Thailand
> PRACHUAPKHIRIKHAN
General Information
281 kilometers south of Bangkok, Hua Hin, which literally means stone head in Thai, is the oldest beach resort of the country and is still very popular. Clean white sand, crystal clear water and a tranquil atmosphere has continued to attract tourists in search of peaceful and relaxing holidays.
The town was originally known as Ban Samoe Rieng, or Ban Laem Hin (Stony Point Village). The construction of a railway station in the city as part of the Southern Railroad in the reign of King Rama VI resulted in making Hua Hin stand out from many quite fishing villages. In addition, the construction of a Summer Palace of King Rama VII totally transformed the village into a high-society resort town for royalty. Even today, the Royal Family continues to reside at the Palace for part of the year.
Hua Hins consequence came with the opening of the Railway Hotel (known today as the Sofitel Central Hotel), an elegant Victorian-style resort hotel, and also the countrys first standard golf course. A cluster of royal and high-society residences gradually became more visible resulting in the transformation of the whole village into the first seaside resort of the country, where visitors could enjoy swimming, fishing, and golfing in the countrys first standard golf course.
Today, Hua Hin is a well-established beach destination with word-class facilities coupled with a true sense of Thai hospitality. Despite its expansive growth and development as a luxurious destination, the splendor of Hua Hin remains intact. Remaining content in itself, Thailands oldest seaside resort has never sought international recognition. It has continued to provide a peaceful and relaxed sanctuary in a picturesque environment that comes with a true sense of historical identity.
How to get there
By car
Drive along Highway No. 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) passing Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram Provinces and then take Highway No. 4 to Hua Hin Total distance is 123 kilometers. Alternatively, it is possible to travel via Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi Provinces.
By Air
Bangkok Airways operates flights from Bangkok to Hua Hin four times a week, and also from Hua Hin to Ko Samui. In addition, daily flights to Phuket are available. Call 032 522305 for more details.
By Bus
Buses from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal cost 110 bahts for 1st class (air-conditioned), 85 bahts for 2nd class (air-conditioned) and 61 bahts (ordinary). The trip takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Various agencies on Khao San Road in Bangkok operate minivans to Hua Hin for 150 bahts per person. The bus leaves for Bangkok from a station next to Siripetchkasem Hotel. In addition, there are air-conditioned buses leaving for Chumpon Province (125 bahts, 4 hours), Surat Thani Province (210 bahts, 7hours), Phuket Province (305 bahts, 10 hours) and Krabi Province (280 bahts, 9 hours)
By Train
The trip takes about 3-3/4 hours from Bangkok; 1st class fare is 202 bahts (rapid and express only), 2nd class is 102 bahts (rapid and express only) and 3rd class is 44 bahts. Call 1690 for more details.
Getting Around
Local buses/songthaews from Hua Hin to the Hat (beach) of Khao Takiap, Khao Tam and Suan Son cost 7-10 bahts / person. These buses run from around 6 a.m. until 5.50 p.m.
Buses to Pranburi are 10 bahts and leave from the same area of Chomsin Road.
Samlors may cost 40 bahts / trip in to town.
Motorcycles and bicycles can be rented from a couple of places on Damnoen Kasem Road near the Jed Pee Nong Hotel. Motorcycle rates are from 150 bahts to 200 bahts per day for 100cc and 250 bahts to 300 bahts for 125cc. Occasionally larger bikes - 400 to 750cc - are available for 500 bahts to 600 bahts a day. Bicycles are 30 bahts to 70 bahts per day.
At the fishing pier visitors can charter boats to Ko Singtoh for 800 bahts a day. On Hat Takiap it is possible to get cheaper fares for 700 bahts.
Local Products
Fabric
Batik cloth is an interesting souvenir that can easily be found in shops around the town. Souvenir shops can be found in the town of Hua Hin, mostly 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.
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