The small resort community of Hua Hin is situated on a picturesque curving bay of the Gulf of Thailand, and has been a favourite of Thai tourists for decades. Although its popularity with western tourists has increased by the year, it’s still frequented more by Thai nationals than foreigners. The main reason for this is that Hua Hin has long been a popular holiday destination for members of Thailand’s royal family.

At one time a sleepy fishing village, this resort town is following in the footsteps of Pattaya and Phuket, with fishing fleets relocated and fishing piers now lined with shops and eateries.

Hua Hin’s sandy beach is five kilometres long, and noted for its huge, trademark boulders. The surf is gentle, allowing for swimming year-round. The community has developed to meet the needs of increasing numbers of tourists yet has been able to retain its traditional Thai charm. Most visitors come here for the beach, sun and water sports, but the seafood is a big attraction as well.The beach is well-equipped with umbrellas and beach chairs, and there are plenty of food vendors on hand.

In addition to the typical resort attractions of fine accommodation and dining, Hua Hin boasts plenty to see and do away from the beach. There’s a popular night market that makes for fun shopping excursions and the town itself encourages leisurely strolls through its narrow, winding streets. The shops entice visitors with their high-quality cottons and silks, locally-made sweets and handicrafts.

Hotels in Hua Hin range from luxurious to basic, with an excellent selection of mid-range lodgings to boot. Self-catering apartments are on hand for groups and long-term visitors while top-notch spa resorts are just a short drive away. Wherever you choose to stay, the hospitality of the locals in Hua Hin is sure to impress you.

The coast to the south of Hua Hin is worth exploring as well. The drive will take you through the town of Pran Buri and past secluded coves, fishing villages and on to the provincial capital of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Any combination of these places makes for an excellent daytrip.

Hua Hin is one of the oldest seaside resorts in Thailand, and for years has been a quiet family destination that has received little international attention. All it takes is a walk near the fishing pier to see what traditional life was like for years in this old fishing community.

In the early 1920s, King Rama VII spent some time here and decided it would be the perfect getaway from the heat and bustle of Bangkok. Not long afterwards, this quiet fishing village became the site of a royal resort and it wasn’t long before the upper crust of Thai society followed suit. A few years later, railway service from Bangkok made the resort all that more accessible and its popularity grew with a wider representation of the Thai population.

The first hotel was built in Hua Hin in 1923, and in 1928 King Rama VII built his well-known palace called Klai Kangwon, or ‘Far from Worries’ in English. The palace remains an official royal residence today and is in use whenever members of the Thai royal family visit Hua Hin.

The resort town continued to develop, albeit slowly, as a royal and upper class resort, while it also continued to function as a major fishing port. Many wealthy Bangkok residents have built beachfront homes to the north and south of the town, to enjoy during the hot season. Close enough to Bangkok for weekend excursions, Hua Hin offers tourists short respites from the big city at this charming resort which managed to maintain its unique identity.

The Railway Hotel was constructed in 1923 by the State Railways of Thailand, reflecting the style of old Siam. Decades later it was bought by the Central group and today is the Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas. The graceful colonial-style hotel, having undergone significant restoration, caters to well-heeled visitors to this day. It exudes an atmosphere of luxury and Thailand’s past. In the 1920s, an 18-hole golf course was built at the hotel, and it was while playing a round of golf that King Rama VII learned of the country’s first coup, in 1932.

Thailand’s climate is characterised by three seasons that are distinguished mostly by temperature and rainfall. Not all parts of the country experience the same levels of rainfall, and typically, Hua Hin sees less than other regions.

The hot season runs from March through June. It’s hot both day and night during this period, and by late in the season humidity tends to be quite high.  Temperatures average at 29˚C during this time, and skies are bright and clear with only the occasional cloud and light afternoon breeze.

Hua Hin’s rainy season begins in July and lasts into October. At this time days are warm and sometimes hot, but reasonably pleasant overall. Daytime temperatures average at 28˚C, and nights are somewhat cooler. Mornings are usually sunny, with clouds increasing through the afternoon. It doesn’t rain every day, but when downpours do occur they usually only lasts for a short time.

The cool season runs from November to February, when days are warm and nights are cooler. The average daytime temperature during these months is 26˚C. You’ll see plenty of sunshine, but the sun is not as strong as it is during the hot season at this time. Winds blow stronger, bringing higher waves enjoyed by visiting surfers.