If Pattaya seems too shrill and Phuket too far, there is one more place where you can exchange the steamy mayhem of the 'Great City of Angels' for a rejuvenating breath of sea air. Hua Hin is unlike any other beach resort in Thailand. If you're looking for bright lights and the frantic all-night action of cabarets and discos, you may be disappointed here. This loyal resort of Hua Hin lies to the southwest, a three hour drive or a short plane hop away. If you take the most leisurely approach, by train, you will pull into a station like a miniature temple which sets the scene for this most authentic - of Thailand's seaside towns. Discovered by the brother of King Vajiravudh in 1910, and put on the map by King Prajadipok, who was relaxing here in Klai Klangwan ('Far from worries') Palace when a bloodless coup in Bangkok was transforming him from an absolute into a constitutional monarch, Hua Hin has remained a favorite retreat of the Royal Family. Between the nostalgic gentility and pretty gardens of the Sofitel Central (once the Railway Hotel) and the neighboring resort of Cha-Am are broad beaches, the Royal Garden Village Resort, and not much else. A short drive to the south you will find serow (goat-antelopes), macaques and painted storks in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. In 1868 King Mongkut (Rama IV) invited the court to witness an eclipse of the sun which he had predicted. Later he died of malaria here. Hotels apart, the alternative night scene to Pattaya's Village is the animation at the pier when the fishing boats unload their catches - or a walk around the town's traditional market.
Attractions
Today's visitor to Hua Hin will still sense this special atmosphere and old world charm. Besides sun-filled days on the mile-long beach there are leisure activities for the whole family from watersports to golf. The area around the town let's you discover fabulous parks and peaks, caves and waterfalls.
In the evening the winding roads with a great variety of shops make a great stroll. And the restaurants built on stilts into the sea offer superb seafood in the legendary and unsurpassed preparation of the Thai cuisine.
Hua Hin has all the ingredients for a very special holiday experience.
The Headquarters
Sofitel Centara - 207 rooms (8 suites); 42 villas
1 Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuap-Khirikhan
Welcome to Torquay in the tropics. Long before Thailand's grande entry onto the world tourist scene, the former Railway Hotel had captured the hearts of discerning travelers for its aging dowager charm and royal resort ambiance. After a complete face lift and re-christening under the Paris based Sofitel group, the 'other' palace in Hua Hin has also acquired a modern infrastructure. The telecommunications, high-tech frills and a new fitness center are discreetly tucked away behind the period piece scenario, so as not to spoil the perspectives of airy verandahs, rattan sofas and ceiling fans. Old fashioned comfort in the historic rooms, light pastels in the new wings, topiary zoo in the gardens, smiling faces everywhere. landscaped swimming pools and the azure waters of the Gulf promise aquatic fun; the course opposite, a relaxing round of golf. Gourmet flights of fancy at the Railway Brasserie, Palm Seafood Pavilion and Salathai Restaurant bring you to the happiest of landings.
The Resort
Anantara Resort & Spa - 162 rooms and suites
43/1 Phetkasem Beach Rd, Hua Hin
The hotels former name was Royal Garden Village Hua Hin. Acres of tropical gardens embrace the Thai style villas scattered between the lily ponds around the pal, fringed pool. Near the Royal Summer Palace by the sea, even a business trip turns into a short vacation. Located 200 km south of Bangkok, within 14 acres of tropical gardens, situated direct at the private white-sand beach located just 5 minutes from centre Hua Hin. A luxury hotel, the Anantara Resort Hua Hin is decorated and built like a Thai Village, providing a peaceful and relaxing ambience. The hotel consists of individual Thai-style two-story homes, each with its own unique identity and theme. You won't spend much time in your terraced room, but rather be distracted by the food galore, the folklore shows or the watersports ad infinitum on the pristine beach.
* Thailand
Attractions
Today's visitor to Hua Hin will still sense this special atmosphere and old world charm. Besides sun-filled days on the mile-long beach there are leisure activities for the whole family from watersports to golf. The area around the town let's you discover fabulous parks and peaks, caves and waterfalls.
In the evening the winding roads with a great variety of shops make a great stroll. And the restaurants built on stilts into the sea offer superb seafood in the legendary and unsurpassed preparation of the Thai cuisine.
Hua Hin has all the ingredients for a very special holiday experience.
The Headquarters
Sofitel Centara - 207 rooms (8 suites); 42 villas1 Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuap-Khirikhan
Welcome to Torquay in the tropics. Long before Thailand's grande entry onto the world tourist scene, the former Railway Hotel had captured the hearts of discerning travelers for its aging dowager charm and royal resort ambiance. After a complete face lift and re-christening under the Paris based Sofitel group, the 'other' palace in Hua Hin has also acquired a modern infrastructure. The telecommunications, high-tech frills and a new fitness center are discreetly tucked away behind the period piece scenario, so as not to spoil the perspectives of airy verandahs, rattan sofas and ceiling fans. Old fashioned comfort in the historic rooms, light pastels in the new wings, topiary zoo in the gardens, smiling faces everywhere. landscaped swimming pools and the azure waters of the Gulf promise aquatic fun; the course opposite, a relaxing round of golf. Gourmet flights of fancy at the Railway Brasserie, Palm Seafood Pavilion and Salathai Restaurant bring you to the happiest of landings.
The Resort
Anantara Resort & Spa - 162 rooms and suites43/1 Phetkasem Beach Rd, Hua Hin
The hotels former name was Royal Garden Village Hua Hin. Acres of tropical gardens embrace the Thai style villas scattered between the lily ponds around the pal, fringed pool. Near the Royal Summer Palace by the sea, even a business trip turns into a short vacation. Located 200 km south of Bangkok, within 14 acres of tropical gardens, situated direct at the private white-sand beach located just 5 minutes from centre Hua Hin. A luxury hotel, the Anantara Resort Hua Hin is decorated and built like a Thai Village, providing a peaceful and relaxing ambience. The hotel consists of individual Thai-style two-story homes, each with its own unique identity and theme. You won't spend much time in your terraced room, but rather be distracted by the food galore, the folklore shows or the watersports ad infinitum on the pristine beach.
* Thailand
