Joanna James
Tipped to be one of Thailand's best loved tourist hotspots, Hua Hin is a dream destination for the travelling masses. Here are five reasons why the seaside hamlet is so popular among travellers.
One of the reasons why Hua Hin is a world apart from beach hubs in Thailand is the tranquillity and seclusion it offers. Unlike Koh Samui, Pattaya and other beach hotspots, Hua Hin's beachfronts are not lined with five star hotels and seafood restaurants nor crowded with beachside vendors selling everything from flip flops to snacks. Hua Hin is a traditional Thai town rather than a tourist Mecca so those who vacation here are usually locals based in Bangkok. This makes Hua Hin a decidedly quieter and more relaxing destination where horse riding and other leisurely pursuits reign supreme over disruptive water sports activities.
Another reason why Hua Hin is a dream come true for travellers are the many natural wonders occupying its verdant confines. The Pa La-U Waterfall is one such spectacular cascade that warrants a trip to this sleepy seaside hamlet. Located in the southern portion of Kaeng Krachan National Park, near the Myanmar border, the waterfall holds the distinct honour of being the largest waterfall in all of Thailand. As a popular venue for butterfly watching the cascade is an awe inspiring site revered by nature lovers. The Phraya Nakhon Cave is another breathtaking natural attribute in Hua Hin and this splendid highlight is located in the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
Foodies the world over should make it a point to head down to Hua Hin due to the sheer variety of seafood dishes served in its top restaurants. The easy accessibility and abundance of fresh seafood has meant that the local culinary style is reliant on seafood items for most of its meal options. Some of the hot pick restaurants in the area include the Shoreline Beach Club where everything from oysters, prawns, squid and mussels decorate the menu. The tasty treats at the Tamarind Night Market are nothing to scoff at either as this open air food court is a larger than life thoroughfare dedicated to street food.
Most travellers may be surprised to find that Hua Hin is home to its own share of vineyards and is in fact a wine producing region of Thailand. The chance to tour one of the area's celebrated wineries is another reason a vacation in Hua Hin is a must as the beauty of the vineyards coupled with the exciting activities available at the cellar doors of the region's top wineries is enticing to say the least. The Monsoon Valley Vineyard is one of the best loved wineries in Hua Hin while the Hua Hin Hills Bistro and Wine Cellar is not far behind. Travellers can sign up for a wine tasting or simply tour the vineyards and pick up a few bottles of the local vintages as keepsakes.
Also known as the Bueng Bua Nature Observation Centre, the meandering and winding boardwalk offers travellers stunning views of Hua Hin and the many bird species that call it home. Those who secure accommodation at Anantara Hua Hin or any other hotel in Hua Hin will find that the boardwalk is within close range of most major accommodation providers.
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