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Hua Hin

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Hua Hin (หัวหิน) is a seaside resort city in Thailand. It is popular with Thais, having become quite fashionable as a weekend getaway spot for Bangkok residents, as well with foreigners and as an ex-pat retirement or vacation home location.

Although developing rapidly, there is a commitment by the local and provincial authorities to avoid the kind of overheated blight that has affected other beach resorts in Thailand.

Culture and History

Discovered as a resort in the early 1920s by King Prajadhipok, Hua Hin is closely associated with the Thai royalty and is a quiet and relaxing seaside resort ideal for family vacations, a reasonably drive down from Bangkok. Until 1934, it was known as Samore Riang (สมอเรียง), or "rows of rocks".

The tranquil fishing village was turned into a royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam's nobility and upper class. In 1928, Prajadhipok built his Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace. As of 2007, Klai Kangwon is the full-time residence of the current king and is not open for visitors, although the outer palace grounds are open for walkers and joggers from 4pm to 7 pm daily. (Wear shoes, bring passport)

The 5km long beach itself is pretty, more than Pattaya’s, and the sea is relatively clean. Besides just sunbathing snorkeling and swimming, visitors can also enjoy golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls, shops, seafood and nearby national parks. The town is warm and laid-back making it ideal for families and couples.

Climate

Hua Hin has a tropical climate with high humidity and occasional rain. It is typically pleasant however, and can be enjoyed all year round. Generally, the best of the year though to visit Hua Hin is in the cool season from November to February but for those who like it hot then the hot season is from March to May (temperature gets up into the high 30s). The rainy season (it doesn’t rain every day) is from June to October with September being the rainiest of all. For those who don’t appreciate the rain, then be advised that the rain in Thailand usually comes in short sharp bursts. It doesn’t usually drizzle for long periods of time unlike in say England.

Travel to Hua Hin & Visa Requirements

Flights and airtickets to Hua Hin

SGA Airlines (now in alliance with Nok Air budget airline) is offering regular flights from the new Bangkok to Hua Hin Airport three times a day. Online booking can be made through Nok Air website (SGA Airlines' website simply redirects there when you start a booking). The price is not "budget" by any means though, compared to the distance and time of flight - 3100 baht one way, or 5800 baht return (adult, as of January 2008) for 50 minutes flight on a small Cessna 208 aircraft. For more details call 0 2535 7050-1 Fax: 0 2504 3305, Hua Hin Office Tel: 0 3252 2300-1 Fax: 0 3252 2302 or visit website

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This page was last edited at 07:01, on 1 December 2008 by Jani Patokallio. Based on work by bornDistinction, Paul Mason and Blake Wilson, Wikitravel user(s) AstudoSteve and Tatterdemalion, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

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