Khao Kalok

Some 40km south of Hua Hin is the peaceful bay of Khao Kalok. To reach this beach, you need to follow the main highway south to Pranburi, turn left to Pak Nam Pran and take the second major turn on the right. Follow this road for around 10km and take another right at the T-junction and follow the signs. A taxi should know the way and it'll take you approximately 40 mins to get there. The return price for a taxi should be in the region of 500-600 baht.

Once you arrive, you'll find numerous restaurants set on the beach road overlooking the beach itself. Pick the one that takes your fancy and relax for a few hours getting cooled by sea breezes over some delicious food and drinks. You will find prices here considerably less expensive than Hua Hin and the locals are friendly and always happy to see new faces.

Again, Khao Kalok can get busy at weekends, so bear this in mind. During the week, you can almost have the place to yourselves. Khao Kalok means "skull mountain" in English and the bay is long and wide. There is an interestingly formed cave on the south side with a hole through its middle. Swimming is reasonble at high tide and quad bikes are available for hire to explore the beach further. Alternatively, of course, you can just relax in the restaurant or on the beach. Khao Kalok makes for a good away-day from Hua Hin.

Khao Kalok accommodation

The Orchid Garden is a Thai-English family resort with nine chalets set in secluded woodland at Khao Kalok, Paknampran, within 200 metres of a wide sandy beach. Each chalet is fully air-conditioned and equipped with cotton sheets, hot shower, satellite TV and a mini-bar. Room rates from 1,300 baht, for more information and bookings please see the Orchid Garden webpage.

Khao Tao

Khao Tao is a charming village best known for a wonderful secluded beach, which is seperately named Hat Sai Noi. Do not confuse it with the diving island of Koh Tao which is some way south of Hua Hin and off Chumphon.

You will find this idyllic location some 20 km south of Hua Hin, not too far off the main highway to Pranburi. Simply follow the signs to Khao Tao and then Sai Noi beach. The road goes around a reservoir and is easy to find. Although small - probably no more than 1km long - the beach is generally quiet, except on weekends and public holidays. There are a number of beach restaurants that serve up delicious local food, seafood and drinks and they all have sun loungers and umbrellas. As opposed to Hua Hin and Khao Takiab beaches, Had Sai Noi drops-off quickly, making it ideal for swimming. You will have to keep a close watch on any children though.

Khao Tao temple

Whilst here, it is worth seeing the large temple complex in Khao Tao. Contained within it are several caves with a multitude of Buddha statues and shrines. There are also a couple of impressive look-out points, a fishing village and freshwater lake.

It's possible to get there by motorcycle, but it'll be far safer to book a taxi. A round trip should cost about 400 baht and it's perfectly acceptable to tell the driver to come back to collect you at a predetermined time (rather then have him wait) and pay upon your return to Hua Hin. Khao Tao and Sai Noi beach make for a great day away from Hua Hin, but try to go during the week.

Khao Takiab

This fast developing town is situated only some 7 kms from Hua Hin and is quickly becoming a fully self-contained holiday destination with amenities ranging from accommodation, beaches, activities, restaurants and bars.

It would not have been that many years ago that the town was little visited, but now it can support package tours and independent travellers for any length of time. Things have changed and the town is certainly worth a visit for a day, or even longer.

Meaning literally "chopstick hill" Khao Takiab is dominated by a 272 m high headland that juts out into the sea. It is clearly visible at the southern end of Hua Hin beach. If you approach the hill this way, you are rewarded with the sight of a 20m tall Lord Buddha statue and there are other religious figures, both Thai and Chinese, at the summit, together with a statue of King Rama V. The hill is also know as "Monkey Mountain" due to large numbers of monkeys (macaques) that are resident there. Whilst not really fierce, care should be taken when they are around as they have a habit of grabbing and making off with anything that takes their fancy, especially handbags and cameras. It is probably better not to feed them as the larger males can sometimes become aggressive if the bananas have run out.

There are two good beaches either side of "chopstick hill" and both are less busy than Hua Hin's, offering quiet places to relax and enjoy good food from the many nearby beach restaurants. Note: the area can get busy at weekends and public holidays with visiting Thais and important Buddhist holidays are generally marked by hundreds of devotees flocking to the temples to give offerings to the monks and thereby making merit.

Accommodation is springing up all over town and you can now find a full range, from 5 star resorts and spas to mid range hotels and guesthouses. (See Khao Takiab accommodation for further options).

Restaurants and attractions

Khao Takiab has always been renowned for its fish and seafood (just as is Hua Hin), but nowadays you can find good international cuisine as well. There are a number of small local restaurants on the main road through Khao Takiab and they all offer great local fare at very reasonable prices. The 5 star resorts have a number of top-quality restaurants that are certainly worth visiting if you are feeling extravagant. Other places worth trying are La Mer which is close to the temple and offers fantastic views of Hua Hin, Supatra on the beach and Rua Rimtarn that is constructed in the shape of a boat.

There is a good selection of temples in Khao Takiab, including Wat Khao Lad at the top of "Monkey Mountain". Activities include all kinds of watersports, including jetskiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, kayaking and waterskiing. Bookings can be made at a local company on the main beach. There is an elephant camp down the first soi to the beach south of the mountain and you can arrange rides and feeding there. Even martial arts can be learnt and practised by people of all ages either on the beach or in local temple grounds (for more info on fitness and martial arts in the area take a look at www.wt-thailand.com).

As the beach at Khao Takiab is flatter and wider than Hua Hin's, it's perfect for beach games such as football, beach volleyball and takraw. If the tide is right (ie low) a boat ride to Koh Singto (Lion Island) is good fun and you can fish, rock climb and explore the rock formations and vegetation there.

Getting to Khao Takiab is easy. Songtaews are the cheapest method to take, costing 10 baht to and from Hua Hin. Tuk tuks ply the route for around 100 baht and motorcycle taxis should transport you for 50 baht. All-in-all, Khao Takiab provides a quiet get-away from Hua Hin. Try to enjoy it before it becomes too developed.

Hua Hin Market Village

Hua Hin Market Village is the first large shopping complex to be built in Hua Hin.

It is situated on Petchkasem road approximately 2km south of Hua Hin town center, just passed Salesian school.

The large complex has plenty of parking though does get very busy at weekends. Unfortunately the impact on traffic on the main road was not taken into consideration when they built it so the u-turns often become dangerously congested at busy times.

Local events such as motor shows are occasionally held at Market Village and it has become an extremely popular hangout for Thai students and youths who can often spend the whole day here.

The top floor has a bowling alley and Major Cineplex however very few of the movies are shown with the original English soundtrack, you may get the occasional one with English subtitles but it seems that the management have completely ignored this segment of the market. A list of movies showing can be found here:

Shopping in Hua Hin Market Village

Fortunately the shopper wont be as dissapointed as the movie buff, Market Village has a wide array of quality fashion outlets including many international brand names such as Levi, Lee, Wrangler, Timberland and Lacoste. Additionally there are a number of smaller local clothing and jewellery shops, mobile phone and camera retailers and an art gallery or two. International cosmetics branches such as Boots also have a home in Market Village.

A food court and some of the big names in refreshments and cuisine can be found in Market Village, these include Sizzlers, Pizza Company, KFC, Swensens, Haagen Dazs, and Starbucks with many more smaller local eateries.

Some of the banks have branches here and there are shops for TOT and Hutch. The three major outlets in Hua Hin Market Village are Tesco Lotus on the ground floor, Home Pro on the second floor and the Major Cineplex on the third floor.

Hua Hin local markets

The best known of these is definitely Hua Hin night market. A visit here is an absolute must during your stay. It is located in the centre of town and runs up from Petchkasem Road to the railway line and opens from around 18.00.

Most stalls will start to break down at approximately 23.00, however some selling food will stay open until dawn.

The market is a fascinating insight into Thailand and the way Thais like to live. You will find countless outlets selling delicious food that is freshly cooked and served to you within a matter of minutes. Do also take a look behind the stalls on the pavements because there are plenty of restaurants there as well. Other than the food, you'll discover an overwhelming variety of local handicrafts, souvenirs and clothing on sale. The night market can get very hot and busy at weekends, so take your time here. Prices can also be a bit more expensive than other markets in Hua Hin, but they still represent good value.

Hua Hin day markets

For an experience of a real Thai day market, look no further than Chat Chai which is situated, undercover, right next to the night market. This is where locals will go to buy their daily groceries and you'll see an amazing variety of meats, fish, seafood, vegetables and fruit being sold. The market has recently gone through a refurbishment and is even more of a delight to visit than before. It starts to set up at between 04.00-05.00 and stays open until around 19.00.

Another centrally located market can be found at The Grand Hotel, just a short walk south of the centre of Hua Hin. It is open from 16.00-22.00 and from Wednesdays to Sundays. You can shop for food, toys, clothes, plants, fish, pets and books here.

A bit further afield are a couple of local markets that are worth visiting, but are not really within walking distance of Hua Hin town centre. The first is known as Pae Mai and all taxi drivers will know it. It was located next to the golf driving range, over the railway tracks at the start of the canal road until recently, but has now relocated further down the canal road. When you reach the first set of traffic lights, turn left and you're there. This is probably the most popular market with locals and you can find food, clothes and great bargains on electrical appliances, household items, motoring accessories, tools and much more. The main day is Tuesday, with Wednesday being open, but only for fresh produce and clothes. Thursday to Saturday it is closed, but Sundays have a large market again, although not as extensive as Tuesdays. Opening times are roughly 17.00-22.00.

A bit further along the Canal road from Pae Mai are two others, including one called Dinosour, that open daily at the same times for fresh produce and clothes. As you venture further from Hua Hin you will find small local markets serving each sub district or neighbourhood, they all open on set days of the week and offer similar fare to that described above. Enjoy your local shopping experiences in Hua Hin and remember to smile as you negotiate.

Hua Hin nightlife

After a tiring day on the beach, around the swimming pool or having visited one of the many attractions around Hua Hin, it's time for dinner. But what is there to do afterwards in Hua Hin?

The answer is plenty and we hope to give you an idea of the options available below.

The first thing to bear in mind is that Hua Hin does not have the wild nightlife that you can find in Bangkok, Pattaya or Phuket. The town has been promoted by The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and local offices as a destination for families or for those seeking a quieter style holiday. In the main, TAT's efforts have succeeded and the sleazy nightlife areas that are evident in other resorts do not feature in Hua Hin.

Another major factor that has influenced the town's development over the past few years is that His Majesty The King of Thailand resides in Hua Hin most of the time now and so it has been important that expansion has not taken place at the expense of destroying Hua Hin's heritage as a Royal town.

Having said all that, there are plenty of bars in Hua Hin, most of which can be found contained within a few blocks of the centre of town. Some can get quite loud later at night, but in the afternoons and early evenings they are "family friendly" and you should not be put off from visiting some during your stay. Most are now far better equipped than they were with decent bathroom facilities and amenities, you can find bars with a good atmosphere around town in which to watch sporting events or just for general conversation. Some are fully air conditioned and others provide really good bar food and more extensive menus. There are also a number of watering holes where local expats are known to frequent, these are a great source of local knowledge should you wish to extend your stay.

With the recent opening of the new shopping mall, Hua Hin has finally got a multiplex cinema. Although most releases (Western or Thai) will be in the Thai language, an evening there offers something different. The mall also has a bowling alley for those interested.

Bars and nightlife options

Try not to miss out on a cabaret show. Don't be put off by the fact that most of the performers are transvestites, they really can be great fun and quite a spectacle. Shows of this type have a long history in Thailand and are not frowned upon here.
Some of the main hotels put on shows of classical Thai dancing and music, so if you're interested in the culture, you should try to see at least one of these.

There are nightclubs also, the most popular of which is at the Hilton Hotel. Others around town will cater more for a Thai clientele, but westerners are welcome.

For those who like to show off their singing skills, you can find numerous karaoke bars around Hua Hin, some of which are open late and can be good fun. Even if you're not quite a Frank Sinatra or Robert Plant, you'll always get a round of applause for your efforts.

Live music lovers will also not be disappointed with Hua Hin as there are a number of venues that cater for this. Some are air conditioned and almost all play rock music. Bring your ear plugs as they will be loud and you can hear some of the best rock music talent in Thailand.

So, in short, there's plenty to do at night. The main thing is not to be afraid to try these options out. Hua Hin is a safe town and a bit of experimentation will only add to the pleasure of your stay here.

Hua Hin International Kite Festival

With the wind off the Gulf of Thailand guaranteed, Hua Hin is the perfect place to host a kite festival. And so it does each year during the month of March at The King Rama IV Army Camp just north of Hua Hin.

The festival has now been going for over 10 years and is growing in popularity each time. It's now not just the local Thais who show off their skills as contestants come from all over the country and internationally as well.

You'll be able to see stunt kites, big kites, small kites, traditional Thai kites and international displays. Individual and team competitions take place with contestants coming from as far afield as Canada, New Zealand, France, China, India and Singapore (to name only a few of the countries that participate).

It's a truely spectactular event that you'll be able to join in with and there's a good selection of kites, souvenirs and other crafts for sale around the festival grounds.
We will bring you full details of the dates and itinery for 2008 when they are finalised.

Hua Hin Loy Krathong

This important and fun-filled festival occurs every year at the full moon in the 12th month of the Thai calendar. In the western calendar, this means November. The importance of the event is probably only overshadowed by the Thai New Year Songkran which is held in April.

Translated literally, "loy" means to float and a "krathong" is a floating vessel which is traditionally made out of banana leaves, although it is not uncommon to see them constructed from synthetic materials these days.

The "raft" will contain a flower, a candle and three incense sticks that are lit before the vessel is floated away. It is customary to make a wish before the launch and it is believed that if the candle remains burning until out of sight, the wish will be granted.

The practise is generally recognised as originating in India from Hindu traditions of thanking the gods for the rains and the start of the main rice harvest. Buddhist beliefs embraced the festival in Sukhothai some 700 years ago and the candle is a symbol of Buddha. Modern-day Thais believe that the act of floating the krathong away releases them from any pent-up bad feelings and that their life starts anew from this day. As with the Hindu gods of water, the festival is in honour of Phra Mae Khongkha, The Thai Goddess of Water.

If you're in Hua Hin for this festival, you really should make a point of joining in. It usually incorporates a beauty pageant that follows a set route route around the centre of town and firework displays. All the Thais will be heading for a stretch of water, be it lake, canal or even the sea to set their krathongs afloat. (Hopefully, the tide is not incoming on this day). You will be able to find many stalls around Hua Hin selling ready made krathongs for you to "wash away your troubles and woes".
You're also sure to hear one song in particular that will be played and sung all over town on the day. The English version of it goes thus:

November full moon shines,
Loy Krathong, Loy Krathong,
and the water's high in the river and local klong,
Loy Loy Krathong, Loy Loy Krathong,
Loy Krathong is here and everybody's full of cheer,
We're together at the klong,
Each one with his krathong,
As we push away we pray,
We can see a better day.

Enjoy yourselves!!

Hua Hin Songkran

This spectacular and fun-filled celebration for the Thai New Year is held in the middle of April the 13th - 15th.

The point of the festival is to show respect to elders and this is done by sprinkling water over their hands. Whilst this tradition is still widely practiced all over Thailand, the festival has evolved somewhat and you'll find that everywhere turns into an all-out water fight.

Be prepared to get soaked if your walking around Hua Hin, so keep all valuables either locked away safe or protected in plastic bags. The only people immune to a soaking are monks and babies - certainly you will not be spared, so if you don't want to get wet, stay at home!!! Even the police keep their guns and walkie-talkies protected from the water as they usually come in for particular attention. Whilst they take it in good spirit, we would advise leaving their soaking to the locals. Another feature of the festival is that your face will be covered in talcum powder. Eye infections are common at this time of year.

Buckets of water are hurled about with abandon, some of it ice-cold and high powered water pistols are everywhere, so it's really important to be careful if you're out on the roads, particularly on a motorbike. There are always far too many road casualties during the festivities, so make sure you don't become one of the statistics. Quite simply, it's best to walk everywhere - leave your bike at home.

Songkran can be celebrated for a number of days - strictly speaking it's for three - but you'll find that the water throwing in Hua Hin is restricted to one, the 13th April. However, do not assume that you won't be ambushed on the 14th and 15th, although you should be safe in the centre of town.

Book your accommodation early as Hua Hin fills up fast at this time of year.

Songkran etiquette

There are a few do's and don't's with this festival so it is good to be aware of what is and isn't acceptable from a foreigner. As mentioned above do not douse monks, babies or the elderly. Most of the older generations of locals will stay indoors for Songkran, they have seen it and done it all before and are probably not too keen on catching pneumonia either.

Do not throw water with ice in it, you may as well be hurling rocks, the recipient will not be amused.

Never throw water over anyone driving a vehicle, you will see others doing it but it really will not be funny if you cause them to come off a motorbike.

Do not drink and drive - this time of year the death toll on the road simply sky rockets due to a lethal combination of good times, alcohol, vehicles - they don't mix.

Have fun, remember to always smile, you will get soaked whether you like it or not if out and about on Songkran day. If you really do not wish to participate stay indoors.

Hua Hin Golf Festival

Each August, for the whole of the month, Hua Hin and Cha-am play hosts to a golfing extravaganza.

Every day during August, you can play at the following courses for 800 Baht a round (excluding caddie fees and equipment hire). Golfers will appreciate the value this represents.

The participating courses are:

Springfield Village Golf and Spa
The Imperial Lake View Hotel and Golf Club
Palm Hills Golf Resort and Country club
Kaeng Krachan Golf and Country Club
Sawang Resort and Golf Club
The Majestic Creek Golf and Resort
Royal Hua Hin Golf Golf Course

Further details and contact numbers of the courses can be found on our hua hin golf page.

The only times this offer is not available are on Sundays at the courses where organised tournaments are being held. The venues will rotate. You can apply to enter any of the tournaments for a fee of 1,200 Baht that includes caddie, souvenirs and dinner.

There are some great prizes to be won at the tournaments, including hole-in-one rewards ranging from 100,000 Baht to 1,500,000 Baht, on designated holes. Longest drive prizes are also awarded.

Bear in mind that Hua Hin and Cha-am can get extremely busy during August, so book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment.

More information on regular golfing and green fees can be found on Golf Holidays Hua Hin

Hua Hin Vintage Car Rally

Each year, normally in December when the chances of rain are slight, this rally takes place between The Sofital Central Plaza, Bangkok and The Sofitel Central, Hua Hin.

The fourth annual event took place in 2006, and some 60 antique and classic cars made the 225km journey and after arriving in Hua Hin, rested up in town for the night before setting off on a parade around Hua Hin the next day that took them to Klaikangwon Palace, via the railway station and back again.

This is quite a spectacle, reminiscent of The London to Brighton rally that takes place annually in the UK.

If you're fond of old cars, then you are sure to appreciate the examples you will see, especially in such a foreign land. They are normally in pristine condition and include fine examples of E-Type Jaguars, Mercedes, Alfa Romeos, Fiats and many more.

Hua Hin and Thai holidays

The sheer number of holidays and festivals that occur in Thailand over any given year is staggering. There always seems to be something happening, somewhere. The more important dates will normally be celebrated nationally, whilst there are always some that are localised.

Other than specific birthdays, most of the holidays will take place around lunar months and so the exact dates will vary annually from a western calendar. If the moon is in its correct phase and the exact date falls during the week, holidays will generally be given in lieu on the nearest Monday after the event. Therefore it is not easy to be specific about exact dates, however an approximation will be given below.

It should be noted that on major holidays, banks, government offices and schools will be closed and Hua Hin will get extremely busy as the Bangkok crowd descend on town for a long weekend. This shouldn't put you off though. It's far better to join in the festivities. ATMs and exchange booths will always be open, however it can sometimes be difficult to find accommodation if you havn't planned ahead.

Holidays in Hua Hin

January
1st. The beginning of the western new year is a national holiday in Thailand, one of three "new year" holidays celebrated every year. Christmas and New Year are peak times in Hua Hin.

February
18th. The beginning of the Chinese lunar year is celebrated in the Chinatowns of every city throughout Thailand. Some businesses close for the day, but it is not a national holiday. Hua Hin gets very busy over Chinese new year and dragon dances can be seen in the streets.

March
3rd. Makha Bucha celebrates the Buddha's first sermon in to his disciples, the national holiday is taken on Monday the 5th this year.
* Hua Hin Kite Festival is held in March due to the prevailing winds.

April
6th. Chakri Day commemorates the founding of the current dynasty, Rama I.
13th/14th/15th. Songkran is the traditional Thai new year, generally celebrated as a water festival. Songkran in Hua Hin only occurs on the 13th when the streets downtown are packed with revellers, prepare to get wet!

May
1st. International labor day is celebrated as a national holiday.
5th. Coronation day celebrates the day in 1949 when the current king was crowned.
31st. Visakha Bucha Day.

June
8th/9th. Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2007, Hua Hin's 6th annual jazz festival promises to be bigger and better than last year. Dates may vary but its usually the first weekend in June.

July
29th. Asanha Bucha Day.
30th. Khao Phansa, this day marks the beginning of the Buddhist 'lent' period, a time when monks are supposed to retreat to their temples while new life springs forth.

August
12th. Her Majesty the Queen's birthday is a national holiday, also serving as the country's Mothers Day as well.
* Hua Hin Golf Festival is held throughout the month of August.
* Hua Hin Regatta is held in August.

September
No public holidays this month.
* Hua Hin Elephant Polo was moved to Chiang Rai.

October
23rd. Chulalongkorn Day celebrates the birthday of one of Thailand's most revered kings.
26th. End of Buddhist Lent.

November
24th. Loy Kratong is not a national holiday, but an evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any and all waterways around the Kingdom. Hua Hin beach gets especially busy on Loy Kratong night.
* Hua Hin Bike Week is held in November.
* Pranburi Dragon Boat Races are held in November.

December
5th. His Majesty the King's 80th birthday.
10th. Constitution Day.
25th. Christmas Day.
31st. New Year's Eve.

Talu Island

This privately owned island sits a 30 min boat ride away off the coast of the increasingly popular town of Bangsaphan which is a 2-3 hour journey by car, bus or train, south of Hua Hin.

Half-day trips to the island can be arranged from a local ticket office and the price is 300 Baht per person.

Excursions depart Bangsaphan at 9.00am and return at 1.00pm. Try to avoid weekends when things can get really busy. Alternatively, you can charter your own boat and 2,000 Baht should be enough for you to find your own "private location".

You can also book trips to Koh Talu direct from Hua Hin however there is around 3 hours travelling each way invloved.

Inland, tropical evergreen rainforest covers the island and trekking is possible. Other activities include kayaking and sailing but most of these are arranged by the sole resort on the island.


Koh Talu scuba diving and snorkelling

Koh Talu has lovely palm fringed beaches and a shallow reef that is ideal for snorkelling. Fish life is thriving and you'll see parrotfish, wrasse, seargent major fish and a good variety of hard coral.

It is the closest place to Hua Hin that you can go scuba diving, depths are around 14 meters max and visibility ranges from 5 to 15 meters. It is ideal for beginners as currents are slight and there is some good coral formations a little deeper and surrounding the smaller islands off Koh Talu.


Koh Talu accommodation
Koh Talu Island Resort

If you fancy staying on the island, The Koh Talu Island resort can house you. It is made up of luxury bungalows all with air conditioning, private balcony, sea or garden views, tv, refrigerator and mini bar. A first-class restaurant serves Thai cuisine, seafood and also has a barbecue and buffet. Other facilities include mountain bike and kayak rental, internet, traditional massage, boat trips, fishing and treking.
Address: 111/1 Moo 10, Bangsaphan, Prachuabkirikhan 77170.

