Hua Hin 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 as with foreigners
and as an ex-pat retirement or holiday 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.
Popularised as a resort in the early 1920s,
Hua Hin is closely associated with the Thai
royal family and is a quiet and relaxing seaside
resort ideal for family vacations, a reasonable
2.5 hours drive down from Bangkok. The tranquil
fishing village was turned into a royal resort
and consequently became popular among Siam's
nobility and upper classes.
The 6 km long beach itself is pretty and clean,
more so than Pattaya's, and the sea is relatively
clean. However, most of the beach can completely
disappear along certain parts of the coast
during high tide. Besides just sunbathing,
snorkelling and swimming, visitors can also
enjoy golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls,
shops, seafood, and nearby national parks.
The town is clean, warm and laid-back, making
it ideal for families and couples.
Popular activities in Hua Hin include: fishing,
eco-cruising, kite-boarding, fitness, martial
arts, elephant camping, Thai massage, spa,
cooking courses, trekking, walking, cycling,
diving, snorkeling, creative arts, water sports,
pony-riding and golf.
