About Hua Hin
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Hua Hin
A Guide to Hua Hin
Cha-am (ชะอำ) and Hua Hin (หัวหิน) are beach destinations both located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Cha-am (ชะอำ) is a district in Phetchaburi province, located about 160 Kilometers from Bangkok and Hua Hin (หัวหิน) is a district in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province located 295 kilometers south west of Bangkok. Only 2-3 hours drive from Bangkok by car, bus or train, you can be relaxing while strolling along the pine-fringed beach. It abounds with on land and water activities such as golf, horse-riding, windsurf, jet ski, kitesurfing, kayaking, fishing, hiking in the National Park. Located on the sunrise side of the Gulf of Thailand, Cha-am and Hua Hin boast a wide range of accommodations from a little hut on the beach to 5-star hotel while both towns keep the traditional way of living while come replete with tourist facilities, markets, souvenir shops and abounding dining options.
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Hua Hin Town
Hua Hin Town is on the coast of Hua Hin District. With an area around 86.36 km², the town has 50,169 inhabitants. It is a popular beach resort getaway for Bangkok Residents. The Railway Hotel, now more generally known as The Sofitel Hotel, is a famous old building which was used as The Hotel Pnom Phen in the film "The Killing Fields".
Climate
Hua Hin has a tropical climate with high humidity and occasional rain. It is typically pleasant. Generally, the cool season is from November to February. The hottest months are March thru May. The rainy season begins in June and ends in October, however, since the weather is tropical, the rain outbursts are short, sporadic and heavy.
Location
The district to the North is Cha Am. The district to the South is Amphoe Pran Buri.
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Hua Hin Beach
It is a tranquil white sand beach stretching from a rocky headland to Khao Takiap hill in the Southern end where a Buddhist temple clings to the cliffs. About 5 km. long, Hua Hin beach is full of large smooth stones at its ends and as a result it was named "Hua Hin" meaning the stone head.
The seaside resort attracts lots of Thai and foreign tourists who seek a nice beach holiday close to Bangkok. With full facilities and its proximity to the entertainment centre in town, the beach is lined with a wide selection of accommodation ranging from hotels to bungalows.
Hua Hin offers great opportunities for swimming and relaxing in peace as well as the special acitivity of horse riding. Bicycles are available for rent. The beach-side area is also a popular dining venue. |
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Hua Hin Railway Station
This is one of The Oldest Railway Stations in Thailand. Its unique feature, the red and white pavilion formerly served as the Royal Waiting Room, was built in classical Thai-Style by command of King Rama VI (1910-1925) for use in the Sanamchan Palace in Nakhon Pathom province.
In 1968, the pavilion was renovated and moved to be settled at Hua Hin Railway Station. |
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Klai Kangwon Palace or the Summer Palace
Built in 1926, soon after King Rama VII was crowned, the palace consists of three Spanish-style mansions overlooking the sea. Besides the beautiful ornamental gardens, the palace also features a shell museum. Presently, it is the residence of His Majesty the King.
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Takiap Hill
This hill, jutting out to sea, is lying at the Southern end of Hua Hin Beach, about 6 km. from town. It has a temple and a huge standing Buddha image on the hilltop, where a good vantage point is provided.
Formerly, visitors had to climb series of steps to the top of Takiap Hill to enjoy the panoramic views of the bay and Hua Hin town. But now the hill is easily accessible by car.
Accommodations and seafood restaurants are available around Takiap Beach. |
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Krailat Hill
This steep hill, located next to Takiap Hill, a little way from the sea, features an old Buddhist temple where a collection of large Buddha images several hundred years old are housed.
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Khao Hin Lek Fai
Located about 2 km. West of Hua Hin town, this is a splendid vantage point where a panoramic view of the town and Hua Hin Bay can be seen. There is also a standing statue of King Rama VII on the hill.
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Suan Son Pradiphat Beach
This beautiful stretch of beach is 8 km. South of Hua Hin. It derives its name from the casuarina pine trees, or son in Thai, which line the beach. It is a scenic place for rest and recuperation with accommodations run by the Army Welfare Office.
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Ko Singto
This tiny islet, lying about 800 m. off the coast of Suan Son Beach, is good for fishing and diving. Boats can be rented at Khao Takiap village.
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Khao Tao Beach
Situated at the foot of Khao Tao Hill, about 13 km. from Hua Hin town, this pine-fringed beach is clean and more secluded. Its main feature is a large Buddha image facing the sea.
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Pa La-U Waterfall
This beautiful 15-leap waterfall in the middle of the rich virgin forest is located about 60 km. to the West of Hua Hin town. However, the fall is within the limits of Kaeng Krachan National Park which covers areas in the province of Phetchaburi as well as Prachuap Khiri Khan. The water of this fall flows from Tenasserim Mountain in the West through the forests and cascades down the high cliff of Pa La-U.
There is a nature study trail along an 800-metre path starting from the car park and leading to the first level of Pa La-U Waterfall. The surrounding green forests are an ideal place for those interested in ecology and wildlife. Various kinds of birds and colourful butterflies are found here in abundance. |
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Hua Hin Arts & Crafts Centre
Located on Naepkhehat Road, it showcases works of art including paintings, sculptures, Thai folk handicrafts and antiques. |
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Hua Hin Night Market
Situated in downtown Hua Hin, this lively market is a nice place to hang around in the evening, to enjoy fresh seafood as well as to shop for souvenirs, clothes and local handicrafts.
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