281 kilometers south of Bangkok, Hua Hin, which literally means stone head in Thai, is the oldest beach resort of the country and is still very popular. Clean white sand, crystal clear water and a tranquil atmosphere has continued to attract tourists in search of peaceful and relaxing holidays.

The town was originally known as Ban Samoe Rieng, or Ban Laem Hin (Stony Point Village). The construction of a railway station in the city as part of the Southern Railroad in the reign of King Rama VI resulted in making Hua Hin stand out from many quite fishing villages. In addition, the construction of a Summer Palace of King Rama VII totally transformed the village into a high-society resort town for royalty. Even today, the Royal Family continues to reside at the Palace for part of the year.

Hua Hin’s consequence came with the opening of the Railway Hotel (known today as the Sofitel Central Hotel), an elegant Victorian-style resort hotel, and also the countrys first standard golf course. A cluster of royal and high-society residences gradually became more visible resulting in the transformation of the whole village into the first seaside resort of the country, where visitors could enjoy swimming, fishing, and golfing in the country’s first standard golf course. Today, Hua Hin is a well-established beach destination with word-class facilities coupled with a true sense of Thai hospitality. Despite its expansive growth and development as a luxurious destination, the splendor of Hua Hin remains intact.

Hua Hin Railway Station

Built in the reign of King Rama VI in gingerbread style, this is probably Thailand’s most beautiful train station, of which the Hua Hin Beach local people are very proud.

Khao Takiap

This hill rises at the southern end of Hua Hin beach. There is a road leading to top where a temple is situated. The nearby Khao Takiap beach offers mostly bungalow accommodation. Ko Singto Anglers can enjoy a day’s outing to this island, just a few kilometres from Hua Hin or Khao Takiap where some boats for hire are available.

Hat Wanakon National Park

23 kilometres from Prachuap Khiri Khan, this 38-square kilometre park is centred on a fine 7 kilometre-pine-fringed beach. Camping is permitted. Snorkelling around offshore islands, swimming, hiking and bird watching number among major attractions. Admission is 100 baht per person. Accommodation facilities are available.

Hat Khao Tao

This beach lies about 10 km. south of Hua Hin and 1 km. along an access road. It is a sea pine-fringed beach, more secluded than Hua Hin. Bungalows are available.

Namtok Pa La-u

This waterfall is within a perpetual verdant forest where various birds and butterflies are found, especially in the morning. It has 11 tiers, some of which can be reached along a trekking trail.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

This park is located 63 km. south of Hua Hin. Its 98 sq. km. area features undulating ranges of limestone mountains, mangrove swamps and beaches. It is home to various local birds and hosts many migrating birds, especially from November to February. With a large number of ridges, Khao Sam Roi Yot (300-Peak Mountain) stands as a landmark for seafarers and a shelter for ships in a storm. Attractions within the park area include: Khao Daeng, 400 m. from the park office, has a splendid viewpoint. Ban Khao Daeng, a canalside village, is the starting point for boat trips to watch wild birds. Hat Sam Phraya, located 3.5 km. north of the park office, is a beautiful beach lined with sea pines.

Tham Phraya Nakhon

The cave has a big hole in its roof through which shafts of light reach and permit the growth of various plants. Most famously, the light shines on Phra Thinang Khuha Kharuehat, a Thai-style pavilion, a compelling sight which has become the symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan. The four-porched wooden pavilion was constructed in Bangkok in 1890 during King Rama V’s reign, then dismantled and moved to the cave where it was reconstructed. Its gable tops were raised by the king himself.

By car :

Drive along Highway No. 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) passing Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram Provinces and then take Highway No. 4 to Hua Hin Total distance is 123 kilometers. Alternatively, it is possible to travel via Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi Provinces.

By Bus:

Buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal cost 110 bahts for 1st class (air-conditioned), 85 bahts for 2nd class (air-conditioned) and 61 bahts (ordinary). The trip takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Various agencies on Khao San Road in Bangkok operate minivans to Hua Hin for 150 baht per person. The bus leaves for Bangkok from a station next to Siripetchkasem Hotel. In addition, there are air-conditioned buses leaving for Chumpon Province (125 baht, 4 hours), Surat Thani Province (210 baht, 7hours), Phuket Province (305 baht, 10 hours) and Krabi Province (280 baht, 9 hours)

By Train

The trip takes about 3-3/4 hours from Bangkok; 1st class fare is 202 baht (rapid and express only), 2nd class is 102 baht (rapid and express only) and 3rd class is 44 baht. Call 1690 for more details.