Hua Hin
INTRO
If you are wondering where to spend your summer vacation and if you prefer luxury and tropical beaches, Hua Hin might be a good suggestion for you. The first name given to the city by the Thai Emperor some 80 years ago was "Far from Worries" and it undeniably is a serene resort, one of the best in Thailand.
City Profile
City: Hua Hin
Country: Thailand
Area: 911 km2
Population: 84,883
Beaches: 6
Language: Thai
Rating: #1 / 126 at Asian-Cities
LOCATION
Situated on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand and only 200km from the Thai capital, Bangkok, Hua Hin is the oldest summer resort of the country that still pleases the elite of its society. Since the construction of the southern railway station, and later provided with its own airport, Hua Hin is easily accessible and has become an ultimate gateway destination not only for Thailand's upper class but also for the foreign visitors.
TIME TO VISIT
As most Thai cities, Hua Hin has three seasons: hot (March-June), rainy (July-October) and cool (November-February). The hot season is characterised by hot and humid days and nights, mild afternoon breezes and an average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is also hot with temperatures around 28 degrees and occasional rains that last for only 10-20 minutes. The cool season brings cooler nights and milder day temperatures averaging around 26 degrees. The wind gets a little stronger to help the windsurfers. Hua Hin is pleasant throughout the whole year since the sun is always suitable for sunbathing and water sports. Probably the best time though is the hot season when two major festivals take place: the International Kite Festival (middle of March) and the Hua Hin Jazz Festival (beginning of June).
POPULATION
The number of people living in Hua Hin exceeds 80,000 and continues to grow even though it is a relatively small holiday town compared to other resorts in the country. The majority of people are Buddhists with a small percentage of Muslims. Officially, everybody speaks Thai but it is possible to hear some English at the more luxurious hotels.
BEACHES
Hua Hin has six more famous local beaches situated in short distance outside of the urban area. The beaches are wide and long with shallow waters and relatively mild currents, which makes the conditions very family friendly.
- Cha-am Beach is 28 km north of Hua Hin with many vendors along the coast selling almost everything. The place remains less crowded during the week and one can enjoy a chair or Thai massage under the tree shades, jet skiing and even horse riding.
- Hua Hin Beach begins in the town area and stretches 7 kilometres to Khan Takiab. The beach is less urbanised than most resorts in the city and thus contributes to a relaxing time on a not-crowded beach. It is possible to get a deck chair and a beach umbrella for a reasonable hourly charge.
- Khao Tao is a small secluded bay at 20 kilometres from Hua Hin with deserted beaches and fine romantic seaside restaurants. A day out of town can be perfectly spent here with good local food and a deserted beach.
- Suan Son beach is 15 kilometres south of Hua Hin that is most popular among the natives. Its name comes from the numerous pine trees that fringe the beach there.
- Khao Takiab beach can be found 7 kilometres south of Hua Hin. The place is famous because of the Buddha statue just on the root of the hill as well as for the temple complex found on top of it. Local families gather here sometimes to play some football or volleyball, while others prefer the beach behind the hill where waters are shallow and safe for children.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
The number of interesting places to visit in Hua Hin is truly amazing. The city offers wide variety of entertainment that can satisfy even the most capricious guests. Regardless of your interests, however, there are several landmarks of Hua Hin, some of which should certainly be seen.
- Klai Kangwon Palace was built in 1927 as a summer palace for His Majesty and Queen Rampai Phanee. The palace features Spanish style architecture and overlooks the sea. No wonder its original name meant "The Royal Residence full of Happiness". Klai Kangwon Palace is still used by the present monarch for both political and personal purposes.
- Hua Hin Railway Station is considered a must for both foreign and native tourists since it is the first one in Thailand and was built specially for the needs of the King Rama's family. The Royal Waiting Room, in a unique Thai architectural style, is the most astonishing part of the Station.
- Maruekatayawan Palace is among the oldest and most attractive palaces in Thailand and a highly recommended tourist site. It was built in 1923 by His Majesty King Rama VI as a serene vacation house facing the sea. The palace is mostly recognised for the three wooden pavilions on the sand that are today sometimes used as a meeting point or a theatre.
- Khao Takiab Temple or the Monkey Temple is situated on top of the Khao Takiab hill that is sticking out of the sea. Before climbing up the hill, enjoy the majestic 20m statue of Lord Buddha at the foot of the hill. Khao Takiab enjoys the presence of other Buddhist statues as well as a 10m statue of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy. The major tourist attraction in the temple, however, is the monkeys. You can feed them but be careful since the monkeys can become aggressive if you try to take their food back.
- Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park is also a marvel of Hua Hin where another royal castle emerges among the blossomed trees, namely the Phra Nakhon Khiri. The palace is a huge complex that comprises of many buildings, wats, palaces and royal halls. The royal temple of Wat Phra Kaew is also found within the park district and fascinates with its resemblance to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.
- Khan Luang Cave is a truly marvellous place famous for the impressive Buddha image built by King Rama V and enshrined inside the cave. The Buddha image along with other smaller renovated Buddhist statues is placed in a wide inner hall of the cave. In close proximity to the cave is a big monastery that is also worth seeing.
AIRPORT
Hua Hin is currently reachable only from Thailand either by bus, train or plane.
- Hua Hin Thailand International Airport is located 5km north of Hua Hin but is currently running only domestic flights from Bangkok or Samui. Air shuttle services allow people to fly from Bangkok to Hua Hin in 40 minutes. There are four flights per day for 3100 baht one way and 5200 baht two-way trip. More info at: http://www.huahinairport.com/ www.bangkokair.com Phone: (66-32) 520343
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Hua Hin offers several efficient ways of travelling around the city:
- Local bus to Khan Takiab is available every 15 minutes. You can wave your hand to stop it (it is a green truck), Fare: 7 baht.
- Songtaews are pick-up-taxis, suitable for three people, and readily available. Price: around 10 baht per person.
- Tuk-Tuks are a means of transportation that is very characteristic of the Thailand. The three-wheel motorised taxis are especially popular for short distances. Remember to agree upon your fare in advance.
- Bike or Motorbike can be rented at reasonable prices: 50-100 baht for a bike and 200-300 baht for a motorbike per day.
HISTORY
Discovered in 1920 by King Rama VII, Hua Hin is proud of its 80-years history as a Royal resort. The small fishing village was the ideal escape-from-the-hectic-Bangkok-life place, where the aristocracy would spend their vacations. In 1928 the King Rama built his Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Summer Palace, which today continues to serve to the royal family as a residence. A railway line was constructed to Hua Hin that enables easy access from Bangkok and today many upper class families come to their beachfront summer homes to spend some time away from the big city. Today, Hua Hin is the major summer resort in Thailand.
CITY LINKS
- Hua Hin Today, A Daily Newspaper in English: http://www.huahintoday.net/
- Interesting Places in Hua Hin: http://www.thailandparadise.com/hua-hin-see-do.htm
- Useful Tips: http://www.huahinafterdark.com/attractions.htm
- Tourist Authority of Thailand: http://www.tourismthailand.org/destinationguide/list.aspx?provinceid=1
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- Stamford International University: http://www.stamford.edu/about_huahin.aspx
- Webster University: http://www.webster.ac.th/about/chaam.htm
- WECI English Language Institute: http://www.wecitefl.com/