When the warmth whether of March steps in, it means the beginning of summer & spring and start thinking of sunbath and of course the wonderful sea wave to challenge somewhere in Southeast Asia, including Thailand’s.

Hua Hin is one of the country’s sea destinations to challenge the wave of the gulf of Thailand that is not too far away from Bangkok with less than 3 hours or about 233 kms driving through using Petchkaseam Highway or only 45 minutes by plane. It’s not the bad idea if you need to jazz up your life and distance yourself from the usually Pattaya, Bangsaen or Trad.

Hua Hin, which once played merely as an active fishing port of the country, has noticeably grown up with beautiful culture, tradition, and rich of art in mind amid the fast-changing social situation that seems to be more complicated and complex than the past time when we had only black and white on the TV screen.

The undeniable star attraction to Hua Hin is its long white sandy beaches on the west coast of the gulf of Thailand, which have been playing as a perfect magnet to rage in numerous travelers to come to have a whale of the time in water sporting, windsurfing, horse riding along the beach, and kite boarding for example.

A part from the affectionate serenity, friendly sea, white beach or even jelly fish that Hua Hin is renowned for, several new cultural resorts, including Wora Bura Resort and Sofitel Hua Hin, helps add the charm of sea traveling at Hua Hin. And right here, right now, Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s top holiday and leisure destinations and becomes a popular retreat for Thai nobility with lots of accommodations ranging from bare minimal to five-star opulence.

Hua Hin has all the ingredients for a very special holiday experience. Besides sun-filled days on the mile-long white sandy beach and the superb seafood sold along the beach to tempt your palate and many fine seafood restaurants on the street and the main road, discerning travelers can still sense the special atmosphere and the old charming through cultural attractions situated around Hua Hin town waiting for you to discover. The cultural sites include the Hua Hin railway station, the royal palace, Wang Klai Kangwon Palace.

The excellent culinary options include Hua Hin Railway Station, one of the oldest railway stations of the country. The red and white pavilion formerly served as the Royal Waiting Room, was built in classical Thai-style by command of King Rama VI (1910-1925). Wang Klai Kangwon Palace is another charming attraction of Hua Hin, which is consisted of three Spanish-style mansions overlooking the dazzling views of the gulf of Thailand. It is the residence of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej of The King Rama IX. But, anyway, we are not quite sure whether the soldier standing guard will allow us to step in.

Other sought-after natural beauties of Hua Hin that you have to pay a visit or you might feel that you have never been to Hua Hin before include Takiap Hill, Krailat Hill, Khao Hin Lek Fai, Suan Son Pradiphat Beach, Ko Singto, Khao Tao Beach, Pa La-U Waterfall, Thanarat Infantry Camp, Elephant Village, and Hua Hin Arts & Crafts Centre, etc. They are the right choice for those who are in search of a more bucolic retreat. Hua Hin Night Market and Hua Hin Bazaar, which are located only a few hundreds metres between the beach and Hua Hin Railway Station, Shopping mall with local handicrafts and little shops selling local products and souvenirs, special goods, and traditional wares can also be found at the vein of the town. Meanwhile, in the evening, the main road and several sub-streets will be loaded with a great variety of shops, nightclubs, pubs and bars and certainly farang (the word that Thai dubbed westerners) will come out hanging and bashing all the night. If you are just Thai people, you might feel Hua Hin is as if Bali or Ratchadapisek’s red light district, or the vein of Sukhumvit road in Bangkok, or wonder if this is Thailand? Hua Hin is also renowned for its golf courses and becomes a paradise for golfers as the country’s first golf course was found in 1924, which was built in the lush countryside. Other factors that help maintain Hua Hin as the top hideaway of the gulf of Thailand is the annual festival such as the King Cup’s Elephant Polo, Hua Hin Regatta, and of course Hua Hin Jazz Festival, the annual jazzy gig on the dazzling beach that catches the world’s eyes. All of those mentioned help bring Hua Hin to be a favorite vacation for Thais as well as locals.

Nearby Attractions in Hua Hin and Prachuab Khirikhan

Hua Hin Beach

Hua Hin is the oldest beach resort in the country and is still very popular today. Located only 281 kilometers south of Bangkok, Hua Hin has clean white sand, crystal clear water and a tranquil atmosphere, suitable for tourists who are in search for peaceful and relaxing holidays. Hua Hin began as a cluster of royal and high-society residences that gradually, over time, became more visible. This resulted in the transformation of the whole village into the first seaside resort of the country, where visitors could enjoy swimming, fishing, and golfing at the country’s first recognised golf course.

Despite its expansive growth and development as a luxurious destination, Hua Hin still provides a peaceful and relaxed sanctuary in a picturesque environment that comes with a true sense of historical identity.

Khao Ta Kieab Beach

Next to Hua Hin is Khao Ta Kieab Beach. The atmosphere at Khao Ta Kieab Beach is completely different from Hua Hin since Khao Ta Kieab is a fishing village. Cheap, fresh seafood can easily be found here. For those who wish to get in touch with nature, don’t miss visiting Suan Son Pradiphat, a tranquil and relaxing place to visit with various restaurants and accommodations in the form of guesthouses, hotels and self-catering bungalows.

