Thailand Country Guide - Hua Hin

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This small Gulf town would have little to distinguish it from any other fishing village in Prachuap Khiri Khan province had King Rama VI not built his summer palace here in 1926.

Its royal legacy and the town's proximity to Bangkok have made it an enduring beach destination, mostly free from frenetic development, pollution and the other negative aspects of Patong and Pattaya.

Hua Hin's five kilometers of beaches are its biggest draw, though the often murky water and jellyfish (numerous during monsoons) deter swimmers. Weekends can get overcrowded, compounded by vendors hawking everything from pony rides to corn on the cob around the Thanon Damnoen Kasem beach.

So strike south to the beach fronting the Sofitel and beyond to the relatively tranquil sands of Had Khao Takiap and Khao Tao. The new Hua Hin Butterfly Garden opposite is a delight. The quaint half-timbered railway station provides a great photo opportunity.

Khao Takiab, a hill overlooking Takiab beach four kilometres outside Hua Hin, offers sweeping views from an unexceptional temple.

Far better is Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, 58 km to the south. Named `300 peaks', the park features broken-tooth karsts soaring out of wetlands ideal for sea-kayaking and has a diverse bird population.

More arduous exploration awaits at the World Heritage rain forest of Kaeng Krachan National Park to the north-west.

Region Information - Bangkok | Cha-am | Chiangmai | Hua Hin | Patong Beach | Pattaya | Phuket | Pranburi