Hua Hin

Thailands oldest beach resort town, Hua Hin and its twin Chaam have endeavoured to preserve their old world charm and casual elegance. Favoured by Thai Royalty, the town owes its existence to King Prajadhipoks (Rama VII) decision to build a summer palace here. What set Hua Hin on the road to prosperity was first the construction of the railway line during the reign of King Rama VI (1910-1925), which was soon followed by the establishment of the Railway Hotel and the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course. But even more important was the construction of the summer palace, the Klai Kangwon Palace, meaning far from worries, by King Rama VII in 1926 (The palace is today the permanent residence of Thailands ruling monarch His Majesty King Bhumibol). Once Hua Hin became the official Royal Retreat, Thai aristocracy flocked to the newly discovered seaside resort, building summer homes in its bucolic surroundings. For long a cherished secret of Bangkokians who retreated to it on the weekends, Hua Hin today increasingly finds itself on the international tourist map thanks to the western tourists who stumbled on Hua Hin. Ever since it has been on the tourist trail. Yet it must be said, despite its growing popularity Hua Hin has retained its provincial charm.

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WHY GO

Its greatest selling point is that the coastal town has retained an old world charm and has an air of timeless romance. This is where you go for long walks through the quiet winding streets, enjoy delicious seafood, play a round of golf on one of the several international standard courses or enjoy a sundowner at your beachfront hotel. Gorgeous beaches and distinctive resorts offering the ultimate in Thai-style service make this resort town a charming getaway and perfect for a romantic wedding. Hua Hin is also blessed with a variety of satellite attractions ranging from national parks and temples to water parks and vineyards. Being a Royal beach resort, cabarets, discos, and other nightspots are more regulated than normal and somewhat limited, which many will find refreshing, especially those with families and couples hoping for some restful quality time surrounded by sand, sun, sea, and abundant fresh seafood. Hua Hin has a famous, stunning five-km beach, lovely waterfalls, lush limestone mountains and plenty of leisure activities. It has become world renowned as a superb place to rejuvenate at one of several internationally renowned spas in a great location.

Popular destinations include: Pa-La-U Waterfall, a 15-tier feature in the jungle 60 kms from town; Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailands largest reserve, stretching to the Burmese border; Sam Roi Yot National Park, a landscape of limestone peaks; and Khao Takiab, a hill at the end of Hua Hin beach sprinkled with Buddhist shrines and well worth climbing for the panoramic view; and Hua Hin Hills Vineyard home of Monsoon Valley wines, a superb restaurant, with stunning views of the wine lands and elephant rides among the vines. Whether undergoing spa treatment, holistic therapy, learning Thai massage, taking advantage of the excellent medical services, horseback riding, or just relaxing and reading a good book, Hua Hin is the perfect place for those who love a more sedate holiday style in a gorgeous seaside resort. And who doesnt?

WHAT TO SEE

WHAT TO DO
Hua Hin is certainly one of Thailands premier golfing destinations, with eight world-class courses and several driving ranges in the nearby area. Additionally, fishing, hiking, cooking classes, horseback riding, diving and snorkelling are only a few of the other options for those with a more active disposition. World-class shoppers need not worry either: With two night-markets, a local market, and numerous boutique stores. Hua Hin is an excellent place to shop for locally produced handicrafts, fabrics, souvenirs, and food products. Coastal cruises, day trips around Monkey Island and Dolphin Bay, local fishing excursions and night time deep-sea trips are all available from Hua Hin, while freshwater fishing, river cruises and eco-tours run along the waterways inland. Half-day and full-day trips are available.

EAT & DRINK

The central market sells fresh fruit and fish to locals as its been done for ages. The night market is the ideal place to sample street food cooked fast and fresh. International travellers visit Hua Hin for the coastline and wonderfully natural hotels, but the locals arrive for the food, with the towns fishing fleet delivering baskets of prawns and fish every day, helping the town maintain its reputation as one of Thailands top seafood spots. Most restaurants and eateries especially those in the fivestar resorts are geared toward high-end gourmet level, but there are all kinds of cuisine available for all kinds of food lover although we cant mention them all in all fairness. By the way, if youre curious about where the Thais are going for great daytime street food, try going to Hua Hin 51, just a few steps from the beach.