Pala-U waterfall

This cascade is found on the south side of Kaeng Krachan National Park, some 60kms west of Hua Hin. The park is one of the largest in Thailand and sits right next to the Burmese (Myanmar) border.

It is a beautiful spot to visit. You will pass through stunning countryside and hills on your drive there that will only take 1.5 hours or so.

The waterfall has 16 steps, making it one of the highest in Thailand and those who make it to the top will be rewarded by superb views over Thailand and towards Burma. It should be noted, however, that progressing further than the third stage will be arduous and should only be attempted by those fit enough to do so.

The third stage itself has a large, deep pool and most visitors will be happy to spend their time here. The water is always cool and refreshing and there are plenty of large fish swimming in it that are friendly, but please don't try to catch them - you are in a National Park and this is forbidden.

The surrounding forest is over 1,000 years old and there is a good chance of seeing wildlife, particularly gibbons (which will certainly be heard, if not seen) and many rare species of bird-life.

The falls can be visited at any time of the year, but will be in their prime during and just after the rainy season, between July-November. At all times of year, it is wise to be careful of slippery stones, although the path to the third level is well taken care of and relatively safe. Higher up can get dangerous.

National Park fees

The fee for entering a National Park in Thailand is now 400 baht after being raised in 2006 from 200, this only applies to foreigners and not Thai nationals who are admitted for 10 percent of this fee. If you can prove that you are resident in the Kingdom by having a work permit or Thai drivers license you can often enter for the local price of 20 or 40 baht however you may have to negotiate in Thai for this at some parks.

Pala-U trip

We can offer a tour to the waterfall, details as follows:

Our trip starts in the morning, we drive west through pineapple plantations towards the mountains, near the Burmese border. We continue with a trek through unspoiled rainforest to Pala-U waterfall where we trek up to the 3rd level, there is a natural pool with filled with fish, you will experience the beautiful waterfall and jungle surroundings where wild monkeys and birds can be heard and often spotted.

The trip includes a visit to a nearby village called "Kareng" which was settled in around 200 years ago by people of Burmese origin. Today the villagers continue a lifestyle immersed in ancient tradition, they also have their own language.

Includes: Entrance fees, English speaking guide, transport, lunch, soft drinks, accident insurance.

Hua Hin creative arts

There is plenty in Hua Hin to entertain the minds of the more creative among you. With local artists eager to display their talents, handicrafts, silk weaving, embroidery, basket making, pottery and wood carving are all readily available.

Art fairs are often held and there are a couple of local galleries in Hua Hin. Market Village is usually the venue for such events so get along there to check the schedule.

There is now a music school in Hua Hin located just along from Sport Villa on Petchkasem road, they offer lessons and courses in piano, violin, and guitar. Thais love there guitar so you'll never be short of someone to jam with here!

A number of restaurants now offer Thai and Balinese dance shows, there is one in Hua Hin night market and one in Khao Takiab. You may find dance and music events on offer at some of the bigger hotels in Hua Hin. If you like the festival atmosphere don't miss the annual Hua Hin jazz festival which attracts artists and fans from all over the world.

Writing

For those interested in creative writing Write in Paradise, based at Dolphin Bay, offer holidays and two week courses. For up to three hours each morning for five days the first week and five days the second week there will be tutor led workshops. There are two tutors to each course and all are published writers and experienced teachers of writing.

The course is for beginners or experts and for all levels in between. This is an ideal course for anyone who wants to cross disciplines e.g. from journalism to prose. During the afternoon you will be taken on trips that will enhance your experience of Thailand and which will encourage you to use your writing muscles. After dinner, there will be an informal creative writing exercise and book club sessions for those people who are interested.

The cost of the package includes your transfers from Bangkok to Dolphin Bay, all trips and entrance fees where required, necessary stationery; bed, breakfast and evening meal, and all tutor fees. A writer can share a room with another writer or with a non-writing partner / companion at a discounted rate.

For more information, check out their website at www.writeinparadise.com

There is also the Hua Hin Blog for those that want to get their thoughts and anecdotes online. Just register a user account fill in this form and they will give you author status so you can upload your own stories and pictures for all to see.

Photography

There are no organised camera or photography clubs in Hua Hin but most of the photo buffs hang out on the Hua Hin Forum where monthly photo competitions are held, they are open to all.

There are plenty of camera shops in Hua Hin stocking many of the latest brands but be aware that prices for camera equipment are often higher in Thailand than back in the west.

Hua Hin walking and cycling routes

Whilst there are no formally set out trails for either of the above activities, both are easy to enjoy as long as you follow some "rules of the road", particularly when setting out on any type of bicycle.

The main walk in Hua Hin will be along the beach. It stretches from the entrance at The Sofitel Hotel to Monkey Mountain at Khao Takiab and is approximately 7km in length. Depending on how energetic you want to be, the distance can be covered in about 1.5 hours.

At the start, in central Hua Hin, the beach can be quite busy at certain times of year as the main hotels front it, but further on you'll find yourself in deserted areas. There are a sprinkling of beachside restaurants along the way, but it's always best to take along your own bottle of water for rehydration anyway. Do not forget that it's always hot here and the sun is fierce. When a cooling sea breeze blows in, you're unlikely to feel the effects of sweating and dehydration, so be careful.

Your progress along the beach will be determined by the time of day you walk and the time of year. As a general rule of thumb, if you walk in the mornings, during the months November - February, the beach will not be passable after The Chiva Som Resort due to high tides. The rest of the year is OK, with the lowest tides being between April - October.

It an envigorating "stroll" and there's plenty to observe depending on the time of year - small fish, crustaceans, shells and bird life. Also enjoy the fishing boats and monkeys at the end of your walk.

For those who don't want to make the same 7km trek back into Hua Hin again, there are welcoming restaurants in Khao Takiab and a songthaew (shared taxi) back to the centre of town will only cost 10 Baht.

There are plenty of other options for walking routes, but as Hua Hin gets busier and busier, it's naturally preferable to stay clear of the main road - Petchkasem Highway. So, other than the beach, this leaves you with the alternative of heading west. A good route would take you around Royal Hua Hin Golf Course. There are public rights of way around the course, but watch out for golf balls. You'll have the opportunity to see centuries old trees in stunning landscape that will take you up towards Hin Lek Fai.

Wherever you decide to walk, the Thais will probably think you're mad to do so in the heat, but they're always welcoming and you'll find friends everywhere. You can also join the local Hua Hin Hash House Harriers club if you're a real running and walking enthusiast.

Hua Hin cycling

As Hua Hin expands, so traffic congestion unfortunately becomes more of a problem. So, why not take up some cycling around town and the surrounds? It's a good way to keep fit and if you're careful around the main roads, you can find yourself in some great countryside very quickly.

There are an increasing number of outlets that either rent or sell bicycles in Hua Hin now. You can easily get one that you simply pedal around town on short errands. Alternatively, you can go for the "30 gear" racing variety and take part in "The Tour de Hua Hin". Bicycles can be purchased for anything between 2,000 and 50,000 baht and hired from 50 baht per day upwards.

No matter what you decide to go for, do remember that the roads are dangerous in Hua Hin and there are not many vehicles that will give you any right of way. Please give our "driving in Thailand" section a read first.

Nevertheless, if you follow the simple rules of the road, you're unlikely to encounter any mishaps and you'll be doing a whole lot of good for the environment of Hua Hin.

Hua Hin cooking courses

Most visitors to Thailand will be impressed with the cuisine. The range of herbs and spices used is staggering and the riot of flavours produced is famous throughout the world now.

Thai restaurants are springing up in most countries and as a result the ingredients necessary are becoming easier to find. So, rather than rely on expensive restaurants back in your home country to relive the tastes of Thailand, why not attempt some Thai cooking for yourselves?

Once you find a good supply of fresh herbs and spices, the cooking itself is not really that difficult. However, some tuition whilst in Hua Hin may be indispensible later on.
Catching on to the western popularity of the cuisine, a number of good Thai cooking schools have sprung up in Hua Hin. These will give you an introduction to all the ingredients and even take you to a local market where you'll be shown how to choose the best and for you to experience the enormous variety of goods for sale - some of which may be quite difficult to find back home.

Depending on how you want to learn, different schools will provide different courses. Some are watch and learn, whilst others allow you to do everything yourself. Some will teach with a set menu, others will allow you to choose the dishes you want, so you won't be restricted in your choices.

Most courses will introduce you to traditional ways to mix spices, using the pestle and mortar and coconut grinder. It might be hard work, but you'll get to experience the way the vast majority of Thais still prepare their everyday meals.

Most large hotels will either run or can organise courses for you. Although they will be more expensive then others in Hua Hin and possibly more restrictive in terms of what you can do, there will be some extremely experienced cooks on hand.

Probably the greatest delight after a hard day's shopping and cooking is to finally sit down and taste the fruits of your labours. Remember, once you have grasped the basics, the cooking is really not that difficult, so impress your friends and family back home.

More information on Thai fruits, herbs and spices can be found here:

Hua Hin massage

This ancient therapeutic practice has been learnt and handed down in Thailand for some 2,500 years. A whole book, or books, could be written about the subject, but it is only our intention here to introduce you to some of the basic principles.

It is worth pointing out from the start that despite Thailand's reputation for naughty nigthlife, only a tiny fraction of massage palours engage in "extra-curricular" activities. The vast majority are bona fide massage establishments and are strictly regulated, allowing only government certified masseurs, with the requisite skills, to practice there.

The Thai method of massage uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines in the body to adjust skeletal structure, increase flexibility, relieve muscular and joint tension, stimulate internal organs and balance the body's energy system. After a massage, you will feel relaxed and invigorated. Some have likened it do doing yoga (without all the effort) and receiving acupressure at the same time!

A session will usually last two hours with the recipient lying on a floormat in loose fitting clothing. Gentle pressure is applied with the hands and feet and there will be some passive stretching. The therapy is suitable both both young and old, the healthy and the not so healthy. A good practitioner is able to relieve stress and allow your body to regain flexibility and ease of movement. You should remember that the practice has been followed for countless generations and is well accepted in The East as an alternative form of medicine.

Hua Hin massage

There are a multitude of massage establishments in Hua Hin now. It will be impossible to list them all. Some are significantly better than others. One that stands out for special mention is on Petchkasem Road, just before The Royal Palace and next to Golden Place. This a Royal Project and massage is carried out by the blind. You will be in very capable hands. Most major hotels have a professional massage service as well.

Prices vary, but as a general rule of thumb you can expect to pay 300-600 Baht for a two hour traditional massage and up to 1,200 Baht for a two hour aromatheraputic oil massage. It really is something that you should experience at least once when you visit Hua Hin.

Hua Hin elephant camps and trekking

Elephants were used for centuries in Thailand as the primary mode of transport in The Kingdom. They are reliable and able to travel great distances over all kinds of terrain.

Although motorised transport has obviously now taken over, elephants are still widely used today in logging and for journeys in mountainous, jungle environments.

These days, you can also enjoy this ancient method of transport. There is an elephant camp situated some 3 km west of the town centre on the road leading to Pala U. Upon arrival, you will be introduced to and familiarised with the animals and given the chance to feed them some bananas. At the time of writing, there are 19 elephants in the camp, 2 male, 16 female and one baby.

Afterwards, you can go for a ride on the backs of these huge beasts. Your carriage will be a wooden bench, that is perfectly safe and the elephant is guided by a mahoot who sits on the neck. The price for an hour's trek around the surrounding countryside is 800 Baht and includes an example of logging, seeing the elephants take their morning bathe and lunch at the camp.

As one word of caution, do take heed of the mahoot's advice and any warnings about unruly animals. Elephants are large and it is not unknown for tourists to be seriously injured if one stampedes. Only get close to those indicated to you.
There is also another, smaller elephant camp in Khao Takiab. It is situated before you get to the beach at the end of the first soi on the left after you pass the hill. Again, feeding and rides are allowed.

Fitness and martial arts

For those who want to stay fit during their visit, there are a number of gyms around town. Most of the top-end hotels have good facilities and some will allow guests the use of them for a weekly or monthly fee.

In addition, there are more public ones at Grand Sport, Sport Villa and Palm Hills.

WT Thailand, based in Khao Takiab, offer personalised fitness programmes with a qualified instructor.

If you look around, you can find golf fitness instructors, a couple of yoga classes. There are also a number of local running and cycling clubs, more information can be found on the Hua Hin Sport website.

Swimming

Because of the weather, swimming is a popular and rewarding way to exercise and again most of the large hotels will allow you to use their pools for a small charge.

Palm Hills Country Club, about 5kms north of Hua Hin town centre, has a great pool in a superb location. They allow day guests, but have unfortunately raised their prices rather sharply recently. Sport Villa is again another popular spot and is found about 3kms south of town. The beach is shallow and safe for swimming - but watch out for jellyfish. Other beaches south of Hua Hin, particularly Sai Noi, are excellent for swimming as they get deep quickly. Sadly, Sai Noi is now being developed, so it's unique feel may well disappear soon.

Martial Arts

If you are interested in martial arts, karate and aikido courses for adults and children are available at the Grand Sport gym.

Muay Thai (Thai kick boxing) is practised seriously at a number of stadiums in Hua Hin and the events are regularly advertised around town. It is now also possible to train with the fighters and apparantly even get in the ring with them, if you dare.

Wing Tsun self-defence courses are run by WT Thailand in Khao Takiab either in their camp or on the beach. Wing Tsun is a form of Kung Fu used for self defence and self discipline, you can learn in a friendly group environment or individually.

Hua Hin watersports, boating & fishing

As Hua Hin is right on the Gulf of Thailand, you would not be mistaken in thinking that there's some good fishing to be had - both at sea and inland for freshwater species.

The area directly off the main Hua Hin beach is unfortunately pretty much "fished out" now. Indeed, the main fishing fleets have relocated south of town at Pak Nam Pran and Prachuabkirikhan. Nevertheless, there are some great opportunities for the enthuiastic angler.

Sea fishing trips and eco cruises

It is possible to arrange fishing trips yourself directly with local fishermen who'll take you out on their boats for a few hours. Prices, as always, are negotiable, but as a general rule of thumb you can expect to pay 500 baht per person for a group of 6. Tackle, bait and light refreshments will normally be included in the price. A trip will last around 5-6 hours, depending on tides. This can be a fun way to organise your day, although for trips further out to sea, it is probably better to use the services of a recognised boat operator, some of which are listed below.

One of the main operators is Mermaid Cruises who are based in Pak Nam Pran. Their flagship is "The Peacock", a 70ft traditionally built teak pleasure boat that can accommodate up to 40 passengers and has a bar with DVD, stereo and karaoke systems. On top, there are sun and fishing decks and the boat contains two double cabins. "The Peacock" is available for tours of the surrounding coastline and fishing trips. Prices vary depending on the trip you want and whether catering is required. Generally, a great day out can be had from 1 to 2 thousand baht per adult and a little less for children who are also welome.

In addition to their large pleasure boat, Mermaid Cruises also run a totally silent eco-friendly river boat -"The Kingfisher" (pictured above)- on which you can journey up the river and admire the local flora and fauna. This trip can be split into two, combined with lunch, and half day tours are also available on request. Contact: Tel +66 (0)32 632223 (office) +66 (0)84 8007400 (mobile).

Freshwater fishing

For those of you interested in fresh water fishing, you need look no further than Hua Hin Fishing Lodge. This is found some 10km from central Hua Hin on the road to Pala-U. The lodge has two freshwater ponds that are well stocked with a huge variety of fish, including the giant Mekhong catfish, carp, red devils, eels and others. There are at least 23 different types of fish in each pond. Both have sun shelters and casting decks.

The lodge benefits from a barbecue area where you can cook your catch (at market price+ 5 baht per kilo), a restaurant, bar and shop. All your tackle and bait can be hired. Fishing is allowed beween 9am and 6pm, unless you have booked a day fishing package, in which case you can continue under floodlights until 10pm. Prices are 40 baht per rod per hour and 150 baht rod and tackle hire per session. Bait is available at reasonable prices. A full day fishing pass (09.00-22.00) can be bought for 1,800 baht per person and 1,000 baht for children under 12. The pass includes a rod, tackle and bait, a buffet lunch and transport to and from your accommodation.
Contact: Tel +66 (0)81 9271271 or +66 (0)89 8374079.

Watersports

Watersports are offered behind the hill at Khao Takiab. Aquatic activities include jetski hire, banana boat rides, waterskiiing, parasailing, and sea kayaking. Although these watersports activities are available to all they are dangerous and care and common sense must be taken. For more information or bookings for watersports in Hua Hin call +66 (0)86 8039085.

Watersports at the main Hua Hin beach are limited due to the presence of the submerged boulders after which the town derives its name. Kiteboarding has become extremely popular on the flat open beach further south.

Hua Hin golf

For many years, Hua Hin has been regarded as one of the best golfing locations in Thailand. You will be spoilt for choice here as there are 7 top quality courses all within a 30 minute drive of the town centre. More are located slightly further afield, but are still reachable easily enough for a day's play and two more outstanding courses are currently under construction closer to the town.

So, if you need a break from the hectic pace of life on the beach, then there are enough courses to keep you occupied and happy during your stay. All are in good condition and will present challenges for both the novice and experienced golfer.
The courses tend to get busy at weekends and national holidays when the Bangkok crowd visit the area and during the high season (December - March), play can sometimes be slow. Even if it occasionally takes 5 hours to play a round, there's no need to get frustrated. The scenery and regular watering holes will take your mind off those small delays. At other times of year, you can often not see another soul on the course except your playing partners and caddies.

Although technically you can carry your own clubs, it is expected that you hire a caddie and you should respect this. They are not expensive and generally are good fun to have with you during your game. It is also customary to tip your caddie at the end of the round. The amount is up to you, but 300 Baht will always be received with a smile and thanks. Do bear in mind that the vast majority of caddies are women, half your size, who carry your clubs all the way round (if you're walking the course) in the blistering heat. No mean feat for anyone.

The courses are listed below with brief details of yardage, green fees contact details etc.

Hua Hin golf courses

Royal Hua Hin

Designed by a Scottish railway engineer and opened in 1924, Royal Hua Hin golf course is only 5 mins from the centre of town and was the first course to be constructed in Thailand.

Whilst there are no real water hazards on the course, all fairways are tree-lined (they are hundreds of years old and have their horticultural names affixed to them) and many of the greens are protected by being slightly elevated. Scoring well is always hard here. The scenery is outstanding and the views of the Gulf of Thailand and Hua Hin itself are particularly impressive on the back nine. Playing this course is a must and a real step back in time and history.

Designer: O.A. Robbins (a Scottish railway engineer).
Open: 1924
Course: 18 holes, par 72, length 6,678 yds
Facilities: Driving range, chipping green, putting green, pro shop, club hire, trolley and electric cart hire, clubhouse and restaurant.
Green fees: Weekday+caddie THB1,400. Weekend+caddie THB1,700.
Address: Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan, 77110 Tel +66 (0)32 512475.
Distance: 5 mins from Hua Hin.

Palm Hills

The first of the "new" courses to open in 1991, it was the venue for the inaugural Thailand World ProAm tournament in 1993. It is relatively flat with a fair amount of water and set amongst the hills that run to the west of Hua Hin.

Designer: Max Wexler
Open: 1991
Course: 18 holes, par 72, length 6,678 yds
Facilities: Driving range, chipping green, putting green, pro shop, electric cart hire, clubhouse and restaurant.
Green fees: Weekday+caddie THB2,400. Weekend+caddie THB2,400.
Address: 1444, Petchkasem Road, Cha Am, Petchaburi, 76120. Tel +66 (0) 32 520800-2
Distance: 15 mins from Hua Hin.

Bangkok Golf and Milford Resort/Seoul
Country Club

This is not the longest course around, but it is one that will require great accuracy. It is easy for even the most experienced golfer to run into problems here. The scenery and views are spectacular and be careful on the greens - they are as fast as lightening.
Designer: Robert McFarland
Open: 1996
Course: 18 holes, par 72, length 6,614 yds
Facilities: Driving range, chipping green, putting green, pro shop, electric cart hire, clubhouse and restaurant.
Green fees: Weekday+caddie THB1,200. Weekend+caddie THB1,600.
Address: 174 Moo 1, Pnomparn, Pranburi, Prachuabkirikhan 77110. Tel +66 (0) 32 572441.
Distance: 25 mins from Hua Hin.

Springfield Royal Country Club

This is probably the most famous course around Hua Hin and has been the venue for many major championships, including The Thai Open. It is always in wondeful condition and will present a challenge to all golfers. The layout has been cleverly thought out, as you would expect from the Jack Nicklaus team and the views of The Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding terrain are breathtaking. The clubhouse is one of the best in the area and a great place to relax after your round and reminisce about the experience.

Designer: Jack Nicklaus
Open: 1993
Course: 18 holes, par 72, length 7,063 yds
Facilities: Driving range, chipping green, putting green, pro shop, electric cart hire, clubhouse and restaurant.
Green fees: Weekday+caddie THB3,700. Weekend+caddie THB3,700.
Address: 193 Moo 6, Huay Sai Nua Cha Am, Petchaburi 76120. Tel +66 (0)32 709222.
Distance: 25 mins from Hua Hin.

The Majestic Creek Country Club

This is the newest course to open in the Hua Hin area and is cleverly crafted to provide a superb golfing challenge. Set in the hills that seperate Thailand from Burma (Myanmar), the scenery is stunning and there is plenty of water, streams and other natural hazards to negotiate.

Designer: Dr Sukitti Klangvisai
Open: 1993
Course: 18 holes, par 72, length 6,961 yds
Facilities: Drivng range, chipping green, putting green, pro shop, electric cart hire, clubhouse and restaurant.
Green fees: Weekday+caddie THB2,400. Weekend+caddie THB2,400.
Address: 164 Moo 4, Tambon Tabtai, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan 77110. Tel +66 (0)32 520162-6.
Distance: 30 mins from Hua Hin.

Imperial Lake View Hotel and Golf Club

This championship course is always in great condition and its design will find you having to negotiate a lot of water hazards on your way to trying to hit hidden greens. Once you've reached the greens, be prepared for some arduous putting experiences. There is a 70 room luxury hotel on the complex for those who may want to stay more than one day. The First 36 hole golf course in Hua Hin - Cha-am with the concept of "1 Course with 4 Styles" along with first class services.

Course A – Mountain (3,432 Yds. Par 36)

The undulating surfaces of this course increase the thrill of fairway shots as well as the appeal of putting on the greens. The idyllic landscape is enhanced by the splendid variety of international foliage and the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains in the distance.

Course B – Lake (3,483 Yds. Par 36)

This course gives the feeling of relaxation to any golfer who plays here. The refreshing atmosphere is supported by the cool breeze and surrounding bodies of water. This course is ideal for golfers looking to relax with a pleasant game, free from all the worries of the office, but with much hidden excitement from the challenges posed by the water that divides the course.

Course C – Desert (3,417 Yds. Par 36)

Also known as the Arizona Style course, this course is designed as an adventure for the golfer seeking to brave the arid landscape of the desert. Cacti, rocks, and bunkers abound making it a challenging course where the golfer must plan his every move carefully and patiently.

Course D – Links (3,859 Yds. Par 36)

A novel concept in Golf course design which combines the wide open spaces and windy expanses of a Links course with the idyllic tranquility of landscaping to achieve the Links Style course. The Links Style course will challenge golfers who enjoy long drives and thoughtful planning in their games.

Designer: Roger Packard and Ronald Fream (Course D)
Open: 1993
Course: 36 holes, par 72, length 6,915 yds.
Facilities: Driving range, chipping green, putting green, pro shop, electric cart hire, clubhouse and restaurant.
Green fees: Weekday+caddie THB2,000. Weekend+caddie THB2,000.
Address: 79 Moo 4, Tambon Sampraya, Cha Am, Petchaburi 76120. Tel +66 (0)32 456233-9.
Distance: 25 mins from Hua Hin

Sawang Resort and Golf Club

Situated amongst the rolling hills west of Petchaburi in the private valley of Khao Yoi, this course is in spendid condition and will provide a test for all levels of ability. There are plenty of water hazards and many of the fairways are tree-lined. The whole course is surrounded by fresh water lakes. There is also a hotel on the complex.

