 |
Hat
Cha-am
The premier beach resort of Phetchaburi, Hat Cha-am is just as beautiful
as the neighboring Hua Hin Beach. Located approximately 163 kilometers
south of Bangkok, 40 kilometers south of Phetchaburi and 20 kilometers
north of Hua Hin, the beach is famous for being long and clean.
In addition, it serves excellent fresh seafood. Originally a fishing
village, Cha-am received much attention after the royal palace,
Maruekhathaiyawan, was built near Hua Hin in the reign of King Rama
VI. At that time, the Royal Family and the elite occupied the land
in Hua Hin and its vicinity as a holiday seaside resort. When people
started looking around for twin seaside resort town for Hua Hin,
Cha-am’s beauty was discovered and quickly developed.
Today, Cha-am is a popular lively resort town offering a large variety
of accommodations and challenging activities. Boredom is rare in
Cha-am as there are a variety of water sports that can be enjoyed,
while a possible alternative to water sports is bicycle riding along
a 6-kilometer sandy white beach. During the weekdays the beach is
virtually deserted and there are beach umbrellas and sling chairs
are available for hire.
The State Railways of Thailand operates a special trip to Cha-Am
at every holiday. Detailed information can be obtained from Travel
service Section, Tel. 02 237- 010, 2237020.
Hup Kraphong
This is the place where the Hup Kraphong Royal Development Project
is located. King Bhumibhol initiated the project in 1962 with the
support of Israel to help local farmers experiencing agricultural
difficulties as a result from infertile soil. Several studies on
soil improvement, various crash crops and production efficiency
have been conducted. This is one Thailand’s leading Royal Projects
where travelers can visit to purchase farm produce, crafts (usually
made of hemp) and folk art products which have been exported to
many Asian and European countries.
Maruekhathaiyawan Palace
The summer seaside palace, often referred to as "the palace
of love and hope” is located midway between Cha-am and Hua Hin.
It was built in 1923 under the royal command of King Rama VI using
golden teakwood from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace. An Italian
architect designed the palace with a dazzling composition of verandahs
and latticework in regal proportions.
The palace is a two-storied wooden pavilion with a series of connecting
halls and a long corridor leading to the sea. Residential halls
of royal family members are on the right wing while those for royal
retainers are on the left wing. The central group of halls consists
of royal drawing, sitting and reading rooms. In addition, a two-story,
open pavilion located next to the central hall was once used as
a royal meeting place and theatre. Two famous plays performed in
1941 for King Rama VI were “Phra Ruang” and “Wiwah Phra Samut”.
The palace is open to the public daily, Monday to Friday from 8
a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Admission fee is 90 bahts per person.
Go Top
Hat
Hua Hin
Hat Hua Hin is a 5-kilometer white sandy beach lined with a wide
range of accommodations, from bungalows to five-star hotels and
resorts. Located at the sunrise side of the city, the beach runs
from a rocky headland which separates it from a tiny fishing pier,
and gently curves for some three kilometers to the south where the
Giant Standing Buddha Sculpture is located at the foot of Khao Takiap.
While offering a tranquil atmosphere, the beach is also the place
for fun-filled activities ranging from jogging, walking, sun bathing,
horse riding, kite boarding, and other kinds of water sports.
 |
|
 |
Hat Khao Tao
This small beach at the foot of Khao Tao Hill lies about 10 kilometers
south of Hua Hin. It is located on a pine-fringed beach and is more
secluded than Hua Hin. The signature of the place is a large Buddha
image which faces out to the sea. Bungalows are available.
Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Center
Situated in an old typical house on Naepkhehat Road, the center features
a private collection of contemporary works of many Thai artists-paintings,
sculptures and local handicrafts, as well as old furniture and many
pictures about Hua Hin in the past.
Hua Hin Railway Station
Built in the reign of King Rama VI, the station is one of Thailand’s
oldest railway stations. In addition, it is one of the country’s most
beautiful train stations with unique architecture. Its most striking
feature is the splendid Royal Waiting Room constructed in the Thai
architectural style. The room was relocated from Sanam Chan Palace
in Nakhon Pathom Province during the reign of King Rama VI.
Hua Hin Night Market
 |
|
 |
The most colorful spot in Hua Hin during the night, the market offer
a wide array of food, drinks, deserts, memorable souvenirs; all
kinds of freshly-prepared dishes. Famous are Pad Thai, Hoi Thod,
fresh seafood, Indian roti bread, coconut ice cream, etc. (the list
is endless) This market will delight visitors wishing to savor the
real taste of Hua Hin.
Khao Hin Lek Fai
Definitely a vantage point to see the whole town of Hua Hin, the
hill is located approximately 3 kilometers west of the town. The
best time to see the city is in the early morning.
Khao Krailat
Located near Khao Takiap, this steep hill lends its name to the
temple that is located there. The temple belongs to a Buddhist denomination
originally founded by King Rama IV and showcases a collection of
large Buddha images dating back several hundred years.
Khao Takiap Vantage Point
This hill is situated at the southern end of Hua Hin, only 4 kilometers
from the town. It can be easily reached by local minibus. Visitors
can go up the hilltop to enjoy a birds eye view of Hua Hin, which
is one of the delightful views either during the day or night. There
is a temple call Wat Khao Takiap situated on top of the hill. The
nearby Khao Takiap Beach offers mostly bungalow accommodations.
The giant golden Buddha Statue standing against the cliff has become
a landmark of Khao Takiap.
Klai Kangwon Palace
In Thai, the name of the palace literally means “far from worries”.
This summer palace consisting of 3 Spanish style mansions facing
the sea was constructed to the north of Hua Hin under the royal
command of King Rama Vll. Today, it is the permanent residence of
the King.
It is open to the public daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Call (032)
511115 for more information. A permit must be obtained from the
Royal Household Office prior to a visit.
Ko Singto
Approximately 800 meters off the coast of Suan Son Beach is Ko Singto,
a small island suitable for fishing and diving. Some boats for hire
are available.
Namtok Pa La-u
This beautiful 11-tiered rock waterfall is located in the densely
verdant forest in the area of Kaengkrajan National Park where various
kinds of birds and butterflies are found, especially in the morning.
Some levels of the waterfall can be reached along a trekking trail
parallel to the stream. The best time to watch butterflies is from
7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. In addition, visitors may be able to spot
wild animals and several species of rare birds. The best time to
visit the fall is from November to April when the fall is at its
most beautiful. The waterfall can be reached by local transportation
from Hua Hin for a distance of 63 kilometers. For more information,
call the Kaeng Krachan National Park at 032 459293.
Suan Son Pradiphat
This beachside area belongs to the Army Welfare Office and is open
to the public. It is at Kilometer 241, some 8 kilometers south of
Hua Hin. This is a tranquil and relaxing place to visit with various
restaurants and accommodations in the form of guesthouses, hotels
and self-catering bungalows.
|
