|
 TM
Far From Worries in Hua
Hin, Thailand.
Pack your bags and head
for the Land of Smiles.
Hua Hin on the Gulf of Siam is a resort fit for a king…
By Rowena Carr-Allinson
Hua Hin and Phuket are two of
Thailand's best known resorts: Hua Hin for being the king's chosen holiday
hideaway and Phuket for its reputation as the Pearl of the Andaman sea.
Hua Hin is a quieter, more genuine
experience. Visiting both destinations means another journey onwards from
Bangkok but don't let that put you off; once you've come this far what are a
few extra hours?
A good hotel will arrange your
airport transfers and there's little as pleasurable as stepping off a long
haul flight to be greeted by a friendly face who takes complete charge of
your bags, leaving you to glide through customs without a care in the world.
As you slam into the stifling heat outside, thank your lucky stars that your
lovely driver has thought of everything and is on hand with cold wet cloths
and chilled water. That's what I call travelling in style.
Hua Hin sits on the Gulf of Siam and
has gained a reputation as 'THE' beach resort for wealthy Thais. King Rama
VII built a summer palace here in 1928 as a gift for Queen Rambaibarni. He
named it "Klai Klangwol" which means "Far from worries". The present king
now spends most of his time here and, rumour has it, the small charming
coastal resort may well become Thailand's next capital.
By attracting the crème de la crème
of Thailand society the resort offers visitors a uniquely authentic
experience. The king's presence, which is strongly felt, has had the effect
of keeping sex tourism to a minimum.
A host of luxury resorts and spas
have sprung up along the coastline, including the world famous ChivaSom spa,
which regularly welcomes celebrities such as Liz Hurley. Thailand is
renowned for its alternative health therapies and fantastic massage
techniques. Make time for some pampering at a spa, indulging in total body
wraps, a full Thai body massage or a facial. The abundance of exotic flowers
such as orchids and jasmine makes for a sweet smelling, sensual experience.
The atmosphere is utterly serene while the ever cheerful and attentive staff
help you relax and unwind.
Top end spas do day passes so if you
want to sample some of ChivaSom's luxurious pampering you can, but you need
to book in well ahead of time - no dropping in unannounced! Other resort
spas are available for a spontaneous treatment or a day's package.
For shopaholics, trawling the night
markets for cheap designer fakes, Batik and local arts and crafts is a real
treat. Remember bargaining the prices down is part of the fun. Tailors will
make made-to-measure clothes at bargain prices. Here too it is possible to
haggle. A good price for men's shirts is £7 each, while dresses can be
purchased for about £20.
To get a real taste of the place,
sample the local cuisine on the stalls or in one of the many seafood
restaurants along the pier. Food and drink is very cheap and a good meal for
two won't set you back more than about £7.
If sport is your thing, Hua Hin is
famous for its six championship golf courses, including the 70-year old
Royal golf course.
September visitors should see the
King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament hosted by the Anantara Resort with the
Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. Elephant Polo was started by Mogul Indian
Kings and reinvented in 1982. The story says an Englishman and a Scotsman in
a Swiss bar came up with the plan. No, really; it may sound like a classic
joke but these two polo fans’ crazy idea became reality with the tournament
played in Sri Lanka and Nepal.
The Evason resorts are beautifully
laid-out and thoughtfully organised. The staff, in Hua Hin especially, were
among the sweetest and most friendly I have ever met, happy to go an extra
mile for your comfort. They actually try to pre-empt your wishes, and small
touches such as being offered ice creams and fruit by the pool and the
choice of both vegemite and marmite make all the difference!
The views, the beach and the
stunning swimming pools in both locations are the stuff of dream holiday
brochures. So much so that I had to pinch myself for a reality check on a
regular basis.
The high point of Hua Hin was
heading for the beach restaurant after our 24-hour trip. Calm, quiet and
right on the seafront, we were totally alone. The sun, the sea, ice cool
beer and the unfamiliar yet delectable smells of freshly grilled squid were
the best welcome one could ask for.
If you're looking for privacy, the
Pool Villas are an absolute treat. In both Hua Hin and Phuket they guarantee
you space and seclusion.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION :
The Evason Hua Hin Resort and Spa
9 Parknampran Beach, Prachuab Khiri Khan, 77220, Thailand
Tel: +66 - 32 - 632 111 , Fax: +66 - 32 - 632 112
E-mail:
rsvn@evasonhuahin.com
www.sixsenses.com/evason-huahin/
Elephant Polo Anantara Resort &
Spa
43/1 Phetkasem Beach Road,
Hua Hin 77110,
Thailand
Telephone: +66 3252 0250
Fax: +66 3252 0259
Reservations Tel: +66 2477 0800
Reservations Fax: +66 2877 7497
E-mail:
info@anantara.com
www.anantara.com
Chivasom Spa
73/4 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin,
Prachuab Khirikham 77110,
Thailand
Tel : +66(0) 3253 6536
Fax : +66(0) 3251 1154
Email:
reservation@chivasom.com
www.chivasom.net/main.asp
Back to TravelLady Magazine |