As you may
have noticed, there has been a lot said about Stockholm lately. That's fine,
there is heaps to do in Stockhlm, hence a lot to recommend. But as I usually
spend December/January in Hua hin in our house there, I'd like to give you a taste
of what a winter without snow can be like.
When people
think of Thailand they usually think of Phuket or one of the many wonderful
islands around it. Some think of Koh Phi phi, Koh Samui or Koh Pa-nga with its
full moon parties. Some think of amazing dive waters or secluded beaches. Me, I
think of Thailand as my second home. I think of getting out of the taxi after a
long flight and then drive, entering our house. I think of the getting there
late at night, eloping 1m of snow in Sweden to arrive at 25 degrees and going
for the first swim in the pool. I think of the first morning, waking up and
taking a couple of seconds to realize that it's not a dream. I'm actually
there, in paradise.
When it
comes to Hua hin, I am simply at ease. It's a town that can make anyone feel
comfortable, no matter what age you are. It just has something to offer
everyone. I'll share some of my personal favorites with you here, making it a
tad bit easier for you if you are heading over!
Where to
stay?
Well for me
it’s easy, I obviously stay in our house (you can to, if we're not there!). But I think you should consider the
location of your stay carefully when you decide to go. First, what are your
needs, wants and budget? Do you want a
private pool or hotel breakfast? Do you want to stay at the beach or do you want
to be able to relaxed dinner on your private terrace? Do you want to stay in
town or are you ok to pay a tuk tuk around 150baht to get there, just to be able
to enjoy not having to listen to the 24h traffic?
Absoluteapartment
offers a wide range of places to accommodate most tastes. But we have our priorities
set straight, our guests want private swimming pools mostly. They want to be
able to have maid service, massage, meals etc a phone call away. And they want
the comfort of a home away from home. To me that is what we are offering. No
matter if you choose to rent one of our places or to rent from someone else, we
do think a house is the best way to experience Hua hin!
Fishing-
Catch and release
This is an
expensive trait in Hua hin, god knows why, but it’s also fun and if you love a
good struggle, do it! There are 2 main locations, depending on budget but check
out Fishing lodge and Greenfield.
4WD, paint
ball, elephants and much more. This is where I head out if I'm staying for a
long time and need some excitement; I especially recommend a game of paintball
with your friends, much more exciting than a round of golf.
Beaches
Main Hua
hin beach: Big, lots of tourist and big hotels. Go horseback riding, relax,
rent a kite board, and have fun!
Takiabi
beach: More relaxed, less people and friendlier. This is where I'd go with
children who aren't the youngest but not big enough to tackle the wind and waves
at the main beach.
Military
beach: Some Thais on vacation otherwise deserted. Private, cheaper, no hawking
and no sun beds. Very nice!
Kao Tao
(turtle beach): Small, clean secluded. A paradise if you are with small
children!
Markets:
Several different,
most famous is the Night market, in the center of Hua hin where they
sell clothes, food and jewelry. Most is fake but quite descent quality! Fruit
markets are scattered around town at different days, one is up by soi 114
and has good prices on anything that you can eat!
Elephant
riding
Heaps of
places around town, most include a quite boring elephant show however..
Restaurants
in Hua hin
Ahw, well,
by now, if you have followed us for a while, you know that I'm fond of food.
Hua hin is as well, lucky me! As usual when it comes to Thailand we are very
keen on empathizing that you shouldn't miss out on the local markets, the local
hawkers, the fruit carvers and all the rest of them. The best local food is
usually found in the smallest most modest places, but there are exceptions.
Local,
cheap and good
Not being
fluent in Thai, I will try to describe the locations instead..
On your way
to monkey mountain, at the very end of the main beach in Hua hin, you find a
small and simple sea food tavern. Actually you will find lots of them, but to
get to this one, walk on the beach and pick the last possible place. I dare say
they serve the best seafood in Hua hin! Don't miss the crab!
The market
at Soi 114, serves anything basically, cooked fresh, and lots of other things
to buy to in terms of fresh fruit, sea food and deserts.
The market
outside Grand hotel has lots of good half restaurants (egg hawkers with a few
tables and chairs), some of the best sweet corn in Hua hin and much more.
If you walk
the night market street from the beach and upwards, you get a large restaurant
at the second intersection to the right. It looks kind of shabby but the food
is excellent!
On the parallel
street to petkhasem, next to the railroad, walk from the station towards the
south and you'll find plenty of ok cheap restaurants filled with Europeans that
spend the winter in Hua hin. One that stands out is Kim’s kitchen, they do
excellent basic Thai food at outstanding prices and they deliver!
Up
market but definitely worth it
Coco 51: At
Soi 51, towards the beach, really really nice, good food, relaxing beautiful
setting. Lie music during the evenings and good atmosphere.
Hilton:
Roof top restaurant, very good, very pricy.
Brasserie de
Paris: Naresdamri road, at the waterfront. Good food!!
Along
Naresdamri road, towards Hilton you also have a little dock side restaurant, I
wouldn't call it upmarket but it isn't cheap so it gets to be here anyway.
However, it's really cozy, very relaxed, good place for children and the
seafood is good!
Sofitel:
Several restaurants, beautiful settings.
Marriott:
Great for special occasions, their buffets at the beach for thanksgiving for example
are stunning. Great service and so beautiful.
Above all
of these I’d like to really stick my neck out and say Dusit. Their Monday all
inclusive buffet could be the best in Thailand in terms of value for what you
get. For 1200Baht you get not only the hotels selection of red, white and sparkling,
but mainly a really good buffet that goes all the way and include anything from
Fresh oysters and roe to different steaks and seafood. Do leave room for the
large dessert section and then finish with a large cheese platter. A place that
holds anything from a chocolate fountain to Oyster for 1200baht is excellent
value!
Night
life in Hua hin
In general
one can say that Hua hin nightlife is quite calm and more focused on late night
diners that continue until the wee hours but there are exceptions.
Sun set cocktails
Above all,
literally, is Hilton. Take the elevator up to the sky bar, enjoy a cocktail
while the sun sets over Hua hin. Great view in all directions, good service and
perfect cocktails.
Sofitel, nice charming atmosphere, at the
beach you can see the last of the sunbathers leave the beach while sipping a
cool drink and having some nibbles of good Thai cuisine.
A bit
later..
Depending
on your type of scenery but Soi Binthabat is the definite bar mecka of Hua hin.
Naturally there are lots of lady bars but this is simply the Thai scenery. A
few places that are better than other according to us is the Irish bar O’Neil’s,
good music, good atmosphere and descent food and beer selection. Hua hin
Brewery has a relaxed outside seating area and a good nightclub inside. A
must for the late crew but ok for the rest as well if you sit outside. El Murphy’s
stand out when it comes to live music, their band is the best in town for sure,
but come early they stop playing around midnight and tip heavily, they don't
earn nearly as much as they should!
