Hua Hin

Posted by paul on May 4th, 2009 filed in The Gulf of Thailand, Top attractions, Travel destinations

Located within easy reach of Bangkok, Hua Hin is an enjoyable little seaside resort town that draws package tourists and families: definitely not a place for backpackers to hang out. Being close to the Thai capital the town also attracts many domestic tourists, and this contributes to the more authentic Thai atmosphere to compliment mainstream tourism’s westernised elements. Hua Hin is a friendly, picturesque place: souvenir shops and cafes line the narrow lanes; and pony rides, ice cream vans and deck chairs on the white sandy beach.

The principal attraction here is the beach, which is more than three miles long. Boulders are strewn across and this adds to the beach’s aesthetics and creating several small rock pools as well. In English ‘Hua Hin’ means ‘head rock’ referring to a particular rocky headland, which separates the two major beach areas. However, these rocks do not obstruct swimming options – in fact the ocean here is excellent for swimmers, the sole drawback is the presence of jellyfishes during the rain season.

At the beach’s end is chopstick hill– or Khao Takiab. There are some Buddhist temples on the route up this tiny hill and it makes for a rewarding walking trip. The hill and the temples on it are home to many monkeys, swinging and jumping around as you ascend. The hill’s summit offers a stunning view of the beach area below you and the enormous high-rise hotel establishments dotted around.
Also recommended is visiting the Chatchai market, particularly if you wish to sample some locally and freshly caught seafood. But this lively market features a wide range of other gastronomic options, and a tasty and healthy meal can be had simply by grazing.