Khao Tao Hill

About 10 kilometers south of Hua Hin is Khao Tao Hill. It is located on a pine-fringed beach and is more secluded than Hua Hin. The signature of the place is a large Buddha image which faces out to sea. Two prominent beaches here are Hat Sai Noi and Hat Sai Yai.

Pranburi

If you are looking for peaceful relaxation Pranburi is the perfect place and is only 30 kilometers south of Hua Hin. There are several beach resorts located here including Naresuan Beach and Khao Kalok Beach, which is situated in the Kosa Botanical Forest Park. Both of these have wonderful viewpoints and good accommodation choices set in very relaxed atmospheres. Fine seafood restaurants are also available.

Pranburi Forest Park

Pranburi Forest Park is an ideal place for the promotion of eco-tourism. It has an  area of 317 hectares consisting of a beautifully long, quiet beach and mangrove forests with great bio-diversity. Pranburi Forest Park offers a variety of activities for visitors such as beach camping and nature walks through lush mangrove forests where rare aquatic animals and reptiles can be seen. In the middle of the forest area lies the tranquil Pranburi River which ends at Paknampran fishing village nearby.

Sam Roi Yod

Don’t miss paying a visit to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park which covers an area of 98 square kilometers and has limestone mountains, mangrove swamps, and many beaches. It is also home to various kinds of local and migrating birds. With a large number of ridges, Khao Sam Roi Yot (or the mountain of 300 peaks) stands as a landmark for seamen and also provides good shelter for ships during storms.

One of the most popular things to do in the park is to visit the Khao Daeng Viewpoint. This can be reached with a 30-minute climb up a steep and rocky 320-meter trail. The Khao Daeng Canal Boat Trip is available for visitors who wish to take a journey along the canal to witness various species of wild birds and take in all the picturesque sights along the way.

Sixteen kilometers north of the national park is Hat Laem Sala and Phraya Nakhon Cave. The cave has a big hole through which a shaft of light reaches and permits the growth of various kinds of plants. The most popular attraction is Phra Thinang Khuha Kharuehat, a four-gabled pavilion constructed during the reign of King Rama V and which is located inside the cave.

Prachuab Khirikhan City

In the middle of Prachuab Khirikhan lies the beautiful beach of Prachuab Khirikhan Bay with many small islands located in front of it adding charm to the overall atmosphere. The main attraction is Khao Chong Krachok, literally translated as ‘the mountain of a mirror frame’ located in the north of the town. From the foot of the hill, you can reach a much revered monastery which offers a splendid panoramic view of the coastline and seascape.

About 5 kilometers south of the town is Ao Manao, which is a beautifully curved bay and was once a battlefield between the Thai and Japanese armies during the Second World War. Part of the beach is lined with souvenir stalls. The remainder, and the greater part, is tranquil and largely untouched by commercialism. The commemorative day is held every December 8th.

Some 20 kilometers from town going south, Wanakorn Beach is another beautiful beach that is worth visiting. It is situated in the Hat Wanakorn National Park. Snorkelling around offshore islands, swimming, hiking and bird watching are the major activities here. The beach has untouched nature, suitable for discerning travellers who are mostly in search of a natural touch.

Wah Kor

Wah Kor is an historical site with astrological importance as King Mongkut (Rama IV), an astronomer and enthusiastic scientist, predicted that the site would be the best place to witness a total eclipse of the sun on August 18, 1868. The area in Wah Kor where King Mongkut witnessed the total eclipse, today, has become a science museum and an observation tower. Next to the museum is the newly opened aquarium showcasing various marine creatures found in the Gulf of Thailand. Wah Kor also has a long stretching beach suitable for swimming.

Ban Krut

Since the famous destination of Hua Hin has become a big city with more crowds, some tourists head to Ban Krut, a 2-kilometer long beach located far from the hustle and bustle of the major town. There are many small and good accommodation choices located along the long beach which is alternated by a fishing village and coconut plantations behind the coastal area.

A must-see attraction of Ban Krut is located at the top of the Thongchai Mountain. Pra Maha That Chedi Pakdi Prakat is a holy religious place where Lord Buddha’s relic is housed. The five-topped pagoda building of the Pra Maha That is magnificently constructed using a traditional Thai architectural style designed by the national artist, Mom Ratchawong Mitravudh Kasemsan. The location where the Pra Maha That is situated is the best viewpoint for a panoramic scene of the Ban Krut area.

Ban Krut is also a famous location for whale watching activities between June and October of every year when the Bruda whales come close to the beach providing exciting chances for tourists to view them at close quarters.

Bang Saphan

The major attractions in Bang Saphan are beautiful bays and picturesque islands. Bo Thonglang Bay is among them. It is located some four kilometers beyond Mae Ramphung Bay along the beach road. It has a clean and white sandy beach which is one of the best for swimming. Next is Mae Ramphung Bay where, apart from getting a striking view of the natural landscape, you can find some excellent seafood restaurants and beachside accommodations available at reasonable prices.

Other peaceful beaches and bays include Thang Sai Beach, Laem Kum Beach, and Bo Nok Beach. The last beach, Bang Berd Beach has a wide brown sand coastline, curves and stretches through Tham Thong Bay and on to Chumphon Province. Bang Berd Beach is suitable for joyfully biking along the beach in the morning and is also the meeting point for travellers who wish to take the shuttle boat to dive at Tha Lu Island, Sang Island, and Singha Island.