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HOW TO GET THERE

THAILAND

Bangkok Hua Hin

By Bus Services are available on an

hourly basis from Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal, Pinklao) from 4 am-10:20 pm. Prior reservations are how to go by bus required to secure seats, and tickets have to be booked at the bus station in person. Ticket costs about Bt160.

how to go by car

By Minibus

Minibuses, which ply the route every 15 minutes from 6 am-7 go by taxi pm, are much faster how thanto buses but have a limited seating capacity (11-12 seats). Minibuses start from Ratchawitee Hospital near the Victory Monument in how to go by train Bangkok. Ticket costs approximately Bt200.

By Car

You can either flag down a how to go by boat/ferry cab or approach a travel agency either directly or through your hotel, to hire a cab. However, decide on the fare before the trip, as it can vary accordingly and is usually between Bt1,000 and Bt3,000. how to go by airplane You can also rent a car and drive all the way to Hua Hin. A safer and comfortable way to reach Hua Hin is from Bangkoks Hua Lum Pong Railway Station. Train tickets can be reserved either in person or online.

By Train

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At A Glance No of rooms: 296 Ballroom Setup: Round Table with stage: 600 Cocktail with stage: 1,100 Theatre with stage: 800 Other Function area (capacity) Garden: 1500 Restaurants: 300 In-house wedding planner: No Indian cuisine: No Outside catering allowed: Yes Beauty salon: Yes Spa: Yes Evening functions end: - Outdoor: 10 pm - Indoor: midnight ( extra charges per hour after midnight) Price range Rooms: US$216 International buffet: US$60

Dusit Thani Hua Hin

Overview: Dusit Thani Hua Hin occupies a special place within a region known for its spectacular natural beauty along the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The coastal town of Hua Hin retains the serence Thai charm that has made it a favoured summer for Thai royalty, conveniently located just 2.5 hours from Bangkok by car or 25 minutes by plane. Its fine sandy beach, superb tropical clismate and lush greenery provide the ideal resort atmosphere. Accommodation: The architectural theme and decor resembles a Mediterranean villa retreat with subtle touches of Thai craftsmanship and hospitality. Its uniquely deluxe facilities include 296 well-appointed rooms with private balconies offering panoramic sea views. The Superior rooms are the starting category with lateral sea views from the balcony, a separate bath and shower, satellite TV, mini bar, electronic safe, coffee making facilities. Other room categories are the Lanai located on the ground floor with an extra terrace area that gives direct access to either the main pool or garden pool. The Dusit Club cetegory offers a premium location with sea views overlooking the main pool or garden pool, and extras that include LCD TV & DVD, rain shower and Club benefits. The suites include the one-bedroom Dusit Grand, the Dusit and the Lanai, while the 170-sqm Presidential Suite has two bedrooms. Venues: The Royal Dusit Hall with a panoramic view is a place for all occasions, with a full range of modern technical amenities and support, where classic period features combine with an unmistakable yet subtle Thai interior design. This hall is flanked by graceful corridors and stylish lobby lounges that open onto terraces, gardens and lawns overlooking a beautiful lake and seascape, has earned this award-winning hotel a reputation as the perfect venue for events, meetings, leisure and recreation. Facilities: The resort has much to offer including a variety of water sports, two swimming pools, a Fitness Centre, jacuzzi, tennis and squash courts, horse riding, jogging and golf at several nearby championship-standard courses. Six food and beverage outlets give guests an excellent variety of dining and entertainment options. Indulge in luxurious pampering and healing treatments in a soothing environment at the Devarana Spa.

1349 Petchakasem Road, Cha-am, Petchburi 76120 Thailand. +66-3252-0009 dthh@dusit.com dusitthanihuahin.dusit.com

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At A Glance No of rooms: 249 Ballroom setup Round table with stage: 200 Cocktail with stage: 250 Theatre with stage: 220 Other function area Garden: 200 Beachfront: 200 Poolside: 500 In-house wedding planner: Yes Indian cuisine: On request Outside catering allowed: Yes Beauty salon: Yes Spa: Yes Evening functions end: 10:00 p.m. Price range Rooms: US$ 275 International buffet: US$55

