Friday, November 30, 2007

Where to go in Hua Hin Nightlife


Hua Hin’s nighlife scene is growing gradually, with new places opening up and widening the scope for visitors. There are a couple of tried and tested venues that have been around for a while – being popular with both locals and visitors – and we’ve lined them up for you here…

Hua Hin Nightlife Venues

Hua Hin isn’t the place to head to if you’re looking for wild and untamed nightlife experiences . That said, with its diminutive but lively nightlife scene you can certainly find some fun if you look hard enough. Scattered about town are several clusters of beer bars (little ramshackle affairs where you can score a beer and a girl), a number of family-friendly pubs and bars (many of which are located in hotels), and one or two discos.

Though the above adds up to a tame after-dark scene compared to Bangkok, Phuket’s Patong or Pattaya, there is fun to be found and several establishments open past the official 02:00 closing. With an annual jazz festival happening in Hua Hin, it’s no surprise that there’s also quite a lot of live music to be enjoyed, from cover bands to authentic Thai acts. And one thing you definitely won’t find back home is ladyboy cabaret Blue Angel. Check this out for 60 minutes of drama, beauty, elegance and glam, as well as dazzling insight into Thailand’s famous third sex.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Nightlife in Hua Hin



Hua Hin isn’t the place to head to if you’re looking for wild and untamed nightlife experiences . That said, with its diminutive but lively nightlife scene you can certainly find some fun if you look hard enough. Scattered about town are several clusters of beer bars (little ramshackle affairs where you can score a beer and a girl), a number of family-friendly pubs and bars (many of which are located in hotels), and one or two discos.





Though the above adds up to a tame after-dark scene compared to Bangkok, Phuket’s Patong or Pattaya, there is fun to be found and several establishments open past the official 02:00 closing. With an annual jazz festival happening in Hua Hin, it’s no surprise that there’s also quite a lot of live music to be enjoyed, from cover bands to authentic Thai acts. And one thing you definitely won’t find back home is ladyboy cabaret Blue Angel. Check this out for 60 minutes of drama, beauty, elegance and glam, as well as dazzling insight into Thailand’s famous third sex.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Golfing in Hua Hin Book


For many visitors to the Hua Hin area, golf is what's on their minds - and they are never disappointed. There are seven courses within a thirty minute drive of Hua Hin and for those willing to travel a little further there are an additional 10 courses available. It all started in 1924 with the creation of the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course adjacent to the town's snazzy little railway station. Designed by a Scottish railway engineer named O.A. Robbins, Thailand's first golf course is reminiscent of links courses found in Robbins' native Scotland. The other courses in the region are of international standard, equally challenging and designed by luminaries like Jack Nicklaus.


If you are without private transportation, all of the courses, except for the Royal Hua Hin, provide transportation to and from the courses. Green fees vary, depending upon the course and time, but average around 1800 baht. All courses have caddies, restaurants, rental equipment, and most have provisions for online booking of tee times.


Hua Hin Seoul Country Club


174 Moo 1, Pranburi, Prachuab Khiri Khan 77120Tel. +66 (0) 3257-2441Located adjacent to the sea, this is a links-style course found on the way from Hua Hin to Pranburi. Inexpensive and fun to play.



80 Moo 4, Hubkrapong-Pranburi Highway, Cha Am, Phetchaburi 76120Tel +66 (0) 3245-6233-39, Fax +66 (0) 3245-6298Bangkok Reservation Centre Tel +66 (0) 2261-9000 ext. 4244Email : lakeview@imperialhotels.comLocated 16 kilometres from the main road between Cha-am and Hua Hin, this 27-hole course designed by Roger Packard contains an 18-hole, par 72 course of 6,915 yards and a nine hole course of 3,417 yards with a par of 36.




164 Moo 4 Taptai, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan 77110Tel +66 (0) 3252-0162-6, Fax +66 (0) 3252-0477A challenging par 72 course of 6.961 yards in a scenic setting with complete facilities, including a resort hotel.




