Josh Brendon
Sitting on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand is the pretty beachside destination of Hua Hin. This is why the three-hour travel time from Bangkok is worth every minute.
This is a shopping destination that will not disappoint. You can shop at any time of day for almost anything imaginable. Look up the The Venezia, which is an entire 'shopping village' that consists of three hundred and sixteen outlets set in a unique Venetian backdrop. There is even a two hundred meter 'Grand Canal' complete with bridges and gondola rides. The San Marco's Bell Tower stands amongst brightly painted Mediterranean style buildings. The canal ends at an Italian style piazza. The Grand Night Market, Cicada Market, Chat Chai Market and Hua Hin Night Market offer the authentic Thai street market experience. Local street food, souvenirs and handicrafts are the staples, though some markets specialise in one type of product. Cicada is an art inspired market that sells paintings, sculptures and ornaments. If you are looking for more 'themed' shopping experiences, head to Plearn Wan, which is a throwback to the 1950s.
This stylish locale is popular for its watersports, like kitesurfing and its seemingly endless stretch of pristine beach. Hua Hin has been attracting the country's affluent for decades, including the Thai Royal Family that built summer palaces here in the 1920s. The Hua Hin hotels you find today are some of the best in all of Thailand. Some of the most fabulous swimming pools, luxurious spas and impeccable gardens in the area have been created by properties such as the one belonging to Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas.
Hua Hin really does have something for everyone. Pranburi Forest Park is an eco-attraction, which boasts mangroves that come under the Queen's patronage. If you have an appreciation for nature, plan to spend a day exploring the park. The mangroves are spread over three square kilometres within the Klongkao Klongkob National Reserve Forest. There are two trails created along wooden bridges that weave through the lush foliage. One treats you to spectacular views of the coastline, while the other guides you inland through the tropical flora and fauna.
Arguably, Thailand's best golfing destination and possibly one of the best in the world. The seaside location boasts ten excellent golf courses in the vicinity, among them: Black Mountain, Banyan Golf Club, Sea Pine Army Golf Club and Royal Hua Hin Golf Course. Green fees are between 2000 to 4000 baht during peak tourist season but become more affordable during the rainy months of August and September.
Dining out in Hua Hin is an opportunity to indulge. The seafood is a standout favourite and the main reason domestic holidaymakers make weekend trips to Hua Hin. There is plenty of choice and the seafood is at its freshest. What is more, you can almost be guaranteed a spectacular view of the ocean to go with your meal. There is more good news when it comes to budget: the seafood here is comparatively much cheaper than you will find in Bangkok or Phuket.