Designer: Isao Katsumata
Open: 1993
Course: 18 holes, par 72, length 6,959 yds.
Facilities: Driving range, chipping green, putting green, pro shop, electric cart hire, clubhouse, restaurant and hotel.
Green fees: Weekday+caddie THB1,400. Weekend+caddie THB2,000.
Address: 99 Moo 2, Saphang Khaoyoi, Petchaburi 76120. Tel +66 (0)32 562555-8.
Distance: 50 mins from Hua Hin.

There are a couple of other courses that are definitely worthy of mention. Although not technically included within the Hua Hin area, they are nevertheless close enough to reach and play within a day.

Dragon Hills Golf and Country Club

The course is found within "the triangle" of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Hua Hin and is a superbly designed and crafted venue that totally blends in with its natural environment. The back nine is particularly impressive. Most of the par 4s and 5s are long and all the greens provide a putting challenge. An affiliated hotel can be found a few kilometers away for those wanting to stay overnight.

Designer: Jim Engh, Isao Aoki, Jack Nicklaus.
Open: 1996
Course: 18 holes, par 72, length 6,812 yds.
Facilities: Driving range, chipping green, putting green, pro shop, electric cart hire, clubhouse and restaurant.
Green fees: Weekday+caddie THB650. Weekends+caddie THB950.
Address: 192 Moo 2, Ang Hin, Pak Tho, Ratchaburi 70140. Tel +66 (0)32 261206-7.
Distance: 1hr 30mins from Hua Hin.

Royal Ratchaburi Golf Club

This stunning course is again found within the "triangle" of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Hua Hin. It is a major challenge for all golfers with trees, water and bunkers all coming into play on the fairways and the greens being a real test with their slopes and burrows. It is reckoned amongst the top 10 beautiful courses in Thailand. The clubhouse is modest, but you'll find everything you need and there is a neighbouring hotel if you require accommodation.

Designer: Artanan Yomchinda
Open: 1988
Facilities: Driving range, chipping green, putting green, pro shop, electric cart hire, clubhouse and restaurant.
Course: 18 holes, par 72, length 6,785 yds.
Green fees: Weekday+caddie THB750. Weekend+caddie THB1,190.
Address: Khao Rank, Amphur Muang, Ratchaburi 70140. Tel +66 (0)32 227031-2.
Distance: 1hr 30mins from Hua Hin.

New golf courses in Hua Hin

There are another two championship courses already well under construction around Hua Hin. Black Mountain has two courses, both 18 holes, par 72. The length of the East course is a tough 7,261 yds, while the West is a more leisurely 7,064 yds. Construction on the latter is due to start in February 2007. The distance from the town centre is 15kms. Some of the first images of Black Mountain golf course can be seen below along with the scorecard:

The Banyan Golf Club is due to be completed by January 2008. Situated in pineapple plantations just south of Hua Hin, the course will provide spectacular scenery against a backdrop of mountains. It will be 18 holes, par 72 with a length of 7,030 yds.

We will bring you more information about the progress of these courses and more details when we have them.

Hua Hin animal park

A little known animal park lies around 10km north of Hua Hin. It appears to be setup as a government funded "deer research center" so there are no English language signs to or in the place.

Take Soi Huay Sai about a kilometer after Palm Hills on the left heading north and then it's on the right around 4km down this soi. Entrance is free.

The complex has a number of large deer enclosures and plenty of birds, many of which are roaming around the area. Monkeys are also plentiful with macaques, langurs and gibbons, some caged some free roaming. A canal system separates a couple of islands where gibbons also live.

The only disappointment is the rather small cages for the Malayan Sun Bear and Asiatic Black Bear, they really should have a bigger pen. Other enclosures had tropical birds, tortoises, reptiles and porcupines.

There is a nice little spot down by the canals where you can sit or have a picnic but remember to bring your own supplies as there are no shops in the park.

Khao Hin Lek Fai

If you're looking for some spectacular views of Hua Hin, you need search no further than Khao Hin Lek Fai (Flintstone Hill).

It is situated about 3km west of the town centre. Follow Chomsin Road over the railway line and instead of bearing right with the road to Pala U, keep going straight ahead. It's a steep climb to the top, but worth it once you're there.

There are 3-4 lookout spots and it's a popular location with locals, especially at sundown which is arguably the best time to go. Try all the lookouts as they offer views in different directions, you can see as far south as Khao Takiab and beyond and north towards Cha-am.

If you're feeling fit you can join the active crowd who make the daily trip to the top by running or cycling however it is not for the feint hearted!

There are a few stalls selling food and drink and a bird centre that never seems to have many birds aside from the peacocks roaming around. A well laid out garden with many different species of shrubs, trees and bamboo, together with a statue of King Rama VII adds to the ambience of the location.

Hua Hin temples

Thailand is some 95% Buddhist and so temples are a common sight all over the country and Hua Hin is no exception to this rule.

The main temple is Wat Hua Hin (or Wat Ampharam) that is located in the centre of town.

Other notable ones include Wat Bor Fai that is around 5km north of Hua Hin and where you can feed the large, sacred catfish for a small donation to the monks.

Other impressive examples of temple architecture can be found on the Pala-U road heading west out of Hua Hin at the top of the hill. You can see some wonderful examples of Buddha statues at Wat Khao Krailas and Wat Petchravud here. Another good town to visit if you're interested further is Khao Takiab.

Temple etiquette

It is important to be respectful at all times within the temple grounds. Always dress conservatively, so for women no short skirts or bikini-type tops and for men, decent tailored shorts are de rigeur, with long trousers preferred. Do not ever climb upon a Buddha statue or touch one on the head. When in the presence of monks, women are not allowed to touch them, so if a female is offering anything to one, the offering should be placed in front of the monk for him to accept, rather than given hand-to-hand.

You will find all the temples welcoming places with a real feeling of tranquility in which you are welcome. If you follow the above simple rules, you will not cause offence which is important in these places of worship.

Hua Hin royal palaces

The current monarch King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikitt now both mainly reside at their summer palace in Hua Hin.

Known as Klaikangwon Palace, meaning "far from worries", this residence is only accessable by invitation and there is an exclusion zone around it that stretches out to sea. It was built in Spanish style architecture in 1929 and the gardens are beautifully manicured and full of art from Java.

Slightly further north is Maruekatayawan Palace. This was designed by His Majesty King Rama VI in 1923 and is a superb example of classic raised Thai architechure. Of particular note are three two-storied wooden pavilions facing out to sea. Halls are linked together throughout the palace and there are residential areas for royal consort members and naturally for The Royal Family.

The Palace is open to the public daily from 08.00-16.00 and is a must-see whilst you are in Hua Hin for a real glimpse back into Thailand's Royal past. The Palace is now fully restored and prides itself on being the longest golden teak palace in the world. You can find it within a few minute's drive north of Hua Hin.

Hua Hin beaches

As Hua Hin is located on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, it's hardly surprising that it is well-endowed with some great beaches. Most are wide and long, whilst depths are generally shallow with very mild currents. As a result, they are safe for all the family. Some are deeper and these will be highlighed below.

At certain times of year, particularly during the rainy season (August- October), the seas will be rougher, currents stronger and jellyfish can be a problem. Naturally, it is important to take care in these conditions, especially with children. If you are stung by jellyfish, the locals at beach restaurants will normally have some local remedies available that will take the initial "sting" out of things, but it is important to seek medical advice as quickly as possible afterwards to avoid any possible complications. Having said this, not many people are stung and there are warning signs placed on the beach when the "stingers" may have been washed close into shore.

Another consideration is the sun. Far too often, visitors here are lulled into a false sense of security as they are cooled down by the ever-present sea breeze. Do not be fooled. The sun is strong all year round and so sun protection will be necessary unless you want to spend a few painful, sunburnt days off the beaches.

Despite Thailand's reputation for rauchiness, public displays of nudity are severely frowned upon and indeed illegal. Your Thai hosts will not be impressed if you go topless on the beaches, whilst any more blatent displays will probably end up with you being detained at a local police station. Please respect the social mores of this country.

Hua Hin beach itself runs for approximately 7km south of the main entrance at The Sofitel Hotel, all the way to Khao Takiab. Although the first kilometre can be busy with restaurants and deck chairs, you'll find some more secluded sites further away with a watering hole never far away. Watersports are becoming more popular and include jetskiing, kiteboarding, waterskiing and banana boats. However, please do take care with these activities. Accidents can and do happen - some unfortunately fatal - and you will not get much sympathy from the Thai authorities if you have been reckless.

Beaches further afield

Further south of Hua Hin you will find Khao Takiab beach which is quieter than Hua Hin and further still you'll arrive at Suan Son beach, so named after the trees that line it - it's best to picnic here as catering is not so common.

About 20km south of Hua Hin is Khao Tao and Sai Noi beach and another 20km southwards is Khao Kalok. Finally, to the south is Ao Manao that is situated just outside of the provincial capital, Prachuabkirikhan. The beach is safe for all and there are plenty of restaurants lining this pretty bay.

To the north of Hua Hin is the resort town of Cha-Am. This has a decent beach that again is safe for swimming and where you will find a good choice of beach restaurants.

Hua Hin travel by minivan

Unless you're travelling under your own steam, the usual ways to get from Hua Hin to Bangkok are either by taxi, air conditioned bus or train. There is another quick alternative, however, and that's by minivan.

It's definitely one of the quickest ways to reach the capital, taking as little as 2.5 hours - depending on traffic - and one of the other major advantages is that the journey there terminates in the city centre, at Victory Monument. This location is right on the skytrain which makes your onward journey easy.

In Hua Hin, the minivans arrive and depart from a site just off Petchkasem Road in the centre of town. You will see the soi on the western side of Petchkasem, opposite the Esso garage, just north of Chomsin Road. (See grid reference B3 on the Hua Hin City Map).

As mentioned, in Bangkok, the arrival/departure point is Victory Monument. This is essentially a huge roundabout and the easiest way to describe where the transport is, is after exiting the skytrain, keep above the traffic and follow the circular walkway in a clockwise direction. After a short distance, you will see a hospital on your left. Descend to street level and the minibusses are parked behind the shops there. Just ask for Hua Hin and you'll be directed to the right place to buy your ticket.

The only disadvantage of this method of transport is that you may be asked to buy extra seats if you have a lot of luggage. If you're travelling light, it's a great way to go.

Minivans from Hua Hin to Bangkok leave approximately every half hour from 05.00-18.00. In practice, one will depart as soon as it's full, so you'll never have to wait long.

The same proceedure happens from Bangkok to Hua Hin, the first departure being at 05.30 and the last at 18.00.

PRICE - 180 Baht.

Hua Hin car hire

Hiring a car is a great way to get around town as a family or visit places further afield. There are a number of Hua Hin car rental and Hua Hin car hire services in town but they are not all as reputable as they seem.

Renting a car in Hua Hin is a straight forward process, all you need is an international drivers licence. Many Hua Hin car rental outfits will ask for a large deposit, be very wary of this as it is not necessary, they will often charge you for damage done to the hire car before you rented it, check your rental car for damage first.

If you do decide to go ahead with a Hua Hin car rental make sure you read the Hua Hin road awareness guide and familarise yourself with the roads here.

Hua Hin car rental
We can offer a number of cars for rent in Hua Hin by only the most reputable dealers, hire cars change so we won't give specific models, just a guide to what you can hire and at what cost. Hua Hin car rentals are listed below:

These Hua Hin car rental prices are general and you will get a discount on your hire car if you rent it for longer than seven days.

Hua Hin travel by plane

Located about a 15 minute drive north of Hua Hin town centre, the airport has had a somewhat chequered past.

There have always been intermittent daily flights to Bangkok, but plans to include it on the Bangkok-Hua Hin-Samui and proposed Phuket-Hua Hin-Pattaya routes were shelved.

The close proximity of Hua Hin to Bangkok probably made them financially unviable.
More laterly, the airport went through massive development extending the runway and terminal facilities to upgrade it to an International airport. Again this idea never got off the ground - literally - and the whole concept has been postponed indefinitely, although the development did take place.

Flights to and from Hua Hin

Nowadays, there are only daily flights to and from Bangkok through SGA on board a 12 seater Cessna Grand Caravan. The flight time is 30-45 mins and the schedule is as follows (effective Jan 15 - May 31 2007):

Check-in is 35 mins before departure in both directions, but you're better off allowing 1 hour. Costs are approximately 3,700 Baht one way and 5,800 Baht return for adults, with chidren under 12 being charged 2,250 Baht and 3,650 Baht respectively.

Departures and arrivals to and from Bangkok are currently listed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport which makes connections for international flights more easy. However, it should be noted that certain domestic airlines have been moving back temporarily to the old Don Muang International Airport whilst repairs are carried out at Suvarnabhumi. It is essential that you check which airport is being used at time of travel.

Hua Hin travel by taxi

There are a number of taxi services in Hua Hin ranging from small tuk-tuk and minivan taxis to full limousines and VIP services.

Taxis are usually found parked up along Damnoen Kasem and Petchkasem Roads, they can often be a bit of an annoyance if you're looking for a parking spot or don't actually need a taxi.

Always arrange the fare before you get into the taxi to avoid a nasty surprise at the end of your journey, local trips should never cost more than a couple of hundred baht. There is no "flag fall" for Hua Hin taxis and no taxi meters so they can often work out a fair bit more expensive than Bangkok taxis.

Hua Hin taxi service

We can now offer a Hua Hin taxi service with a range of taxis traveling from Bangkok to Hua Hin and back. There are a number of taxis in Hua Hin however taxi prices can vary a lot and reliability of taxi drivers and taxi operators in Hua Hin can also vary.

Our Hua Hin taxi service is proven and reliable, we have a number of different taxis to suit your needs so take a look below and contact us if you wish to book a Hua Hin taxi.

Hua Hin Taxi - taxi service

Hua Hin taxi to Bangkok Airport : 2,800 Baht
Bangkok Airport to Hua Hin
Hua Hin taxi to Pattaya : 4,500 Baht
Hua Hin taxi to Kanchanaburi : 3,200 Baht
The vehicle may vary.

Hua Hin Taxi - limousine service

Hua Hin limo to Bangkok Airport : 3,500 Baht
Hua Hin limo to Pattaya : 6,400 Baht
Private chauffer drive limousine service, travel in style.

Hua Hin Taxi - minivan service

Hua Hin minivan to Bangkok Airport : 3,200 Baht
Hua Hin minivan to Pattaya : 4,800 Baht
Hua Hin minivan to Kanchanaburi : 3,500 Baht

Hua Hin travel by train

As Hua Hin is on the main (and only) north-south train line, it is easy to travel up to Bangkok or down to the deep south.

Train routes are normally more pituresque than bus routes and whilst this method of travel is generally slightly slower than the busses, it is infinitely more comfortable, particularly on long and overnight journeys.

There are three classes of accommodation - 1st, 2nd and 3rd. 1st class sleeper compartments are air conditioned and for two people. They have a wash basin and there is even a cold water shower in the carriage's toilet. Food and drink can be ordered and brought to your compartment. This is a comfortable, relaxing way to travel long distances.

2nd class accommodation comes in a variety of formats. Sleepers with bunk beds. In these, the arrangement is open-plan and the carriages are either air conditioned or with fan. Alternatively, there are seated carriages which can be either air conditioned or fan cooled. Both are comfortable ways to travel shorter distances during the day.

Finally, 3rd class carriages come with either padded or wooden benches and are surprising clean and comfortable for short journeys.

Tickets can normally be purchased from Hua Hin station on the day of travel, but for the more luxurious carriages, forward booking is advisable. This is particularly essential during holiday periods when the trains are sure to be full.

Hua Hin travel by bus

There are three different bus services that run from or through Hua Hin. The blue air con busses to and from Bangkok, VIP and other a/c busses that head south and the local orange busses that go to Pranburi and Petchaburi.

Air conditioned busses, run by Hua Hin Pran Tours depart for Bangkok from Sra Song Road just south of Dechanuchit Road.

The first is at 3.00am and regularly thereafter until 9.00pm.

Tel: 032-511654/032-512543.

Hua Hin - Bangkok bus timetable

03.00 12.30
03.45 13.00
04.30 13.30
05.15 14.00
06.00 14.30
06.45 15.00
07.30 15.30
08.00 16.00
08.40 16.40
09.20 17.20
10.00 18.00
10.30 18.45
11.00 19.30
11.30 20.15
12.00 21.00

Bangkok - Hua Hin bus timetable

The same service leaves Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal, starting at 4am until 10.20pm. Again, the full schedule is listed below. Tel 02-8846192.

04.00 13.00
05.00 13.40
05.40 14.20
06.20 15.00
07.00 15.40
07.30 16.20
08.00 17.00
08.30 17.40
09.00 18.20
09.30 19.00
10.00 19.40
10.30 20.20
11.00 21.00
11.40 21.40
12.20 22.20

Hua Hin busses to the south

These depart Hua Hin from the bus station at the very top (Western end) of Chomsin Road, on the right just before you get to the railway line. Do not confuse this bus station with the one that runs to Bangkok.

Timetables are somewhat erratic, however the departure times from Hua Hin to the following major southern destinations are detailed below. Note: these busses do not have onboard toilets, however "comfort/food stops" will generally be taken every 3-4 hours.

Prachuabkirikhan - every 20 mins starting at 06.30 - 16.00 from the bus station. From 17.00 onwards, the busses leave either the bus station or the central Clock Tower (by Hua Hin Wat), on alternate days until 23.00. ie, Monday from the bus station, Tuesday from the Clock Tower. (You must check these days are correct, but the departure point after 17.00 does alternate by day). PRICE 60 Baht.

Chumphon - departing every hour from 07.30 - 13.00. After 17.00, the same proceedure as above applies, the departure point alternating daily until 23.00. PRICE 160 Baht.

Surat Thani - busses depart hourly from 09.00 - 11.00. Thereafter, there are two departures at 23.00 and 24.00 from the bus station. PRICE 270 Baht.

Ranong/Phuket - departures are at 08.00/10.00/13.00/17.00/18.00/24.00 all from the bus station. PRICE 225 Baht (Ranong)/ 339 Baht (Phuket).

Hat Yai - 09.00/10.00/19.30. All departures are from the bus station. PRICE 500 (approx)

Sungai Kolok - one departure from the bus station at 23.30. PRICE 610 Baht.

It must be emphasised that timing is not always punctual, although departures rarely go before those listed above. Advance booking is not possible on these busses, but there are usually seats available when they reach Hua Hin in the mornings. With the later ones, or those at weekends or Public Holidays, you really do take your chances. It's a great, cheap way to travel but, if you're on a deadline, it might be worth paying some extra and taking a VIP bus and booking in advance. The VIP advance booking office is open at the bus station from 08.00-15.00.
For further information call 032 511230. (Very little English is spoken).

Hua Hin transport

With a population of some 75,000, Hua Hin is a relatively small holiday town in comparison to Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. However, it is expanding all the time as our destination becomes more and more popular.

Nevertheless, getting around is easy as the centre of town is very concentrated and it is possible to explore the heart by foot. Whether you're staying at one of the up-market hotels, a guesthouse or in accommodation slighly further afield, you're unlikely to be more than a few kilometres away from the major banks, the Post Office and other facilities that are associated with a tourist destination.

There is good variety of transport available in town. Motorcycle taxis are readily available, but bear in mind that most riders do not supply helmets for pillion passengers. Tuk tuks (3 or 4 wheeled, open sided taxis) are again easy to find, particularly in the centre of town and for those want a more recognised form of taxi service, there are plenty of drivers around to take you home.

Public transport consists of songtaews, these green trucks leave every 15 minutes or so and cost 10 baht to and from Khao Takiab and out to the airport. You simply flag one down and get on. They run the same route from Hua Hin night market, down Petchkasem road, you can get on or off at any stage during the journey.

For those that are in no rush you can travel by rickshaw or trishaw. These are three wheeled bicycles that are often seen cruising the back streets of Hua Hin and are a great way to take in the town. Some of the major hotels organize rickshaw tours where you end up in a large convoy snaking your way through downtown Hua Hin.

Hua Hin restaurants

Most people will think of Thailand as a country that has great weather and a long history, with charming, friendly people and a distinct culture. That, of course, is all true, but it also offers a gastronomic experience not to be missed.

Hua Hin has become a high-class tourist destination, developing quickly from a once sleepy fishing village. Along with this development has come an ever-increasing selection of cuisine, both Thai and international.

Only some ten years ago, Hua Hin would have been able to provide little more than local food outside of the few main hotels in town. Now, you can also find an enormous selection of restaurants serving dishes from all over the world, including Italy, Scandanavia, Europe, Japan, Korea and India. This transformation is reflective of the way Hua Hin has evolved and its status now as a top travel destination.

Effectively, your food choices will be determined by how much you want to pay, the degree of formality you want and of course the type of cuisine. The major hotels will always allow non-residents to dine there, but you must be aware of dress codes in certain establishments. Needless to say, standards of cooking are extremely high and whilst you will pay for this, at least one meal at a 5 star resort is something you should try and treat yourself to during your stay - assuming you're not resident there, of course. The range of restaurants that can be found at the top hotels in Hua Hin are described in our Hotels and Resorts section.

Eating out Hua Hin

The centre of Hua Hin is crammed with restaurants and it's easy to wander around for ages without being able to make your mind up about which to try. Despite what some may think, Thailand and Hua Hin in particular are safe places to eat from a hygene point of view. Ingredients are always fresh and kitchen and washroom facilities are as good and of as high a standard as you would expect in your home country. Instances of upset stomachs are few and far between and are more likely to have been caused by the weather temperatures on arrival - or overindulgance with the fiery chillis - as through any bad food.

It will be impossible to fully list all the restaurants in Hua Hin - there are simply too many and more are opening all the time. Generally though, do experiment and vary your culinary experience.

Hua Hin is famous for it's seafood. The town is right on the the Gulf of Thailand after all and you'll find superb wooden restaurants on stilts down by the fishing pier. There's also Hua Hin's night market - a must to wander through sampling the local dishes that are cooked freshly in front of you. Roadside vendors are around 24 hours a day to rustle you up a tasty snack and you'll come across an enormous variety of tropical fruits.

International restaurants in Hua Hin are of the highest quality and remember that whilst more expensive than the local Thai ones, they are still a real bargain when compared to "back home". So, come to Hua Hin, be prepared to be adventurous food wise and you'll enjoy your stay all the more.

As a couple of final pointers, if you're not too sure how chilli hot you want your food, just ask for local dishes "mai ped" (not hot). The Thais are an accommodating lot and they certainly won't want you to be put off their food if it's uncomfortable to eat. Alternatively, ask for dishes "Thai style" and you'll get what the locals have. It has been the law for a number of years now that smoking is not permitted in air conditioned restaurants and you will find that this is enforced in Hua Hin.
So, eat, drink and be merry!

Hua Hin guesthouses

Hua Hin has long been on travellers' itineries and as a result has a history of providing clean, comfortable guesthouse accommodation for the budget conscious.

Over the years, as Hua Hin has grown and become more well-known worldwide, so the standard of guesthouses has improved and it is now easy to find very affordable rooms with quite a few of the facilities of much bigger hotels.

Most of the guesthouses in Hua Hin are fairly small, with many only having 5 or so rooms, but what they lack in numbers, they more than make up for in terms of customer support, friendliness and overall hospitality.

