Hua Hin is a lot more than beaches, golf courses and good food. There are a lot of things to see in and around the city.
Here are some of the things that are close and well worth a visit and a bit out of the regular tourist map.
Maruekatayawan Palace (Teak palace)
Just a bit north of Hua Hin is Maruekatayawan Palace. This was designed by His Majesty King Rama VI in 1923 and is a superb example of classic raised Thai architechure. Of particular note are three two-storied wooden pavilions facing out to sea. Halls are linked together throughout the palace and there are residential areas for royal consort members and naturally for The Royal Family.
Ratchapakdi Park
The park is being constructed by the Thai army to honor past Thai monarchs and is situated on an army compound near the Klai Kangwon Palace. The project is estimated to cost about 700 million baht ($20,000,000), according to local media.Opening date is August 19. You will find it on the right hand side just south of Hua Hin on the old Pranburi road. Just opposite the Sea Pinse /Suan Son golfcourse
Standing in line at the park are the statues of
1. King Ramkhamhaeng the Great
2. King Naresuan the Great
3. King Narai the Great
4. King Taksin the Great
5. King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great (King Rama I)
6. King Mongkut (King Rama IV)
7. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).
Hua Hin Railway Station
Hua Hin's station is one of the oldest in Thailand and its main feature is The Royal Waiting Room that used to welcome King and his court when they were visiting the town.
Originally, it was situated at Sanamchan Palace in Nakom Pathom and was known as Plub Pla Sanamchan. Eventually, the room was tranported to Hua Hin. It is designed in the same style as Maruekkhathayawan Palace and is an attraction not to be missed if you are staying in Hua Hin.
The train station is located at the top (west end) of Damnoern Kasem Road.
Hua Hin Hills
Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is built on a former elephant corral, a sublime place where wild Asian elephants were domes ticated. 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 experimen ting at the nearby Royal Research Station at Huay Sai in 2003.
Pranburi river
Pranburi is charming with its river Pran that runs through the city. before this river was the commuication route for junks trade from the sounthern land. Today ,it serves the boating activity to admire the forest and fishermen way of life on both sides. The boating starts at baan fung Tha – the village of widelife reserve and agricultural tour in the local’ long tailed boats taking for a totaldistance fo 20 kilometers taking 2 hours for around trip .One way trip is possible taking only 1 hour.
Singkhorn market and Manao bay
If you care for a day trip this is the place to go. Singkhorn is the narrowest point of Thailand and just before the border crossing (locals only) to Myanmar there is market where you can buy most things. Go there on a Saturday and you will find everything from beautiful wood furniture to orchids and jewelry.
After the visit you can relax on the beach at beautiful Manao Bay in Prachuab Khirikhan, enjoy some fresh barbecued seafood at one of the many restaurants.
Singkhorn is just south of Prachuab Khirikhan. About 1½ hour drive from Hua Hin.