Hua Hin

Situated on the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is an appealing coastal resort city with a population of approximately 50,000 as of 2012. About 195 kilometers south of Bangkok, this coastal treasure has grown in popularity among middle-aged and elderly foreign visitors, Bangkok residents searching for weekend trips, and expatriates seeking a quiet retirement haven.

Early in the 1920s, King Prajadhipok identified the resort’s potential and popularized it among Thailand’s elite, so beginning Hua Hin’s history as a vacation spot. The area was known as Samore Riang before 1934, meaning “rows of rocks” in Thai. From a little fishing community to a royal retreat, Hua Hin’s development marked the beginning of its ascent in popularity as a vacation destination.

King Prajadhipok established the Klai Kangwon Palace in 1928, meaning “far from worries,” so solidifying the royal link to Hua Hin. Though closed to the public, this summer house still represents the royal past of the town. But the grounds of the outer palace are public for evening jogs and walks, offering a glimpse of the royal ambiance that permeates the area.

The main attraction of Hua Hin is definitely its six-kilometer-long beach, which boasts rather clean sand and waves in contrast to other well-known Thai beach locations. For those seeking a more pure coastal experience, the beach appeals since its cleanliness grade is “fair.” It is interesting to note that some of the beach may vanish during high tide, so creating a constantly shifting scene that accentuates its appeal.

Apart from swimming and tanning, Hua Hin offers a great spectrum of activities for guests. While those trying to relax can indulge in opulent spa treatments, golfers can enjoy world-class courses. Discovering the nearby caverns, mountains, waterfalls, and national parks will comfort those who enjoy the natural world. With an emphasis on fresh seafood that makes sense given its coastal location, the town also appeals to consumers and foodies.

Unlike other well-known Thai travel destinations, Hua Hin exudes a quite different vibe. Families and couples seeking a quiet haven will find it perfect in its neat, friendly, and relaxed vibe. This character captures the change of the town from a royal retreat to a friendly resort city with a sophisticated air.

To those seeking local knowledge, the town provides a range of tools. Near the railway station, on the junction of Petchkasem Road and Damnerkasem Road, sits a tourist information centre in a handy location. Near the clock tower in the town center, close to a well-known coffee shop, another information center is situated that would be perfect for visitors to compile information and arrange their activities.

Although Hua Hin boasts many attractions, it’s important to remember that the town itself might not be especially beautiful outside of the grounds of luxury hotels and the beach. Lack of a central square or obvious focal point can make leisurely strolling more challenging. Like many other Thai towns, Hua Hin struggles with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, which could make life challenging for people with disabilities or mobility problems.

The design of Hua Hin revolves on Phetkasem Road, so splitting the town in half. This main road links Prachuap Khiri Khan to the south and Hua Hin to surrounding cities including Cha-am to the north. The town is set up using a soi (small street) system; odd-numbered sois on the seaside and even-numbered sois on the inland side of Phetkasem Road. Although first perplexing, this system helps guests negotiate the town once they know it.

One well-known sight in Hua Hin that acts as an unofficial transportation hub is the clock tower. Arriving from the north and leaving the south, minivans generate a busy scene in the town center. For both visitors and residents, this area—along with the post office, police station, and tourist information center—forms a hub.

Typical of tropical climates, Hua Hin boasts high humidity and sporadic precipitation. The town is a year-round destination since it enjoys nice temperature all year. But since it falls during the cool season, the November to February period is usually regarded as the best time to visit. The hot season, which runs from March to May, offers plenty of sunlight and temperatures often above 30°C (86°F), for those who enjoy warmer temperatures. The June to October rainy season brings sporadic showers; September usually is the wettest month. Thailand’s rain usually falls in brief, strong bursts instead of long drizzles, so allowing plenty of dry spells even during the wet season.

Like many other coastal areas, Hua Hin is growing more environmentally conscious. The Pollution Control Department classed the Gulf of Thailand waters off central Hua Hin as “fair” in a 2015 report. Nonetheless, the report underlined the need of consistent observation of the main tourist destinations, including Hua Hin Beach, in view of worries about bacterial levels. This continuous observation shows the town’s will to maintain its reputation as a safe and clean beach.

One feature of Hua Hin that attracts visitors’ attention often is the profusion of signs all around town. The profusion of signals, ranging from hotel ads to different businesses, has come to define the urban scene. Although some would consider this as visual clutter, it is a vital component of the town’s character and reflects the active business life of the area.