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When mentioning Hua
Hin, one pictures long, sandy beaches, unspoiled and uncluttered. Hua
Hin can be further distinguished as Thailand's oldest beach resort. What
was once a sleepy little fishing port received royal distinction in the
1920s, when King Rama VII chose the site for a summer palace, which he
named 'Klai Kangwon', meaning "Far From Worries" - an indication of Hua
Hin's restful atmosphere.
A vogue was thus
created and Hua Hin became the resort for the elite of Bangkok's society,
a status enhanced by the completion of an 18-hole golf course. Today,
the present Royal Family continues to spend part of the year at Hua Hin,
while the resort has also gained wide popularity with overseas visitors.
In spite of moving
with the times to offer all modern amenities, Hua Hin has retained its
own enduring Thai identity. the main attraction of this resort is a peaceful
time lazing on the beach soaking up the tropical sunshine, complemented
by the fun of a variety of water-sports and delight in relishing some
excellent seafood.
What makes Hua Hin
stand out amongst Thailand's many resorts is the fact that unlike the
younger resorts, such as Pattaya, Thailand's oldest seaside holiday town
has never sought an international image. It remains content in itself
and a stroll down by the little fishing port gives a refreshing insight
into the traditional life of a Thai coastal settlement, perhaps a trifle
more prosperous than most, but unpretentious nonetheless.
In addition to the
attraction of sun, sea and sand, Hua Hin provides options for leisurely
times away from the beach. Of particular note is the busy night market.
This is not something created just for the visitor, rather it is a traditional
place and occasion for shopping and pursuing that most delightful of Thai
past times, 'pai teeo' - leisurely wandering about to see and be seen.
Best buys for the dedicated shopper are the locally produced high quality
silk and cotton, as well as the region's famous dried seafood and various
kinds of 'kanom' - Thai sweets.
Although the keynote
of a stay at Hua Hin is relaxation, the coastline in this region is well
worth exploring. South from Hua Hin, through Pran Buri and down to Prachuap
Khiri Khan, there are numerous quiet coves and tiny fishing villages,
ideal destinations for day excursions. Hence, Hua Hin offers the visitors
what they expect and more!
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