The city of Hua Hin is billed as Thailand’s oldest beach resort city, made famous by its well-heeled and prestigious inhabitants, including Thailand’s longest running monarch, King Rama IX (Bhumibol Adulyadej). The Royal Family’s Klai Kangwon Palace, has long been a popular site for tourists, but the surrounding landscape has long offered nothing much in the realms of surprises for would-be Thailand goers, being nothing more than a quiet retreat amass with faceless five star hotels and a few sandy beaches.
Still, Hua Hin is undergoing a change. In order to shake the stodgy image of traditionalism that has long abounded, an association of hotels and resorts has recently launched a new campaign, 'It’s in Hua Hin ’. The idea of this is to turn the resort town into a luxury location that’s more well rounded and offers that little bit more than just a faceless getaway, making it worth the quick drive over from Bangkok.
It’s no longer the deserted island image of Thailand perpetuated by movies and neither is it Full Moon party central. The new Hua Hin is now mostly a couples’ and family area, with a lot more to do and a vibrant atmosphere. And whether you’re looking for a bit of culture, a healing spa treatment or just a taste of the local activity, Hua Hin offers something for everyone.