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How to get to the Worabura resort:

Heading from Bangkok drive through Hua Hin and take the Khao Takiab Road after Chiva Som.

A guide to Hua Hin

The oldest beach resort in the country, Hua Hin is one of the seven districts of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, and is located on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand.

Located about 90 km from the provincial capital and about 250 kilometers south of the capital city - Bangkok, Hua Hin is within a thin strip of land alongside the Thai peninsula, bordering Chumphon on the southern side and Phetchaburi on the northern side.

Once a typical sleepy fishing village, Hua Hin has now been evolved into an excellent resort town of elites. However, Hua Hin is not a destination for those looking for vibrant city life and intoxicating nightlife. With its beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling clear water, and serene atmosphere, Hua Hin is an excellent destination for those travelers, who love walking along the quaint streets, enjoying the picturesque views of the surroundings, and savoring sumptuous sea food specialties.

Formerly known as Ban Samoe Rieng, Hua Hin's history of transformation into a world class beach resort dates back to 1920s, when a railway station was built here as a part of the Southern Railroad during the reign of King Rama VI. Later, the King Rama VII built a summer palace, which in turn attracted many royals from the capital city.

Apart from these, a series of royal residences were constructed here, all of which led to the transformation of Hua Hin to the country's first beachside resort. Al though, it has now become one of the most sophisticate beach resorts of the country, the destination retains its charm and tranquility.

Attractions in Hua Hin range from gorgeous beaches and ancient shrines to incredible palaces and parks. Some of the most popular beaches in the area are Cha-am Beach, which is a serene area with facilities for activities like Thai massage, horse riding, and jet skiing.

Hua Hin Beach, stretching about seven kilometers from the town area to Khan Takiab; Suan Son Beach that is fringed with numerous pine trees; and Khao Takiab, whose area is much famed for a temple complex with a statue of the Lord Buddha. All of these beaches provide opportunities for a variety of recreational as well as adventure water sports activities.

When comes to sights and attractions, Hua Hin boasts of a multitude of interesting destinations. Of which most popular are:

Klai Kangwon Palace : Built in 1927 by King Rama VII for his Queen Rampai Phanee, this is a European style palace which still serves as the summer residence of royal family.

Maruekhathaiyawan Palace : A seaside summer palace built during the early 1920s by King Rama VI, Maruekhathaiyawan is truly an architectural splendor, with a great number of verandas and enclosed boardwalks built with golden teak taken from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace.

Panee Butterfly Farm : Nearby Klai Kangwon Palace is Panee Butterfly farm, with a large variety of butterflies, birds, and orchid plantations. This is a great place for kids.

Hua Hin Railway Station: Even if you have come via some other means to this resort town, don't forget to take a tour to Hua Hin Railway Station, the first of its kind in the country.

Kaeng Krachan National Park : Sprawling over an area of about 3000 square kilometers, this is the country's largest national park. Among the specialties found here are bears, deer, dusky langurs, gibbons, tigers, and wild elephants.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park: This amazing marine park is home to a plenty of wildlife such as Asian antelopes and barking deer, apart from a great number of resident as well as migratory birds.

Other not to miss destinations in Hua Hin are Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park and Khan Luang Cave, which is a stupendous place that is much famed for its Buddha image enshrined within the cave.

With these scores of attractions and plenty of options to enjoy a range of activities, Hua Hin draws vacationers from every nook and corner of the world. Hence, Hua Hin has accommodation choices to suit every budget and taste.

For those who can spend extravagantly for their vacation, some excellent options are available in the form of hotels and resorts coupled with high-end facilities and amenities. For those looking for privacy, one of the best options would be to go for accommodation choices such as rental villas inclusive of superb accommodation, transportation facilities and dining options.

Hua Hin Links

www.ihuahin.com - Lots of information on what to do, see, eat etc.

www.huahintoday.net - self explanatory

www.hua-hin.com - touristy stuff

www.huahinafterdark.com - post wedding entertainment.

www.huahinreport.com - the latest HH news

www.observergroup.net - local publishers

www.thaielephant-village.com - the local elephant village and potential source of fine transportation