Hua Hin

Thailand's oldest beach resort, Hua Hin was established in 1920s and quickly became popular with the country's social cognoscenti. The construction of a single track railway line from Bangkok ensured its accessibility and popularity with a wider section of the population.

But it was the resort's royal connection which has given Hua Hin a special character of its very own. 

In the early 20th century, King Rama VII built a summer place at the resort, and shortly after, in 1928, King Rama VII built his Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace which remains until this today as an official royal residence. 

Hua Hin continued to develop in its own leisurely way, both as a genteel resort with the added attraction of an 18-hole golf course, and as a fishing port, built essentially on wooden piers. The colonial style Railway Hotel, built by the State Railways of Thailand in 1923, set the mode and unique atmosphere which was to characterize Hua Hin for the next several decades. 

Many regular visitors built their own beachfront summer homes to the south along the curving sandy bay, enjoying leisurely family weekends in a resort which had maintained its unique identity. 

ATTRACTION 
Ideal as a family resort and a haven of gentled relaxation for the traveler who enjoys a more traditional holidaying style, Hua Hin and its environs offer all the expected seaside activities and lots more besides. 

On the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is a comfortable 3 hour journey by road from Bangkok. The resort can of course, also be reached by leisurely rail trip or by an even short shorter flight to Hua Hin airport. 

Once there by whatever means, -the visitor is ready to make the best of high days and holidays with a difference. First opened in 1924, the 18-hole Royal Hua Hin Golf Course is the oldest public course in the country, and today still provides a challenging and entertainment test for local and visiting players. 

Out of town, a short distance of Pran Buri is Khao Sam Roi Yot (mountain of 300 Peaks) National Park. Covering an area of over 90 square kilometers, the park provides a sanctuary for numerous species of birds and a variety of animals. Among them are mountain goats known as serow, porcupines and monkeys. 

Kaeng Krachan Dam and National Park which extends to the Burmese border some 40 kilometers west of Petchburi, is Thailand's largest national park, covering an area of almost 3000 sq km. The reservoir of the dam is dotted with wooded islands with caves, rivers, grasslands, forest, mountains and waterfalls, all to be found in the park itself. 

A waterfall not to be missed is Pa La-u, a spectacular series of cascading falls in a truly jungle setting. Trekking to the top of these beautiful falls is possible but demands careful planning, an experienced guide, a few days to spare, and not least, a great deal of energy. Karen villages are also to be seen nearby. 

Visitors to any of the national parks areas should be aware of the presence of large numbers of mosquitoes and are well advised to take the necessary precautions.