1444 Phetkasem Road, Cha-am, Phetchburi 76120Tel +66 (0) 3252-0801-9, Fax +66 (0) 3252-0820Bangkok Office Tel +66 (0) 2261-3792-9 Fax +66 (0) 2261-3791Email: info@palmhills-golf.com, Web: www.palmhills-golf.comLocated on Route 4 between Cha-am and Hua Hin, the course runs east-west with lakes at each end and lots of swaying palms. The par 72 layout has three sets of tees and has a 'links' feel.




Hua Hin Town, Parchuab Khiri Khan 77110Tel +66 (0) 3251-2475The oldest of Thailand's golf courses. It is a par 72, 6,654 yard course located next to the railway station in Hua Hin town. Convenient, challenging and always fun to play.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Golfing in Hua Hin


Hua Hin’s world-class golf estates have all the makings of any golfer’s dream experience. Set amongst spectacular scenery, designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and often offering a real challenge to your golfing skills, a round of golf at any of these specially-selected courses will be a reminder of all the reasons why you took up golf in the first place.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Horse Rides


There’s something terribly exciting about riding a horse on a beach, and it’s probably got something to do with the fact that there are so few beaches in the world where you’re allowed to. For little people there are ponies at both Hua Hin and Cha-Am’s beaches, and proper horses too. These are not wild horses that will gallop off at terrifying speeds leaving clouds of sand behind – they’re very tame and well-trained to offer visitors an enjoyable experience.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Thailand International Kite Festival

During March, April and May, steady southerly breezes blow throughout much of Thailand. The Thai's, never one's to miss a chance for a good time, have responded to this natural phenomenon by developing a tradition of flying kites. When the winds arrive, arrays of beautiful kites appear to strut their stuff and engage opponents in combat. No where is this more apparent than in the open spaces around Cha-am and at the Thailand International Kite Festival.

Now in its tenth year, the festival, which is scheduled in early March, features kites in all their colourful glory. There are stunt kites, big kites, little kites, high tech kites, traditional Thai kites, and displays of international kites. There are a variety of contests, games, and activities -all involving kites. But the festival is more than an event surrounding kites. Cha-am and its neighbours gussy up for the event and welcome visitors with a variety of opportunities for shopping, sightseeing, and simply having a good time.

Hua Hin Jazz Festival






June is the time of the year when 'jazz on the beach' occurs at the annual Hua Hin Jazz Festival. The popular event attracts world class jazz musicians from Thailand and all over the world, including performers like Lazaro Valdes from Cuba and Bill Bruford from the UK. Stages are set up right on the beach and performances take place each evening. There are also a variety of booths set up offering everything from a chance to get your hair braided to an opportunity to buy Thai handicrafts. Sponsors offer a variety of promotions, including the chance to win valuable gifts. This is an event that encompasses all of Hua Hin and provides and opportunity to have a good time and enjoy jazz on the beach.

Hua Hin Vintage Car Rally


Hoteliers, the Vintage Car Club of Thailand, and the Tourist Authority of Thailand annually sponsor a 'parade' of vintage and classic cars starting at the Sofitel Central in Bangkok and ending in at the Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort. The cars, with drivers and passengers decked out in 1920's attire, make the 225km promenade in December of each year. The festivities culminate with a 1920's party at the Sofitel, which appropriately is a Victorian-style structure built in the 1920's.

Built during the reign of King Rama VI, and only a short distance from the centre of town, Hua Hin's railway station and the adjacent Royal Waiting Room are attractive and brightly painted wooden buildings that are Thai in concept and design, but somehow manage to have a 'Victorian' feel. Even if you don't arrive at the resort by train, go and have a look.

