Hua Hin - a royal escape

Hua Hin was Thailand's first beach resort. Although it is still an active fishing village, it is now home to some 65,000 residents and is the summer time home for Thailand's royal family.

It is a peaceful escape from Bangkok - the beach is quiet, and although it is not great for swimming but it goes on for ever - you can walk all the way up the coast to Cha-Am.

There are six top class golf clubs within a 20 minute drive of the city. The closest is Thailand's oldest course, the Royal Hua Hin, next to the railway station in the centre of the city.

The city has become busier and more fashionable over the last few years. Chiva-Som is a world famous spa for stressed out superstars, the Marriott and Hyatt have opened beach front properties. The Hilton is in the city centre. The oldest hotel in town is the old Railway Hotel, now renovated and managed by Sofitel/Central. The resort includes the hotel and 41 Thai style bungalows of the Central Hua Hin Village. They are by the beach bit in the center of town.

Along the waterfront there are many smaller hotels; catering to weekending Thai families, expats and visitors. Many have spa facilities.

In the city there are seafood and other restaurants (Italian is popular), a night market, coffee shops, and some bars with pool and would be girlfriends. But this is not Pattaya; it is all very laid back and well dressed !!

To get to Hua Hin:

There is a daily 30 minute Bangkok Airways flight - this is an expensive choice.

The train takes about 4 hours from Bangkok. Scenic but slow.

Air conditioned buses leave the Southern bus terminal in Thonburi every 30 minutes. The cheapest route at about Baht 130 one way.

Or hire a car and driver to take you there.