Your Leisure Time
Cooking
One of the biggest contributions to winning people over in Thailand and Hua Hin is made by the cuisine. Now famous the world over, it's hard not to find something to appeal to your palate, no matter what your taste.
From the cheapest roadside stalls to the most sophisticated city restaurants, Thai dishes will enchant your taste buds. The succulent meat dishes, delicately flavored stir fries, tangiest curries, mouthwatering Noodles along with fresh fruit and vegetables are all just the norm in Thai cooking. Not to mention the “amazing” variety of fish dishes straight from the sea cooked using local ingredients!
Events & festivals
The Thai spirit is at its most colorful and captivating at the many festivals that decorate their calendar. These carnivals happen regularly in Hua Hin and celebrate the entire spectrum of Thai life, from religion to food to the arts and are a spellbinding spectacle in their selves. Lose yourself in ancient traditions, vibrant ceremonies and the joy of the people reveling in the best of Thai culture. Whether your interests are culinary, historical or you're just looking for a good excuse for a party, then seek out the festival that most suits your tastes. In and around Hua Hin, Khao Takiab, Khao Tao you will find many including “traditional long tail” (Dragon Boat) racing a spectacular event.
Fishing
Until recently Thailand was often over-looked as a destination by pleasure anglers. But a string of world record captures in recent years, and the ongoing high profile research into the world's largest Freshwater Fish, the Mekong Giant Catfish, has drawn attention to Thailand as an angling destination.
You can go fishing all season round, in comfortable temperatures and varied surroundings. There are several options locally in Hua Hin and Cha Am including Hua Hin Fishing Park, Greenfield Valley Fishing and Cottage Resort. Most have two lakes, a specimen lake with up to 300 Kg fish in stock along with a “family” lake with fish in stock up to 35 Kg.
Golf
Golf is fast becoming one of the major attractions for visitors to Thailand. The sport's popularity has risen dramatically and many new courses have sprung up across the country - over 200 at present count. The climate, combined with unparalleled scenery and top class facilities make Thailand the ideal golfing destination.
You can play golf all season round, in comfortable temperatures and in beautiful surroundings (Not to mention Caddies that will make your Round memorable). There are in excess of 10 golf courses in close proximity to Hua Hin including Thailand’s first ever Golf Course “The Royal Hua Hin’. Add to this International Standard Courses such as Black Mountain, Palm Hills, and The Banyan. As well as Springfield, Majestic Creek, Imperial Lake View and the National Park locations such as Royal Ratchaburi, Dragon Hills, and Krang Kachan then before you know where you are, there are Courses to suit all tastes and skill levels.
Shopping
Retail therapy is a welcome addition to any culture, and the shopping options in Thailand give you more to celebrate than ever if you're looking to treat yourself!
From Hua Hin’s street markets to the sleek boutiques, Blu Port mall and Market Village mall, now there's a place for you no matter how you like to shop! Enjoy bartering away with local stall holders or sitting down for coffee laden down with haute couture.
There are many shopping experiences that are particular to Thailand and Hua Hin, which will make even basic purchases all part of the adventure. Where else can you have a fitted suit made to your own designs, whipped up at record speed and for a fraction of what you might pay elsewhere?
Spa
Not many countries have such a dedication to relaxation as Thailand. Thai massage has for centuries been enjoyed by people around the world and visitors should never leave the country without having submitted to the incredible techniques of Thai practitioners on their home soil.
Sampling Thai massage is as easy as walking into one of the many small shops in Hua Hin, or looking out onto a perfect blue sea, as one of the beach-side practitioners work their magic on you. There are many to choose from in Hua Hin as well as in Pak Nam Pran and Khao Takiab.
All the latest treatments are available at the many spas locally, whether you're in need of some intensive massage, beauty therapy or just some time unwinding in the Jacuzzi.
Trekking
For all its hospitality and comfort, Hua Hin and the surrounding area is still very much about the spirit of adventure. The experience of trekking across a stunning landscape, taking in the amazing scenery, maybe coming across ancient temples/buildings as well as mixing with friendly villagers is one that few people will ever forget.
Maybe you even take an Elephant styled trek/safari for the half or full day with family and friends?
Cycling
Mountain biking is a sport increasing in popularity in Thailand, both among Thais and young international tourists. It is an ideal means of touring spectacular natural environment in and around Hua Hin; safe, cheap and fun, as well as environmentally green. Mountain biking around Hua Hin and the local towns/villages is a blend of high-grade exercise and natural, cultural and historical discovery. There are even local companies who specialize in tours and bicycle hire!
Muay Thai (Kick Boxing)
Take in a Muay Thai (Thai kick-boxing) match in the Hua Hin Stadium at the Grand Hotel. This traditional sport can be seen every week of the year. Thai boxing matches are preceded by elaborate ceremonies and accompanied by lively music. The Hua Hin Muay Thai Stadium and many smaller locations around Hua Hin even offer classes for beginners or people with urge to “experience” the art for them selves at all levels!
Wines
Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is built on a former elephant corral, a sublime place where wild Asian elephants were domesticated. The terrain, comprising mostly of loamy-sand and slate, is conducive to the cultivation of grapes providing the seaside resort town of Hua Hin with its first boutique vineyard. Siam Winery started developing the site after successfully experimenting at the nearby Royal Research Station at Huay Sai in 2003. Take a VINEYARD TOUR by elephant and explore what New Latitude Wines are all about. Or why not enjoy eating lunch and tasting the “award” winning wines for yourself whilst enjoying magnificent views from the Restaurant balcony!
Historic, Buildings, Palaces & Temples
There are JUST too many to name in and around Hua Hin. The town has enjoyed Royal Patronage for hundreds of years with many Kings and Royal Family members constructing an amazing array of Palaces and Temples/Wats/Gardens all within the local area. Not to mention the “Iconic” Hua Hin Railway Station probably the most well-known land mark of Hua Hin. Together these all provide visitors with an opportunity very “unique” to Hua Hin to see for themselves and also feel the very proud, amazing History of “Royal Thai” influences in Hua Hin. Past and present!
Phatra Marina & Yacht Club
Unspoiled and well-protected!
Located on the left bank of the Pranburi River near Paknam Pranburi. The Phatra Marina and Yacht Club is only 25 Kilometers South from Hua Hin and a mere 600 meters from Baan Paknam: approximately three hours South of Bangkok.
You don’t have to own a boat to enjoy the thrill and challenges of the open sea. Boat rental and expert training is available should you so desire. So you too can find out what you have been missing for so long!
Add to this the many frequent activities and tours available including fishing expeditions, sundowner cruises and much more! Yes a hidden jewel within easy travel of Hua Hin.
