Discovering The Jewel of Thailand

Discovering The Jewel of Thailand: All About Hua Hin, Bangkok
Greetings, fellow travellers!

I am thrilled to share my most recent adventure, to a charming seaside town just a couple of hours from Bangkok, known as Hua Hin. It was an experience like no other. I will share details about the route, timing, ticket prices, the enchanting shows I attended, and all the little things that made Hua Hin an unforgettable destination.

Journey to Hua Hin:

Hua Hin is roughly 200 kilometers south of Bangkok, making it an easily accessible paradise for locals and tourists alike. We decided to go by train from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok, which is part of the experience I'd highly recommend. The journey takes around four hours, depending on the train. The 3rd class fare is THB 44 (about $1.40), the 2nd class is THB 202 (about $6.50), and the 1st class sleeper is THB 932 (about $30). The train provides some beautiful views of the Thai countryside, along with some local life scenes that give you an authentic feel for Thailand.

Exploring Hua Hin:

Hua Hin is a unique blend of city and sea with lively markets, tasty street food, long beaches, and a fully functional modern infrastructure, including world-class resorts and shopping centers.

1. Hua Hin Beach:

We started our exploration with Hua Hin's main beach, a 4 km white sand stretch that is perfect for sunbathing, water sports, or horse riding. There are no entrance fees, and it's open 24 hours.

2. Hua Hin Night Market:

After a relaxing day at the beach, we headed to the Hua Hin Night Market, the heart of the town's nightlife. Open from 18:00 to 23:00, it's the place to go for street food, shopping, and souvenirs. One can find a vast array of food choices from fresh seafood to classic Thai dishes. Prices vary based on what you purchase, but they're quite reasonable.

3. Hua Hin Railway Station:

Our next stop was the iconic Hua Hin Railway Station, one of the oldest in Thailand and known for its charming royal waiting room. No tickets are required to visit the station.

4. Plearn Wan Shopping Village:

To experience Hua Hin's past, we visited Plearn Wan Shopping Village. Styled as a retro village, it features old-style buildings, shops selling vintage items, and food stalls selling traditional Thai cuisine. The entrance is free, and it's usually open from 10:00 to 22:00.

Spectacular Shows in Hua Hin:

1. Hua Hin Elephant Village:

One of the highlights of our trip was the Hua Hin Elephant Village. A half-day visit cost us around THB 600 (about $19), including a one-hour elephant trek. They also have shows where these gentle giants demonstrate their skills.

2. Cicada Market:

On Friday evening, we visited the Cicada Market (open from 16:00 to 23:00, Friday to Sunday). The open-air market has an artistic vibe, with live music, performances, art workshops, and an array of food and drink stalls. Entrance is free, but bring cash for shopping and food.

3. Hua Hin Vineyard:

A visit to the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard was a delightful experience. A wine-tasting tour costs around THB 1500 ($48) per person, which includes transportation, a guided tour, wine tasting, and a meal. The vineyard also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

All in all, Hua Hin is an incredible escape from the bustling city of Bangkok. Its laid-back atmosphere, cultural offerings, and natural beauty make it a destination that shouldn't be missed. It truly is a seaside paradise that combines all the conveniences of modern travel with the charm of traditional Thailand. I would highly recommend this captivating town to any traveller looking for a unique Thai experience.

Until next time, happy travels!

Note: All prices are as of May 2023, so please double-check before planning your journey.