Close to Bangkok, Hua Hin is becoming increasingly popular, although it has all but escaped the gaudy excesses of Pattaya and Patong. The town boasts accommodation to suit all budgets, with a good selection of resorts spread along its white sandy beach.
Great 6 Golf Courses
Golfers can prefer golf courses and enjoy golfing at :
Historical Eminence
Notable buildings in Hua Hin are the town’s appealing teak railway station, Klai Kangwon Summer Palace and the colonial-style Sofitel Central Hua Hin Hotel, portrayed as the Phnom Penh hotel in the movie The Killing Fields. All three give visitors a glimpse into a bygone era.
Breezy Beaches
Hua Hin’s peaceful beach differs to many others in Thailand due to its refreshing sea breeze, and near the Sofitel Hotel, large rounded rocks protrude from the sea. A few sailing and jet ski operators work from Hua Hin, but not enough to disturb swimmers. However, occasional pests are jellyfish (these give painful burns, so be vigilant) and tiny black sand flies (their harmless-looking bites become very itchy a day later).
Imposing Views
For a good view of Hua Hin Beach, follow the shoreline south to Khao Takiap and walk up the steps to the temple. This is a good 7-km walk, but songthaews and taxis also go there. Alternatively, you could hire a pony from operators on the beach. Forty kilometers south of Hua Hin is the 98-sq. km Sam Roi Yod National Park, home to an impressive array of flora and fauna.
Hua Hin Jazz Festival
For the every summer, thousands of jazz fans can chill out enjoying the great jazz tunes in Hua Hin Jazz Festival, being held in June of every year.
Thailand's oldest beach resort, Hua Hin has long been a popular destination among overseas visitors as well as Thais due to its natural beauty in beaches and lush forest mountains, the atmosphere of serenity and a variety of fine seafood. The Hua Hin Jazz Festival is expected to draw thousands of local and overseas visitors, all keen to enjoy local and international artists and bands rotating their performances between four stages in central downtown Hua Hin as well as discover the many spotlights this world-class destination has to offer.
Throughout the festival there is a host of other activities planned including jazz workshops, local food stalls and product sales. Moreover, there will be games and lucky draws with fun for all the family. The festival is aiming to attract not only jazz enthusiasts but a wide range of locals and tourists to make this jazz festival unforgettable.
The event will start at 6:00 p.m. at central downtown, Hua Hin, Seaside stages…. it's free of charge.
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.
Shopping in Hua Hin
Hua Hin offers a range of shopping from street and market stalls to boutique shops.
Markets and Shops in the Central Area:
The Night Market in Central Hua Hin is located in the centre of town, you will easily find it, from the Night Market area where you will find local street stalls and food stalls you can walk towards the Fishing Piers and find many shamm shops with a wide range of interesting items. You will especially find Arts and Crafts with some very interesting items. You will also find Artist Galleries and fine Boutique Shops. In Hua Hin you will also find Optic Shops / Opticians, Tailor and Clothing Shops. Hua Hin Shopping Mall opposite the central Hua hin Temple offers several floors of shopping.
Away from the Central Area:
The Nigh Market at 'Grand Plaza' is walking distance from town though many may also take a Samlor or Tuk-Tuk. The Market is located south from the Hilton and Sofitel areas towards the Marriott Resort. The Grand Plaza Night market is open from Thursday to Sunday and offers visitors the chance to enjoy a typical Thai Market, you will also find items here are very 'cheap' as it is not directed to visitors but caters to local shoppesr. You will also find cheap food and not only shopping but an interesting atmosphere.