The larger guesthouses will be able to provide a good range of options to suit all budgets, ranging from rooms with en-suite bathrooms, cable or satallite tv, air conditioning and tea/coffee making facilities to basic fan rooms with shared bathrooms. The smaller guesthouses in Hua Hin may only have a couple of rooms, but many of them are well appointed and will satisfy most travellers.

Almost all guesthouses will have some form of bar and restaurant. You can't necessarily expect high Thai cuisine, but you will find decent breakfasts and a limited, but tasty, range of local food. The bars will be family friendly and are good places to relax and enjoy conversation with other travellers and ex-pats. It is quite common that people arrive in Hua Hin for a few days, or maybe a week and find themselves still here after a month or so. For the longer term resident, most guesthouses in Hua Hin will be able to offer attractive discounts for the long-stayer and indeed it is always worth trying to negotiate rates with the guesthouse, depending on the time of year. It is also important to note that many of the guesthouses do get full during high season, so forward booking is advisable to save you wandering around town in the heat with all your belongings.


Guest houses in Hua Hin

Some of the more popular guesthouses in Hua Hin are:

Chada Guesthouse Hua Hin
Jing's Guesthouse Hua Hin
Lille Man Guesthouse Hua Hin
Mr Dan Guesthouse Hua Hin
Pattana Guesthouse Hua Hin
M&A Guesthouse Hua Hin
The Shed Guesthouse Hua Hin
Ananthara Guesthouse Hua Hin

All of the above are located right in the centre of Hua Hin and so are close to the beach and all local amenities.

As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay in the region of 650 to 1,200 baht per night for an en-suite air conditioned room with facilities, down to 300 baht per night for more basic guesthouse accommodation.

For more information and online booking take a look at Hua Hin Guest Houses

Hua Hin mid-range hotels

Hua hin has a plethora of mid-range and new boutique hotels that offer good facilities and service. Whilst naturally not of the same standard as a 5 star resort, they nevertheless offer good value for money and as a result can become extremely busy in the peak season.

The more reputable 2-4 star hotels are listed below, with as much up-to-date information that we can provide. As has been mentioned before, do bear in mind that these hotels can get full at certain times of the year, so it is always best to book ahead. Use the online booking system on this site to secure your Hua Hin accommodation.

Mid-range Hua Hin hotels

Tanawit Hua Hin Condo and Hotel
Located in the centre of town, the 71 rooms all have air conditioning, mini bar, cable tv, refridgerator and hot water. Facilities include swimming pool, gym, internet access and car/motorbike rental.

Majestic Beach Resort
This wonderful resort is ideally located on the beach, close to Klaikangwon Royal Palace. It features 124 rooms and suites all appointed to the highest standard and including air conditioning, a mini bar and satellite tv. The Home Spa can cater for your every need and specialises in aromatherapy. Other facilities include restaurants, fitness room, snooker room, outdoor swimming pool, children's play area and bars.

Casa del Mare
This 18 king size and 18 twin sized room hotel is set in lush tropical gardens. The rooms themselves are designed in traditional rustic character and furnished with locally crafted products. Having said that, all are air conditioned with mini bar, cable tv, refridgerator and aromatherapeutic toiletries. All have private balconies that face inwards to the gardens. Facilities include a swimming pool, pool bar, restaurant, internet, and traditional Thai massage.

Putahracsa Hua Hin
This new, boutique style hotel in the middle of town has a variety of accommodation. There are 36 Silksand rooms set around the pool, 8 two-story Sansky Villas and 15 Oceanbed Villas. They have their own individual features, but all include satellite tv, free wireless internet, DVD player and personal music system, mini bar, refridgerator, bathtub and shower, and complimentary daily fruits. There are 3 dining and bar areas, 3 swimming pools, boutique shop and spa that practices both traditional and modern theories.

Wora Bura Resort and Spa
Designed to reflect the atmosphere of 19th century Thailand after his Majesty King Rama V made his formal visit to Europe, the resort is a mini-city whose buildings blend traditional Thai architechure with western influences that prevailed after the visit. There are 77 rooms, suites and villas that are named after the provinces of Thailand. Amenities include air conditioning, balcony with sea view, satellite tv, mini bar, bath tub and shower and wireless internet. Cuisine is excellent and can be experienced at the 4 restaurants and bars that serve Thai, western and snack foods. Other facilities include a swimming pool, gym, Thai sporting activities, cooking classes, childrens' club and yoga. Finally, the Wora Spa offers traditional therapeutic techniques together with beauty salon, sauna, whirlpool and steam rooms.

Let's Sea Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort
This romantic resort manages to capture the atmosphere of Hua Hin and is set right on the beach. There are 40 "retreats" - 20 studio piers on the first floor with their own personal access to the canal shaped swimming pool and 20 moon deck suites with their own romantic moon deck area and easy access to the pool. All have air conditioning, bath tub and shower, broadband internet and DVD/VCD players.
There are 4 restaurants and bars that serve a wide variety of food and snacks, a fitness centre, swimming pool and spa that includes steam rooms, massage jets and therapeutic massages.

Aka Hotel Resort and Spa
This splendid resort is nestled in the hills 5 minutes to the west of central Hua Hin. It is a private lakeside villa retreat with the emphasis being on privacy. The villas themselves are set in 10 acres of tropical landscape and offer guests real tranquility.

Accommodation is with either one or two bedrooms and all offer their own private swimming pool, private sun deck, garden courtyard and outdoor sunken bath and shower. They are all air conditioned with satellite tv, mini bar, refridgerator and king-size or twin beds. There are 4 restaurants and bars offering a good selection of Thai, international and snack foods and a 30m communal pool, three seperate lakes in the grounds, a spa, jogging trail and all the other facilities you would expect from a top-class resort.

Thipurai City Hotel
This well-established hotel is located in the centre of Hua Hin and close to all amenities. Its 83 well-appointed rooms range from a junior suite through to deluxe and superior rooms. They are all air conditioned and have satellite tv, mini bar, balcony and hot water shower. There is a swimming pool on the 5th floor and two restaurants, one being on the rooftop on the 7th floor. Both serve Thai and international cuisine.

Hua Hin Suites
This boutique style hotel offers accommodation based on 1 bedroom suites or double rooms and is centrally located close to the beach and other amenities. All rooms are air conditioned and feature cable tv, a refridgerator, hot water and a bathtub.
There is a small pool and a restaurant at Papa John's Grill.

Hua Hin Grand Hotel
This centrally-located, 160 room and suite hotel is well appointed and many of the rooms offer great sea views. There is a large swimming pool and a 24 hour coffee shop and poolside bar offer a good selection of cuisine.

Sand Inn Hotel
Again centrally located, the hotel offers 18 Superior rooms and 3 deluxe rooms. All are air conditioned with cable tv, mini bar, balconies and hot water. A restaurant serves Thai and international cuisine.

City Beach Hotel
Situated centrally and only a short walk to the beach, it has 146 deluxe and 16 executive deluxe rooms. All are air conditioned and have western bathrooms, mini bar, satellite and cable tv and private balconies in the deluxe rooms.
There is a Thai and international restaurant, disco and snooker room.

Doodi Guesthouse
Five minutes from town centre this guesthouse offers all rooms equipped with twin or double beds, IDD telephone, air conditioning, cable TV with over 30 channels, mini bar, and private balcony. The bathrooms have showers with hot / warm water.

Royal Asia Lodge
The hotel has 50 rooms with private balcony, all with cable tv, air conditioning and hot water.Other facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, restaurant and coffee shop.

Hin Nam Sai Suay
Situated north of the town centre towards the airport, the hotel has 100 rooms, ranging from superior to suite. All are air conditioned with full amenities.
There are two restaurants serving a wide variety of food and karaoke rooms. Other facilities include a swimming pool, childrens' pool, internet, snooker room, traditional massage, fitness area and sauna.

Veranda Lodge
This small, exclusive resort has 12 superior and deluxe rooms and is situated halfway down Hua Hin beach. All rooms are air conditioned with satellite tv, refridgerator and a kitchenette with microwave (in suites only). Facilities include a swimming pool, beach terrace, traditional massage and 6 restaurants and bars to serve you up delicious food and drink.

Baan Na Takiab Hua Hin
These serviced apartments consist of 5 standard deluxe with living room, kichen and terrace, together with 1 sea view deluxe with living room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms and 2 balconies.All have air conditioning, satellite tv and hot water. There is a swimming pool, wireless internet, traditional massage and room cleaning services.

Hua Hin hotels and resorts

As Hua Hin has developed over the years, so the number of top-quality hotels, resorts and spas has grown as well. Most are situated right on the beach and have all the facilities that you would expect from 5 star establishments in a major tourist destination.

The major players are listed below, with as much up-to-date information that we can provide. As has been mentioned before, do bear in mind that these hotels and resorts can get full at certain times of the year, so it is always best to book ahead.

Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa

This 296 room hotel is situated right in the heart of Hua Hin, on the beach. It is therefore close to all the major banks, exchange booths, ATMs, restaurants and other forms of entertainment that town has to offer. Indeed, it is possible to explore the whole of the centre of "old Hua Hin" by foot from here.

As you would expect from a Hilton hotel, the service and facilities are excellent. All rooms and suites have a sea view and private balcony and there is a wide range of accomodation options to suit all tastes and budgets from 42 sq metre Bay Rooms, through Deluxe and Executive Rooms to the luxurious 80 sq meter King Pacific Suite.

You will find the very best in dining here as well. The hotel has 7 restaurants, ranging from the internationally acclaimed White Lotus Restaurant serving Chinese cuisine on the rooftop, to Thai, Japanese and Italian food and poolside and coffee shop settings. The facilities are endless and include parking, pool, children's pool, snooker room, gym, sauna, spa and business centre.

Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort

This is undoubtedly the most famous and longest-established 5 star hotel in Hua Hin. Originally opened in 1923 as the Railway Hotel, it was The Kingdom's first resort hotel and it still maintains an aura of the "colonial" past that the management has succeeded in blending in with the more modern. The 13 hectare grounds are wonderfully manicured and full of astounding topiary.

Situated in the centre of Hua Hin and right on the beach, the resort boasts 207 well appointed rooms and suites that are reminiscent of the 1920's. You will find nine restaurants that can cater for every taste, ranging from classic Thai to Japanese, Western and snacks. Facilities are excellent and include three swimming pools, a snooker room, tennis, a fitness centre and beauty salons.

Prices from : 4,200 [ book online ]

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin

Situated closer to Khao Takiab than Hua Hin, this resort is still only some 5kms away from the town centre and close to the ever-expanding town of Takiab itself. It has the largest beach front of any 5 star hotel in the area (200m) and with its twelve acres of tropical gardens it makes for an ideal, quiet holiday for romantic couples and families. There is a wide range of rooms to suit every taste and the facilities here are excellent.

Prices from : 4,000 [ book online ]

Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa

Found only a 10 min walk from the centre of Hua Hin, this 216 room, 3 suite resort will have accommodation to suit everyone. It is situated right on the beach and designed in classic Thai style. There are seven restaurants and bars to choose from and they serve a full range of Thai, western and snack foods. Facilities include a barber/beauty shop, gift shop, swimming pool, sauna, tennis, a fitness centre and spa.

Dusit Resort Hua Hin

Situated only 10 minutes north of Hua Hin, this fabulous resort provides guests with an ideal getaway location, close to the town centre. It maintains an aristocratic, traditional style and its 300 rooms and suites all have either sea or garden views. They are well appointed and range from standard and sea view rooms to The Presidential Suite. There are two swimming pools, a fitness centre, squash and tennis courts, jacuzzi and horse riding. Lovers of food will not be disappointed as there are seven restaurants and bars serving a wide variety of local and western food and snacks.

Anantara Hua Hin
This fabulous resort is found just a few kilometres north of Hua Hin town centre and has long been a well-renowned "get-away from it all" establishment. It has been carefully crafted to resemble an ancient Thai village and that is the feel you will get staying here - allbeit in rather more luxurious surroundings that some of the present-day villages in Thailand.

The resort is right on the beach and can offer a wide variety of rooms that have their own identity, facing either the beach, lagoon or gardens. They range in style from garden view to deluxe premium. The resort offers seven restaurants where you will find everything to satisfy you from breakfast, to high Thai cuisine, western food and snacks. Other facilities include two pools, a fitness centre, and other amenities that you would expect from a 5 star resort.

Evason Hua Hin Resort and Spa

Set in 20 acres of lush tropical landscape and right on the beach, this resort is located approximately 30km south of Hua Hin. It is well-regarded as a "get-away" location and its 145 rooms all have their own individual style that range from an Evason Room to an Evason Pool Villa. The spa is impressive and offers therapeutic treatments to revitalise you.

The six restaurants and bars can cater to all tastes from classic Thai cuisine to western dishes and snacks. The facilities are excellent, including swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centre, library, shops and in-house clinic.

Chiva Som

This world renowned resort and spa is situated on the beach just a few kilometres south of Hua Hin. It prides itself on the holistic approach it takes to residents' wellbeing and it has consistently appeared in the top three of Conde Nast (UK) readers' awards.

Set in seven acres of grounds, the resort can customise a health programme to suit every individual, be it for fitness, detox, weight loss, general well-being or just total relaxation. The 57 rooms (or retreats as they will be called) are priced the same and you choose which is most suitable for you, with expert guidance from the staff, if required.

Needless to say, the cuisine here is superb, with a heavy emphasis on healthy. However, healthy dosn't necessarily mean bland and the chefs go to extraordinary lenghts to serve up tasty, healthy food that will compliment your own overall personal health regime.

Facilities include a variety of different pools, a full spa complex, holistic treatments, medical services and fitness apparatus. As this resort is all about relaxation and well-being, it should be noted that children under the age of 16 are not accepted. Mobile phones are forbidden and smoking is only permitted in designated areas. Furthermore, alcoholic beverages are limited to champagne and wine and only for consumption in the evenings.

Banks and currency exchange

Accessing your money is generally not a problem these days in Hua Hin. All the major Thai banks are represented here and there are plenty of exchange booths and ATMs everywhere.

Your biggest concern will be how to keep your money safe. Thailand has a bad reputation worldwide for credit and debit card fraud and you should always be aware of this. Never let your card out of your sight. Theft in Hua Hin is more likely to be as a result of trickery and deception, rather than violence, but it's always a good idea to keep the amount of cash you carry down to a minimum.

Most travellers will come with a choice of ways to get at their money, with travellers cheques and credit/debit cards being the most popular. You'll always be able to exchange travellers cheques at exchange booths 365 days a year, but most don't open until 10am and close around 8pm.

It's also a wise move to inform your bank back home that you are visiting Thailand and Hua Hin. They are increasingly taking note of where ATMs are being used and may well block your card if they see it being used here. A telephone call back to them will normally get the problem resolved, but forewarned is forearmed. Your bank will also generally take a commission every time you use your card, so check with them before you go - it will make a difference.

At the time of writing, the Thai Baht is strenghening and the indications are that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future.

Hua Hin banks
This page covers all of the details for banks in Hua Hin.

Bangkok Bank
Hua Hin Branch, 29 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin,
Prachuabkhirikhan, 77110
Tel: 032-511717, 032-511818
Check money transfers tel: 02-6857777 or 02-6455555
Swift Code: BKKBTHBK
Website: www.bangkokbank.com

Siam City Bank
Hua Hin Branch, Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin,
Prachuabkhirikhan, 77110
Tel: n/a
Swift Code: SITYTHBK
website: www.scib.co.th

Kasikorn Bank
Hua Hin Branch, 34/2 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin,
Prachuabkhirikhan, 77110
Tel: 032-530501-9
Swift Code: KASITHBK
website: www.kasikornbank.com

There are no international banks in Hua Hin.

Hua Hin seasons

Dry season

Roughly speaking the "cool,dry" season is from November-February. At this time of year, nights can get cool and the average temperature is 26 degrees centigrade. There is plenty of sunshine, although it is not as strong as later in the year. Tides are high and it can get windy in the afternoons, although rain is very seldom experienced.

Hot season

The "hot" season extends from March-June. Temperatures can easily reach an average of 29 degrees centigrade, with daytime heat rising to 35 degrees+. Nights are also hot and humidity rises. Tides are not so high, but it can again get windy in the afternoons. Towards the end of this season, it is not unusual to get some showers, but only in the afternoons and lasting generally not longer than an hour or so.

Wet season

The "rainy" season lasts from July-October. However, Hua Hin does not suffer from the monsoon downpours that the north and south get. You can expect temperatures to be at an average of 28 degrees centigrade with the evenings slightly cooler than in the hot season. Mornings can be overcast, but most days brighten up and become hot and humid. Any rain is normally reserved for mid afternoons as cloud cover builds up over the hills in Burma (Myanmar) and when showers occur, they don't last long and are a refreshing respite to the balmy days. Tides are low and the sea is generally calm.

Flooding has been known in downtown areas after heavy downpours however runoff is usually fairly quick as backed up rain water makes its way to the ocean.

Culture and etiquette in Hua Hin and Thailand

If you are to enjoy your stay in Thailand and Hua Hin to the fullest extent, it is important that you understand some basic social customs and etiquette.

If you do and follow them, you will not cause offence and your hosts will appreciate you all the more for the effort you have made to assimilate yourself into their culture. The Thais are a very forgiving people, so you don't need to worry too much about making some small social faux pas, but certain actions and behaviour are not tolerated and can land you in deep trouble if you overstep the mark.

Thai culture through the years

Thailand has a long history that can be traced back to 1238 when Khmer influence was fading. During the following years, the country and people prospered, culture flourished and the first Thai script was developed.

The country has had a number of capital cities, the first being Sukhothai and then Ayutthaya. After the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya in 1767 and were eventually driven out of Thailand by General Phaya Taksin, he crowned himself King and established his capital at Thonburi on the Chao Phaya river. After Taksin was deposed, Chao Phaya Chakri, Rama I, became King, moved the capital over the river to Bangkok and founded the Chakri dynasty. "Rama" is the name given to each Chakri King and the line continues to today with the current King, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) who is now the longest reigning monarch in the world, having taken over the throne in 1946.

Over the years, Thailand has developed a unique culture and etiquette that is a pleasure to understand and observe. As mentioned before, the Thais are very tolerant, but there are two main areas in which you are strongly advised not to stray. The first is in matters relating to The King and members of The Royal Family. Any negative critism of this institution, whether real or imagined, is likely to provoke an angry response from the Thais and is, in fact illegal under Thailand's lese-majeste laws. The King and his family are held in considerable esteem and you should respect this. If you don't, you are likely to end up in trouble and that may include being arrested.

The same is true of religion. Thailand is some 95% Buddhist and you should always respect certain behaviour when visiting temples or if in contact with a monk. Always dress conservatively if entering a temple - certainly no beach wear, short skirts etc. Always remove your shoes when entering a building that contains a Buddha image and do not pose unnecessarily in front of one if taking photgraphs - certainly do not climb on them. If, as a woman, you want to give something to a monk, remember that they are not supposed to be touched by women, so place your offering in front of him so he can accept it without being in direct physical contact with you. As a last piece of advice, the feet are regarded as the lowest part of the body - both physically and spiritually, so when seated in front of a Buddha image, do not point your feet towards it. Rather sit in the "mermaid" pose with your feet tucked behind you.

The above are the main social rules to follow in Thailand, but some others may help you get along. When Thais greet each other they do so with a "wai" and the palms of the hands are pressed together and raised to the head. The etiquette here does get complicated in as much as an older person, or one with a higher social status, should not initiate the wai. For everyday purposes as a visitor, it is enough to appreciate that if you want to be respectful to an obviously older person, you should wai first and return a wai if a younger person does it to you. The main exception here is with children. You are not expected to wai them back - a simple nod of the head is sufficient.

If you follow these simple guidelines, you won't come unstuck in Thailand and your efforts will be appreciated by your hosts. As a final aside, much in Thailand is about "sanuk" or fun. The country is known as "The Land of Smiles", so try to carry out everday tasks with a positive attitude and a smile. Should you end up in a confrontational situation with a local, you'll achieve more by remaining calm and smiling, rather than losing your temper and becoming loud - this will get you absolutely nowhere.

Beach etiquette

Although Thais are now used to seeing westerners in beach attire, on the beaches in tourist resorts, it is really not acceptable to walk around town wearing the same or less. If you notice most Thais remain fully clothed when on the beach although this is usually in respect of the punishing tropical sun. Nudity, of any sort, is frowned upon and illegal. Bearing too much flesh can get you arrested.

Cha Am Local weather

What's the CHA AM weather like? hThis is the question everyone asks! So to give you a clearer picture, here are a few facts.

Petchburi has a tropical climate that is warm the whole year round averaging temperatures of around 29C . There are two distinct seasons with a few minor variations in-between. Many people visit in the high season (November to March) because of pleasant temperatures, blue skies and low rainfall. As a result the beach is quite busy and everything is a little more expensive. Hotels and tours can be quite crowded and the beach is not quite so laid back. During April till mid-May, it begins to heat up to around 34C and there are often heavy showers for a few day in the late afternoons be for the Thai New Year (Songkran Festival) occurs on April 13th and everyone sprinkles (or throws) cool water on each other. This quickly gives way to cooler temperatures and rain showers from late May until November (the monsoon season).

Visiting CHA AM in the monsoon season has lots of advantages. Temperatures average a comfortable 29/30C and light warm winds make sightseeing tours very pleasant. During the monsoon season,it doesn't rain every day!

The usual weather pattern is for short dramatic showers, with plenty of sunshine in between, providing an opportunity to chat with the locals while you're waiting for the rain to pass. June, July and August are particularly pleasant. Activities and trips remain totally unaffected. You can still go swimming, fishing or boating and the beach is less busy and more relaxed. There are some great deals on hotel rates and much better shopping bargains.

Finally, remember that this is after all a tropical climate, so its never cold and the sun is always....

Cha Am Place to visit

PHRA NAKHON KHIRI he entrance to Petchaburi is dominated by a small hill known as Khao Wang (Palace Mountain), where King Mongkut built a summer palace in 1860 in neo-classical style. Named Phra Nakhon Khiri, it is now a Historic Park full of palace buildings, temples, halls, even an observatory where the King use to view the stars, all spread over three peaks. On the western peak is Wat Phra Keao, a replica of the Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok. But visitors should head for the superb palace structures, beautiful restored and turned into a national museum, full of priceless antiques, beautiful ceramics and sculptures. Gives you a great insight into royal life a century ago. A hillside railway provides easy access to the palace, which is open daily from 9.00 - 16.00.

MURUK KHATAYAWAN PALACE This beautiful golden teak palace, with its airy walkways and buildings, was used by King Vajiravudh as a summer residence in the mid 1920s. Its elegant two-storey pavilions face the sea, linked together by a series of elevated walkways. One pavilion was used occasionally as a theatre indulging the King's love of drama. The palace of Love and Hope has been lovingly restored and provides a whistful setting to stroll around. Located in the grounds of King Rama 6 Military Camp, the palace is open daily from 08:00 - 16:00.

PHRARAM RACHANIVET This rainy season palace was built for King Chulalonglorn in 1916, modelled after Kaiser Wilhelms palace in Germany Originally called Ban Puen Palace, This rainy season palace was built for King Chulalonglorn in 1916, modelled after Kaiser Wilhelms palace in Germany Originally called Ban Puen Palace, the name was changed to Phraram Ratchanivet in 1918 when it was used to accommodate state visitors. This very structure with domes and brown tiled roof was renovated in 1987.Catch a glimpse of the colourful tiles in the dining room and main staircase, or study scenes from Petchaburi at the turn of the century.

Cha Am

Cha Am (Thai ชะอำ) is a district(Amphoe)in the southern part of Phetchaburi province, central Thailand.

The district was established in 1897 in the name of Na Yang. In 1914 the center of the district was moved to Ban Nong Chok (now in Tha Yang district) and changed the name to Nong Chok district. After World War II, the government moved the office to Tambon Cha Am and also changed the district name to be Cha Am.

