INTRO
A few years ago Zimmer frames and handkerchief headgear would have outnumbered Honda Dreams in Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious beach resort city. Things are changing. The Kings decision to make Hua Hin his primary residence, the exploding property market and the recently completed Market Village complex, with over 40,000 sqm of shopping, international eateries and entertainment have kicked Hua Hin firmly onto the playing field as southern Thailand’s most up and coming mainland destination. Being also described as the ‘Thai Riviera’.

HISTORY
Hua Hin has been a home from home to affluent Thai nationals that have frequented the once quaint fishing village for generations along with the highly respected Thai monarchy.  Just two hours drive or a thirty minute flight from Thailand’s pulsating capital Bangkok, Hua Hin boasts two royal palace’s and is considered Thailand’s regal capital as the monarchy spend much of there time here.  Therefore, the town is heavily policed and is considered to be one of the safest parts of Asia.  The town has been truly ’discovered’ by western tourists since the aftermath of the ’Tsunami’ in southern Thailand.

PLACES TO CRASH
In terms of accommodation the city is rich with luxury branded hotels and resorts such as Hilton, Hyatt, Marriot, Holiday Inn, Anantara, Dusit and the historic Sofitel (built in 1923 and still resplendent of that era) plus a string of stylish ’boutique’ style resorts and spa’s along the 15km stretch of white sandy beach all competing for the upscale visitors Baht.  Mid-range bargains can be found at the Fresh Inn on Naresdamri Road 2-3000 Baht. For the slightly less well-heeled the Peony guesthouse offers aircon rooms opposite the Sofitel from 1400 Baht. including breakfast.
For those travelers still on the comfort Vs. beer quota kick try the London guesthouse or Top Marks (it deserves them) in Poolsuk road.  Centrally located with clean spacious rooms from 250-1,200 Baht. Both offer good sports coverage and western food in their popular downstairs bars.

FEEDING TIME
Want the best Tom Yum Gung in Thailand? Try the Sirin opposite Burger King….. Gastronomes wanting a second opinion should visit La Mer or Supatra in Khao Takiap.  Most ’Scandi’s’ head straight for the Admiral Pub to sample an array of culinary delights.  All of which will delight the taste buds without giving your wallet a coronary.  Slightly more upscale in terms of ambience and price are The Rock and Let’s Sea offering a selection of well presented fusion cuisine in classy surroundings.  In town La Brasserie de Paris on the waterfront stands apart from the competition offering a French country twist to Thai seafood and steaks. Street stall aficionados should check out the Grand night market.(4pm-12pm).  For a little more north eastern spice try the strip between soi 88 and the railway station.  Breakfast is best served, at either end of the day, by ‘Buffalo Bill’s Tavern’ opposite the fishing pier.

NIGHT TRIPPING
If “Hello, welcome, come inside sexy man” is your kind of thing then head down to ‘soi Bintabat’.  Or ’soi Disappointment as some prefer to call it - the young ladies here aren’t the best your find in ’Toyland’ but thing’s are on the up as it were....... Coconuts, Bar 22, Octopussy and Sabai Sabai Bars stand out in Hua Hin’s very tame answer to Patpong.  So ladies relax,  if the ’old man’ goes missing for a couple of hours he’s probably popped down the local opticians for a new pair of bifocals rather than off for a ’short time’ (leg over).  Golf is much more likely to be the topic of conversation than ping-pong at the end of a hard days relaxing here. O’Reilly’’s offer’s imported draught beers including a great pint of Guinness or Kilkenny in air-conditioned surroundings before proceeding to the inevitable Brewhouse owned and operated by the Hilton to dance the night away and sidestep the ’katoey’s’ (lady boyz) or maybe not if that’s your thing.  The closest Hua Hin currently has to a nightclub.  The Country Club Bar next to the Grand hotel hosts big name Thai acts from time to time usually well advertised via mobile loudspeakers and miss spelt flyers as are the city’s two boxing rings.  Not satisfied with a “Bintaburger” and an early night?  Head to Sam Sam bar next to the Brewhouse.  Open as long as the owner’s eyes are.  The karaoke strip behind will take you through until dawn along with the friendly local constabulary finishing the nightshift.  In the same area Billy’s Bar proves to be a popular haunt for local “expats” and Bernie’s Bar is a local gathering for golfing enthusiast’s as is again the Sabai Sabia Bar where Kevin will point you and your clubs in the right direction.  An alternative venue and rapidly expanding area of entertainment is soi "HotPot" where Butterfly Rock and Dick’s Office serve well into the night.

DAY TRIPPING
Hua Hin boasts no fewer than ten golf courses with further courses under construction.  The Black Mountain Course which opened on the King’s birthday the 5th December 2008 is located 10kms inland west of town surrounded by stunning scenery and offers developments overlooking the fairways with a mountain backdrop that has been described by leading golf pro’s as being one of the best course’s in the whole of Asia!  Furthermore, the recent Banyan Golf Course was actually voted ‘the’ best new golf course in Asia!  If golf is not your thing try Go Karting opposite the airport or for the even more energetic Para Sailing in front of the Marriot Beach Resort.  Monkey mountain at Koh Takiap 4km south of town is fun but dangerous if your back’s turned,  Sam Rai Yod 38km further south is a refreshing trip through pineapple plantations to an array of small quiet retreat hideaway’s, Pala-u 55km inland heading west is also a good day out for those that have had enough ’sunrays’ and want to view local scenery including a majestic waterfall.
Hua Hin continues to shine in the ’land of smiles’ and proves to be a safe, friendly and enjoyable holiday, temporary or permanent destination for visitor’s and “expats” alike!

International Calls
To call overseas from Hua Hin dial 001 + the country code followed by the required number, without the first 0.

Related information:

Hua Hin Info
Things to do in Hua Hin
Hua Hin Discovered
Beaches around Hua Hin
Hua Hin History
Useful phone number in Hua Hin

Land ownership in Thailand
Land titles in Thailand
Land measurement in Thailand
Condominium ownership in Thailand