Image via Hua Hin
Once a quiet Thai fishing village, Hua Hin became a fashionable escape for affluent Bangkok residents when the Thai royal family built their summer palaces here. The beach-side town is approximate three hours’ drive away from Bangkok and there are even connecting trains to Hua Hin from the capital city too. Although it is no palm-fringed castaway island, Hua Hin is a delightful mix of cosmopolitan ambience, long beaches and old world charm.
5 Places to Stay
1. Devasom Hua Hin
Located on a stretch of private beach, Devasom Hua Hin has earned accolades for its luxury and elegant guest rooms and villas, inspired by Thai architecture. All rooms and villas offer splendid sea views and the charming Thai hospitality is sure to make your stay at Devasom a memorable one. Dine at the resort’s on-site restaurants by the beach and watch as the sun sets to another splendid day.
Image via Devasom Hua Hin
2. Anantasila Villa by the Sea
Located just south of the town, Anantasila Villa by the sea is a family-run hotel that exudes a warm and friendly atmosphere. The five kilometres of private beach ensures that your perfect honeymoon is not disrupted by peddlers, while their long-standing staff strive to go above and beyond to make sure guests take home fond memories of their stay.
Image via Anantasila Villa by the Sea
3. Asara Villa and Suites
Designed as a circular complex, you can’t help but feel the exclusivity as you relax in a deck chair amongst the resort’s many swimming areas and tropical lagoons. Escape from the heat at the poolside bar before retreating to your suite that comes complete with an outdoor rain-shower. Even better, enjoy total privacy in your deluxe pool villa that comes complete with your own private plunge pool and garden.
Image via Asara Villa and Suites
4. Cape Nidhra
For the ultimate indulgence in Hua Hin, you cannot go past Cape Nidhra. A member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, Cape Nidhra’s elegant facilities and outstanding services will deliver an unforgettable honeymoon experience. All suites come with your own private pool and wooden deck for the ultimate romantic experience.
Image via Cape Nidhra
5. Rest Detail Hotel
The charming resort offers a couple’s retreat package where you can enjoy a bottle of bubbly in your private jacuzzi under the stars and surrounded by nature. Complimentary services such as a shuttle bus to Hua Hin town will make you feel completely at ease, whilst the resort looks after your needs. Relax in the picturesque gardens or watch the day go by on the private beach – it’s the ultimate romantic getaway!
Image via Rest Detail Hotel
5 Places to Visit
1. Maruekhathayawan Palace
The summer seaside palace often referred to as “the palace of love and hope” is one of the oldest and most attractive royal places in Thailand. Maruekhathayawan Palace, raised from the ground on pillars, is entirely made from teak wood. The architectural style is completely different from that of the other Thai palaces with dazzling pointed roofs and vibrant colours.
Image via Asia Web Direct
2. Phraya Nakhon Cave
If you’re up for some hiking, the Phraya Nakhon Cave can be reached on foot from Laem Sala beach. Although the ascent is rather steep, the spectacular sea view is sure to make the journey worth it. Venture into the mystical Phraya Nakhon Cave and you’ll discover sunlight coming through the cave and a central Thai-style pavilion built by King Rama V in 1896.
Image via Thailandee
3. Santorini Park
If you would like a change of scene from beachfront resorts, Santorini Park is a new and popular shopping complex, inspired by Santorini Island in Greece. Although some might say it’s a little kitsch, the recreational complex has many spots for photography where you can snap a few pictures of your romantic getaway.
4. Wat Tham Khao Tao
No trip to Thailand is complete without a visit to one of the country’s many Buddhist temples. Wat Tham Khao Tao is situated in the charming village of Khao Tao, best known for its wonderful secluded beach. Make your way to the top of Khao Tao and you’ll find yourself in the large temple of Wat Tham Khao Tao. The temple has a cave with Buddha images and more images are raised right along the shoreline.
Image via EDT Guide
5. Hua Hin Hills Vineyard
Although Australia has some of the best vineyards in the world, a trip to the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard can be a different experience for wine lovers. Set in a beautiful area just 35 kilometres west of Hua Hin, the vineyard offers superb views across the surrounding countryside. Learn about tropical viticulture from the winery’s professional team, then indulge in some fine food and sample some locally produced wine at the Sala, a Thai-inspired pavilion that also houses a bistro.
5 Things To Do
1. Visit the Hua Hin Train Station
Built during the reign of King Rama VI, Hua Hin’s railway station is one of the area’s landmark. The station’s architecture is Victorian-inspired, apart from a red-and-white pavilion beside the station that once served as the royal waiting room.
Image via Hua Hin Thailand
2. Get Nostalgic at Plearn Wan
Hua Hin is famous for its quirky charm, and Plearn Wan delivers that with a trip down memory lane. Time seems to have stood still at this funky vintage village – discover stylized versions of old-fashioned shophouses that once occupied the Thai-Chinese districts of Bangkok and Hua Hin, a music store specializing in vinyls, and other bygone shops that pre-date the arrival of 7-Eleven. There’s even an old retro amusement park at the far end of Plearnwan.
Image via Discovery Thailand
3. Sign up for a Thai cooking class
Possibly the best keepsake you can take home, learn about Thai cooking with a cooking class at Hyatt Regency where expert Thai chefs will impart the skills and art of preparing fine Thai cuisine. You can learn to prepare either a single dish or a complete series of six famous dishes, which is sure to impress your family and friends at your homecoming dinner party!
4. Visit Cicada Market
A trip to Hua Hin is not complete without a visit to one of its markets. The Cicada Market is one of Hua Hin’s coolest open-air market that’s pulsating with activity. Located just outside the Hyatt Regency, the market is only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It’s always buzzing with activities where locals and tourists alike pick up casual or funky clothes, cute accessories, and various knick-knacks. Fairy lights strung on trees give this place a whimsical, dreamy atmosphere.
Image via Cicada Market
5. Explore the Mangrove Swamps at Sam Roi Yot Marine National Park
The mangrove swamps, marshland and pristine beaches of this 90 kilometre reserve are a haven for everything from goats, antelopes and spotted eagles, but what really defines Sam Roi Yot are its limestone peaks that ripple and soar above them. Enjoy the solitude and take a long walk along the boardwalk with spectacular views of the lotus pond.
Image via Siamvan Travel
Ms Chinoiserie Says: With luxury accommodation and endlessly long beaches, this dream honeymoon destination is a delightful mix of cosmopolitan city and sea!
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