It is a famous beach resort town in Thailand.

Cha Am houses the only American University in Thailand. Webster University has over 300 students from numerous international countries. Cha Am is also famous for its beach front which is home to many high rise beach resorts.

Location

Districts to the north are Amphoe Tha Yang, south Amphoe Hua Hin of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, also a beach resort.

Attractions

Wat Neran Chararam (Thai: วัดเนรัญชราราม) − Buddhist Temple (Wat) with the big Statue of the sixarmed Phra Pit-thawan (Thai: พระปิดทวาร)
Rat Charoen Tham Temple
Nong Chaeng Temple
Nong Ta Phot Temple
Cha-am Khiri Temple
Sai Noi Temple
Huai Sai Tai Temple
Maruk Khatayawan Temple

This coastal town is found 25km north of Hua Hin and whilst not as large, it is developing. Cha-am has been a favourite holiday and weekend destination for Thais for many years and this is still the case.

It cannot rival Hua hin yet for facilities, but it tends to be quieter and more laid back so will suit many visitors and it's definitely worth a day trip if you're staying in Hua Hin.

The beach is long and sandy and the sea not deep. It is lined with casuarina trees and generally pretty quiet during the week. During weekends and public holidays, it will get busy. There are plenty of deck chairs and eating and drinking spots, especially around the main drag. In fact some may say too many. When busy, prices will not be so cheap. Another drawback is the presence of jetskis. Be aware that if you hire one, they are unlikely to be insured and accidents do happen, some fatal.

The main administrative area and old part of town is to the west of Petchkasem Road. Here you'll find the Post Office, governemnt buildings, police station and train station. As with most Thai towns of this size, there's a vibrant local market that's worth taking a look around.
Nightlife is a lot less lively than Hua Hin, but there is a group of bars at Inthira Plaza offering the standard hostess service and an increasing number of family-friendly establishments offering relaxed atmosphere and good food.

Attractions around Cha-am include Maruekatayawan Palace which is the old Royal summer residence. Its teak has been beautifully restored and is certainly worth a visit. It is located 8km south of Cha-am. Constructed in 1923 by Rama VI, the palace is a superb example of a raised-floor wooden palace.

Cha-am Forest Park is fairly modest, but worth getting along to. You can hire vehicles for guided tours and it's popular with families and small groups. The park is located on the west side of Petchkasem Road about 1km south from the main intersection.
Cha-am is easily reached from Bangkok by train, bus or minivan or from Hua Hin by the same and taxi. The journey from Hua Hin should only take around 20 mins.

BEACHES

Many of the hotels along the beach have concessions offering various water sports. Wind surfing, sailboats and para-sailing equipment are available, and "banana boat" rides can be arranged in both Hua Hin and Cha Am and there is a growing marina at the Phatra Yacht Club complex in Pranburi, about 26 km south of Hua Hin.

Hua Hin and the west coast of the Gulf are becoming well known for windsurfing with strong northeasterly winds. As important however is the clean water inshore and the absence of the curse of water scooters and jet skies which have ruined the east coast, especially the Pattaya-Jomtien beaches.

There is a dive shop in town but the shallow water around Hua Hin is not really known for its coral or reefs as this part of the gulf is not overly clear. Tours to nearby Singhtoh Island can be booked through this shop though. Gunter, at.Coral Divers is a PADI certified instructor and offers a course for the PADI Open Water licence for $320 which includes 4 days of training and all equipment. Half day tours for snorkeling, fishing or just hanging with the marine dudes around the island are also available. 7 Naresdamri Rd. Tel: (01) 432-8180.

The beach is widest south of town and an ideal spot for football or a friendly game of frisbee.

Khao Takiab

The twin hills of Khao Takiab (Chopstick Peaks) are visible to the south down the beach from Hua Hin 3-4 km and one can also make out the 20 meter tall Buddha image at the base of the hills. The walk along the beach is guaranteed to test your ankles.

From the temple (Wat Khao Lad) atop the hill, Singhtoh Island, about 800 meters offshore can be seen and boats to the island can be chartered from either the Hua Hin pier or the small fishing village at Khao Takiab. Be careful of the monkeys wandering the lower grounds of the temple. They're not fierce but enjoy grabbing eyeglasses and pens.

The Khao Takiab area now boasts an increasing number of guesthouses, small hotels, resorts and quiet restaurants.

Suan Son

Just south of Khao Takiab is Suan Son (Sea Pine Gardens). The beach is long and quiet and there are small food shops and accommodations. Entrance is through a military camp--just tell the guard at the gate that you're going to the beach and give him the 10 Baht (per vehicle) entrance fee. Suan Son can get very crowded on weekends.

Khao Tao

Still heading south, beyond Suan Son is Khao Tao where the Sai Noi and Sai Yai beaches are located.

Cha Am

Cha Am, in neighboring Petchburi province, is 26 km to the north. The beach is long and white and there are beautiful casaurina pines planted all along the beach. Cha Am is a favorite for young Thai families and college students and on weekends the action never stops.

There are many restaurants along the beach in Cha Am along with many bungalows and hotels. Cha Am may not have the historical charm of Hua Hin but it's certainly worth a look, especially on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Hua Hin Night Market

This is definitely Hua Hin's most colorful nightly attraction. Every evening throngs of visitors stroll around and enjoy a diversity of Thai food, including seafood dishes freshly delights there are many food stalls. In addition to these culinary delights there are many stalls offering visitors a wide array of souvenirs.

huahin house for rent

Unique Pool villa investment opportunity in Hua Hin Thailand
The Residence Hua Hin. A unique opportunity to invest in a solid business plan that offers the buyer a chance to own a luxury fully furnished Pool Villa within a new 4 star Hotel complex which is being built by one of Thailand's leading Golf and recreation travel companies, Golf of Siam Incentive & Travel Co., Ltd. just a short distance to the beautiful Palm Hills Golf Course.

This exciting new concept will be the perfect opportunity for people looking to invest in Thailand's property boom, while benefiting from owning a luxury Pool Villa that will guarantee a regular income.

Over the last 3 years Golf of Siam seen a dramatic increase in golf holiday bookings in Thailand, and already have a large clientele who regularly book their golfing breaks with us. It is because of this demand we are embarking on this exciting new hotel and lifestyle project. Please see the above link pages or contact David at : sales@residence-huahin.com for full details and any questions you might have.

Hua Hin Sport oN. 2

Hua Hin Fitness, Gyms and Swimming

Gyms and Fitness

Most of the major hotels offer fitness programs for their guests, they usually have a gym also some of which allow the public to use - but at a price. Other gyms can be found at Sport Villa, Grand Sport and Palm Hills, all offer membership and have most of the common fitness equipment and weights.

Personal Fitness

Achieve your health and fitness goals fast with the help of a qualified personal trainer and fitness coach. WT Thailand offers several different program options, so you're sure to find one that's right for you! All of their fitness programs include a combination of health and fitness components including strength training, stretching & flexibility, cardiovascular, and more.

There are a a couple of yoga instructors in town, we will bring you more information on these when we get it. There is also a golf fitness instructor, more info can be found on www.fit-foregolf.com

Swimming

Again many of the larger hotels will allow you to use their swimming pool for a fee, you should enquire first or you may get a shock when the bill arrives! Sport Villa is a popular one, 3km south of town and Palm Hills (5km north) used to be a great place to go for a swim ... until they quadrupled the prices in an effort to discourage daily use and attract more members.


Swimming in the ocean in Hua Hin is perfectly safe, the only precaution you need to take are the occasional jellyfish that get washed in towards the shore. The beaches off Hua Hin and Khao Takiab are very shallow, for deeper water head down to Khao Tao 20 minutes drive south. More information on beaches around Hua Hin can be found here Hua Hin beaches

Hua Hin Cycling and Running

Running

The Hua Hin Hash House Harriers or H2H3 are the primary running club in town. Membership has grown over the years and they now hold regular runs along a number of trails around the Hua Hin, Cha-am and Pranburi area.

"The H2H3 is a group of international fools who get a lot of enjoyment out of runing or walking around in jungles, mountains, beaches and sometimes highways in search of the end of the run and some cold beer and camaraderie."

More information, updates and schedules can be found on their website: www.huahin-hhh.com

For those that like to run alone nothing beats an early morning jog along the beach from Hua Hin center to Wat Khao Takiab. The distance is around 7 kilometers and you can take a Songtaew (green public bus) back into town for ten baht.

Cycling

There is also a local Hua Hin cycling club called the Hua Cha Hash Pedalers (HCHP), a similar sort of thing but on bicycles, they meet up to take on trails and courses around the area.

A couple of good shops selling bicycles can be found on Petchkasem Road and nothing beats getting out into the open country on two wheels. Just be cautious of the traffic, cyclists are often ignored on the roads of Thailand.

Sea Hill Mountain Biking are a recently formed company in Hua Hin offering cycling tours in and around the area. The daily tours take you through some amazing scenery, the mountain bike is included along with a pickup service, visit their website for more details: www.seahillmtb.com

Hua Hin Football and Cricket

Soccer

Over the years a number of local expats have tried to form football teams or get together to play on Sundays. For some reason or other they usually end up disbanding as members can no longer find the time or are hungover! Another problem Hua Hin faces is the lack of a decent football pitch. There are many places to play if you can competently dodge the holes, tree stumps, mud patches and then avoid the incoming tackle!

The latest is being held every Sunday from 5pm until dusk at the Selasian School on Petchkasem Road, and is being organised by Will Atkinson, a teacher at a local school.

Football fans on the other hand have an endless choice of bars to watch their favourite team play. There are also a number of local fantasy leagues that follow the FA Premiership.

Cricket

Cricket is growing in popularity in Hua Hin, this year hosted the 11th annual cricket sixes where local teams get together and play alongside hoteliers and enthusiasts from other provinces. We are currently researching as to whether any regular local cricket practise is taking place.

Hua Hin Racquet Sports

Tennis

Some of the larger hotels such as the Evason Resort and Spa have their own tennis courts, and maybe even their own instructor. However these facilities are usually only reserved for hotel patrons or quite expensive for the public.

Public tennis courts can be found up at Palm Hills where membership costs 1,000 baht per month.

Squash and Badminton

Palm Hills also has courts for squash and badminton that can be used under the membership. Prices for non members are quite steep so it works out cost effective to buy membership if you intend to play often ie. more than 3 times!

We will bring you more information on local tennis, badminton and squash clubs as soon as we get it, please let us know if you are a member of a club or run one.

Hua Hin other sports

There are numerous other sports and activities you can do in and around Hua Hin. Not all of them are organized or have clubs so there are plenty of opportunities to form them.

Paintball

A new paintball arena called "Splat Combat" has opened up next to Condochain on Petchkasem Road, they cater for individual and corportate events wanting to get splattered!

Ten Pin Bowling

With the arrival of Hua Hin Market Village came the long awaited bowling alley on the third floor. We will bring you more information on this as soon as we get it.

Lawn Bowls

This will be offered at the new development up at Zephyr Valley, we will bring you more details soon, in the meantime you can contact the Hua Hin Observer.

Shooting

A number of military operated shooting ranges are available for public use around town, they are usually located a few kilometers out. There is a Hua Hin Shooting Association located at the end of the canal road see their website for more details www.huahinshooting.com (Thai only). A larger place can be found in Prachuab where you can shoot at targets with hand guns and rifles and Thanarat in Pranburi is open to the public, its best to take a Thai though as explaining what you want to a man with a gun could get tricky! They also have an adventure obstacle course here.

Scuba Diving

There is no available scuba diving in Hua Hin, vizibility is rarely more than a couple of meters and the bottom is mud and sand with no coral growth and very little else to see. The nearest place to dive is Koh Talu off the coast of Bang Saphan, two hours south. More information here: Bang Saphan Guide and Koh Talu Diving

Dragon Boat Racing

The annual event is held on the Pranburi river in Paknampran although this year we have an interesting twist, a farang team is being trained up to take part. They meet up at Mermaid's marina every Sunday at 1pm to train and are always looking for new members, race day is November 3rd.

If there are any other sports we have not included here or elsewhere on the site please let us know.

Hua Hin Pool

Most of the bars in Hua Hin have pool tables of varying quality that are free to use for patrons, the occasional bar charges for pool.

Hua Hin Pool League

What started off as a few guys getting together every week to play pool in their favourite bars a number of years ago has turned into one of the biggest events in the Hua Hin bar scene. Today there are 4 separate divisions and over 30 teams who get together every wednesday in various bars around town to compete.

The pool leagues are a serious affair these days with cups, shields, knockouts and tournament competitions played. Local bars, real estate agents and beverage distributors form the sponsors of the leagues. For more information check their official website Hua Hin Pool League or drop into Sugar Cane bar to meet the organizers.

Snooker

A couple of low key snooker halls can be found in Hua Hin, we will bring you more information on these shortly.

Hua Hin Darts

There are a number of bars and pubs dedicated to darts with good boards and arrows.

Hua Hin Darts League

The darts league in Hua Hin has been running for some years now and today consists of eleven regular teams that get together on Tuesdays to play. They also have a cup and tournament competitions in addition to the league. For more information drop into Bamboo Grove bar.

History

Hua Hin Darts League started it's first season in January 2003 with six teams. The original teams were: Bamboo Grove, Beachcomber, Billy's Bulls Eyes, Bull's Eye, Jay's Jousters and Romantic Bar. Bamboo Grove still play in its original location although they didn't participate in season 3 and played at Rode Hole in season 4 with a name of Bamboo Road, Beachcomber have changed their name to Johnnie Walkers, Billy's Bulls Eyes stopped existing after season 5, Bull's eye after season 1, Jay's Jousters first changed their name into Road Hole and then moved to Johnnie Walkers and are now called Barry's, Romantic Bar have changed their name to Jaew's.

So far the championship has gone only to two teams; out of five seasons that have been played Bamboo Grove have been crowned champions three times and Barry's twice. As for the individuals Barry is the only one to have won it twice.

The present season is the 6th and we have 11 teams participating. The area where the teams come from has extended from the down town to Cha Am in the north and Khao Takiab in the south.

The league was started in 2003 by Osmo from Bamboo Grove and when he went to
stay in Chiang Mai, Joyce and Mags from Johnnie Walker took over. From
season 4 onwards the league has been organized by Barry from Road Hole (now
Barry's at Johnnie Walkers Bar.)

Season 6

At the present season there are 11 teams which play each other twice; home and away. Besides this, there is a cup tournament and after the season individuals top 16 tournament. At the moment the season is more than half way through and it looks like it's going to be a battle between the newcomers Cat Bar and the old warhorse Barry's. Season 5 champions Bamboo Grove were on top for the first 9 rounds but suffered three losses in four weeks and dropped to third place four points behind the leaders, Cat Bar.

Armchair Sports Fans

Where to watch sports in Hua Hin

There are a number of bars and pubs in Hua Hin that have wide screen TVs and show regular sporting events. The popular among these are as follows:

Crawfords Irish Bar

Air counditioned bar with no less than 5 screens showing all the sporting events including football, rugby, cricket, golf and motorsports. Also has a range of draught beer and good food, more info here: Crawfords.

Dick's Office

A little out of the centre of town this one but it makes a nice quiet place to watch some sports on their large projection screen. More info at Dick's Office.

Johnnie Walkers

Is currently being rennovated but will soon be back with sporting action.

Billy's Bar

Located in the Hua Hin bazaar this bar is a favourite amongst the Scottish expat contingent, check out the latest Premiership and Scottish division football here.

All of the bars can be located on this nightlife map of Hua Hin.

Hua Hin Sport

Hua Hin Motorsports

Karting

The only real motorsports found in the Hua Hin area is the gokart track run by JWS motorsport up near the airport.

This professionally managed 700 meter outdoor karting circuit is available for all ages and experience levels, kids to adult, novice to pro. They have a range of different powered karts all kept in tip top condition. Services also offered include a cafe, transportation, driving school and memberships. JWS frequently hold corporate functions and competitions such as endurance racing and team events.

For more information check out GoKart Hua Hin

Quad Biking

There is a quad and offroad biking track located in Khao Takiab however we currently do not have details of its current status, on last drive past it seemed to be closed.

Motorcycles

Other than the local teenagers racing at the airstrip there are no motorbike sporting activities in Hua Hin at present, we will update this page as soon as we hear any news.

Hua Hin Watersports

Jetski and Parasailing

There are a number of activities you can do at the beach in Hua Hin. A small watersports center run by one of the local hotels can be found in Khao Takiab, they offer the regular activities including banana boats, doughnut, jetskis, parasailing and waterskiing. These activities are also popular at Cha-am beach, around 30km north.

Surfing

There is no surf to speak of on the beaches but we occasionally get a meter or so of swell which is ideal for bodyboarding. This should be avoided at the beach in the center of town though due to the rocks. Windsurfers are often seen out to sea when there is a good breeze.

Kitesurfing

In the past couple of years kitesurfing or kiteboarding has become an extremely popular sport in Hua Hin. There are now at least two kitesurfing schools in Hua Hin offering lessons and tuition. Steady thermal winds are present in Hua Hin in March and April, this is the season for kitesurfers, Hua Hin has ideal conditions as the ocean is usually flat and it is shallow a long way out. Chumphon is also a good spot for kitesurfing.

For more information on kitesurfing in Hua Hin see Kite Thailand

Kayaking and Canoeing

A few of the beach front hotels and guesthouses offer kayaks for rent that you can take out to sea. It is nice to kayak around the headland at Khao Takiab around 7km south of Hua Hin town center. There is a kayak club and tour operator in Chumphon offering trips to the local mangrove forests and lagoons.

More information can be found here: Kayak Chumphon

Hua Hin Fishing, Sailing and Boating

Sea Fishing

A number of years ago the only way to get out sea fishing would be to hire a local to take you. Now a number or tour operators organize boat and fishing trips from Hua Hin, where you can catch and keep your fish, there are also a few that do evening squid fishing excursions. Rods and equipment comes included and you're likely to catch bass, snapper, squid and the odd ray.

Fore more information on boat and fishing trips see Mermaid Cruises

Freshwater Fishing

A new freshwater fishing lodge has opened just a few kilometers west of Hua Hin, it has two large, very deep ponds that are home to a varietly of popular freshwater fish including Siamese carp, pacu and some rather large catfish. Tackle and bait are available for hire and there will soon be a restaurant and accommodation.

For more information see the Hua Hin Fishing Lodge

Sailing and Boating

There has been talk about the formation of a Hua Hin sailing club but as yet nothing has materialised. The nearest marina is in Paknampran, around 28km south of Hua Hin, the local Hua Hin fishing peir only allows local fishing vessels to berth, it is also too shallow to support anything larger. As mentioned above a number of tour operators now offer boating excursions and charters around Hua Hin and further south.

Hua Hin Golf

Golf

Golf is the most popular sport in Hua Hin, its not surprising with seven world class golf courses all within 45 minutes drive of town center. Tourists and expats alike choose Hua Hin for its golf courses, there are at least three local golf clubs in town and more being formed every year.

New golf courses in Hua Hin

Two new golf courses are currently being built around Hua Hin including the long awaited Banyan Golf Course (below) located 11km south west of town. The Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin will primarily serve the residents of its property development, the Banyan Estate. The teak clubhouse will accommodate a pro shop, changing rooms and a 5 star restaurant. From the upstairs veranda, golfers enjoying the 19th hole will view fellow golfers on the 9th and 18th green and 1st and 10th tees.

The course has been thoughtfully designed by one of Thailand's best course design companies that will offer one of the best challenges in Hua Hin with far reaching spectacular views. Banyan Golf Club membership will be limited to only the purchasers of property on the Banyan Estate development however the course will be available for all to play on. Banyan Golf Club is due for completion in early 2008.

Black Mountain is a new 18-hole golf course located on the other side of the hills on the west side of Palm Hills Golf Resort just 10km from central Hua Hin. Black Mountain Golf Course is due to open at the end of 2006 but it is unlikely this will happen.

The construction began at the beginning of the year and at present the fairway grassing is almost complete. The greens have been grassed for a few months already and have a beautiful surface of bermuda grass. The fairways have been grassed with seashore paspalum. This is the first time this type of grass has been used in the Hua Hin area, and it gives a wonderful playing surface as well as a beautiful colour.

A computer controlled irrigation system, which is connected to a weather station, has been installed, to allow the fairways to be watered and with just the right amount of water. This will produce fairways that are healthy and firm, rather that having dry and wet areas. No expense has been spared in the efforts to maintain the golf course to the very highest standards - even as far as having an underlay in the bunkers to hold the sand in place during heavy rainstorms.

The project leader is Gavan Wilson. He is in charge of building and maintaining the golf course. Gavan has worked in Thailand for 15 years and is one of the most highly respected golf course superintendants in Thailand.

The goal of black mountain golf is to ultimately be the best golf course in Asia. The intention is to hold many professional tournaments and try to attract some of the best golfers in the world. The golf course will be capable of providing a test for the top professionals but also be playable for the average golfers. The course architect, Phill Ryan, has made very clever use of the natural beauty of the site and the natural terrain. Features of the course are the rock faces set in to the mountains and the natural creeks that run trough the course. All the large rocks, found on site, have been used in the construction and as features on the golf course. Every consideration has been taken to make the course as visually stunning as possible. The location of the clubhouse was chosen to give a panoramic view over the whole course as well as positioning the 1st and 10th tees and 9th and 18th greens directly in front of the clubhouse.

When the golf course opens everybody will be welcome to use the facilities which will include driving range and practise area, restaurants, pro shops and of course golf course.

Courses

The main popular courses are listed below, they can get busy at weekends and prices are likely to be higher also:

Majestic Creek Country Club
18 holes, 6961 yards, par 72
Designed by Sukitti Klangvisai, opened 1993
Distance from Hua Hin: 30 minutes
Approx cost for a round: 2,400

Palm Hills Resort and Country Club
18 holes, 6890 yards, par 72
Designed by Max Wexler, opened 1991
Distance from Hua Hin: 15 minutes
Approx cost for a round: 2,400

Royal Hua Hin Golf Course
18 holes, 6678 yards, par 72
Designed by O A Robins, opened 1924
Distance from Hua Hin: central
Approx cost for a round: 1,600

Hua Hin Seoul Country Club
18 holes, 6614 yards, par 72
Designed by Robert Mcfarland, opened 1992
Distance from Hua Hin: 25 minutes
Approx cost for a round: 1,600

Springfield Royal Country Club
18 holes, 7063 yards, par 72
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, opened 1993
Distance from Hua Hin: 25 minutes
Approx cost for a round: 3,700

Imperial Lake View
18 holes, 6915 yards, par 72. 9 holes, 3417 yards, par 36
Designed by Roger Packard, opened 1993
Distance from Hua Hin: 20 minutes
Approx cost for a round: 2,400

Sawang Resort Golf Club
18 holes, 6959 yards, par 72
Designed by Isao Ikatsumata, opened 1993
Distance from Hua Hin: 1 hour
Approx cost for a round: 1,800

There are a number of smaller courses and 9 hole golf courses such as Pranburi and Ao Manao, these are generally military courses where the fairways and greens are in poorer condition, ideal for hackers though and usually very cheap to play!

Driving Ranges and Pitch & Putt

Two driving ranges can be found in Hua Hin, the first is at Royal Hua Hin Golf course where a tray of balls sets you back 20 baht and the second is at Pae Mai along the canal road, slightly more expensive but the facilities are better here. There is another range and pitch and putt out at Palm Hills and a small nine hole par 3 course on Petchkasem road out near the airport.

Golf Resources

These two websites can offer holiday golf packages, daily golf, lessons and more information on golf in Hua Hin: Golf Holidays Hua Hin and www.fairway-golf-tours.com

Hua Hin Martial Arts

Karate and Aikido

The majority of the martial arts in Hua Hin are conducted at the Grand Sport gym near the Grand market and San Paolo hospital. They offer primarily karate and aikido group courses for kids and adults.

