If you’re looking for bright lights and the frantic all-night action of cabarets and discos, you may be disappointed here. However, if you enjoy walks through the quiet winding streets of a friendly coastal village, sampling delicious seafood in restaurants overlooking the brightly lit fishing boats on the Gulf of Thailand or a round of golf on one of the several international standard links, Hua Hin could very well be what you’re looking for; Hua Hin has a special character all its own.
Hua Hin became popular as a rainy season retreat in the 1920’s with the construction of the railway line from Bangkok. The beautiful, colonial style Railway Hotel was built near Hua Hin’s famous rocks in 1923 by the State Railway Authority, which also built Thailand’s first public golf course in Hua Hin in 1924. In 1926, King Rama VII built the Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace on the beach a few km north of the Railway Hotel and this palace is still frequently used by the Royal Family. This set the stage for Hua Hin’s popularity and unique ambiance which remains to this day.
Hua Hin is small enough that one can wander for hours without the need of motor transportation. Most hotels are no more than few minutes walk to the beach, the market or a friendly restaurant.
There are many shops selling local handicrafts, silver, silk, tailors to fit you for that custom suit, and dozens of photo opportunities.
Bicycles, motorcycles and small jeeps can be rented from shops around the Hua Hin Bazaar, near the Sofitel entrance. Unless you have extensive experience dodging kids, bicycles, scooters and the occasional cow, be very careful when driving yourself.
The white sand goes for miles from the Sofitel at the end of Damnoenkasem Rd. At the main beach there are umbrellas for lounging and vendors will satisfy your needs for drinks and snacks, and even pony rides, jet skis and a Thai traditional massage.
Many beach front hotels have concessions for wind surfing and sailing needs and power boats can be hired. Walks down the beach will take you to temples and fishing villages.
Hua Hin Market Village is a shopping mall in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand. The first large-scale shopping and entertainment complex in the beach resort town, it opened in February 2006. This complex includes among other things: Tesco Lotus, Home Pro, Major Cineplex and Bowling alley. There are also a lot of small shops and restaurants. A lot of big cloth brands have stores here. Levi’s, Lee, and Lacoste are a few of the top stores located in the Market Village. Some Thai youths and tourists are able to spend their whole day here.
What you also should not forget, is to make a visit to the famous Wat Huay Mongkol, that’s completely dedicated to the famous Monk, Loeng Phoe Thoead.