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Overview: Standing on 16 hectares of prime beachfront land amidst tropical gardens, this fascinating colonial-style resort originally built in 1923 is one of the classic hotels of the East and a great local landmark. Centara Hotels & Resorts acquired this beautiful property in 1985, and while fully retaining its old-world charm and elegance, has also upgraded it. The resort is just 190 kms south of Bangkok, with direct access to Hua Hin town. Accommodation: There are 207 luxurious appointed rooms and suites, including the Club executive floor, each with its own private balcony overlooking the ocean or landscaped gardens. High ceilings, periodstyle furniture and a dcor that uses rich polished hardwood softened by the warm tones of Thai silk evoke the spirit of the 1920s. The 42 villas set amongst the extensive gardens, with their spacious living accommodation and the option of their own pool, offer privacy along with the ultimate in luxury. All rooms feature flat screen TVs with international channels, in-room safe, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryer, and high speed Internet access. The Club offers unrivalled levels of facilities and services with exclusive Club Lounge access, including five daily meal presentations, cocktails and concierge service. Venues: The hotels location, along with its gracious ambience, make it ideal for meetings, incentives and conference groups. The fully equipped function rooms can hold up to 250 people, while garden functions for as many as 450 people are a speciality, the memorable setting enhancing every event. Facilities: There are four restaurants and bars including the Museum for afternoon tea. There are also two putting greens, four swimming pools, two tennis courts, a snooker room, badminton, table tennis, a fitness centre, the Spa Cenvaree, a childrens playground and plenty of other facilities to keep youngsters occupied.

1 Damnernkasem Rd, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan 77110 Thailand +66 (0) 3251 2021-38 chbr@chr.co.th www.centarahotelsresorts.com

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At A Glance No. of rooms: 213 Ballroom Setup: Round Table with stage: 250 Cocktail with stage: 350 Theatre with stage: 350 Other function area (capacity) Poolside: 350 persons (without stage) Restaurants: - McFarland House: 70 - Talay Thai restaurant 120 In-house wedding planner: Yes Indian cuisine: No Outside catering allowed: Yes Beauty salon: Yes Spa: Yes Evening functions end: 10pm Price range Rooms: US$180++ International buffet: US$45++

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin

Overview: Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, a luxurious resort on a 250-metre stretch of white sandy beach includes 213 elegantly appointed guestrooms and offers a family-friendly environment that features the largest recreational facilities in Hua Hin, including an inter-connecting free form swimming pools which include a 22 metre long and seven metre high water slide, and a unique beach pool. Accommodation: The 213 guestrooms included a three-bedroom Presidential Villa, eight Barai Suites, a Premier View Suite, three Premier Suites, five Regency Executive Suites, two Regency Suites and 61 Regency Club rooms. All rooms feature individually controlled air-conditioning, spacious bathrooms with a separate shower, flat screen LCD TV, radio, iPod docking station, iron and ironing board, an IDD telephone, an in-room safe and a minibar. The guestrooms are fresh and airy with a private outdoor living area, while garden-level rooms enjoy a cosy, enclosed area. Venues: Hyatt Regency Hua Hin provides six versatile function rooms that have direct access from the hotels driveway adjacent to the lobby. The pillarless ballroom offers a foyer with daylight and can accommodate up to 400 people. It is suitable for hosting elegant and stylish events including wedding receptions, while the other function rooms can be venues for smaller events such as engagement ceremonies and rehearsal dinners. The hotel also has a selection of outdoor spaces perfect for casual, relaxing events and wedding as well as McFarland House, a historical two-storey Thai beachfront wooden pavilion that can be transformed into an airy wedding dinner venue. Facilities: Four restaurants and bars provide home-style traditional Thai and Italian cuisine, as well as fresh seafood specialties and tasty Asian noodles. THE BARAI, the award-winning residential spa featuring eight exclusive residential spa suites and 18 treatment rooms, is located adjacent to the hotel offering a path to well-being. Club Olympus provides the ideal environment to keep or get fit during your stay. The equipment in Club Olympus includes Life Fitness bicycles, treadmills, and cross-trainers as well as a range of free weights or alternatively enjoy the steam room or the outdoor flood-lit tennis court.

91 Hua Hin, Khao Takiap, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, 77110 +66-3252-1234 huahin.regency@hyatt.com www.huahin.regency.hyatt.com

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At A Glance No. of rooms: 119 Ballroom Setup: Round Table with stage: 10 Cocktail with stage: 120 Theatre with stage: 100 Other function areas (capacity) Garden: 200-300 Beachfront: 100-150 Restaurants: 40 In-house wedding planner: No Indian cuisine: On request Outside catering allowed: Yes Beauty salon: No Spa: Yes Evening functions end: 10pm

