LAST TRIP DONE IN APRIL 2003
Hua Hin is located some 200 Km south of Bangkok in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The province is more famous for its natural charm of beaches and mountains than his historical attractions. The beaches of Hua Hin came to the country's attention when Rama VII built a seafront palace just north of the small fishing village. Hua Hin became one of Thailand's most popular seaside resorts among Thais. More and more foreigners, seeking for a comfortable and quiet beach holiday near Bangkok tends to escape Pattaya and seek refuge here. Hua Hin is noted for its long and white sandy beach and offers everything from superb seafood restaurants and cozy bars to a wide range of good accommodation.
ACCOMMODATION
CHANCHAY BANGALO & HOTEL
117/1-18 Phetkasem Rd
Prachuab Khiri Khan
Hua Hin 77110
Tel: 032/511461, 532374-5
Fax: 032/532376Rate: double room with ABF 1120 Bht
New hotel with nice rooms. Rooms equipped with telephone, TV and fridge.
Friendly service. Front access on the main road. Back side access to the beach.
THE SIRIN HOTEL
Damnoenkasem Rd
Prachuab Khiri Khan
Hua Hin 77110
Tel: 032/511150, 512045
Fax: 032/513571
Rate: double room without BF 1200 Bht
Nice rooms equipped with Airco, telephone, TV, fridge, swimming pool & private balcony. Near to the tourist center (bars & restos) and 120 m from Hua Hin beach.
PLACES VISITED
KLAI KANGWON PALACE
King Rama Vll commanded this summer palace to be built in the year 1926 to the north of Hua Hin as a gift to Queen Rambai Barni. Klai Kangwon means - far from worries. The palace consists of 3 Spanish style mansions made mostly out of marble and teak facing the sea. It has been used as a summer retreat by the royal familiy. The palace is open to the public daily from 09.00 AM - 4.00 PM when the royal family is not in residence.
NIGHT MARKET
The market is situated on Dechanit Rd in the center of Hua Hin. The place has many food stalls and offers an opportunity for shopping.
KHAO HIN LEK FAI (223 m)
The hill offers a superb view of the Hua Hin coastal area and city line. The park is well maintained and has different view points in northern and southern direction. Flowers and trees in abundance. There is a tropical garden on the top. Refreshments and toilet facilities are available. Take the occasion to the pass the beautiful Hua Hin railway station built in the reign of King Rama VI and evening stop over for the nearly weekly eastern & Oriental Express.
www.orient-express.com
KHAO TAKIAP (272 m)
Hill situated 4 Km south of Hua Hin at the southern end of Hua Hin beach with a temple on the top. The top offers a panoramic view of the sea and Hua Hin city in general. There is a road leading to the Wat Khao Takiap temple. Access on foot is also possible from the beach. The hill is locally known as the monkey mountain. A road leads to a restaurant along the sea called La Mer. Nice view, but bad food & service. No value for what you get on your plate. Enjoy the sea view, but stick to a beer! Driving up you will pass a fishing village and small port. An excellent occasion to cater some fresh sea food in the morning!
HAT SUAN SON
This beach located 8 Km south of Hua Hin called Sea Pine Tree Garden belongs to the Army Welfare Office and is open to the public. Access with the car costs 10 Baht on weekends. Possibility for accommodation. Mostly crowded with locals.
KHAO TAO & HAT SAI NOI
A visit to the Khao Tao reservoir and Wat Tham Khao Tao is also a nice escape when Hua Hin gets to pushy. Khao Tao is located 13 Km south of Hua Hin. From the temple you have a straight view over Hat Sai Yai. There is also a very small but beautiful beach to the south called Hat Sai Noi. Excellent place for a lazy afternoon with tasting fresh seafood and a cold beer. A beach for insiders. Dolphins can be seen early morning and late evening. From Hat Sai Noi you can visit the Pranbuari estuary near Bang Pak Nam Pran or take a stroll along the mangroves nature trail of the Pranburi Forest Park.
SHORT TRIPS IN THE AREA
Trip to Khao Sam Roi Yot (mountain of 300 peaks), the Phraya Nakhon cave and the Dolphin Bay
Trip to the multi-level Pala-U waterfalls in the rain forest
Snorkeling and diving at Koh Talu
TRIP TO KAENG KRACHAN NATIONAL PARK
Approx 70 Km from Hua Hin there is a large 45 square Km water reservoir called Kaeng Krachan Dam. The water from the Petchaburi River is collected in this huge lake. The scenery is fascinating indeed. It is an excellent place for fishing or boating (400 Bht/Hr ? capacity 10 persons). We paid 600 Bht to make a boat trip to Ginseng Island. On the island is a Buddhist temple. We were fortunate to run into a 1.3 m king cobra near the temple, hunting mouse in the cracks of the floor. Toilet facilities are available on the island. On return we took lunch in one of the small restos along the road. There is possibility for bungalow accommodation and river rafting. Another 30 Km west towards the Myanmar border, you can climb the Khao Phanoen Thong (1207 m) and early in the morning watch the sea of fog. A few waterfalls are scattered in the area: Nam Tok Tortip, Nam Tok Hin Lad, Nam Tok Pranburi. Ideal place for birdwatchers.
RESTAURANT & DISCO
Hua Hin Brewing Company (Hilton Hotel)
INTERNET LINKS
www.huahin.20m.com
www.observergroup.net
www.huahingolf.com
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