Hua Hin Has It All

SOUTHBOUND: HUA HIN
Hua Hin Has It All


By Vipasai Niyamabha
Special to The Nation



Royally historic, a host to big-time political summits, picturesque, beaches galore - and pretty close to Bangkok - Hua Hin is looking more and more like the No 1 getaway destination
Summer's not far off, and the waytooserious Asean summit now underway at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin will soon be just a memory. Here's your chance to get in there and replenish the fun - hit the beach and see the national parks, palaces, restaurants, spas and shops.

The lay of the land
Hua Hin has been luring tourists to Prachuab Khiri Khan province ever since the railroad rolled its tracks southward almost a century ago.

Prince Purachatra, who was in charge of the State Railway, made sure there was a place to stay too - the Railway Hotel - and a place to relax - the Royal Hua Hin Golf Club.
King Rama VII built his summer palace there and called it Klai Kang Won, meaning Far from Worries, and it continues in that reassuring royal role.

Seven kilometres south of Hua Hin is Khao Takiab, where a 20metretall statue of Lord Buddha beckons visitors up a staircase and past the loitering macaques to Wat Khao Takiab and a splendid view.
Not far away is another hill, Khao Krailas, a little steeper to climb but with vistas just as stunning.
And, from the peak of Hin Lek Fai hill you can see the whole town of Hua Hin spread out at your feet.

Inland amusements
About 60km west of Hua Hin is the Palau Waterfall, the main draw at Kaeng Krachan - Thailand's largest national park.
The lush forest is home to many species of butterflies that accompany trekkers along the wooded track that leads to the 15level waterfall.
The third level has a pool that's great for a cooling swim.
On the way back to town you can stop at the Hua Hin Elephant Camp and make pals with some pachyฌderms.

Lazy lunches
Most Thais prefer a quick onedish lunch, and the popular ones here include the soy duck noodles either of two restaurants, Jae Fai or Nai Pew. The pork noodles in red soup at Nai Pah and Jae Ja are also terrific.
All of these places are on the Phetkasem road right in town.
If luncheon by the sea appeals, the hotels along the beach have restaurants to suit. Try Supatra by the Sea, Let's Sea or the Sailom Hotel.
Afterwards, head to Ban Klai Wang on Nab Kehas Road for cakes and coffee.

Nextdoor neighbour
In neighbouring Phetchaburi province the kings of the Rattanakosin period built three palaces.
Maruekhathaiyawan Palace is where they're holding the Asean Summit, but if you're headed that way this weekend you can instead visit Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park and Phra Ram Ratchaniwet, formerly known as Wang Ban Pun.
The province also has plenty of venerable temples worth a visit, among them Wats Yai Suwannaram and Maha That Worawiharn, where the local craftsmanship is at its most superb.

Easier does it
A trip to the spa is a wonderful idea on a hot afternoon, and Hua Hin is famously the home of the globally revered ChivaSom, but there's a wide choice in services and prices.
The Barai has become a rival for ChivaSom - in luxury and cost - and the Mandara at the Marriott, the Anantara's spa and the Devarana at the Dusit Thani all have good repuฌtations.
If all you need is a traditional Thai massage, you can get rubbed for an hour on the roadside for Bt350, and the price rises from there, depending on location and d?cor.

Munch with the masses
You could have a quiet dinner at any hotel restaurant, but there's masฌsive fun to be had with the crowd at the Hua Hin Night Market, where dining choices are endless.
The favourite spots to eat are the food stalls of Dechanuchit Road, disฌplaying in turn aromatic phad thai and tom yum, mouthwatering barฌbecued seafood and oldtime desserts. These stalls open around 6pm, are bustling from 7 to 9 and close at 11.


Shopping therapy
Postprandial shopping is popular at the night market, or you can mosey over to the Hua Hin Market Village, the town's first largescale shopping and entertainment comฌplex.
Here you find shops and restauฌrants, plus a Tesco Lotus and a Major Cineplex.

If you prefer to stay outdoors, walk along Naresdamri Road and poke through the souvenir stalls and tailor shops. Everything stays open quite late.
The streetside bars still beckon, as does the brewery pub at the Hilton and the classy Elephant Bar at the Sofitel Centara Grand, both of which get really lively on Saturday nights.
And, once you've had enough of the bright and busy lights, what betฌter way to end the day than with a quiet walk on the beach?