Hua Hin & Cha Am

Ideal destinations for a luxury and healthy lifestyle

For more than 80 years, the people of Bangkok looked westwards whenever they thought about holidays by the beach. In particular, they cast their eyes at a long and beautiful stretch of coastline on the left side of the Gulf of Thailand and a former fishing village whose wonderful natural attributes were first recognized by the Thai Royal Family, who built a royal palace there.

This place in the sun is Hua Hin. Thailand's oldest and most stately resort, a popular retreat for Bangkok's well-to-do as the perfect antidote to the pressures of city life. They first began visiting Hua Hin after the completion of the royal palace and have favored the town ever since.

Only three hours' drive by care (and four by train) from Bangkok, the town boasts a spectacular main bay whose vase tracts of sand are washed by the warm water of the gulf. Its original role as a fishing village continues to this day, providing local restaurants and hotels with the pick of the catch.

Hua Hin is Thailand's famous royal tropical haven - an idyllic spot for a relaxing weekend getaway or an extended visit. Over the years, Hua Hin and the nearby seaside village of Cha-Am have undergone many positive changes, turning them into world-class holiday destinations while retaining much of the character that first lured visitors to this part of Thailand.

Among thee positive changes is the opening of Hua Hin Airport recently as an international facility, capable of handling jet aircraft coming from Hong Kong, China, Singapore and even Europe. Domestic carrier Bangkok Airways operates daily flights to Hua Hin from Bangkok. Journey time is just 40 minutes. With the opening of the new international airport, this royal seaside resort has now settled itself more prominently on the map of world's travelers.

Also dotting this breathtaking, miles of pristine while sandy beaches curving around the bay on the Gulf of Thailand are world's leading hotel chains such as Sofitel. Hilton and Hyatt, in addition to the exclusive properties such as Chiva-Som International Health Resort and the Anantara Resort & Spa. International chain Evason now runs the former Club Aldiana near Pran Buri, some 20 minutes'drive south of Hua Hin. Although Cha-Am has yet to boast an international hotel, there is no shortage of excellent smaller hotels, guest houses, villas and cabanas here.

The spa revolution that has done much to enhance Thailand's reputation as a leading international travel destination began in Hua Hin with the opening of Chiva-Som International Health Resort, the country's first dedicated destination spa and health resort in the mid-90s. Today, Chiva-Som regularly attracts the world's top movies stars, models and business leaders to sample its range of sophisticated treatments and facilities.

For many visitors, Hua Hin's attraction lies in its leisurely pace as well as its traditional style and atmosphere. By day, Hua Hin and its surrounding province are bursting with activities . A short distance from the bustle of Hua Hin's central market are two of Thailand's most beautiful national parks - Kaeng Kracchan and Khao Sam Roi Yoi. Both are ideal for trekking or simple sightseeing.

Covering some 3000 square kilometers. Kaeng Krachan is the country's biggest national reserve and is home to a multitude of animal species. With vast rain forests stretching to the Myanmar border and a huge lake created by a dam, the area is naturalist's dream. Although considerably smaller. Khao Sam Roi Yot or "Mountain of 300 Peaks" is hardly less spectacular, with its towering limestone outcrops and mangroves providing the perfect habitat for extensive bird life.

This corner of Thailand is also inextricably linked with the country's rich cultural past. Ancient temples and royal palaces can be discovered in abundance here. With so much going for them, the increasing popularity of Hua Hin and Cha-Am comes as no real surprise.

The twin resorts of Hua Hin and Cha-Am are also very safe and peaceful destinations with great facilities in term of accommodation. Adding this to the superb service and the warm and friendly hospitality of the local people. Hua Hin and Cha-Am have only attracted more and more visitors, both local and overseas.

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