Issue May 2017

COVER
STORY
Some History:
Hua Hin means rock or stone head, because of
the low outcrops that appear just like “heads” along
the shoreline. In 1910, Prince Chakrabongse, brother
of King Rama VI, came upon this serene stretch of
coast in Prachuap Khiri Khan province while on a
tiger hunt. Within a decade, the town was in vogue
with Siamese society, boosted by the construction of
the king’s vast Mrigadayavan Palace. Built in 1923,
this huge, now-restored structure, known as the
“longest golden teak palace in the world”, stands in a
Thai Army reserve on the Cha Am beachfront, North
of Hua Hin. It is open to visitors.
Rama VII later built his own summer palace in
town, named Klai Kangwon (“Far From Worries”).
This palace can be seen when entering the city of
Hua Hin from the airport.
Located on the sunrise side of the
Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is a quiet
relaxed coastal town, perfect for
family vacations. The city is located
some 150 kilometers South-West of
Bangkok.
A Relaxing At Mosphere:
In contrast to Pattaya, across the Gulf, Hua Hin
lacks the bustle of an international playground
and instead offered a quiet escape. The chance to
relax on a lovely beach and escape the crownds
are main attractions of the city. You can also visit a
fishing village experience the traditional lifestyles of
local communities. If, after your relaxing break you
are hankering for a more lively scene, you can hop
on a ferry and spend a few days in Pattaya, The ferry
between Hua Hin and Pattaya runs three times per
week.
Hua Hin’s beaches are long and pristine, So far,they
remain unravaged by massive tour group invasion
and lethal, hooning watercraft. The view in front of the
Centara Grand Resort (the first hotel in Hua Hin) and
neighbouring Baan Laksasubha Resort, remains free
of the ranks of umbrellas and beach chairs. Other
area in the resort city offer high class beach furnitures
and services.
Activities:
Hua Hin is a charming city with relaxed
atmosphere, it offers some of the finest golf courses
in Thailand (Banyan Golf, Black Mountain Golf),
modern shopping centers (Bluport, Seenspace
Beach Front Mall), plenty of activities (Vana
Nava Water Games, Greenfield Valley Fishing &
Cottage, Sanae Beach Club, Kite Boarding, Hua
Hin Safari), high class spas (Refresh Spa , Let’s
Relax Spa), delicious restaurants, night bazaar
and sparkling nighlife (rooftop bar at Hilton Hotel).
Through Pranburi and down to Prachuap Khiri
Khan there are numerous quiet coves and tiny fishing
villages, ideal destination for day excursions. There
is also Khao Sam Roi Yot (Mountain of 300 Peaks)
National Park, a short way south of Pran Buri.
Covering 60 square kilometres, it is a place of wonder
where the stunning landscape is a breath-taking
blend of forested hills, deep valleys, waterfalls, caves,
beaches, mangrove swamps and coves. A profusion
of tropical vegetation makes the park a sanctuary
for various animals and birds. Tham Phraya Nakhon
cave is the focus of most day trips because it houses
a large pavilion built for Rama V in 1896. Viewed in
the early morning, when the first light breaks through
the openings in the roof of the cave, this pavilion is
a spectacular and often photographed sight. Further
south, Prachuap Khiri Khan, a fishing town with a
scenic bay, is another relaxing spot in the coastline.
8 9