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About Hua Hin
Hua Hin, one of Thailand’s premier beach resort towns on the Gulf of Thailand, is less than 200 km south of Bangkok, making it one of the most popular weekend getaway destination for city residents. A resort equally popular with young couples and families, tourists and Thais, Hua Hin is also the location of the King of Thailand’s summer palace, Klai Kang Won, “Far from Worries.”
Hua Hin features a beautiful, powdery sand beach, numerous seaside seafood restaurants, a lively night market, numerous beach activities, and some great inland activities, not least of which is golfing at some of Thailand’s most renowned courses. Just down the coast at Takiab Bay visitors can take seaside horseback rides and visit a hilltop Buddhist temple with a spectacular view.
Accommodation along the beach and on the streets leading away from the sea range from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts, and includes some of the finest spa-retreats in the world. Hua Hin is accessible via train, bus, or car and the seaside community of 60,000 residents epitomizes warm and welcoming Thai hospitality.
The seaside town of Hua Hin, meaning “Stone Head”, was named after the rocks at the north end of the powdery sand beach. Hua Hin became Thailand's first beach resort after a train line was laid in the 1920 to provide access from Bangkok and King Rama VII established his summer retreat in the area. With a 5 kilometer-long beach that features numerous activities and hosts an annual jazz festival, the laid back and hospitable town of Hua Hin continues to draw both tourists and Thais.
In addition to beach activities, outstanding seafood restaurants, and a vibrant night market, Hua Hin is well known for having some of the finest golf courses in Thailand, as well as some of the most renowned resorts and destination spas in the world.
Key Tips
- The office of the Tourist Police is located at the end of Damnoen Kasem Road at the entrance to the beach.
- The Hua Hin Police Station is located on Damnoen Kasem Road, opposite the CAT offices and Post Office. Their telephone number is 1155.
Attractions
Hua Hin Railway Station
Built in the reign of King Rama VI, this is one of Thailand's most beautiful train stations of which the local people are very proud.
Klai Kangwon Palace
King Rama VII commanded this summer palace to be built in the year 1926 to the north of Hua Hin. The palace consists of 3 spanish style mansions facing the sea. It is open to the public daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Call 0-3251-1115 for more information.
Khao Takiap
This hill is only 4 kilometres south of Hua Hin and may be reached by local minibus. There is a road leading to the top where a temple is situated. The nearby Khao Takiap beach offers mostly bungalow accommodation.
Ao Manao
This beautiful curved bay is under the care of the Royal Thai Airforce. It is some 5 kilometres south of the town. This area used to be a battlefield between the Thai and Japanese armies during Second World War. Accommodation should be reserved in advanced at the 53rd Squadron.
Pran Buri and Kui Buri - Sam Roi Yot National Park
This park is located 63 kilometres south of Hua Hin. It occupies an area of 98 square kilometres with undulating ranges of limestone mountains, mangrove swamps, and beaches. It is also home to various kinds of local and migrating birds, which are plentiful from November to February. With a large number of ridges, Khao Sam Roi Yot (or the mountain of 300 peaks) stands as a landmark for seamen and also provides a good shelter for ships during a storm. To get to the park, follow the direction signs marking the remaining distances of 38 and 15 kilometres at Km. 256 and Km.286.5, respectively.
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