Discovering Hua Hin with a Visit to the Fishing Village

Located on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand and only 200 kilometers from Bangkok, Hua Hin is Thailand's oldest beach town resort that offers the ultimate getaway destination for everyone. The town rise to become Thailand first enchanting getaway began in 1922 when King Rama VII instructed his Italian architect to construct the summer palace, Klai Kangwon (Far from Worries) in what was then just a humble fishing village. The charm of Hua Hin is that since then it still retains its fishing village serenity which is now side by side with the bustling center of a modern luxury beach resorts. Compared to Pattaya, the other beach destination near Bangkok, Hua Hin is relatively serene, and is a favourite with families and mature travellers.

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. The story about the birth of Hua Hin as a royal seaside getaway town would be incomplete without a mention of this historic railway station. Back in the early days, there was no road access to this idyllic beach town, and train travel was a new and delightful alternative to get from Bangkok to Hua Hin instead of by boat.

Meaning ‘Chopstick Hill' in Thai, Khao Takiab is a fishing village suburb just 10 kilometres outside of Hua Hin. The Area is defined by its premier attraction the mountain that sits at the top of the road, here you can expect a sensational panorama and a bit of monkeying around – the mountain is home to quite a few monkeys. Achieving the perfect balance between relaxation and recreation, visitors can take full advantage of the crisp white and relatively secluded shore line where watersports, beachside dining and some serious sun lounging are the order of the day. The beauty of Khao Takiab is that you can avoid the tourist trappings of Hua Hin while still being just a ten minute drive from the vibrant seaside town.

Mrigadayavan Palace is one of the popular sights. This long, golden teak wood mansion, which was built by King Rama VI is located between the Cha-Am and Hua Hin. Also known as the palace of ‘Love and Hope’, the Mrigadayavan Palace was constructed to be a summer retreat house for His Majesty King Rama VI, by the sea shore. There are nearly 1,080 concrete pillars, fret patterned plaster walls and never wooden corridors, high ceiling and more that make this palace a unique one. The Mrigadayavan Palace was named after the park where Lord Buddha gave his 1st preaching. The royal and regal palace is open for public tours, it is definitely a breathtakingly vast mansion with a sea view that is a must visit.

Wat Khao Takiab - Thai Buddhist temple, very small. There is an observation deck around. To the temple you need to climb the stairs. At the foot of the stairs are a handful of souvenir merchants. There are many monkeys around, you need to beware of them as they can snatch food or a camera down.