Kung Fu and Self Defence

A Wing Tsun kung fu camp in Khao Takiab caters for those who wish to learn an effective and practical form of self defence without all the pressures of competing found in other popular martial arts. With group and individual courses available for children and adults you can train at your own pace in the camp or on the beach.

For more information see Wing Tsun Thailand

Muay Thai (Kick Boxing)

Thai boxing has become more than a spectator sport here in Hua Hin. Fighters can now train together at local gyms and even compete on "fight nights" at a number of stadiums around town, usually advertised from an offensively noisy pickup broadcasting the events through loud speakers. Try this Hua Hin Muay Thai page to find out about training with Muay Thai boxers in Hua Hin.

visa types HUA HIN

Visas and extensions

There is a huge variety of visas available to foreigners wishing to enter Thailand - it's really all a matter of making the correct decision as to which best suits your purposes. Some will allow you to stay only 30 days at a time, while others lead to annual extensions and permit you to remain indefinitely (as long as you continually meet the financial and other requirements). For a full list of visas see:

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php
http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/2notice/rtp606EN.pdf

In reality, most ex-pats here will get by on Non-Immigrant Visas (issued on the basis of retirement, marriage to a Thai national, support of a Thai child or work). There are other ways to stay in The Kingdom long-term, but they involve a lot of travelling and are increasingly becoming the object of scrutiny by immigration. Short details of the main visa types are given below. Always read these in conjunction with the above links.

Visa types

30 Day Visa Exemptions

Nationals of 40 countries and one special administrative region (Hong Kong) are allowed to enter Thailand for a period of not more than 30 days, without a visa. The countries are listed below in this link :

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2490

Many foreigners made use of this visa exemption to stay "permanently" in The Kingdom by making a visa run to a neighbouring country every 30 days. Immigration law on this changed on October 1st 2006 and there is now a limit to the number of days you can stay in Thailand on these stamps during any 180 day period. That limit is currently 90 days. So, in the simplest situation, you can only make three consecutive "runs" in a 180 day period. That period begins with your first arrival. When you exit the country after the third 30 day visit, you will not be permitted to re-enter Thailand on a 30 day visa exemption stamp for 90 days. NOTE: you can do so with a proper visa (Tourist or otherwise).

Quite evidently, this method of staying here for any great length of time, or permanently, is hardly ideal. For those who still want to chance this method (when combined with Tourist Visas), just make sure you don't get "stranded" in Cambodia, Laos or heaven forbid, Burma (Myanmar).

Tourist Visas

These must be obtained at a Thai Embassy/consulate outside of Thailand. They permit the holder to remain in The Kingdom for 60 days and the visa can be extended at any Immigration Office for a period of 30 days.

A Tourist Visa can have one to four entries, although NOTE that the entries must be utilised before the visa itself expires. In cases where the traveller uses and extends each entry to its fullest extent, the visa will normally have expired before the fourth entry can be utilised. Where the visa has more than one entry, the holder must leave the county after the extension date and re-enter to get a further 60 day stamp that can again be extended by 30 days. This process continues until either the visa expires or the maximum number of entries is reached.

Currently, there is no offical limit to the number of Tourist Visas you can obtain "back-to-back", but since October 1st 2006, some Thai Embassies/consulates in neighbouring countries are only issuing single-entries and it's always possible that you might be told to use a different country the next time. It is therefore important to check all the time as to what the current mood is in any particular country. As a result, it is not possible for us to provide a definitive guide to user-friendly missions and it is probably best that you only rely on getting a single entry for the time being (other than your home country). Again, whilst theoretically possible to remain indefinitely on Tourist Visas, your situation will always be somewhat uncertain.

Non-Immigrant Visas

These again must be obtained at a Thai Embassy/consulate outside of The Kingdom. They can be either single entry which allows the holder to remain here for 90 days on arrival, or multiple entry when the visa is valid for a year and the holder can exit and re-enter as many times as desired during that year and receive a 90 day entry stamp each time. At the end of the year/90 days, the visa is "used". NOTE: for those on multiple-entry visas, you can exit just before the year's visa validity is about to expire and benefit from a "bonus" 90 day stay, thus making the original visa work for almost 15 months.

With the exception of some consulates in the UK, Australia and the US, an applicant must have a solid reason for obtaining a Non-Immigrant visa (visiting a Thai spouse and seeking retirement are the usual reasons). The main benefit of holding a visa of this type is that it can be extended for a year at any immigration office (it should be the one that deals with the locality in which you reside and the application made between 7-21 days before any entry expires) as long as you meet certain financial and other criteria. The annual extension can be obtained indefinitely, so this is quite simply the best visa option to choose if you are going to live here. You must have some basis under which to apply and be granted this visa and the main three, as mentioned before, are marriage to a Thai national, retirement and working. (Working is dealt with in a separate section).

Marriage/family extension

If you are married to a Thai national, you can extend your Non-Immigrant Visa for a year at an immigration Office within Thailand. The financial requirements to qualify for this changed on October 1st 2006. If you are applying for the extension for the first time after the above date, your wife/husband and you must be able to demonstrate an average combined monthly income of no less than 40,000 Baht per month. Naturally, your income will have to be derived from abroad (otherwise you would be working in Thailand and need the relevant visa and work permit). Any income that is contributed towards the 40,000 baht by your Thai spouse must be backed up with tax receipts that equate to the claimed amount.

For those of you who already have an extension granted prior to October 1st 2006, you're likely to know the situation already. People in this category can still apply for further extensions based on 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank account (BUT it must have been there for at least 3 months prior to application and not fallen below that amount) or on the basis of combined monthly income of 40,000 Baht (as above), or on a combination of the two, as long as the total exceeds 400,000 Baht. Proof of income from abroad exceeding 40,000 Baht is quite easily demonstrated by transferring that amount to a Thai bank account each month. The bank pass book will verify it. For those who choose to leave their money in their home country, a certified letter from your Embassy will be required to confirm your income. The supporting documents will then be determined by The Embassy, so you need to contact them first.

Once an application is submitted, your passport will be stamped "under consideration" and it can take up to 3 months for final approval to come through. The year's extension will start from the time of the original application. During the consideration period, you can expect a visit from immigration to your residence checking that the marriage is bona fide.

Retirement

The requirements for this type of extension are straightforward. You must be over 50 years of age and able to demonstrate 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account (this must have been there for at least 3 months and not dropped below that amount at any time), or an average monthly income from abroad of 65,000 Baht per month, or a combination of the two as long as the total is 800,000 Baht minimum. As with the above, if you are applying on the basis of monthly income, a certified letter from your Embassy will be required.

As long as you meet these requirements, the extension will normally be issued with less fuss and delay than the "marriage/support" visa which is an obvious advantage. There are, however, some medical certificates that you will need - please refer to the above links.

NB - when applying for an extension on the basis of either of the above, it is worth thinking ahead about any travel you may want to do over the year outside of Thailand. If you intend to do so, it's worth applying for a multiple entry extension. It costs more, but if you happen to leave the country without a re-entry permit (these can be obtained individually prior to departure), your visa will be invalidated and you'll have to start the whole process again.

It must be stressed that legistlation changes in Thailand, so you must keep yourself abreast of current situations. There are many other ways that you can extend your Non-Immigrant visa here, but the two described above are the most common. Please refer to :

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2493http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/2notice/rtp606EN.pdf

We purposely have not indicated the fees applicable for any type of visa or extension. These are subject to change.

driving HUA HIN

Staying safe on the roads

Traffic in Hua Hin is becoming an escalating problem as the number of cars on the roads here increases every year.

The once sleepy fishing village gets completely swamped with SUV's from Bangkok every weekend and public holiday, this coupled with the increasing number of motorists living here can make for some scary road encounters. In the last six months alone three new motor dealerships have opened up so the trend is likely to continue.

Whether in a car, on a motorbike, bicycle or walking you should be have some basic road awareness in Hua Hin as motoring here is a far cry from what you will be used to in the west. You drive on the left in Thailand but as you are about to find out things are not all what they seem on the roads.

Things to look out for

Pedestrians
If you are driving be on the constant look out for people crossing the road, there are few pedestrian crossings and people are generally too lazy to use the foot bridges. With pavements being narrow and often in disrepair people often tend to walk in the road, it is your job to avoid them. As in any country schools are particularly dangerous when adjacent to a busy road. You may come across huge carts being pushed down the middle of the road or cattle further out in the sticks, just be patient and you will soon be able to pass.

If you are the pedestrian try to stick to the pavements as much as you can although sometimes this just physically isn't possible. When crossing the road look both ways as vehicles here often drive up the wrong side to take a short cut. Watch for the traffic lights as many now have counters so you know when they are due to change.

Cyclists
If you are the cyclist be aware that you are the lowest form of road user here, the bigger vehicle wins so make sure your bike has good brakes. It maybe a good idea to stick to smaller back roads unless you are comfortable with motorbikes buzzing past inches from you. There are some great cycling roads out of Hua Hin centre and a bicycle makes a great form of transport here as the town is relatively compact. Make sure you wear a helmet and use lights after dark, drivers will not move for you.

When driving keep an eye open for cyclists, many of them are on old bikes with bad brakes so give them a wide berth. Be extra vigilant at night as most local cyclists do not have lights.

Motorbikes
You either love them or hate them but sooner or later you will come into contact with one if you are driving in Hua Hin. Motorcyclists in Hua Hin generally have little or no respect for the roads so again, if driving, it is your job to avoid them. They will come at you from all angles but do generally abide by the premise that the larger vehicle has right of way. One particular annoyance is motorbikes driving down the wrong side of the road, make sure you look out for them when attempting any manoeuvre. They also all seem to be in a mad rush to reach their destination so will crowd to the front at junctions and level crossings, just let them all move on and proceed when clear. Often they will turn or pull out without looking, be prepared!

When on a motorbike in Hua Hin you are literally taking your own life in your hands. First and foremost wear a helmet, your head is worth more than the 200 baht fine you will get if the police catch you. It is also law that you drive with your lights on, this theoretically increases your chances of being seen by other road users, but it doesn't really work here. Keep to the inside as much as possible allowing larger vehicles to pass and use your mirrors at all times - you seriously need eyes in the back of your head for driving in Hua Hin. If you have never ridden a bike before it really is not recommended that you drive one in Hua Hin - it is a busy town with many road hazards - including novice riders. Use the horn liberally to warn other drivers of your presence and be prepared to slam on the brakes should they pull out on you anyway. Expect the unexpected.

Other drivers
Other cars, pickups and motorbikes will without a doubt be your greatest annoyance. A strange phenomena occurs on the roads in Thailand, Thai people are generally very laid back and easy going where time is of little consequence, this completely changes when they get on the road and all become Formula One drivers racing impatiently to their destinations without a second to spare. If you leave a gap of a couple of meters between you and the vehicle in front someone will fill it. If you're not driving close enough to the vehicle in front someone will over take you. As much as the temptation to get annoyed takes you try to stay calm and let the racers go, you will all get to where you are going at the same time. Thailand has only had this influx of motorcars in the last twenty years or so therefore it stands to reason that driving standards and general road safety and etiquette is severely lacking here. Be aware - they will pull out on you, fail to signal, cut you up, brake in front of you, undertake you, and even drive into you in the worse case, all this with very little regard or consequence of their actions - be aware.

Signaling
There are a number of road signals and gestures that differ slightly here. The main one is flashing the headlights, contrary to the west this actually means get out of the way, I have no intention of stopping or moving for you - you will see it often. When approaching an intersection vehicles that turn on their hazard lights generally do so it indicate that they are going straight ahead. There is absolutely no general courtesy on the roads here, nobody will wait or let you go, which is why drivers simply pull out - it is that or sit there all day. Locals will simply smile sheepishly at you if they have almost caused an accident by pulling into your path.

U-turns
These are one of the most dangerous aspects of driving in Hua Hin and you will find several along Petchkasem Road. Unregulated u-turns are a magnet for accidents as traffic is pulling out into a fast moving highway often with little regard of what is approaching and at what speed. Be prepared to brake hard when approaching a u-turn and if turning in one give way to what is coming, also watch for vehicles driving up the wrong side of the road while making your turn.

Driving at night
Driving after dark is extremely hazardous, drink driving is a major problem here and while it is against the law it is not enforced or regulated. There is no social stigma attached to drink driving in Thailand besides that most people are likely to get away with it so there is no deterrent. Traffic lights are also switched off at night so look out in all directions when crossing a junction. Many road users here fail to see the importance of lights when the sun goes down so again you will need eagle eyes to spot them.

Highway driving
When on the open road the situations change but the danger remains. Always drive to the conditions of the road and traffic, be extremely careful of the u-turns mentioned above, vehicles will still pull out on you regardless of what speed you're doing. Large slow moving trucks and busses will think nothing of pulling directly into your path to overtake a slower moving truck - give them a wide berth and keep your distance. You will also get the odd pickup driver who thinks he has a Ferrari coming up behind you, flashing, then swerving to undertake you - let them go. Tailgating is a common occurrence here, you will often find the car behind is so close to you that your exhaust fumes begin to oxidise on their bumper, let them pass and allow plenty of space between you and the car in front, however be ready for someone undertaking you and moving into this space - use your judgment.

Road law
The law of the road in Thailand is actually quite similar to that in the west, it is based on UK road law. The problem is that none of the laws are enforced so there is no incentive to obey them - people drive how they like because they can. Traffic police are underpaid so tend to do as little as possible aside from the odd road block to nab motorcyclists without helmets. Do not be surprised if you see a vehicle coming at you down the wrong side of the street, or a truck that is so overloaded that its axle scrapes the ground, or a clapped out motorcycle with two adults, three children, a dog, and full shopping, with no helmets, lights or brakes pulling out in front of you - it will be your fault if you hit them. Things are slowly changing however it seems to start in Bangkok and slowly filter down, it is still a jungle out there.

Parking
Finding a place to park in downtown Hua Hin is simply a nightmare, if it is a weekend forget it. The town's roads simply have not been able to expand to cater for the number of vehicles that now occupies them ... and there are no car parks except for the hotels that are reserved for customers only. You may find yourself driving around the block looking for a space while some SUV double parks and causes a tailback, this is commonplace. Another major problem in Hua Hin is the presence of taxis and tuk-tuks that sit parked up all day waiting for a fare, there are hundreds of them in the centre. It has even become difficult to find a parking spot for a motorcycle on extremely busy days.

Accidents
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a road accident there are a number of things you should be prepared for. The police will not help you, their job is to report the accident, clear up the mess and get rid of the problem as quick as possible regardless of who is at fault. A farang involved in an accident will usually be blamed for causing it, be ready for this and make sure you have good insurance cover or legal support. Be prepared to stand your ground if you are in the right, do not back down and above all be polite and do not lose your temper, go to the police station to report it and call your lawyer or embassy if necessary. Driving without insurance is illegal here but not a lot is done about it, just hope you are not involved in an accident with someone who doesn't have enough money to pay for the damage or medical bills or it will come out of your wallet.

Despite all of the above there are very few incidences of "road rage" and anger is rarely displayed between drivers in Hua Hin, the whole "mai bpen rai" attitude prevails, usually followed by a smile. For most of the time it all seems to flow on the roads here ... most of the time.

vehicles HUA HIN

Legal documentation for vehicles

There are a number of steps you need to take as a foreigner to legally drive in Thailand or to purchase and register a vehicle.

The first would be to ensure you have a valid Thai or international drivers license (details below), secondly make sure your vehicle is insured, this is often difficult to determine with rentals so go with a reliable company. Although it is illegal to drive without insurance in Hua Hin it is not enforced so if you end up in an accident with someone without it it could get messy.

Buying a car

Buying a car and registering it in your name is relatively straightforward. You must have a Non-Immigrant visa and either a Work Permit or proof of address document (bai rup rong tee yuu asai ใบรับรองที่อยู่อาสัย) from local Immigration (cost 500 Baht). You may need the house document (tabien bahn) of where you are living to get this.

Once you have made the purchase, the dealership will supply you with a blue book and other paperwork to confirm you as the registered owner. If it is a second hand vehicle the buyer and seller will need to go to the DLT test centre in Pranburi (กรมการขนส่งทางบก) to have the details changed.

Purchasing new cars is also easy however car dealerships in Hua Hin will not give finance to foreigners without a Thai national to guarantee the loan. The Thai equivalent to road tax costs approximately 2,000 baht per year and insurance can range from 700 baht to 20,000 depending on your level of cover and the vehicle. They insure the vehicle here, not the driver.


Buying a motorbike

As above, except you will receive a green book, together with papers showing you as the registered owner. You will need to pay the annual insurance and tax fees for the bike which are approximately 5-600 baht, this can be done through the dealership where it was purchased.


Thai drivers license and test

If you want to drive in Thailand, you'll need a Thai driving license. The procedure for getting one is as follows:

Go to the test centre in Pranburi (กรมการขนส่งทางบก) it is actually about 3km before Pranburi town on the right hand side (coming from Hua Hin).

Supply your passport and photocopies of the details page, your visa (which must be a Non-Immigrant), the departure card, last arrival stamp and the last application of stay stamp.

Personal photographs - these must be 2.5cm square after the white border has been cropped.

Medical certificate which can easily be obtained at any Hua Hin hospital or clinic for a small fee.

Letter from immigration confirming your address (bai rup rong tee yuu asai ใบรับรองที่อยู่อาสัย).

105 Baht for car and 55 Baht for motorcycle license, valid for one year.

An existing driving license, preferably international, otherwise you will have to sit an exam and take a test in your own vehicle. (You might get away with not sitting the above if you only have a national license, but most times they will be required).

Your first license will be valid for 1 year.

After this has expired, you can apply for a 5 year license. Paperwork is the same as above (except for the medical certificate which isn't needed and you should have the original and copy of the expired 1 year license) and the fee is 505 Baht for car and 255 Baht for motorbike.

The driving test is very simple, motorcycles simply need to circumnavigate the car park and stop in a straight line and cars do a couple of manoeuvres between parallel poles, no actual road driving or awareness is tested. You will need to do the test and exam if you do not currently hold a drivers license.

The official website for the Department of Land Transport in Thailand can be found at:

http://www.dlt.go.th/
http://www.dlt.go.th/prachuab/index.htm

illnesses HUA HIN

It must be stressed that this section has not been compiled by doctors. It is meant as a guide only to some of the more common health problems you may encounter in Hua Hin.

Should you be unfortunate to be stricken by one, you must seek proper, qualified medical advice. We have indicated some remedies for the less serious afflictions, but have purposely not attempted to advise on more serious conditions. Nevertheless, this page will hopefully make you aware of what can happen to you health-wise in Hua Hin.

Disease and illness

Water and food-borne diseases
The simple rules are don't drink the tap water and be careful of ice. Although tap water is cleaner in Hua Hin than in other areas of Thailand, it's not worth the risk to drink it as bottled water is so cheap. Likewise, ice can be contaminated, but you'll not have trouble with it in restaurants or bars and when you buy it for home make sure it is correctly packaged. Again, it is cheap. Food is almost always clean and fresh, so you're not likely to pick up any real nasties from eating out or at home. The most usual complaint will be an upset stomach. There are however some diseases that can get serious and are most likely contracted through dirty water, food or sanitation.

Of these, the most common will be diarrhoea. Attacks will normally be no more than a nuisance and pass within a day or so. The main thing is to remain hydrated, so drink plenty of bottled water and soft drinks (ideally still rather than carbonated) and avoid alcohol. Keep your diet bland until you have recovered. If the diarrhoea persists for more than 3 days, it is probably wise to seek medical advice.

More extreme forms of stomach complaints include dysentry, cholera and giardiasis. If you suspect you have contracted any of these, get to a doctor quickly. Plenty of medicines are available to cure the symptoms, but get them early and you'll generally not suffer any lasting complications.

Another quite common ailment to include in this category is hepatitis, partucularly the A strain which is extremely infectious for the first few weeks. Immunisation against certain strains of hepatitis are now readily available and they provide good protection. Do allow enough time for them to become effective though. If you do contact hepatitis A, you will feel lethargic, generally unwell and not have much of an appetite. It will develop into jaundice, so your skin and whites of the eyes will turn yellow. Urine will be dark in colour and stools will be light in colour. Normally, rest is the cure. Alcohol will definitely be off the menu for up to a year and a low fat diet is advised. You and your liver will eventually recover naturally, but it does take time.
Another serious condition is typhoid. This fever is spread through the gut and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated in time. Fever will be high and pulse rates drop (as opposed to normal fevers when the pulse rate increases). After a couple of weeks, pink spots may develop on the body and delirium, trembling, vomiting, weight loss and dehydration will set in. It is vital that medical help is sought before further complications such as pneumonia set in. With correct medical care, your body will recover after about 3 weeks.

Diseases spread by humans and animals
Tetanus is a serious condition that can be fatal. Always make sure your immunisation is up-to-date. It is treatable with difficulty and the first symptoms will be a high fever and discomfort when swallowing together with stiffening of the jaw and neck. Convulsions of the whole body will eventually set in. Be sure to clean all wounds, even scratches, and disinfect the area. Tetanus is spread by a germ that lives in human or animal faeces.

Rabies is a disease spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal. If not treated quickly, it is 100% fatal. This serious condition is present in Hua Hin and surrounding areas, so you must be really careful around street dogs, monkeys and other wild animals. If you feel that you may be living in a high risk area, a vaccination is available now.

STDs
These diseases are spread through sexual contact with an infected person. The most common forms in Hua Hin are gonorrhoea and syphilis. Both are treatable with antibiotics, but it is important to get medical help as soon as possible to avoid serious health problems later on. There is currently no cure for herpes or HIV/AIDS.
Whist total abstinence from sexual contact is the only certain way to avoid STDs, the use of condoms greatly reduces the chances of contracting them. If you are sexually active over here, protect yourself and others.

HIV/AIDS
Despite this modern disease carrying the social stigma that it does and the seeming reluctance of authorities to publicise the extent of it, it is present in Hua Hin and all over Thailand. Most ex-pats will be exposed to the infection through sexual activity, rather than intavenous drug abuse, but the threat is real, so protection with condoms is essential if you are sexually promiscuous. We're sure that all readers will appreciate the seriousness of this infection.

Insect-borne diseases
We are lucky in Hua Hin in as much as malaria and dengue fever are not common and the town is regarded as very low risk. There have been instances of these diseases being caught locally, however, and the best advice is to cover up and use mosquito repellant when the insects are most active at dusk through to dawn. Dengue fever is spread by a daytime mosquito. If you are going to visit a high risk area around Hua Hin for any length of time (say to the Burmese border) you may want to consider taking anti-malarial tablets before you go. There are many strains of malaria, so it's important to consult local medical advice to ensure you take the right precautions and do so in time for them to be effective before venturing into a high risk area.

Climate and weather complications
These are most likely to be experienced when you first come over to live in Hua Hin as your body will eventually adapt to the heat and humidity. However, if you have been here for years and are simply sunbathing, playing a round of golf or enjoying some other sporting activity, care should always be taken.

It's easy to get sunburnt, especially from March-September when the sun is at it's strongest. We've all probably suffered from it at some time and needless to say it can be painful and easily avoided if sun creams and blocks are used.

Prickly heat can afflict those who are newly arrived and is caused by the build up of perspiration below the skin. An itchy rash will develop until your pores have opened up enough to cope with the extra sweating. Powders are readily available all over Hua Hin to take care of this and using a mild talcum powder, bathing often and air-conditioning will help you until you acclimatise.

Be careful not to suffer from heat exhaustion in Hua Hin. This can be brought about through dehydration or lack of body salt. You will be left feeling lethargic and maybe suffering from muscle cramps, nausea and giddiness. Salt tablets and and plenty of water are the answers and as opposed to other conditions brought about by the inability to sweat, heat exhaustion is more likely to affect those who have been here for some time, rather than newcomers.

