Hua Hin (Thai: หัวหิน, IPA: [hǔə hǐn]) is a famous beach resort town in Thailand, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok. It has a population of 84,883 in an area of 911 km², and is one of eight districts (Amphoe) of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
| Amphoe location in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province | |
| Coordinates: 12°34′7″N 99°57′28″E |
History
In 1834, before the name Hua Hin was coined, some agricultural areas of Phetchaburi Province were hit by severe drought. A group of farmers moved southward until they found a small village that had bright white sands and a row of rocks along the beach. They settled here and gave it the name Samore Riang (Thai สมอเรียง), which mean rows of rock.
In 1921 the director of the state railway, Prince Purachatra, built the Railway Hotel close to the beach. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) liked the place so much that he built a summer palace there. The palace was named Wang Klai Kang Won ('Far from Worries'). It is now the full-time residence of His Majesty the King of Thailand. His Royal Highness Prince Krom Phra Naresworarit was the first member of the royal family to build a group of palaces at Ban Laem Hin, called Sukaves, and he give the name Hua Hin to the beach next to his palace.
In 1932 Hua Hin was part of Pran Buri district. In 1949 Hua Hin was promoted to be a district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. After the building of southern railway, Hua Hin became the first and most popular beach resort of Thailand.
Understand
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 reasonable 2,5 hours 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 a 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 7PM daily (Wear shoes and bring your passport).
The 5 km long beach itself is pretty, more so than Pattaya's, and the sea is relatively clean. However, most of the beach could completely disappear in certain parts of the coast during high tide. 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.
Hua Hin Town
Hua Hin Town (เทศบาลเมืองหัวหิน) is on the coast of Hua Hin District. With an area around 86.36 km², the town has 50,169 inhabitants. It is a popular beach resort getaway for Bangkok residents. The Railway Hotel, now more generally known as The Sofitel Hotel, is a famous old building which was used as The Hotel Pnom Phen in the film "The Killing Fields".
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 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 higher 30s). The rainy season (although 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, be advised that the rain in Thailand usually comes in short sharp bursts. It doesn't usually drizzle for long periods of time (like in England).
Location
The district to the north is Cha Am. The district to the south is Amphoe Pran Buri.
Administration
Hua Hin district is located in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and consists of 2 sub-districts; Hua Hin and Nong Khae. At the top of Hua Hin administration is Lord Mayor of Hua Hin Jira Pongpaibul. He is supported by three Vice Mayors Khun Artikhun Bootying, Khun Suwit Liennloongrueng and Dr. Roongroch Srilueng-Swasdi. President of Hua Hin Assembly is Khun Pathom Pudam and Vice President of Hua Hin Assembly is Khun Prapa Nortes.
Bundary
Hua Hin is a district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province surrounded by:
- Northern part: connects to Cha-am district, Petchburi province.
- Eastern part: Thai gulf
- Western part: Burma
- Southern part: Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
Transportation
Get in
By plane
As of 21 June 2009, there are no flights from Bangkok to Hua Hin. SGA has suspended the daily return flights from Bangkok to Hua Hin until further notice.
[edit]By train
Train is an easy method to get into Hua Hin, as the train station is right in the centre of Hua Hin. However, the trains go very slowly getting away from Bangkok so 2 1/2 hour road time to Hua Hin stretches to 5 or 6 on the train. The price of the train is around 100 baht(and only 44Bath for ordinary train). Most trains on the southern route stop at Hua Hin. They leave Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong and Bang Sue railway stations 10 times daily between 7.45PM and 10.50PM It takes 4 hours for the journey. Only two trains (9.20PM and 1.50PM) stop at Cha-am. See State Railway of Thailand [1] for more information on time tables and fares.
[edit]By bus
From Bangkok, buses to Hua Hin leave from the Sai Tai Mai terminal about every 20 minutes and take around 3.5 hours. The price (1st class) is under 200 baht. Buses go from 4.00PM – 10.20PM For more information, please contact Hua Hin-Pran Buri Tour Tel: 0 2884 6191-2, Bang Saphan Tour Tel: 0 2435 5105, 0 2884 8895, Bus Southern Terminal Tel: 0 2435 1199, 0 2435 5605, 0 2434 7192 [2]. More convenient (but less comfortable) to downtown Bangkok, you can also take a minibus from near the Victory Monument (Anusawari Chai), near the BTS skytrain. Cost is 180 baht, limited baggage. The Hua Hin vans board in the alleyway next to Century Movie Plaza close to the stairs at the southern end of Victory Monument BTS station. From the skytrain station, take the walkway towards south, descend the staircase on the east side to street level. The minibus area is next to the stairs. Look for a small table with "Cha Am, Hua Hin" written in English to buy your ticket. T-Tour tel. 080-090-6540 Service to Pattaya as well.
A 1st class bus service will eventually connect Hua Hin directly with Suvarnabhumi Airport (the new BKK).
The bus station appears to be well outside the centre of town at Petkasem Rd beyond Soi 94.This is some 3/4 Km south of the main part, although this is still the main road through the town.
[edit]By boat
There is a fast ferry service to Hua Hin from Pattaya that takes just over 3 hours and costs 1500 baht one way. Could be an option for anyone heading to southern Thailand from Hua Hin or Koh Chang but would prefer to avoid going in out of Bangkok. Thailiving Ferry [3] provides a high speed Catamaran ferry service between Pattaya and Hua-Hin.
The ferry operates a regular schedule of three crossings per week. Wed, Fri and Sun. The crossing takes about 3:15h departing from Pattaya at 08:30 and from Hua Hin at 12:30
[edit]By taxi
Taking a taxi from Bangkok to Hua Hin (distance about 200 km) is possible. Price after negotiation should be in the 2000 baht range. The price for a taxi from Suwarnabhumi (Bangkok) airport, in november 2009, with 4 persons and 6 bags, was 2600 baht. The limousine services, available at Bangkok Airport, are more expensive than an ordinary taxi.
Get around
There are many ways to get around in Hua Hin, Sawngthaews run the same routes all day and cost only 10 baht. There are numerous motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks, fewer car taxis. Negotiate price beforehand. You will also be able to find samlors (rickshaws). There are quite a lot of upscale tourists in Hua Hin and prices are sometimes adjusted upwards. Better to clarify the matter ahead of time. Motorcycle rentals are readily available. Hua Hin is very flat, and bicycle is a good way to get around locally. Rentals available, but not so prevalent as motos.
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