Thailand has long been a popular holiday destination for Australian travellers. Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui – all have regular flights, filled with couples, families and solo travellers seeking the delights of a tropical country with delicious cuisine, affordable shopping and indulgent Thai Spa centres.
Amazingly Hua Hin has managed to evade the hordes of tourists despite all its beauty.
Easily accessible from Bangkok – just a 3hr drive south, the city has always been popular with those keen to escape the stifling heat of Thailand’s capital. In the 1920s, Rama VI (King Vajiravudh) and Rama VII (King Prajadhipok) built summer residences here.
The enormous Phra Ratchawang Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries Palace) remains a royal residence. In the 1980s there was a construction boom, which put the area on the map with everyone from backpackers to ex-pats, but it’s still far from crowded.
My base was the beachfront Anantara Hua Hin Resort, a sprawling, palm tree-filled property where enormous lizards snaked across the pathways and we ate meals alfresco, under the watchful gaze of the resort’s resident parrot, Alex.
The 5-star eco resort was awarded the World Travel Award in 2015 for World’s Leading Green Resort and offers you the perfect escape from the urban grind. Your worries just melt away, just by being here. Surrounded by lush green gardens, lagoons, bird song and 3 happy hours: beachside, poolside and lagoon side.
But stay put and you’ll run the risk of missing Hua Hin’s best bits, like Wat Huay Mongkol, a beautiful temple topped with an enormous statue of Buddhist monk Luang Phor Thuad, who was known for his ability to perform miracles. Feeling lucky? Buy some gold leaf to make an offering.
An hour’s drive will take you to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, one of the largest wetland areas in Thailand. Hike to the park’s Phraya Nakhon Cave to admire the ornate pavilion tucked inside, or wander through the mangrove forests, home to cute dusky langur monkeys, and rare wild cats.
That evening, we dined under the stars beachfront at the Anantara Hua Hin Resort as a Seafood Buffet was on offer; tables were arranged around palm trees, facing the moonlit sea. Dinner was enormous tiger prawns and soft shell crab washed down with a fruity rosé from the nearby Monsoon Valley Winery.
Afterward, we opted for some retail therapy at the arty Cicada night market – a great place to sample delicious street food, see live entertainment, buy some local art, and mingle with locals. Souvenirs include highly fragrant, fruit-shaped soaps and candles, ornate wooden statues and beautiful greetings cards featuring intricate, carved wooden designs.
The next morning before our drive back to Bangkok we opted to a morning yoga session on the beach. As the sun rose, so did the temperature – the fresh smoothies on hand were greatly appreciated.
Before long, it’s time to head back to Bangkok. The change from the slower-paced Hua Hin life to imposing skyscrapers, beeping cars and smog is definitely a shock to the senses.