In 1834 the province of Phetchaburi fell victim to a severe drought which brought much hardship to the area. As a result of this, a number of agricultural workers decided to seek more fertile land and moved South. They came across a small coastal village with glorious white sand and a row of rocks along the beach. They decided to put down their roots here and named the place Samore Riang, which translates as “Rows of Rocks”.
As the years rolled by, more and more people settled in the area. Prince Purachatra had the Railway Hotel built close to the beach. Prince Krom Phra Naresworarit built palaces at Ban Laem Hin, called Sukaves. It was he that gave the beach the name “Hua Hin”. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) had his summer palace constructed there and named it Klai Kang Won, which means “Far from Worries”. For 2 years, from 2004 to 2006 it became the main residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), until poor health forced him to retire to the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok.
As 1 of 8 districts within Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and 911 kilometers Southwest of Bangkok, Hua Hin is now a popular visitor destination for indigenous Thais and foreign travelers wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities. There is no doubting the beauty of the area, lush green plantations, rolling hills, sandy beaches and the calm cooling waters of The Gulf of Thailand.
See and Do in Hua Hin
Some visitors arrive in Hua Hin by train, but of course not all. For those that don’t, the station is an attractive structure and worth a short visit. Built during the reign of King Rama VI, the structure is of brightly painted timber of Thai design. But, strangely, it has the feel of a typical Victorian provincial railway station that would not be out of place in an English shire county. Remarkable this station is not, but pretty and pleasing it certainly is.
Black Mountain Water Park
Hua Hin has evolved into a family orientated resort area. Great family fun is to be had at the Black Mountain Water Park. There are 9 separate water slides, a beach pool and a pool just for the younger children. There’s also the lazy river and a wave pool. The park has been constructed around a man-made lake and is set against a mountain backdrop. Open from 10am to 5pm, the Black Mountain Water Park is an exciting day out for both parents and children, go on, make a splash.
The Venezia Hua Hin
Rather than build yet another glitzy shopping mall, which can be found in most towns and cities, the Venezia is something different, it’s a shopping village. Themed with a Venetian style this is a wonderfully refreshing shopping experience, it even sports a replica of San Marco’s Bell Tower. Lining each side of the canal are colorful shops, houses, restaurants and coffee shops. Relaxing terraces and plazas complete the experience, and Venezia makes a wonderful backdrop for the perfect photo opportunity.
Hua Hin Beach
Hua Hin Beach will always be a major attraction for visitors. With 4 kilometers of white sand the beach is rarely crowded and there are plenty of activities for all the family. Ride a pony along the soft sand, ride a banana boat, relax under a beach umbrella or sit on the terrace of one of the many beachside restaurants and bars that sit beneath the palms that fringe the soft white sand. Be you active or idle, Hua Hin Beach doesn’t disappoint.
Hua Hin, Close to Nature
Trekking and hiking is becoming more popular with visitors to the kingdom, and at Hua Hin there is much to see. Hua Hin is surrounded by National Parks, the hills and mountains that rise up from the Eastern seaboard are blanketed with verdant flora that supports a myriad of fauna, perfect for the rural explorer.
Following well mapped and signed posted trails, incredible caves and awe inspiring waterfalls await, viewing points allow for breathtaking vistas, the photo opportunities are endless. The birdlife will excite any ornithologist with, amongst others, the sight of eagles and hawks circling in the blue skies.
Hua Hin Night Market
The town’s night market is as good as any you will find in Thailand. Dominated by local merchandise this is a great place to barter for a bargain. The market also offers wonderful street food and restaurants, freshly caught seafood is a must try, prawns, crab and lobster are too tempting to miss. The night market is not just about lightening your wallet, it is a bright, colorful, vibrant form of entertainment all of its own.
Hua Hin, Something for Everyone
Hua Hin is certainly an all-encompassing holiday destination and provides an experience that lives with the visitor long after the holiday is over. For the old and the young, the adventurous and the idle, Hua Hin has it. From visiting the vineyards and the palaces, the animal park and the butterfly farm to bronzing on the beach, visitors can be sure of Hua Hin.
Visit Hua Hin Destination page on FerrySamui.com for travel packages and schedules to and from Hua Hin.