Hua Hin Infoarmation

Hua Hin is unlike any other beach resort in Thailand. 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.

Getting Around
Hua Hin is 200 km south of Bangkok on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Travel by automobile takes less than three hours. The resort may also be reached by rail, coach, or daily flights from Bangkok
Rail
There are several trains daily from Bangkok which stop in Hua Hin on their way south. Most leave Bangkok in the early to late afternoon and arrive in Hua Hin about fours later. A 2nd class seat on an air-conditioned Express train is less than $6 and may be purchased up to 90 days in advance at main railway stations. Tel: Hua Hin Station Office, Damnoenkasem Rd. (032) 511-073.
Bus
Air-conditioned buses leave the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok every 30 minutes between 0500 and 2200 for Hua Hin. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs less than $4. The air-conditioned bus terminal in Hua Hin is at the Siripetchkasem Hotel on Srasong Rd, near Dechanuchit Rd, and buses leave for Bangkok every 30-40 minutes daily between 0300 and 2100. Tel: (032) 511-654, 512-543.
There are also nightly air buses to other cities in southern Thailand. Most depart Hua Hin around 2200 and fares range from $22 to Phuket or Koh Samui to $26 to Hat Yai.
There are also non air-conditioned buses which travel between the market on Srasong Road in Hua Hin and the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok around the clock. These cost about $2 and take 4 hours.
Air
Thailand Airways has flights from Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport to Hua Hin but their schedule changes with the weather. At last report there were two flights each week Fare is $40. Later news is that in spite of the fact that they are expanding the airport to accept jets, Thailand Airlways has ceased flying to Hua Hin in October, 1997--just as the peak season got underway. Should they resume, learn about it first here. Flights have also been available from Hua Hin to Rayong/U-Taphao (near Pattaya) and Ranong, on the Andaman Sea to the southwest but this must also be seasonal as the current schedule does not list flights from Hua Hin to anywhere other than Bangkok. Bangkok Airways Hua Hin Office, 114/7 Petchkasem Rd, Tel: (032) 512-083.
Vans
Major hotels such as the Dusit and Sofitel have daily vans from their hotels in Bangkok to their hotels in Hua Hin. These usually leave Bangkok after lunch and take about 2.5 hours to reach Hua Hin. Prices vary but are around $20/person.
Taxi
Some Bangkok taxis will travel to Hua Hin for $40-60. The trip takes about 2.5 hours and allows you to see a bit of the countryside if your time in the Kingdom is limited. These taxis are best arranged at the Don Muang airport or by your hotel in Bangkok.

Travel Agents
Travel agents in Thailand and around the world offer packages to Hua Hin. These can be golf tours complete with green fees, transportation, and caddies or group tours for families or couples. If you prefer one-stop shopping, contact your local agent. Should you like to explore a bit more, above are ways of reaching Hua Hin from Bangkok.
In addition, especially for golfers and those coming for only a few days, the larger hotels often have golf packages and/or weekday specials, with prices especially low during the off season between January and October.
In many cases in Thailand, agents can often provide lower rates than hotel clerks or airline reservation offices. It's always best to check around and compare prices and services if you're looking for a deal.

Dinning & Entertainment
The active fishing port guarantees fresh seafood and Hua Hin has it all, including dishes not found in other parts of Thailand. There are many styles of restaurant, from a row of large, brightly lit establishments with extensive menus along the beach near the pier, to small stalls at the lively night market specializing in only a tasty dish or two.
While Thai and Chinese seafood reign here, there are also many restaurants offering everything from pizza and pasta to tandoori chicken and meat pies and other popular international dishes.
Also be sure to sample the wide variety of fruits and kanoms (Thai sweets) available in restaurants, shops and stalls along the road. Though there is a 5-star international spa in Hua Hin, I'm sure no one loses weight during their stay here.

Thing to do
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.

Beach.
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.

Golf
The first golf course in Thailand was built in Hua Hin in 1924 and there are now 8 courses within 30km of the town and more are under construction.
These courses are world class and green fees and caddy charges are very reasonable. Electric carts are available at several though a walk in the beautiful climate of Hua Hin is a pleasure in itself.
Whether a pro on a break or a family on a holiday, golfers will enjoy the professional facilities here.

Day trip
Though the beaches and swimming pools are always beckoning, the Hua Hin area also has shopping, temples, waterfalls, caves, quaint neighborhoods and historical sites that will create memories for all members of the family. A leisurely drive though the countryside, where one can see rice paddies and pineapple plantations, children playing in the canals, and the beautiful scenery of Prachuapkirikhan and Petchburi provinces is also a must.

National Park
Kaeng Krachan National Park extends along the Burmese border from Petchburi Province north of Hua Hin. To the south, Thailand's first marine national park, Khao Sam Roi Yot, is only about 35 km away. A bit further away, in Kanchanaburi Province, there are five more national parks, Erawan, Sai Yoke, Sri Nakarin, Khao Laem, and Chalerm Rattanakosin.