When I decided that Thailand would be the next summer holiday destination for me the first city that came to my mind was Bangkok, a metropolis which stretches from slums to skyscrapers, infamous for its nightlife and fake designer clothes markets. While I was sorting out my holiday a colleague at work suggested the Hua Hin District as an addition to my list of places to visit and I am glad that she did.
Hua Hin was first noted as a summer getaway for Thai royalty in the mid 1920s, but now it serves as one of the most popular holiday spot for both Thai and foreign tourists. It is a delightful mix of city and sea with a cosmopolitan ambience, lively markets, tasty street eats and long wide beaches.
Fine white sand beaches and many water sports opportunities lend this area its distinctive ambiance. The beach is put to an abrupt end at the south side by the hill of Khao Takiab, full of Buddhists temples offers breath-taking views of the whole town, particularly in the morning.
Klai Kangwon Palace is another star attraction. Built in 1929, it is a Spanish-style summer palace facing the sea and hosts an extensive ornamental garden. The palace serves as the summer home of the Thai royal family but members of the public are free to visit when the royal family is not in residence.
Hua Hin Railway Station is arguably Thailand's most beautiful train station and is one of the oldest in the country. Its main feature is the royal waiting room that used to welcome the King and his court when they were visiting the town.
To my surprise golf is extremely popular in Hua Hin and the area is a golfer's paradise with at least 7 quality courses within a 30 minute drive.
I was just in time for the Hua Hin Jazz Festival , which takes place in June. The popular event attracts world class jazz musicians from Thailand and abroad. The sensation of jazz to the ears and warm beach sand in your feet is just indescribable.
Although there are no large shopping malls in town there are the famous night markets in Hua Hin. These night markets were a favorite of mine offering the opportunity to shop, enjoy native-style seafood cooked on the spot and witness the local people's lifestyle.
Author Biography:
Ali Jan Qadir passionately writes about his travels, architecture and interior design. He is also a contributor for Blue Print Properties where he surveys the best properties in Abu Dhabi.To learn more about the author follow him on google plus.