The Romance of Hua Hin
In a time before Phuket, Pattaya or Samui as we know them, there was Hua Hin – the Thai kingdom’s first seaside resort. MB picks 20 things to do in this sunny ville.
1 You can catch a bus to this town 200 kilometres south of Bangkok, but it is far more romantic to take the train... and arrive at Hua Hin Railway Station. To cater to its royal passengers, the State Railway made this one particularly luxurious.
2 If you’re on a nostalgia trip, book into the Railway Hotel, constructed in grand Edwardian style early last century to accommodate the rich and famous who flocked to this, one of the earliest of exotic holiday destinations.
3 Play 18 holes at Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, no doubt where important business liaisons were forged in the early days. Designed in 1926, the Royal is the oldest in the country with greens that roll along picturesque coastal hills.
4 It might take a mighty dose of determination, but getting up at the crack of dawn to watch the sun rising on the Gulf is well worth it. So grab the hand of that special someone and get an early start to a precious day.
5 No seaside vacation is complete without some time on the beach and a good frolic among the waves. It’s even nice to find a high rock to sit on and just watch the goings-on. But don’t forget your sunblock.
6 If you can’t resist getting into the water, paddle a boat or sail it. It’s not too challenging, but far more relaxing than cutting the water on a pair of skis. You won’t find noisy speed-boat-propelled activities here.
7 Put your feet up and get cosy with a fashion magazine or Booker Prize novel and a fresh coconut shake on the side. License to laze is why you wanted to get away from it all, no?
8 Renting a jeep may be a convenient way to cover distances as you go off the beaten track. But if you want to tone those muscles amid natural surroundings, get hold of a mountain bike and hit one of the many trails. Don’t forget your map.
9 Check out some of the cultural and historical attractions. The magnificent Phra Ratchaniwet Marukhathaiyawan is an architectural marvel. Built in 1923 by King Vajiravudh, the Summer Palace is constructed largely of teak.
10 Feast away. The local fishermen bring in a catch daily to supply the many seafood restaurants by the sea. Watch the cholesterol though if your meter needle tends to swing high.
11 Check out the Hua Hin Arts & Crafts Centre on Naipkhehat Road, not so much for souvenirs to buy but for the work of contemporary Thai artists as well as the furniture and pictures that tell of Hua Hin in the days gone by.