Heat stroke is different to heat exhaustion, can be extremely serious and potentially fatal. You are most at risk through long exposure to high temperatures. You will not be sweating much, your skin may turn reddish and bad headaches and lack of coordination can develop. Eventually, derilium and convulsions will occur and hospitalisation is essential. Until there, keep the victim out of the sun, wrap them in a cold, wet towel and fan them constantly to lower body temperature.

Fungal infections of the feet, scalp and groin area are common. Wear loose-fitting clothing, shower often and get an anti-fungal powder that is readily available in Hua Hin. NOTE: ringworm is actually a fungal infection, not a worm and the same remedies can be used as above.

hospitals HUA HIN

As Hua Hin has grown as a tourist destination and the number of ex-pats living here has risen, so the medical facilities have started to improve.

It would be wrong to describe Hua Hin as having developed the same standard of care as can be found in other large tourist areas, but it is equally only correct to appreciate that things are changing for the better, quickly.

Nevertheless, it should be emphasised that if you are unfortunate enough to either have a serious accident or come down with a complicated medical complaint, you're probably still better advised to seek out top-quality hospitals in Bangkok or nearby Petchaburi.

Be aware that minor ailments, cuts and scapes will be taken care of in Hua Hin professionally, quickly and cheaply - compared to the western world. However, if you are admitted to a hospital for major surgery or similar, costs can get extremely expensive, so it's worth thinking about some form of medical insurance.

Bear in mind that Thailand and Hua Hin do not have a history of free public health care. Although locals can now benefit from the 30 baht health scheme, private hospitals remain outside the financial reach of most Thais and the public hospitals therefore can get extremely busy. The doctors and nurses do their best, but quite often they are always overworked, underpaid and lacking essential equipment and beds.


Hua Hin hospitals and clinics

The main medical centres, with contact details are listed below:

San Paulo Hospital
A private hospital in central Hua Hin. It is well organised and staff speak English. This will probably be the best hospital to visit first as long as your ailment is not too serious. The accident and emergency ward is always efficient and attention to detail is good. Rooms are comfortable and the level of patient care is exemplary. For more serious conditions, however, Petchaburi or Bangkok may be your best bet. San Paulo also has dental and physiotherapy clinics. Prices for treatment in San Paulo can be extremely expensive so it is advisable to have health insurance if you need to go here.
Tel: 032 532576-85.

Hua Hin Hospital
This is the main public hospital in Hua Hin. It can get extremely busy, but is certainly a good option for minor ailments. There is an extension currently under construction which is likely to ease congestion and the standard of care and facilities are likely to improve as well. We will bring you more details once they are known.
Tel: 032 520401.

Hua Hin International Polyclinic
This clinic is staffed by doctors and nurses from Petcharat Hospital in Petchaburi. As a result, the standard of care and medical advice is some of the best in town. They do not offer rooms, but this is as good a medical facility as any in Hua Hin for an initial consultation with a doctor and has first-class dressing facilities for wounds and a dental clinic.
Tel: 032 516424.

Hua Hin Red Cross
As the name suggests, this facility is able to provide good and efficient medical care for non-serious conditions. It's always busy with locals, which is a good indicator of its professionalism and price.
Tel: 032 512567.

Petcharat Hospital, Petchaburi
This is quite simply the best hospital in the vicinity of Hua Hin if you have a real emergency or complicated complaint. It is private, so prices will be relatively high, but all serious medical cases, especially those involving damage to the head, will be referred here from Hua Hin. NOTE: the hospital is an approximate 45 min drive from Hua Hin.
Tel: 032 417070-8.

Pranburi Hospital
This facility is situated some 25km south of Hua Hin on an army base. As a result, it has an excellent reputation and will accept foreigners.
Tel: 032 612757.

Cha-am Hospital
Tel: 032 471808.

Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic
se and Throat Clinic Situated on Petchkasem Road, on the west side just before you get to Hua Hin Polyclinic, this is run by a doctor who has residence at the military hospital in Pranburi. Although small and busy, the service is excellent. During the week, the clinic is open after 5PM. At weekends, there is a limited service during day hours. Appointments can be made and are advisable as it gets busy but they cannot be made by phone, only in person.

Dr Sumet Clinic
Located at 87/5 Petchkasem Road opposite soi 80 this clinic specialises in babies and children offering vaccinations and full diagnosis. Dr Sumet is a very good pediatric doctor which is why the place is always full! Opening times are Monday - Friday 07.30-12.00 and 16.00-21.00 and Saturday 08.00-12.00 and 16.00-21.00 call them on 032-533404.

fruit & veg HUA HIN

Thailand is a fruit and vegetable heaven and almost all varieties can be found in Hua Hin at any of the local markets.

Some may not grow around here, but they are transported daily, when in season.

The sheer number of them is staggering, as you will find out as you wander around Hua Hin. Stalls, some static and others mobile, spring up everywhere, so you'll never be short of ideas for new eating experiences.

Thailand is becoming more adept at producing some western fruits and vegetables - apples and strawberries, or potatoes and carrots, for instance - and whilst they are good, they still don't quite have the flavour that they do in the west.

However, local produce is exceptional and you should experiment with as many different types as you can. As a note, Hua Hin and surrounding areas are particularly well-known for producing the best pineapples in Thailand. You havn't lived until you've tried one!

We have attempted to list all the main fruits and vegetables you'll find in Hua Hin, but don't view the following as being totally comprehensive. There will always be something new to tempt you.

Fruits

Bananas (gluay กล้วย) - there are some twenty varieties grown all over Thailand. The younger, sweeter ones are eaten raw, whilst others are dried in the sun for a snack. Available year-round.
Cantaloupe (cantoloupe) - similar to a melon, they are not quite as sweet as their western counterparts and available year-round.

Coconut (maprao มะพร้าว) - if mature they are used to make coconut cream and when young for coconut juice. Year-round.

Custard Apple (noi naa น้อยหน่า) - off-season from March-May, this pale green-skinned fruit is sweet with many seeds.

Dragon Fruit (gaew mungon แก้วมังกร) - this pink-skinned, white-fleshed fruit was originally found exclusively in Vietnam, but now is widely grown all over Thailand. Year-round.

Durian (turian ทุเรียน) - this fruit is an aquired taste and the smell may initially put you off, but persevere. It is highly regarded as a delicacy throughout SE Asia and available throughout the year.

Guava (farang ฝรั่ง) - a very popular snack quite often eaten with sugar, salt and chilli powder. Year-round.

Jackfruit (khanun ขนุน) - similar in shape to a large melon, it has a grey skin with large kernels that can be roasted like chestnuts. The flesh has a strong smell, but it is sweet and succulent. Season, March-August.

Lychee (lin chi ลิ้นจี่) - when peeled, this fruit has a delicious, sweet taste. The skin varies in colour from pink to dark red. Season, May and June.

Longan (lam yai ลำไย) - generally from the north of Thailand, this small, brown fruit has white flesh, tasting similar to a lychee. Season, variable, but best between July-October.

Mango (ma muang มะม่วง) - there are some 12 varieties of mango grown in Thailand. The sweet, light yellow ones are normally eaten at their ripest and sweetest, whilst the green ones are more bitter and normally included in salads. The best time of year is from March-June.

Mangosteen (mangkhut มังคุด) - predominantly from southern Thailand, this wonderful fruit has a thick dark-red skin with white flesh in segments below. Available year-round.

Papaya (ma la gor มะละกอ) - normally eaten in salads (somtam) when the fruit is unripe, it can also be consumed when fully ripe and sweet with some lime juice. Year-round.

Pineapple (sapparot สับปะรด) - particularly good from the Hua Hin area, Thailand is now one of the leading exporters of canned pinapple in the world. Year-round.

Pomelo (som o ส้มโอ) - very similar to a grapefruit, but sweeter. They can vary in colour from yellow to orange to red. Year-round.

Pomegranate (tubtim ทับทิม) - the edible portion of the fruit is the juicy red flesh and there are many seeds inside, it has a sour taste.

Rambutan (ngor เงาะ) - this sweet fruit has a bright red skin that is covered in green hairs. The flesh is white and contains a stone. Off-season, February-April.

Rose Apple (chomphu ชมพู) - has a green or pink edible skin. It is crunchy and slightly acidic in taste. Year-round.

Sapodilla (la mut ละมุด) - eaten when ripe, it is similar in shape to a mango with reddish-brown flesh. Season, May-June.

Sugar Apple (noi na น้อยหน่า) - also known as a custard apple, it has a green skin with scented white flesh. Best eaten with a spoon. Season, June-February.

Star Fruit (ma-phuang มะเฟือง), also called carambola, is a star-shaped fruit that has a subtle, citrusy flavor.

Watermelon (daeng mo แตงโม) - grown all over Thailand, this sweet fruit is particularly refreshing and is often made into fruit juice. Year-round.

As previously mentioned, the above is not an exhaustive list, but it does include the main tropical fruits you can buy in Hua Hin. Eat and enjoy.


Vegetables

There are over 200 different types of vegetables grown in Thailand and most will be present in Hua Hin's numerous markets. As a result, we are not trying to present an exhaustive guide to them, but rather highlight the main types you will come across with their Thai names.

Aubergines/Eggplants - there are numerous varieties grown here, the most usual being of the "apple" variety (makheua brot มะเขือ). Normally pale green in colour they are eaten raw with chilli or cooked in curries.

Green onion (hom sot keaw) - generally used in salads and fried noodles (pad thai).

Spring Onion (dok don hom) - the leaves and bulbs of these immature onions are used in soups and stir-fries.

Onions (hua hom หัวหอม) - not as popular as shallots, they are nevertheless used in cooking, especially after being crisp-fried.

Green Mango (ma muang dib) - although technically a fruit, we've included this here as it's often eaten raw with chilli or made into a salad.

Bitter Melon (mara jean/mara ki nok) - again, strictly a fruit, these are added to soups, curries and salads. As the name suggests, they are very bitter.

Wax Gourd (fak kaew) - this white to green oblong gourd is mainly used in soups.

Yard Long Beans (tua fuk yao) - these long, green, stringless beans are normally cut into short lenghts and added to stir-fries, curries and soups.

Broccoli (poccoli) - this memeber of the cabbage family is green to purple-green and the florets are normally used in cooking.

Morning Glory (pak boong jin ผักบุ้ง) - this herb (if it's to be described correctly) normally grows near water and both the leaves and shoots are eaten.

Cauliflower (dok kha lam) - this member of the cabbage family can be eaten whole, although the florets are the most tender part.

Chinese Chives/Chive flowers (kui chai/dok kui chai) - not disimilar to spring onions, these herbs nevertheless have a distinctive taste, being more peppery and chewy.

Winged Beans (tua phlu) - a pod-like vegetable that is cooked whole.

Chinese Cabbage (pak kaet khao) - used in stir-fries, salads and soups, this crispy vegetable has a mild, sweet flavour.

Sugar peas (tua lan tao) - these are eaten whole, as with mange tout, and only need a minimum amount of cooking. They're also very good raw.

Chinese Mustard Green (pak kwang tung jeen) - this flowering cabbage is pale green with clusters of small yellow flowers. It has a slight mustard flavour, cooks quickly and is normally used in soup and noodle dishes.

Bamboo Shoots (nor mai thai) - these are crisp mild-flavoured shoots of the bamboo plant. Used extensively in Thai cooking.

Pumpkin (fak thong) - these large squashes have a sweet flesh and are normally used for desserts and savoury dishes.

Straw Mushrooms (hed fang) - these and other types of mushrooms are widely available and used in Thai cooking.

Asparagus (nor mai farang) - prized for their delicate flavour, these vegetables are commonly used in Thai cooking.

Water Chestnuts (haew แห้ว) - used in both sweet and savoury dishes, these crunchy roots of water grass are known for their semi-sweet taste.

Okra (gra jiab กระเจี๊ยบ) - generally deep-fried as an ingredient of sour curries or with nam prik dishes.

Sweetcorn (kao phod khao/kao phod wan) - increasinly being grown in Thailand, it can be eaten either before it's ripe, or afterwards when sweet.

Plum Tomatoes (ma kheua tet มะเขือเทศ) - there are three varieties used in Thai cooking. The smaller ones have a slightly bitter taste and are generally included in northern dishes. Large tomatoes are used in hot and sour soups (tom yams) whilst the cherry tomatoes are reasonably sweet and find their way into salads, curries and soups.

Angle Loofah (buap liam) - this squash is also known as Chinese okra and is similar in taste to a cucumber. It is used stir-fries and soups.

Bean Sprouts (tua ngok) - widely used in stir-fry dishes or eaten raw with noodles.
Chinese Radish (hua chai tao) - this parsnip-looking vegetable is often fully cooked in curries and has a sweet taste.

Vegetable Soya Bean (tua rea ถั่วเหลือง) - quite often steamed for a few minutes in boiling water, these make a delicious snack or can be used in stir-fries.

A full list of fruit and vegetables can be found here:

http://www.panix.com/~clay/cookbook/bin/thai.cgi

herbs & spices HUA HIN

Below is a glossary of herbs and spices used in Thai cooking. The list can be endless and whilst this page is not designed to be 100% comprehensive, it will hopefully list all the major ingredients.

Some are used sparingly, whilst others are used with gusto. The main thing when experimenting for yourself is to make the dish to suit your palate. The first time you try something, it may be too hot, too salty or too sweet for you. Just make a note to cut down on certain ingredients the next time.

All the herbs and spices can be readily found in Hua Hin markets. Probably the easiest to shop at in terms of its location and the range of produce available, is Hua Hin day market, which is situated right next to the night market, off Petchkasem Road.


Herbs and Spices

Basil. The Thias use three types of basil. The most important is Thai basil (bai hora-pha ใบโหระพา). It is pungent and has a slight anise flavour. Secondly, there is holy basil (bai grapao กะเพรา) which is slightly hot to taste and redolent of cloves. Finally, there is lemon basil (bai manglaek ใบแมงลัก) which is used in soups.

Bay leaves (bai grawan ใบกระวาน) - normally only used in massaman curries and beef soup.

Cardamon (luk grawan กระวาน) - normally only used in massaman curries.

Cassia bark (ob choey อบเฉย) - very similar to cinnamon, but richer in flavour. Again, normally only used in adapted dishes such as massaman curries.

Chillies (prik พริก) - it's hard to believe that chillies were only introduced to Thailand by the Portugese in the 16th century. They are now an indispensible component of Thai cooking. The Thais will use many different varities, the most important probably being bird's eye chillies which are small, thin and red or green in colour (prik kii noo suan พริกขี้หนู). These are extremely hot.

Long chillies (prik chii fa พริกชี้ฟ้า) can be red, green or yellow and are normally used as a garnish or dried in red curry paste.

Coconut (maprao มะพร้าว) - this is used in many Thai dishes for texture and flavour. Normally the cream is used and the day market in Hua Hin have a number of stalls with the equipment to press and process the fresh coconuts into cream. This can and does save you a lot of time.

Coriander (pak chii ผักชี) - all of the plant, including the roots, are used in Thai cooking. The roots produce a stronger flavour than the leaves.

Coriander seeds (luuk pak chii ผักชี) - these are normally dry roasted for a short time. You'll know when they're done by the smell.

Cumin seeds (yiira ยี่หร่า) - again these are dry roasted and always used in conjunction with coriander seeds, normally in the ratio 2:1 coriander to cumin.

Curries (gaeng แกง) and curry pastes - curries (red, green or yellow) are an integral part of most Thai meals. You can prepare the pastes yourself, but in practice it's worth just a couple of extra Baht to buy them ready-made in the Hua Hin day market. They're all authentic and used by the big restaurants.

Fish sauce (nam pla น้ำปล่า) - made from small fish or prawns that are fermented in the sun for months, it is used widely in Thai cuisine. Although extremely pungent and salty, it does mellow when combined with other ingredients. The residue is often used to make shrimp paste (kapi) which is an absolute essential in Thai cooking.

Galangal (kha ข่า) - this rhizome is used exclusively in Thai cooking. When young, it is added to soups and when more mature it is an ingredient in curry pastes.

Garlic (gratiam กระเทียม) - Thai garlic is much smaller than its western counterpart and less pungent.

Ginger (king ขิง) - mature ginger is used in soups and some curry pastes, whilst if younger, it is widely used in salads, soups and curries.

Jasmine (mali horm มะลิ) - these buds are soaked in water ovenight and the water then used to make desserts, sweet coconut cream and perfumed rice.

Kaffir lime (makrut มะกรูด) - the leaves are used widely for their fragrance in soups, salads, and garnish for curries.

Shrimp paste (gapi กะปิ) - made from fremented shrimps that have been dried in the sun, this extremely pungent paste is an aquired taste, but really essential to many Thai dishes. Indeed, many Thais believe it to contain the essence of their cooking.

Lesser galangal (krachai กระชาย) - normally sweetened with some sugar for a few minutes before use, it is included in jungle curries and with fish.

Lemongrass (takrai ตะไคร้) - used in curries and soups (particularly hot and sour ones - tom yams). It is very fragrant.

Limes (manao มะนาว) - Thai limes are smaller and sweeter than western ones. Both the juice and zest are extensively used in many dishes.

Mace (dawk jan ลูกจัน) - this outer sheath of the nutmeg is primarily used in massaman curries.

Mint (bai sarae nae สะระแหน่) - normally quite small-leafed and very fragrant.

Northern fish sauce (nam pla ra น้ำปลาร้า) - made from a freshwater mud fish that is fermented for months. Extremely pungent and used with fish and in northern salads and curries.

Nutmeg (luuk jan จันทน์เทศ) - always used roasted.

Pandanus leaves (bai toei horm ใบเตย) - mainly used in desserts, they add a savoury flavour.

Peppercorns (prik thai พริกไทย) - normally, only white corns are used for seasoning and green in jungle curries and stir-fries.

Shallots (horm daeng หอมแดง) - one of the most important ingredients in Thai cooking. Used liberally in salads, curry pastes and to perfume soups.

Tamarind (makam sot/bliak มะขาม) - fresh tamarind is widely used in soups and nam prik.

Turmeric (kamin ขมิ้น) - this rhizome, which is related to ginger, has a strong smell and should be used sparingly.

Vinegar (nam som sai chu น้ำสัมสายชู) - Thais use a white vinegar based on coconut. Whilst pungent if served alone, it is pleasant when combined with other ingredients and can be used in the place of lime juice.

A full list of herbs and spices can be found here:
http://www.panix.com/~clay/cookbook/bin/thai.cgi

Hua Hin Water Sports Center - Day trip to Singto Island

• A great escape! Depart by our speed boat to the two islands just off-shore from Takiab Bay. The ride takes only 10 minutes. We explore the islands of Khao Kho Tao and Kho Singto before we set anchor. Here you have the freedom to relax on the very small and private beach comfortably as we provide sun deck chairs and umbrellas. You can try fishing off the island or swim in the cool waters of the gulf. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then head back to the mainland after 2 hours.

• A perfect escape from the busy beaches of Hua Hin.
• Included in the tour :
• All fishing equipment & bait.
• Transfer from your hotel and back.
• Picnic basket/Soft drinks and Bottled water.
• Minimum 4/Maximum 10 people.
• Guaranteed departure daily
• Contact the reception

• Family Fun Sport!
• This a great family sport and is a fun filled experience.
• You can enjoy a half or a full hour of exiting bumpy ride on board our banana boat.
• Try to hold on as our boat twists and turns in the water trying to throw you off.
• A lot of fun is to be had and the sport is safe as our boat skipper makes sure the ride is not too rough.
• We take extra care and provide all our guests with life jackets.
• Included in the tour:
• Life Jackets.
• Soft drinks and Bottled water.
• Maximum 5 people.
• Daily Departures.

• Maximum Water sport!
• Why not try your hand at water skiing or the jet ski.
• If you like speed, this is the safest sport where you can get a real adrenalin rush.
• Our experienced and skilled boat handling staff will make sure you enjoy every minute of this action packed / fun filled activity.

• If you have never tried water skiing, then this is the place. Extremely affordable and easy to learn under our qualified instructor.
• Included in the tour :
• All ski equipment & Life Jackets.
• Transfer from your hotel and back.
• Soft drinks and Bottled water.
• Price :
• Maximum 5 people.
• Daily Departures.


• A perfect Sunset Experience
• Ever wonder what the green lights are just off the shores of Hua Hin. Well, this is your chance to find out first hand. Fishing for squid and small grouper and red snapper under the expertise of the local fishermen. We set off at sunset in our speed boats just offshore to the island of Sing-to ( Lion Head ). Our staff will help organize the bait and you will be amazed by the catch. Squids and fish of all shapes and colors! We catch just enough for our BBQ dinner which is served on Takiab Beach.

• Included in the tour :
• All fishing equipment & bait.
• Transfer from your hotel and back.
• BBQ Dinner/Soft drinks and Bottled water.
• Minimum 4/Maximum 10 people.


The package includes the following :
15 minutes Jet Ski
15 minutes Water Ski
10 minutes Doughnut
30 minutes Banana Boat
60 minutes Island Trip
Body Boarding
Beach Volleyball
Full BBQ Lunch with salads + fruit
Complimentary Bottled Water & Soft Drinks ( Limited to 2 per person )
Free use of our lounge chairs & beach umbrellas. Located at Takiab Beach

FREE TRANSFERS AVAILABLE FROM HUAHIN
FOR BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT US.
Tel: 089-8101351 , 081-4411627 , 081-8574328 (Thai / English) Fax: 032-521014

Shopping in Hua Hin

Night Market, Souvenirs, Fabrics and Gemstones

Tue, Nov 20, 23:10 1 US$ = 31.61 Baht Recommend Page Link to Page Bookmark Page

Hua Hin and the area around it have wonderful places to shop for virtually all of Thailand's traditional handicrafts. In addition, the town itself has become a centre for contemporary art with several small galleries featuring works by local artists. If you’re looking for a suit or dress, there are legions of tailors in hotels and other areas that will craft one to your specifications.
There are also numerous opportunities to purchase reasonably priced handbags, sunglasses, costume jewellery, prescription glasses, or ready-made clothing. As elsewhere in Thailand, bartering is the norm, and you will achieve the best prices doing so with a friendly approach and big smile.

Other than a few factory outlets on Petchakasem Road, there are no large shopping malls. Instead you will find small shops operated by individual proprietors who pride themselves in offering personalised service. Although not considered as a shopping destination, shopping is always a fun component of the recipe for a perfect holiday, and you won’t be short on opportunities. A highlight of shopping in Hua Hin is that it is much more of a ‘local’ experience, with lots of small shops selling a wide variety of things, making the shopping excursion more of a ‘discovery’. Head over to the day and night markets for a great experience bartering on all kinds of things with the friendly locals.

Hua Hin Night Market and other markets

Although thought of primarily as a place to eat, Hua Hin's Night Market and the adjoining Night Plaza (located in the centre of town adjacent to Dechanuchit Road, just west of Phetkasem Road) is always a great place to eat and shop with the locals. In the evening additional food vendors set up along Dechanuchit Road between Chatchai Market and the Night Plaza, a market devoted primarily to tourist shops. The combination of these three market areas, provides Hua Hin with one of Thailand's largest and most bustling night markets. There is something for everyone here, including handicrafts, traditional Thai food and numerous vendors several selling seafood for much less than you would find it in a standard restaurant.

Another market worth visiting is the Pae Mae market. It appears only on Tuesdays and can be found near the driving range at Royal Hua Hin Golf Club. Here you can watch locals shop for anything that can be transported to a once-a-week marketplace. It's great fun and offers a slice of Thai life sometimes missed by visitors. Excellent to shop for Thai trinkets and handicrafts.

