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.
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