Hua Hin Tourist Attractions
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Hua Hin (meaning stone head) is a popular beach resort on the Gulf of Thailand 232 km (144 mi.) south of Bangkok, and, since the Royal Family stopped going to Bang Pa In, is where King Bhumibol has his summer palace.
Royal Palace
Looking like a European pleasure palace, the royal residence of Klai Klangwan ("far from all cares") was built by Rama VII and completed in 1910. Recently renovated, it stands in magnificent grounds extending down to the sea. The rock which looks like a head at the southern end of the sandy beach gave Hua Hin its name.
Fish Market
Hua Hin has Thailand's second largest fishing fleet and the bustling fish market in the north of the town is well worth a visit, especially in the morning when the big catches of fish are being landed.
Wat Khao Lad
Wat Khao Lad, 20 minutes from Hua Hin by bus, is perched on a nearby rock and anyone who clambers up the steep flight of steps to it will be rewarded with a lovely view of the sea, the mountains in the east and the village of Khao Takiap.
Night Market
The daily night market on Dechanuchit Road, with all its street traders, is also worth a visit, and has many restaurants and stalls selling cooked food.
Railway Hotel
The elegant Railway Hotel in the center of Hua Hin is another place worth seeing. At one time the quarters for the employees of the Thai State Railway, the Hotel Sofitel Central Hua Hin, as it is now called, has kept its original 1923 ambience of the colonial-style grand hotel, despite extensive refurbishment.
Station
Hua Hin's little station is the end of the line for a restored steam locomotive of the kind that was used by the Royal Thai Railway, as it was then called, until 1975. Nowadays steam has given way to diesel and some stretches of line have even been electrified. There is a charming little royal waiting room as well.
King's Summer Palace
The present summer palace of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit close by is not open to the public, but if the monarch is staying at Hua Hin visitors may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of him out sailing.
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