The province of Prachuab Khiri Khan
is a thin strip of land along the Thai peninsula, with Phetchaburi to the north and
Chumphon to the south. At one point, from the Burmese border town of Dan Singkhon to the
provincial capital of Prachuab Khiri Khan, the distance measures just 12
km. Khiri Khan is a small peaceful resort, very popular with many Thais. Keen walkers
should take the exhausting hike to the top of Khao Chong Krachok (mirror mountain) where
you will be rewarded with a spectacular vista of the surrounding countryside and bay.
There is another beach at Ao Manao, 5 km further to the south.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is situated about 230 km south
of Bangkok, about 3 hours drive. Laying opposite from Pattaya in the Gulf of Thailand, the
same can be said for the type of resort it is. The town doesn't have the general bawdyness
that has been associated with Pattaya and doesn't posses so called 'entertainment
centres'. So for those who want a more tranquil atmosphere, surrounded in a more
traditional ambience, then Hua Hin is a more suitable place to visit.
Hua Hin is Thailand's oldest seaside
holiday town and has had connections with the Royal Family since the 19th
century. The royal connection started in 1868 when King Mongkut travelled here to
observe a total eclipse of the sun.
In 1910 the brother of Rama VI,
Prince Chakrabongse visited the area on a wild-game hunt. He became so enchanted with the
place, he had a villa built there. The first royal to build a palace here was Prince
Naris, the son of Rama V, who had Saen Saram House built. In 1928 the Prince's brother
King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) added to the royal connection by having the teakwood palace Deer
Park built. Finally, in the late 1920's Rama VII had another palace built, Klai Kangwon or
'far from worries'. The name is ironic as it was while the king was here that he was
dislodged from the throne in a coup d'etat in 1932. The Royal family still visit the
palace to spend their summer days there.
The 1980's saw a resurgence in
development, mainly to cater for the wealthier patrons of Bangkok. Condominiums stretch
along the white sandy beach to the south of the bay. Championship golf courses have
been constructed, to match that of the Royal Hua Hin Golf Club - the oldest in the
kingdom, built in 1928. Resulting in Hua Hin becoming a major destination for golfing
enthusiasts. Despite the modernisation, the charm of Hua Hin can still be found in the
local community's continuence of their everyday activities. Visitors need not go no
further than the fishing harbour and pier. The common sight of the fishermen turning over
their catch, before loading up with ice and then head off into the night for the next days
catch. Several restaurants near the pier are a good place to sample the catch. The
nightmarket in the centre of town is another good place for getting to try out as many
local dishes as you want.
Railway Hotel
This famous hotel was built in 1923 by Prince Purachatra, who was
the head of the State Railways of Thailand. A graceful colonial style building, it became
the nation's most prestigious seaside hotel, but fell into disrepair by the 60's.
Fortunately, in 1986, it was renovated and enlarged into an excellent five-star hotel.
Movie buffs might recognise it from the movie "The Killing Fields" when it
acted as the role of the Phnom Penh Hotel.
