Joanna James
A seaside resort in southern Thailand, Hua Hin offers an idyllic escape and is popular amongst locals and foreigners looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Of course, there's much to know about this destination and these interesting facts are bound to add to its allure!
One of the main attractions in Hua Hin is the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace which has been made completely out of teak wood. This charming structure has more than 1,000 pillars and three buildings that blend perfectly with a scenic garden and the backdrop of the coast. Once a summer residence used by royalty, today, Maruekhathaiyawan Palace is open to the public who can also look forward to enjoying a delightful afternoon tea here overlooking the ocean.
Initially a traditional fishing village, Hua Hin was in fact, "discovered" as a resort destination by King Rama VII (King Prajadhipok) in the 1920s. It became a preferred coastal getaway from Bangkok and was soon popular amongst royalty and the aristocracy. The king subsequently built Wang Klai Kang Won, a summer palace here, while the village began to develop as well; a railway station and line were set up, holiday bungalows were built and an 18-hole golf course was opened too.
When it comes to adventure-filled things to do in Hua Hin, Thailand, kitesurfing is amongst the top choices and this activity draws enthusiasts from around the world. There are several kitesurfing schools to be found here, while resorts along the beach also offer guests a chance to take part in this activity. Generally,, you can enjoy wind speeds of around 10 to 20 knots from December to January, while 15 to 20 knots can be experienced from March to around mid-April.
Opened in 1924, the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course was in fact, the first-ever golf course in Thailand and is still in operation. Within a 10-minute drive from properties such as Anantara Hua Hin Resort, this picturesque 18-hole, par 72 course was designed by A.O. Robin, a railway engineer from Scotland. It features lovely tree-lined fairways as well as stunning backdrops and views including those of Hua Hin and the Gulf of Thailand. Adding to its charm is that you will sometimes get monkeys on the course too!
It stands to reason that one of Thailand's oldest train stations can be found here as well because Hua Hin was such a popular holiday destination in the 1920s; it provided an ideal way for Thai royalty and aristocrats to easily reach the town and their summer abodes from places like Bangkok. You can still journey here by train from the Thai capital and even if you don't, it's still worth a visit; it features a distinctive red and white exterior and a fascinating blend of architecture that combines traditional and Victorian elements. You can even get a glimpse into the royal waiting room at the station which is worth seeing too.
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