For local handicrafts, the Hua Hin Bazaar, about 100 meters west of the beach, should be your first stop. There are hundreds of items in the shops, from shells and wood carvings to dried fish.

What to buy in Hua Hin

Despite the fact that Hua Hin is not known for shopping, visitors are often surprised by the variety (and quality!) of goods that can be found here. From an exquisite painting and beautifully-crafted item to silk and colorful printed cotton, a little shopping spree might just be the perfect way to spend time if you’re looking for a break from the sun and beach-side frolics. Here are some good buys to look out for…

Handicrafts & Art

There are a lot of art and handicrafts on offer in Hua Hin. Although it is difficult to generalize, you'll find lots of products from seashells near the Sofitel Centara Hotel and loads of handicrafts in the nearby Hua Hin Bazaar. Paintings, carpets, handicrafts and antiques are offered in many shops on Naresdamri Road. Thai people are are well-known and admired even for their creativity and craftsmanship. The attention to detail is phenomenal, but it’s always good to inspect goods closely before making a purchase.

Souvenirs

Souvenir shops can be found in on Naret Damri Road, Decha Nuchit Road, Chomsin Road, Damnoen Kasem Road, and the nearby areas. Some best buys include the printed cotton and silk fabric called ‘khommaphat’, fashion accessories and housewares made of coconut shells, other handicrafts, dried seafood, pineapples, coconuts and a variety of processed fruits.

Fabrics & Tailored Clothing

Thai silk is always a good buy and difficult to resist, available everywhere in many styles and colours. Tailors advertise that they can make garments in a day or so, but remember you get what you pay for. When purchasing silk, make sure you buy a quality product from reputable shops. Sometimes Thai ‘silk’ is interwoven with synthetics, which means an inferior product. Thai silk is famous and highly sought-after worldwide. Originally used exclusively for clothing, it has also become popular to be used for upholstery, soft furnishings and a big variety of other exciting interior-related applications.

Thai cotton is not as well-known as silk, but certainly worth consideration because of its superior quality and the fact that it is so ideal for this humid climate. Many shops offer all kinds of clothing for men and women made from hand-woven Thai cotton. It is increasingly also being used for a variety of interior decorating applications. Another good fabric to look out for is ‘kom ma phat’, colourful cotton prints that Hua Hin is renowned for and available in many local shops.

Jewelry and Gemstones

Yes, there have been all kinds of jewelry and gemstone scams, but the quality of Thai gems and jewelry is also well-known. Sapphires and rubies are great buys, and Thai design styles (modern or traditional) are very distinct and exquisite. Thai gold sells for considerably cheaper than in Europe or the US, and is available in many Chinese gold shops around town. The secret of ensuring you are buying from a reputable dealer is to ask for certificates of authentification, as well as professional accreditation. Fortunately, many scams have been exposed, and are occurring less frequently.

Pottery & Seledon

Even though Hua Hin in not known for pottery-making, examples of this craft from other regions in Thailand are available in many Hua Hin shops. Originally made in Thailand during the Sukhothai period, Thai Celedon (hand-painted tableware ceramics) remains one of the best things you can buy in Thailand, even though it can tip the luggage scale to scary heights.

Where to shop in Hua Hin

The most fun part of shopping is always to explore on your own, but it’s great to have some pointers too. Here are a few places to get you started…

Hua Hin Arts & Crafts Center

Situated in a typical old-style house on Naepkhehat Road, the center features a private collection of contemporary works of many Thai artists, from paintings, sculptures and local handicrafts to beautifully-restored antique furniture and historical pictures of Hua Hin’s glorious past.

Art Gallery

41/91 Thavorn Village 5
Soi Mooban Noi, Nongplub Road, Hua Hin
A good selection of pictures and oils by local artists.

Gaw Gai Shop

2/1 Dechanuchit Road, Hua Hin
Near the entrance to the ChaoLay Seafood Restaurant. It offers ceramics, wooden bric-a-brac and lamps made from Thai pottery.

Phaiboon

56/1-4 Dechanuchit Road, Hua Hin
A large shop with virtually all types of handicrafts represented. A good place for ‘kom ma phat’, a beautiful local cotton print cloth.

Hua Hin Gallery Orient

7/14 Sra-Song Road, Hua Hin
Thai handicrafts, wood products and numerous antiques.

Tailors

Tailor shops in Hua Hin are plentiful and offer very competitive prices on suits and dresses made from a variety of fabric. Suits can be made in 24 hours, but the golden rule is the schedule a few fittings and to compare workmanship before making a decision.

Dining in Hua Hin

Nothing less than a feast awaits for your taste buds… Leaving the cooking to someone else is always an important part of a holiday experience, and the variety and quality of restaurants in and around Hua Hin will ensure the experience is a memorable one. Once an active fishing port, Hua Hin still has enough fishermen around to provide a steady supply of fresh seafood for its restaurants and those in neighbouring Cha-Am and Pranburi. Traditional Thai food is, of course, served everywhere, including food stalls along the beachfront and in Hua Hin's well-known Night Market.

There are numerous dining spots serving Western, Indian and Japanese food. For those looking for a drink after the sun goes down, there is an ample supply of bars and pubs, some of which have live music. In addition, all of the hotels have bars and lobby lounges, many featuring live entertainment. All the hotels and resorts have restaurants too, and these range from top-notch speciality and international cuisine, to light meals of Thai and Western varieties. Highly recommended are the buffet spreads laid on by top hotels for breakfast, lunch and dinner – definitely worth the expense since you’ll get to sample an enormous variety of Thai, Asian and Western food. At some venues, these buffets consist of open cooking stations, including a Seafood BBQ, and often also offer live entertainment like traditional Thai music and dancing.

Seafood fresh from the ocean…

Thais eat fish, prawns or other items foreigners think of as 'seafood' with virtually every meal. Basic condiments like fish sauce, shrimp paste, and ‘pla rah’ are all made from fermented fish or seafood. ‘Tom yum gung’, a delicious spicy and sour shrimp soup, is widely considered Thailand's national dish. Another regular is ‘tod man pla’, an unusual melange of fried minced fish, curry paste, and sliced long beans – fish cakes, basically. Hearkening back to the days before refrigeration, dried and salted fish are served in a variety of ways and are still a mainstay of the Kingdom's diet. There will also be lots of squid, catfish, 'serpent head' fish, and Nile River Tilapia. All are day-to-day favourites in homes and ordinary restaurants.

However, when Thais go to a restaurant specializing in seafood, the menu broadens considerably. The items previously mentioned will be present, but will take a backseat to a host of other dishes with their culinary roots in China. Crab, cockles, mussels, oysters and lobsters will suddenly appear. Cooking methods and sauces will change and there will be items like crab with yellow curry cauce, lobster cooked in XO Sauce and grilled clams or cockles. Fish will be steamed and served with a variety of sauces, as well as grilled and fried. Lobster and giant prawns, pricey items for the average Thai, will play a big role and will often arrive at the table after spending time on a grill.

Going out for seafood is a big event for Thais and they always seem to have a good time. Joining them will be a highlight of any holiday, particularly when the restaurant is in the area around Hua Hin. Many of the restaurants are found in Hua Hin town on Naresdamri Road, just south of the pier. Ao Takiap beach, 5km to the south, has several famous places, and there are some excellent restaurants to the north as you approach Cha-Am. The least expensive, and most popular with Thais, are scattered along Phetkasem Road.

Where to Eat in Hua Hin

good start would be to have a look at these Hua Hin restaurant reviews for a collection of the finest places to try. But, your choices are unlimited, whether you’re looking for Western or Thai food. If you have an adventurous palate, you’ll have even more choices. A stroll around Hua Hin town will bring you to a smattering of authentic little eating places scattered about, street food is delicious, and the day or night market are excellent places to try out a few local delicacies.

Here are some more recommendations:

International and Seafood Restaurants

Taj Mahal
31/1 Naresdamri Road
Nice selection of northern Indian favourites.

Brasserie de Paris
3 Naresdamri Road
Charming French place adjacent to the pier.

Hagi Japanese Restaurant
1 Damnernkasem Road
Outstanding Japanese restaurant (Adjacent to Sofitel Centara Hotel Hua Hin).

Let's Sea, Hua Hin Beach Restaurant
83/155 Soi Talay 12
A big variety of delicious, affordable seafood.

Chao Lay Seafood
15 Naresdamri Rd. Hua Hin
Popular outdoor restaurant on pylons over the water by the pier.

Ketsarin Restaurant
17/1 Naresdamri Road
Big outdoor place right on Hua Hin's sea front near the pier.

Maharaja
25 Naresdamri Rd
Good northern Indian food served from 11:00 to 23:00

Thai Restaurants

Baan Monta Restaurant
51 Dechanuchit Rd
Excellent Thai food and seafood right in the middle of town.

Ban Nong Kae
Petchkassem Road
Modest surroundings with a good selection of basic Thai favourites

Orchids French & Thai Restaurant
110/1 Naresdamri Rd
Serves a mix of French and Thai dishes.

Sasi's ba Bar
83/159 Nhongkae, near the Hyatt Hotel
Features a mix of Western and Thai food, lots of drinks and live music from 20:30 onwards.

Nightlife in Hua Hin

Hua Hin isn’t the place to head to if you’re looking for wild and untamed nightlife experiences . That said, with its diminutive but lively nightlife scene you can certainly find some fun if you look hard enough. Scattered about town are several clusters of beer bars (little ramshackle affairs where you can score a beer and a girl), a number of family-friendly pubs and bars (many of which are located in hotels), and one or two discos.

Though the above adds up to a tame after-dark scene compared to Bangkok, Phuket’s Patong or Pattaya, there is fun to be found and several establishments open past the official 02:00 closing. With an annual jazz festival happening in Hua Hin, it’s no surprise that there’s also quite a lot of live music to be enjoyed, from cover bands to authentic Thai acts. And one thing you definitely won’t find back home is ladyboy cabaret Blue Angel. Check this out for 60 minutes of drama, beauty, elegance and glam, as well as dazzling insight into Thailand’s famous third sex.

Where to go in Hua Hin Nightlife

Hua Hin’s nighlife scene is growing gradually, with new places opening up and widening the scope for visitors. There are a couple of tried and tested venues that have been around for a while – being popular with both locals and visitors – and we’ve lined them up for you here…

Hua Hin Nightlife Venues

Hua Hin isn’t the place to head to if you’re looking for wild and untamed nightlife experiences . That said, with its diminutive but lively nightlife scene you can certainly find some fun if you look hard enough. Scattered about town are several clusters of beer bars (little ramshackle affairs where you can score a beer and a girl), a number of family-friendly pubs and bars (many of which are located in hotels), and one or two discos.

Though the above adds up to a tame after-dark scene compared to Bangkok, Phuket’s Patong or Pattaya, there is fun to be found and several establishments open past the official 02:00 closing. With an annual jazz festival happening in Hua Hin, it’s no surprise that there’s also quite a lot of live music to be enjoyed, from cover bands to authentic Thai acts. And one thing you definitely won’t find back home is ladyboy cabaret Blue Angel. Check this out for 60 minutes of drama, beauty, elegance and glam, as well as dazzling insight into Thailand’s famous third sex.

Hua Hin Beach

Hua Hin’s nighlife scene is growing gradually, with new places opening up and widening the scope for visitors. There are a couple of tried and tested venues that have been around for a while – being popular with both locals and visitors – and we’ve lined them up for you here…


Billy's Bar & Restaurant (Hua Hin Bazaar)
This place exudes pub atmosphere, and has lots of Brits in attendance. Food, darts, sports TV and all the other things that make for a good pub.

Blue Angel Cabaret (Soi Bintaban)
A nightly transvestite show at 20:00 and 21:45 and a midnight show on weekends. Probably different than anything you'll find back home.

Crawford's Irish Bar (Poolsuk Road)
Giant TV's, lots of drinks, and highly regarded pub grub. Popular with local expats and suitable for families.

Hua Hin Brewing Company Bar (next to Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa)
Decorated like a rustic fisherman’s house, this is Hua Hin’s busiest disco by far. Live music and DJs.

Johnnie Walkers Sports & Music Bar (Selakam Road)
Good pub food and lots of promotions. Popular with expats.

Jungle Juice (Selakam Road)
Pool and dart leagues, sports on the TV and lots of local expats downing beer and eating good pub grub.

P and P Bar (Poolsuk Road)
Lots of attractive girls here, and pool and 9-ball are free.

Octopussy (Selakam Road)
Popular beer bar with waitresses dressed in risqué school uniforms. Sports can always be found on the TV.

Satchmo Club (Main Lobby of the Sofitel Central Hua Hin)
A live Filipino band play here every night. Satchmo's is also a great excuse for visiting this classic hotel, reputed to have been Hua Hin’s first luxury hotel

Nightlife Activities

there is fun to be found and several establishments open past the official 02:00 closing. With an annual jazz festival happening in Hua Hin, it’s no surprise that there’s also quite a lot of live music to be enjoyed, from cover bands to authentic Thai acts. And one thing you definitely won’t find back home is ladyboy cabaret Blue Angel. Check this out for 60 minutes of drama, beauty, elegance and glam, as well as dazzling insight into Thailand’s famous third sex.

Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan

Hua Hin
Prachuap Khiri Khan

Hua Hin Beach is the focal point of Hua Hin – Thailand’s first beach resort. Although it has a beautiful white sand beach and crystal clear water, Hua Hin is not as famous as resort towns like Pattaya and is still a bit off the beaten track as far as foreign tourists are concerned. As a result the beach is generally not so crowded, except at weekends when locals from Bangkok make the 190 kilometer journey to descend on the area.

It is though increasingly the destination of choice for foreign visitors interested in water sports. The beach is about six kilometers long and features a particularly good sunrise, and nice sunsets. Dotted along the beach are some great restaurants where you can enjoy local seafood. The beach does though cater for a growing expatriate community and the area hosts an increasing number of foreign restaurants and bars.

Details: Between March and August the water doesn’t come up the beach as far as it does at other times in the year and there are a greater number of beach-based activities (such as horse riding) available. During the rainy season there are quite a few jelly fish and this can lead to a slightly stinging sensation while you are in the water. Avoid jelly fish at all costs! All year round water sports such as jet skiing are readily available.

How to get there: Hua Hin Beach is only a short distance from Hua Hin town centre and Songtaews are available for around 20 Baht to 30 Baht.

Restaurants and Bars

Mumtaaz
Address: 88 Naresdamri Road Hua Hin Prachuap Khiri Khan
Tel: 0-3253-1048

Mumtaaz Restaurant - authentic Indian restaurant offering vegetarian dishes and a good range of Thai cuisine. Attractive setting and efficient, friendly staff make Mumtaaz a good dining experience.

Taj Mahal Restaurants
Address: 112, Chomsin Road HUA HIN 31/1 Naresdamri Road HUA HIN Prachuap Khiri Khan
Tel: 0-3251-6615:0-1763-1746

Good Indian and Pakistani food available at two outlets in Hua Hin (Chomsin Road and Naresdamri Road). The restaurant makes the most of the fresh seafood caught daily in Hua Hin by specializing in dishes such as Prawn Pakora, Tandori Prawns and Prawn Biryani.

Anantara Golden Triangle Trumpets 2008 Elephant Polo

Thailand’s highly popular King’s Cup Tournament returns to the hills in 2008. Event organiser Anantara Resorts announced that the 2008 tournament would take place from March 31 to April 6 in the northern-most region of the country known as the Golden Triangle.

To officially launch the tournament, Anantara Resorts will host a kick-off match at the grounds of the ‘1st Infantry Regiment King’s Own Bodyguard’, in Vipavadi Rangsit, Bangkok on September 21, 2007. A fitting location for the King’s Cup, the event is open to the public and an afternoon of celebrities, seasoned 0elephant polo players, colourful parades and pachyderms will provide a taste of the excitement to come!

Or one of the games founding fathers, Jim Edwards of ‘Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge’ in Nepal puts it: “Elephants polo is like playing golf from the back of a slow – moving Range Rover.” It should be pointed out that the World Wildlife Fund has declared that this sport poses no threat to the elephants participating in the games.

This popular event, ranked as the 6th largest event on the Thai tourism calendar was introduced to Thailand in 2001 and is a charitable event that raises money for the country’s National Elephant Institute in Lampang, Northern Thailand. Hosting the event in the far North ensures that the international spotlight is focused onto a very unique and special part of Thailand, showcasing the beauty of the natural landscape of the Golden Triangle region – the natural home of elephants.

Through its own Elephant Camp located within the grounds of the Anantara Resort Golden Triangle, the property’s focus on the future of Thailand’s pachyderm population and forms an integral part of the resort’s operations. On an on-going basis, resident Director of Elephants, John Roberts, works closely with the Thai government’s Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang to develop Anantara’s camp as an elephant sanctuary. The funds raised from the 2006 tournament are being used to custom-build an elephant-sized ambulance which will be donated to the National Elephant Institute.

To date the tournament has raised over US$175,000 for the National Elephant Institute, which provides medical care, sustenance, employment, welfare and mahout training to Thailand’s elephant population. It is estimated that Thailand has around 2500 domesticated elephants and 1500 wild elephants. This is down from an elephant population of around 50,000 in 1950 and 100,000 in 1900.

The 2006 tournament featured the return of Tom Claytor, a bush pilot who loves to play elephant polo, Margie McDougal, the most experienced female player in the world, Torquhil Ian Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll, an experienced captain from ThisistheLife.com Scotland, All Blacks team headed by Justin Sampson (Sambo), Bernie Fraser, New Zealand’s former world-ranking rugby player.

Anantara Resort Golden Triangle is located 60km north of Chiang Rai’s international airport.
Source http://www.thailandwonders.com

Hua Hin International Kite Festival

Hua Hin International Kite Festival is an annual event in March. With each subsequent year, the Hua Hin International Kite Festival attracts an ever-growing number of devoted kite fans, participants and spectators, from all over Thailand as well as from countries around the region, and beyond. The colourful kite festival thus presents a golden opportunity for visitors to savour the international flavour of kite culture in a single trip.

Special highlights last year:

Displays and demonstrations of Thai kites from the 4 regions and demonstrations of Chula and Pakpao kites.

An international showcase of kites from Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Newzealand, Australia, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, India, Sweden, Korea and Singapore, featuring exhibits, demonstrations and displays.

"Mega Moon Kite" The world biggest kite from Japan .

"Banner Art Kite, "Giant Flower forms kite" ,"Giant Octopus kite", "Giant Fish kite", "Ghost Deltas kite" ,"Devil kites", "Giant Geko kite", "Sky Ribbons kite" from United States.

Sales of local products and handicrafts promoted under the OTOP (One Tambon One Product)

Art contests and popular kite contests

Staged 'kite-fighting' battles featuring the larger star-shaped Chula kite and the smaller diamond-shaped Pakpao kite

Demonstrations of kite-fighting as a team sport

Displays and demonstrations of stunt kites

Art contests and popular kite contests

Hua Hin karting and gokart

Karting in Hua Hin at Go Kart Hua Hin

166 Hua Hin Soi 2
Petchkasem Rd (opposite Hua Hin Airport)
Hua Hin, Prachuabkhirikhan.
Tel: 032-547199

Our opening hours are now streamlined from 10.30am-7pm everyday with late night racing by appointment.

GoKart Hua Hin is located opposite Hua Hin Airport on Petchkasem Road, approximately 6 kilometres from the city centre.

The 700-meter outdoor track, set amidst a backdrop of palm trees and mountains, will both entertain and delight the novice driver and also test the skills of an experienced karter !!!

Arrive and Drive sessions are available for all adult and family needs, our staff will be happy to recommend the option that will suit you the best.

Also at GoKart Hua Hin:

Podium Café – ideal for a cooling drink, a light snack or a rewarding ice-cream !!!

New and Used Kart Sales – join our growing team of Private Kart Owners. Own your own kart and house it on site to race when you want. Please consult GoKart Hua Hin Management for further details.

Tournaments – every full moon we race under the stars in a Grand Prix format. Please ask for further details.

Endurance Racing – every Saturday or Sunday, throughout the year, we invite teams, of three or more drivers to compete against each other. Race format consists of one-hour track time with team strategy for driver changes and fuel stops !!! Please ask for further details.

Driving School – speak to our staff to book a gokart driving lesson. Get the best advice on safety, strategy, technique and track etiquette from an experienced gokart driver.

Track Membership – join the club and receive discounts and special offers for a one off fee. Please ask for further details.

Private Kart Arrive and Drive – bring your own kart and race all day. Please contact us prior to arrival for availability and charges.

Corporate Events – we can set the foundations for a practical test of team building to develop your employees strengths, improve their weaknesses and highlight their abilities to communicate and adapt to changing circumstances or challenging situations, all within the compass of a GoKart Endurance Race . Please contact us for further details.

ROC Lap Timing System – all completed laps will be recorded via our lap timing system and displayed `live` on our TV monitors. You will also receive a computer printout of all your lap times, highlighting your fastest lap, average track speed and total laps completed, once your session has finished.

We have four Two-Seater Karts (powered by 6.5 and 9 HP engines) for inexperienced karters to partake in the fun from the comfort of a passenger seat (ideal for younger children).

Also available are four Junior Karts (powered by 6.5 HP engines). These karts allow teenagers to gain confidence and experience the circuit under their own control.

Ten Senior Karts (powered by 13 HP engines), the pride of the fleet, these karts can maintain an average track speed of 60/70 kph and are available for all individual adult time trailing, group racing or just for fun !!!

For groups of 5 or more try the GOKART 30

10-laps of qualifying against our ROC Lap Timing Computer System.

Then compete in a 20-lap race against your family and friends from a Formula One style grid line-up.

Race winner will receive a free t-shirt or baseball cap.

750 Baht per person.

Call now and get karting : 032-547199

Or email us at: gokarthuahin@yahoo.com

Thai Boxing in Hua Hin

Thai boxing is a martial art that is known worldwide. It is acclaimed for its beauty and power. Thai boxers use not only fists to hit their opponent, but other parts of the body, such as feet, knees, and elbows can be used as well. Another special feature is that music is played while a Thai boxing match is going on, so it makes boxing seem like a beautiful and artistic dance that goes with the music.

The history of Muay Thai is interwoven with the history of the Thai people. A gentle, peace-loving people, for centuries Thais had to defend themselves and their land from aggressive powers. They developed a form of close, hand-to-hand combat best suited for the kind of rough-terrain battle they were fighting. Over time it became a rite of passage for Thai men to take up training in this martial art.

King Naresuan the Great (1555-1605), one of the country's most celebrated warrior-heroes, is believed to have been an excellent boxer himself, and it was he who made Muay Thai a required part of military training. Another milestone in the history of Muay Thai was the triumph of Nai Khanom Tom over 10 Burmese boxers in 1774. Taken captive after the Thai capital fell in 1767, Nai Khanom Tom was picked to fight before the Burmese king. After defeating ten of them in a row, he was freed and returned home a hero.

In the old days, Muay Thai was a dangerous sport, with no safety gear of any kind for the fighters, and only lengths of cords to wrap around the fists in place of gloves. Over the years rules have been written along the line of international boxing regulations.

In recent years the sport has attracted a wide following outside of the country, and training facilities have been set up in countries as far as the U.S. and the former Soviet states. In 1995 the World Muay Thai Council was set up by cabinet resolution in 1995 to promote this national heritage at national and international levels. At a conference held that same year, 78 member countries voted for the establishment of a training school where all elements of Muay Thai would be taught. The Muay Thai Institute was founded in 1997 and is now the only training school accredited by the Ministry of Education.

On fight nights at major stadiums, especially at Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen, tourists fill up a sizable portion of the seats, and the number is growing. Most opt to sit at ringside, to see the action up close. On nights of major events, usually advertised days in advance, it can be hard to get tickets. You might want to book through your hotels or travel agents.