Hua Hin Events & Festivals

Apart from celebrating Thailand’s most famous festivals like Songkran (the Thai New Year or Water Festival) and Loy Krathong (The Festival of Lights), Hua Hin also plays host to a number of other fantastic events. These include world-class performances at the annual Hua Hin Jazz Festival, the International Thailand Kite Festival and a Vintage Car Rally, both also held annually. So, if you’re planning to head out this way, with a bit of planning your visit can even coincide with one of these fun events.
more detail

Monday, November 12, 2007

Hua Hin Water Sports


For kids, banana boat rides offer hours of fun and shrieks, while grown-ups can enjoy water sport activities like water-skiing, jet skis, sailing, windsurfing, and parasailing. With the beaches here being so wide an open – and almost never really crowded – how about a game of frisbee or beach volleyball? There’s also snorkeling, kayaking (nearby at a national park) and diving excursions can be arranged. If these sound like all the ingredients of a perfect beach break, you’re absolutely right!

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Hua Hin Day and Night Markets


Virtually all of Thailand's traditional handicrafts can be found in Hua Hin. There are also numerous opportunities to purchase art, artifacts, antiques, reasonably priced clothing, handbags, sunglasses, costume jewelry, beach gear, DVDs and even prescription glasses. Some of the best places to head to where you can found all of this (plus wonderful food and much, much more!) are the day and night markets, where bartering is the norm. Simply sport a big smile and maintain a friendly approach if you want to achieve the best prices.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Hua Hin Sports & Activities


Night Market, Music Festival and Fun Stuff

Hua Hin has lots of fun activities to offer apart from spending lazy days on the beach resting and recuperating, and visiting its attractions. Shopping is always a winner, and Hua Hin’s markets are the perfect places to shop for souvenirs and the beautifully-made crafts Thai people are so famous for. It also plays host to a number of big events throughout the year, like the Hua Hin Jazz Festival, water sport enthusiasts are spoiled with a wide variety of activities, and it’s also one of the few places in Thailand where you can go horse-riding on the beach.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Water Sports and Beach Activities


Several hotels along the beach have concessions offering various types of water sports. Wind surfing, sailboats and parasailing equipment are available, and banana boat rides can be arranged. Hua Hin, with its strong northeasterly winds and clean water, is also becoming well known for windsurfing. Fortunately, there are not many water scooters and jet skis, which can be a hazard. Although there is a dive shop in town, the shallow water around Hua Hin is not really known for coral reefs. The beach is widest south of town, an ideal spot for a game of football or frisbee. ( More Activities & Fun Stuff )

Saturday, November 3, 2007

What to Eat

During the day, you are well covered for with all kinds of light meals sold by the vendors on the beach, and with many restaurants nearby too (Thai, international and fast food). All of the large hotels that line the beach have several restaurants and coffee shops, and many of the guesthouses provide more than just basic Thai meals and sandwiches. In the evening, hotels offer buffets with Thai or international themes, often accompanied by traditional Thai dancing. To truly get a taste of what Hua Hin has to offer your taste buds though, explore the restaurants in town or, even better, the local markets.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Beach Vendors


You’ll find vendors along the beach to rent deck chairs and beach umbrellas from, and many selling refreshments or offering Thai massage – right there on the beach! The type of refreshments on offer include water, soft drinks, juice, ice cream, fruit and many kinds of Thai light snacks liked grilled prawns and squid, fried crab and the likes. There are also some vendors selling crafts, inflatable beach toys, clothes, beach wraps and all kinds of other beach paraphernalia.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Facilities on Hua Hin Beach

Armed with your towel, sun-block and a big bottle of water, all you really need is a deckchair and beach umbrella, which can be rented from several vendors along the beach. Note that there are no shower or bathroom facilities on the beach. Vendors selling refreshments – water, soft drinks, ice cream, fruit and all kinds of snack-type eats – makes it easy to remain nourished. It’s also quick stroll to the town and nearby shops, where you can find all that your heart desires.

Trend Watch

WidgetBucks - Trend Watch - WidgetBucks.com

Google Blog Search: Thai Hotels HuaHin

Yahoo! Search: Thailand Travel HuaHin