White-sand beach, golf, fabulous food – Hua Hin in Thailand has a lot to offer visitors, if you’re happy with pines rather than palms
- The attractions of Hua Hin, four hours south of Bangkok, include a 5km white sand beach, golf courses, amazing street food and a nearby national park
- Don’t expect palm trees, though, or water as clear as around the Thai islands; traffic noise can be an issue, and stray dogs can be a nuisance
The Thai seaside city of Hua Hin received the royal seal of approval as long ago as 1923, when King Rama VI built a summer palace in the area.
Constructed entirely of teak, the aesthetically soothing property is open to the public and easy to get to – assuming the tuk tuk or taxi driver understands your attempts to pronounce Maruekhathaiyawan Palace.
Nowadays, the Gulf of Thailand resort is a popular spot for ordinary commoners – from foreign tourists and retirees to Thai holidaymakers and weekenders from Bangkok, which is three to four hours away by taxi, minibus or train.
For families and beach bums, Hua Hin’s 5km (3.1 miles) of squeaky white sand is the main draw.
In early morning and late afternoon it becomes busy with walkers who, fitness levels permitting, stroll all the way to Wat Khao Takiap, at the southern end of the bay.
From the hilltop Buddhist temple there are sweeping views the length of the beach. And if the kids (or you) are too tired for the return journey, you can head back to your hotel on horseback (300 baht/US$7.90 for 30 minutes).
