Destination Hua Hin in Thailand

How would you like to spend your holiday at a resort fit for a king? Hua Hin is a beach resort on the Gulf of Thailand about 2 ½ hours south of Bangkok by car. This lovely locale has the distinction of being a vacation spot popular not only with foreign tourists, but also with Thai residents. Bhumibol Adulyadej, the reigning King of Thailand, would seem to be a fan of Hua Hin, so much so that he made Klai Kangwon Palace in this seaside town into his permanent royal residence in 2007. If you would like to experience a serenely stunning sandy beach and gorgeous cerulean waters, perhaps together with some regal pampering, this is the place for you. Located on the quieter western side of the Gulf, Hua Hin is the oldest resort area in Thailand, with a more sedate reputation than some of the famous party towns. It’s great for parents with children or couples seeking a peaceful getaway.

Cruising the Beaches

You can walk – preferably barefoot – the length of Hua Hin’s beach, which is a single stretch of soft white sand, about 5 kilometers long. Of course swimming in the caressingly warm waters is a favored activity, as is reclining on a deck chair and letting your cares drift gently away. Should you feel a bit more enterprising, though, you might want to try a cruise, which you might say is one of Hua Hin’s specialties. There are sea cruises, river cruises, fishing cruises, squid trapping, “green” eco cruises, dinner cruises and even romantic “get married on a boat” cruises.

Other activities focusing on the sea are many and varied, mostly at the beach just to the south because Hua Hin’s main beach area has jutting rocks submerged below the surface of the Gulf. Kite boarding, wind surfing, waterskiing, jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving or banana boat riding – which of these is your pleasure?

Special Activites

Away from the water, explore your surroundings on foot, by bike or on the back of a pony … or perhaps an elephant. Guided treks are a fantastic way to see the lush tropical countryside and perhaps a way to make new friends. Golf, martial arts and go karting make up a mixed bag of outdoor sports for you to try. Of course there are those for whom shopping is a sport; they can enjoy the thrill of the “hunt” at rustic local bazaars, including a couple of Thailand’s famous night markets, or at upscale shopping centers.

One “don’t miss” activity unique to Hua Hin is taking a look at the local palaces. While Klai Kangwon Palace, home of the King and Queen, is closed to the public, its attractive manicured grounds, embellished with Javanese art, are open for a few hours in the late afternoon to joggers and walkers. Show your respect by wearing shoes and modest sleeve lengths, please! The traditional golden teak Maruekatayawan Palace, just north of Hua Hin, may be visited daily for a glimpse at the Royal history of Thailand.

Time for Food

When it comes to food, your biggest dilemma will be selecting what and where to eat from among the many choices. Even after you have chosen a restaurant – an elegant hotel dining establishment or a more modest local eatery, you may be presented with an enormous multi page menu of delectable sounding dishes from which to order. Yet another option – in case you’re not confused enough already – is traditional street food, with popular Thai specialties. (Remember Hua Hin is a vacation spot for residents of Thailand as well as foreigners.) If you are ready to brave some fiery hot delicacies, this is a chance to feel like a real Thais for a few minutes. Nightlife is less rowdy than in many other locations, although there is a small quarter for bars and nightclubs just in from the Hilton Hotel.

The decision about where to stay offers an equal overload of choices. Many tourists opt for an all inclusive package at a luxury hotel, where you can book the ultimate indulgence, a villa with your own private swimming pool. This is a wonderful option for families. (It also offers Mom – and maybe Dad as well? – the opportunity to enjoy some special spa services, such as a traditional Thai massage. There are plenty of hotels for more modest budgets also, as well as some bargain motels and guest houses.