InterContinental Hua Hin Resort

Overview: Inspired by the Maruekhathaiyawan Summer Palace built by King Rama VI, the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort occupies an enviable beachfront location and provides guests with luxurious rooms and suites, exceptional restaurants, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a heavenly spa, and a banquet hall. The distinctive resort combines inspiring elements of eastern and western design flair to create an elegant and relaxed environment for business and leisure travellers. InterContinental Hua Hin Resort guest experience is made complete by the warm gracious Thai hospitality and impeccable service. Accommodation: The resort features 119 luxurious guest rooms and suites with 24-hour personal butler service, and includes three Oceanfront Pool Villas and La Residence Hua Hin. At La Residence, experience a period beachfront house over two luxurious stories and 480sqm of space, with its own discreet private entrance, private garden and parking. An infinity pool sparkles outside; inside two separate en-suite bedrooms have large marble bathrooms with lavish amenities, private bar and butler service. Venues: InterContinental Hua Hin Resort offers a generously-sized banquet hall and our Lawn offers a wonderful space with the main building behind as backdrop for gala dinners. A dedicated and experienced meeting and events team will tailor unique experiences for your event, personally handling it from start to end. The staff will also share their knowledge to ensure that our guests enjoy local experience and make the most of their visit to Hua Hin. Facilities: The resort offers exceptional food & beverage options, ingredients sources by the His Majestys Royal Project in Hua-Hin. Pirom features authentic Thai cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients. Trattoria-style dining and wood-fired pizza are available at Felicita and the Azure Beach Grill offers all-day dining and fantastic rooftop views. The Lee La Bar serves up single malts, cigars and live jazz while the Pool Bar offers cocktails and light snacks pool side. Enjoy soulful saxophone sounds and signature cocktails overlooking Hua Hin Beach from The Fireside. Spa Intercontinetal blends blissful tranquility with inspiring techniques and treatments, and cohesive signature packages. A fully-equipped fitness centre features the latest cardiovascular machines as well as resistance equipment and free weights. Other faciliites include a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and the InterContinental Club Lounge.

Price range Rooms: US$332++ International buffet: US$70++ Indian buffet: US$ 70++

33/33 Petchakasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkhirikhan, 77110 Thailand +66-3261-6999 nattapun.runyasewa@ihg.com www.intercontinental.com/ huahin

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At A Glance No. of rooms: 55 Ballroom Setup: Round Table with stage: 100 Cocktail with stage: 150 Theatre with stage: 90 Other function areas (capacity) Garden: 100 Restaurants: 100 In-house wedding planner: On request Indian cuisine: On request Outside catering allowed: On request Beauty salon: Yes Spa: Yes Evening functions end: Midnight

Nishaville Resort & Spa, Prachuab Khirikhan

Overview: The Nishaville Resort is a luxurious villa hideaway on one of Thailands most pristine beaches in the coastal village of Huay Yang in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Surrounded by coconut palms, casuarinas trees, the ocean on one side and a freshwater canal on the other, all villas have been stylishly designed with open plans to offer space and comfort together with luxury. An ideal escape with its secluded beach perfect for families with its two- and three- bedroom villas. Accommodation: The 36 well-appointed villas features a large outdoor terrace, open plan living and dining areas, luxurious bedding and spacious designer bathrooms with separate bathtub and shower. They also include full kitchens with dishwasher, washing machine and dryer and front porch with swing seat. All villas have a free-flowing plan where the dining room, living room and kitchen all share a common space, with no walls separating them. Amenities include iron and ironing board, i-Pod player, satellite TV, DVD player, electronic safe, and more. Room categories include Sand Villas, Canal Villas with views of the freshwater canal, Sea Villas with panoramic views of the ocean and Breeze Villas with private pool and outdoor Jacuzzi. Planned for late 2012, the resort will also be opening an additional 15 apartments and 4 beachfront villas as part of an ongoing expansion plan, bring the total accommodations to 55 units. Venues: From corporate meetings, team building programs, gala dinners, weddings, social events and more, Nishaville is geared to cater to any kind of function. The Promenade meeting room can accommodate more than 100 people in different styles and offers natural daylight, in addition to outdoor venues including the gardens and even the beach which can be set up for any type of function either by day or night. Facilities: In addtion to the signature Verandah Restaurant, the resort also features a a salt-water infinity pool, Sky Terrace, beachfront massage, spa, sauna, boutique shop. The Clubhouse is the social center of the resort and the place to drink in the sparkling sea view from a lounger on the rooftop, or sip something stronger at the Pool Bar at sunset with family and friends. The glass walls of the well-equipped fitness room allow you to meditate on the view while you work out.

Price range (in US$) Rooms: US$90 includes breakfast, service & tax

333 M 7, Baan Huay Yang, Tub Sakae, Prachuab Khirikhan 77130, Thailand +66-3261-6333 reservation@nishavilleresort.com www.nishavilleresort.com

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