Hua Hin Hotels

Those royal connections remain strong. The king’s permanent residence, Klai Kangwon Palace, is here. Although it isn’t open to visitors, you can still walk around the outer palace grounds – just make sure you wear closed shoes and long pants and you bring your passport.

Hua Hin used to be a tiny fishing village but has since been completely transformed into a seriously lavish resort town. Zealous beachgoers will be delighted by the breadth – in every sense – of beaches to choose from. From the iconic Hua Hin Beach to smaller, sleepier beaches at Sam Roi Yot National Park, there’s something for everyone. So get your sunscreen ready!

Whether you’re after golf courses, night markets, or just some resting and relaxing, Hua Hin knows how to show you a good time, but without the hedonistic excesses. That’s not to say the resort is patronised by the Amish. You can still swig on freshly brewed beer at the Hua Hin Brewing Company at The Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, it’s just that the seediness of other Thai resorts is refreshingly absent.

Hua Hin is about tranquility, not transvestites. So if relaxation floats your boat, you’ll love it here.

HUA HIN’S TOP 10

HUA HIN EAT & DRINK

In Hua Hin, there’s a wide variety of cuisines on offer. And since it used to be a fishing village, it’s no surprise that you’ll find a whole lot of seafood here.

HUA HIN EVENTS

From March to April, Thailand’s International Kite Festival displays everything kite-related, from stunt kites to traditional Thai kites. The festival only runs every other year.

Every year in June, Hua Hin holds the Hua Hin Jazz Festival, drawing first-rate jazz musicians from all over the world. If you’ve never experienced jazz on the beach before, this is the perfect time to see it!

The Hua Hin Vintage Car Rally is an annual event that features a procession of over 60 antique and classic cars. The December rally starts in Bangkok and finishes at the Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort. On the last day you can join in the fun at the 1920s gala.

WHEN TO GO

Temperatures stay pretty constant (generally around 30°C/86°F) all year round in Hua Hin. The only seasonal changes you’ll encounter are rain or sun!

· The hottest it gets in Hua Hin is around March to May, so pack your bathing suit because you’re likely to spend most your days in it.

· From June to October, the rainy season makes it almost unbearably humid and sticky. An umbrella might also come in handy.

· Hua Hin is coolest from November to February. And with cool we don’t meant winter-cool. It’s more like a 25-degrees (77°F) kind-of-cool.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

You can choose from taking a car, bus or train to Hua Hin from Bangkok. It’s about a three hour drive. There used to be daily flights, but they were discontinued indefinitely in 2010.

Around Hua Hin, you can hail down one of the songthaws (baht buses), which cost a mere 10 baht. Otherwise there are motorcycle taxis, tuk tuks, and samlors (rickshaws) at your service. It’s also possible to rent a motorbike or a car (though car rentals are not as common as motorbikes). Traffic can be quite bad and driving in general can get very chaotic. Renting a vehicle is only suitable for those who are feeling brave and confident.

WHAT TO MISS

· Watch out for the tailor shops where overpricing is all the rage. Unless you’re an expert at bargaining, get clothes made in another part of Thailand.

· Avoid the beach at high tide – it gets to the point when you practically can’t see the beach anymore!

· Tuk tuks can be way overpriced. Either bargain or settle for another means of transport.

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Hua Hin - General information