What can you see in Hua Hin

Most Thais envisage Hua Hin as a romantic and elegant gateway holiday destination. This notion started off about 100 years ago when the Royal Family members and the well-to-do people would spend their summers there and as a result Hua Hin now has countless lovely seaside houses, villas and a few attractive vintage summer palces.

Hua Hin is usually full of people taking a break from Bangkok at weekends and as it’s just a short drive away its popularity has remained. Much of Hua Hin’s attraction lies in the town’s charming old-world feel, best illustrated in Hua Hin Railway Station and the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace.

1. Hua Hin Railway Station

Built during the reign of King Rama VI, and only a short distance from the centre of town, Hua Hin's railway station and adjacent royal waiting room are undeniably attractive. The brightly painted wooden buildings that are Thai in concept and design somehow manage to have a 'Victorian' feel to them. Hua Hin Train Station made number eight on Newsweek’s 2009 ‘Best Stations’ list along with Chhatrapati Shivaji (Mumbai), St. Pancreas (London), Grand Central Terminal (New York), Gare de Limoges-Bénédictins (Limoges, France), Central Railway Station (Maputo, Mozambique) and Atocha Station (Madrid). Even if you don't arrive at the resort by train, go and have a look. It’s charming, quirky and photogenic.

2. Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

Like so much in Hua Hin this summer seaside palace was built in the early 1920s during the reign of King Rama VI. It was designed by an Italian architect and features lots of verandas, latticework and covered boardwalks using golden teak from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace. Maruekhathaiyawan Palace consists of three one-storey high buildings with more than 1,000 pillars supporting them to avoid flood damage. The buildings also contain high ceilings to keep them cool during summer. The beautiful passage from them leading to the sea is one of the many charming features of the complex.

3. Hua Hin Night Market

Situated in the centre of town between the Petchkasem Road and the railway line, the market encompasses one street and comes to life from 18:30 onwards, when traders line the street with their stalls selling various apparel, crafts, art, CDs, DVDS and cheap, tasty food – generally what you might expect from a Thai market. This is by no means the best place to shop in Thailand; you will find a bigger variety of goods in Bangkok or say, Chiang Mai. However, Hua Hin does have a superb selection of seafood restaurants that line the road that hosts the Night Market, drawing a lot of attention from visitors eager to feast on the quality dishes on offer.

4. Wat Huay Mongkol

This Buddhist temple is home to a Big Buddha statue that was commissioned by Queen Sirikit. It also houses the largest statue in the world of Luang Phor Thuad, set within a park-like setting that attracts many visitors each weekend. Luang Phor Thuad being a legendary Thai monk revered for his enlightenment and ability to perform miracles, many believe that the amulets created in his image guarantee safety in times of distress.

5. Khao Takiab

One of the biggest attractions in Prachuab Kirikhan province, Khao Takiab translates as ‘Chopstick Mountain’ although you may hear it being referred to as Monkey Mountain due to the monkeys that live on it. Take note that you should never under any circumstances trust a monkey; they don’t get their reputation for being cheeky from nowhere. Keep bags zipped and under no circumstances give them any food. The mountain is also home to a hilltop temple with sensational views of Hua Hin. The start of the hike up to the temple is marked by a large bell and a flight of stairs up to the main shrine, a pagoda-like structure. Expect to see a giant golden Buddha statue standing tall facing the sunrise

Planning a trip to Hua Hin  you have to think about a place where to stay. There is a great variety of hotels in Hua Hin. It is important to mention that there are either discounted or luxurious hotels in Hua Hin. To guarantee your stay in a preferred hotel in Hua Hin, it is better to make an online reservation in advance.