Beyond Bangkok: Why Hua Hin Should be on Your Thai Wishlist

Looking to plan that one last summer getaway before winter sets in? If you’re looking for a value for money beach break, Sophie Williams says Hua Hin in Thailand is just the place for you.

Just two and a half hours from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok is peaceful Hua Hin. The fishing village became famous as the Thai royal family’s holiday destination after King Rama VII ordered the building of a holiday palace here by the sea. Consequently, Hua Hin became the resort of choice among Thai nobility. The royal family even have their own entrance at the railway station – a popular tourist hotspot in the town.

Hua Hin can sometimes be overlooked in favour of the more well-know beach resorts such as Krabi and Phuket, but it’s a real gem, especially in the autumn when it’s a lot quieter than its southern counterparts. There are more options for accommodation at cheaper rates here, and not to mention the weather is a complete contrast with the wind and rain back home!

I checked into the Anantara Resort and Spa – pure paradise. The resort catered for everything I could ever need – a spa, a pool with a swim up bar and a private beach. And all at a bargain rate.

The 5km long beach is lined with the big resorts until it reaches an island topped with a golden Buddha. The beach itself is fairly quiet, mainly visited by Thai holidaymakers as opposed to Western tourists – so everything has an authentic Asian feel.

During the day (if you can drag yourself away from your beach deckchair) there are a number of activities to choose from including horse riding and kite boarding. You can head further afield to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Meaning ‘mountains with 300 peaks’, the park’s limestone mountains make it a haven for the local wildlife. There are caves to explore along the white beaches, reachable by boat.

Back in Hua Hin, journey to the markets in the middle of town in the evening and you’ll experience a traditional slice of Thailand among the food markets that line the streets. Try fresh seafood, sticky rice with mango and roti. It’s also a chance to pick up some cheap souvenirs and try out your haggling skills.

Hua Hin has a lot to offer the Thailand traveller and with the bargain prices available it’s a great value for money beach break. You could even combine it with a weekend in busy Bangkok to experience both sides of Thailand.

For more Thai beach inspiration, take a look at our Thailand Beach Sale, with Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Phuket holidays from £599.