HUA HIN, THAILAND

Approximately 125 miles (200 kilometers) south of Bangkok in Thailand, the famous beach resort town, Hua Hin, is found in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula. It is one of eight districts of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and its population is just over 50,000 in an area of 53 square miles (86 square kilometer).

A devastating drought in 1834 hit the agricultural area of Phetchaburi Province and drove its farmers southward to seek better lands with more forgiving climates. They came upon a tiny village with bright white sands and a row of rocks along its beach. They decided to settle there and named the place Samore Riang which means “rows of rock” in Thai.

Prince Purachatra who was the director of the state railway at the time commissioned the Railway Hotel to be built in 1921 on the beach at Samore Riang and his father, King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), liked the area so much that he had his summer palace built there and named it Wang Klai Kang Won which means “far from worries.” Today, this same palace is in residence of His Majesty the King of Thailand, King Bhumibol, all year round. His Royal Highness Prince Krom Phra Naresworarit built a group of palaces near by and called them Sukaves while he named the beach near his own palace Hua Hin.

Initially, in 1932 Hua Hin was part of the Pran Buri District but in 1949 its status was elevated and it was promoted to be a district of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. After the construction of the southern railway, Hua Hin became the first and most popular and most often visited beach resort of Thailand by Thai families.

Foreigners often take no notice of Hua Hin which leaves its world class golf courses, nostalgic colonial houses, immaculate beach, fashionable boutique hotels ranging from five-star luxury to clean and tidy low-budget establishments and its delectable local delicacies for on a few to indulge. Hua Hin offers an escape of peaceful setting for the benefit of close companions in an atmosphere fit for royalty. The beach at Hua Hin is approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers) long and full of white sand with clear water—perfect for swimming.

Several nights spent at the Hotel Sofitel, the formerly known Railway Hotels, is an experience not to be missed and a reason in and of itself to visit Hua Hin. It sits right on the beach facing the blue waters and retains its original classic colonial-style architecture and wide sea-view balconies. Staying in one of the other equally beautiful and equally unique accommodations, however, could be a wonderful experience as well.

Satukarn Square is a partially open-air plaza at the Thanon Phetkasem/Damern Kasem junction that makes for an extraordinarily pleasurable evening among its small Italian, Indian, German and seafood restaurants that serve their specialties for reasonable prices. There are also numerous handicraft and gift shops scattered amidst the eateries for an enjoyable stroll through colorful local wares.

A variety of seafront seafood restaurants are serving daily local fish catches on Thanon Naretdamri and a fish market is set up nightly after sunset along the western end of Thanon Dechanuchit. And the largest assembly of bars can be found along Soi Bintaban.

All in all, a vacation in Hua Hin is the treat of a lifetime.