Hua Hin (หัวหิน) is a seaside resort city in Thailand. It is popular with Thais, having become quite fashionable as a weekend getaway spot for Bangkok residents, as well with foreigners and as an ex-pat retirement or vacation home location.
Although developing rapidly, there is a commitment by the local and provincial authorities to avoid the kind of overheated blight that has affected other beach resorts in Thailand.
Hua Hin as a resort was discovered in the early 1920s by King Prajadhipok as an ideal getaway from the sultry metropolis of Bangkok.
Hua Hin is closely associated with the Thai royalty and is a quiet and relaxing seaside resort ideal of family vacations. Merely 25 kilometers apart, Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province enjoy a wealth of satellite attractions; prominent among them are national parks and historic cities.
The tranquil fishing village was turned into a royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam's nobility and upper class. In 1928, Prajadhipok built his Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace. As of 2007, Klai Kangwon is the full-time residence of the current king and is not open for visitors, although the outer palace grounds are open for walkers and joggers from 4pm to 7 pm daily. (Wear shoes, bring passport)
Also understand, that the accommodation and bar information on this page is frequently spammed by the owners.
Climate
Hua Hin has a tropical climate with high humidity and occasional rain. It is typically pleasant however, and can be enjoyed all year round. Generally, the best of the year though to visit Hua Hin is in the cool season from November to February but for those who like it hot then the hot season is from March to May (temperature gets up into the high 30s). The rainy season (it doesn’t rain every day) is from June to October with September being the rainiest of all. For those who don’t appreciate the rain, then be advised that the rain in Thailand usually comes in short sharp bursts. It doesn’t usually drizzle for long periods of time unlike in say England.
Do
Sand and sea. This is the number one attraction of Hua Hin, also according to tourist information.
Fishing and eco-cruises can be done in Hua Hin, both at sea and inland.
Kite-boarding is a very popular pastime in Hua Hin. There are several schools giving lessons and tuition with equipment for hire.
Fitness and Martial Arts can be practiced either in gymnasiums around town or in the top hotels.
Elephant camps and trekking can be found just west of town. There is also an elephant camp.
Walking & Cycling are popular in Hua Hin due to the quietness of the roads.
Creative Arts are a plentitude in Hua Hin including handicrafts, silk weaving, embroidery, basket making, pottery and wood carving.
Go Karting can be enjoyed at the karting track near the airport. The 700m circuit has a banked curve for speed, pits floodlighting, beer garden and catering.
Water Sports in Hua Hin include swimming, banana boat rides, waterski-ing, jet-ski-ing, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba-diving.
Pony Rides can be found on Hua Hin beach
Diving:
Diving in Hua Hin can be arranged to the nearby island of Koh Tao in Chumphon. Besides that Hua Hin itself with its poor visibility, doesn’t have much in the way for diving except perhaps for seeing the stingray.
There are many other acitivities as well like Mountain Biking, ATV, horse riding, go-kart, and kite boarding.
Golf
Golf is extremely popular in Hua Hin and the place has several high quality courses up to international standards and designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus.
Hua Hin and its surroundings are a golfer's paradise with at least 7 quality courses within a 30 minute drive. There are also two brand new golf courses under construction and a preview of the latest images can be made from the fairways. Most courses offer transportation to and from the course.
Spa
Spas in Hua Hin offer luxurious treatment which suits every budget. The treatment includes both traditional remedies and modern techniques. Facilities at spas in Hua Hin may also include a Jacuzzi and steam bath. Over the past few years these spas have become leaders in Thailand.
Many Spas in Hua Hin also offer traditional Thai healing arts as form of treatment. There is also alternative treatment such as Rieki. Resorts offer many detox programs. The most popular treatments are chi organ massage, karsai genital detox massage, deeper skin detox and herbal skin detox.
Hua Hin has a world class Chiva Som Resort and SPA. Focusing on greater well-being and vitality, Chiva-Som offers extensive fitness, spa and holistic health facilities to help you relax, restore and rejuvenate.
Massage
Traditional Thai massage, characterized by its holistic approach to health is aimed at enhancing not only one’s physical and emotional state but also to allow one to grow spiritually.
There are over 50 massage shops in Hua Hin. All good hotels in Hua Hin offer traditional Thai massage service. In Hua Hin, at Petchkasem Road next to the Golden Palace and the Royal Palace one can be massaged by very good professional blind masseuses. This is a royal project. Very little English is spoken but don't worry as you will be in professional hands.
Shopping
Shop at the night markets. Things that you can buy range from T-shirts to antiques. shirt will cost you around 300 baht (£5) . It is also a great place for shopping including contemporary art handicrafts, hand-woven printed cotton, silk fabric, silk weaving, embroidery, basket making, pottery, wood carving, gemstones and jewelry (including sapphires and rubies). Bartering is advisable to get the best prices possible.
Note that there are two night markets. The better known is in the middle of Hua Hin, and is rather tourist oriented. The one the Thais favor is known as the Grand market because its in the parking lot between Grand Hotel and Sao Paulo Hospital. More diverse and interesting, but does not operate Monday and Tuesday. For local handicrafts, the Hua Hin Bazaar, about 100 meters west of the beach, should be your first stop.
Happening only on Tuesdays is Pae Market near the Royal Hua Hin Golf Club. Here is a good place to get the feel for a traditional Thai market.
Night Market and Other Markets Although there is no large shopping mall in town but there are famous markets in Hua Hin. Located in the centre of town adjacent to Dechanuchit Road, just west of Phetkasem Road is the Hun Hin Night Market which is a great place to eat. There is a market devoted primarily to tourist shops along Dechanut Road.
