Hua Hin Thailand
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 with foreigners
and as an ex-pat retirement or vacation 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.
Understand
Hua Hin as a resort was discovered in the early 1920s by King
Prajadhipok as an ideal getaway from the sultry metropolis of
Bangkok. 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 the 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 7 pm daily. (Wear shoes, bring passport)
Get in
-By plane
Hua Hin Air Shuttle is currently the only passenger carrier
offering regular flights to/from Hua Hin Airport. The price
is very expensive compared to the distance and the time - 3400
baht one way, or 5800 baht return (adult, to/from Bangkok).
- By train
Train is an easy method to get into Hua Hin, as the train station
is right in the center 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). See
State Railway of Thailand for time tables and fares.
-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. More convenient to downtown Bangkok,
you can also take a minibus from the Victory Monument (Anusawari
Chai) area, near the BTS skytrain. Cost is 180 baht, limited
baggage. The Hua Hin vans board in the alleyway next to Rajavithi
Hospital at the southwest side of the Victory Monument traffic
roundabout. From the skytrain station, take the walkway towards
the monument, then turn left and descend the staircase to street
level. The minibus area is behind the food vendors area. Look
for a small table with "Cha Am, Hua Hin" written in
English to buy your ticket.
A 1st class bus service will eventually connect Hua Hin directly
with Suvarnabhumi Airport (the new BKK).
- 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 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. 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. Car rentals are available, and this can
be convenient if you're comfortable driving in Thailand. 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.
See
