Teak royal palace in hua hin. Summer royal palace in hua hin

The first organized settlements on the site of Hua Hin appeared not so long ago - at the beginning of the 19th century. This happened when a drought forced some of the Thai peasants who lived closer to to move to more fertile lands. So the village of Samore Riang appeared, which means " stone row". Later it was renamed several times, but the "stone" was present in each new name.

In 1911, a railway line was built here, which caused an influx of local wealthy residents who wanted to buy a bungalow on the seashore. And the beginning of the tourist history of Hua Hin dates back to 1920, when this city attracted the attention of King Rama VI himself. The monarch decided to establish his summer residence here, which entailed the construction of two luxurious palaces, as well as providing a high level of security. And today in Hua Hin there is almost no crime, there is always order on the streets and an almost European atmosphere.

Entertainment and attractions

Since the city of Hua Hin is relatively young and small - only 911 square kilometers, there are almost no historical sights within its borders, except for royal palaces. But there are a lot of them in the vicinity, and each one is easy to get to.

Hua Hin sightseeing overview

• - summer Royal Palace with the unpronounceable name Marukhataivan appeared in 1923. This graceful airy building made of yew wood is located 15 kilometers from the city - on the way to Cha-Am.

• - main royal residence beautiful name"Away from worries", located 2 kilometers from Hua Hin. Unlike the previous palace, this one is still used by the royal family.

• Royal pavilion at the railway station- Built in 1920, a waiting room designed for the royal family. It is practically not used for its intended purpose, but thanks to beautiful architecture has become a popular tourist attraction.

• - not too high (only 272 meters), but noticeable from almost anywhere in Hua Hin, it is interesting with a temple and an observation deck at the top. It is believed that tens and hundreds of monkeys live on Khao Takiab, but, according to tourists, you can usually meet a maximum of 2-3 monkeys on the way up. But you will see big statue Buddhas and also get a great overview of the surroundings.

• Bat Cave- is in low grief located 30 kilometers from Hua Hin. From karst cave every evening, just after sunset, hundreds of bats fly out, forming a real swarm. You can get here from Petchakasem Road, after driving about 5 kilometers after Cha-Am and turning right at the flyover.
• three caves- Kailon Cave, Dao Cave and Laplae Cave, are located about 30 kilometers from the city, next to the Palau waterfall. In one of them, in Kailon Cave, a hermit monk once lived. The other two are interesting with bizarre stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the ubiquitous Buddha statues.
• Hua Hin Zoo- A new zoological garden was built in Hua Hin recently, in 2016. It is located about 20 minutes northwest by car from Market Village. You should not expect a wide variety of animals here, but there are deer, a white lion cub, crocodiles, tigers, peacocks.
• - part of a large and beautiful national park forest park, where routes are laid for tourists along light suspension bridges.

• Palau Waterfall (Pala-U)- located in the Kaeng Krachan National Park, it is located about 60 kilometers from Hua Hin. This waterfall of 16 steps is the highest in Thailand, so a magnificent view opens from the observation deck at its top.

• - an original attraction near the Pak Tien beach near the city of Cha-Am. It is a 6-meter statue of a black woman - a demon who beckons a Thai prince with his finger.

• - a temple dedicated to the legendary monk named Luang Pro Tuad, who, according to legend, could work miracles. The dominant feature of the temple is an 11-meter statue of a monk on a high pedestal; beautiful park with reservoirs. And you can get here by moving along the Soi 70 highway in a western direction (about 20 kilometers from the city).

• Temple in the rock Wat Cha Am- this unusual sanctuary is located in the Cha-Am area, 40 kilometers from Hua Hin. Its main part is a cave where the statue of the reclining Buddha is kept. Also here you can find a number of small figurines and a stone statue, in which the guards of the temple see the head of a snake.
• Elephant Village- There are several elephant villages in Hua Hin, but the most popular of them is located near Wat Khao Itisukato. Here you can ride elephants, take pictures with them or feed the animals with specially purchased bananas.
• - an adventure park located in the jungle about 12 kilometers from the city. It offers activities such as snake and elephant shows, elephant rides, quad bike rides. It is believed that it is in Hua Hin Safari & Adventure Park that the most interesting elephant show is shown.

Of course, these are not all interesting places in Hua Hin. There are several colorful Buddhist shrines and even one Orthodox church Holy Royal Passion-Bearers. Other attractions include the Vana Nava water park, the artists' village and vineyards. In a word, even if you come for a month or more, you will find what to see and what excursions to fill your free time with.

Interesting fact: it is believed that the wooden statues of elephants in the temple of the Black Monk can grant wishes - you just need to go around any of them 9 times, passing under the belly, and put a small coin in the statue's mouth.

Download the Hua Hin attractions map.

Things to Do in Hua Hin

Address railway station : (intersection of Soi 67 and Prapokklao).

Railways official website: .

Hua Hin has an airport, but with only one lane, and it is usually used for private flights.

How to get from Moscow:

Option 1 - via Bangkok

Airplane: Direct flights to Bangkok are offered by Gulf Air and Aeroflot. With one change Turkish Airlines. Travel time - from 12 to 32 hours, depending on the flight.

Option 2 - via Pattaya

Airplane: Aeroflot has direct flights to Pattaya, offers options with transfers Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways Emirates. In flight, you can spend from 5 to 30 hours or more.

Option 1 - via Bangkok

Airplane: There are no direct flights, but you can fly to Bangkok with 1 transfer with Turkish Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Aeroflot. On the way - from 13 to 40 hours or more.

Option 2 - via Pattaya

Airplane: there are flights with only 1-2 transfers from Turkish Airlines, Hainan Airlines, S7, Aeroflot and others. On the way - from 14 hours or more.

How to get from Bangkok:

You can also leave the South and Northern bus stations, however, this will not be the most convenient transfer.

How to get from Pattaya:

Interesting: at Bangkok airport you can get a SIM card from Thai operators DTAC and TRUE for free. In Bangkok itself, it is better to use TRUE, but in other parts of Thailand, DTAC will have a more stable connection and faster Internet.

Transport - how to get around the city

Hua Hin has a fairly wide public transport network:

• - a fast and inexpensive way to move around the city if you are traveling alone and without luggage. All drivers wear bright red-crimson vests, it is difficult to confuse them with someone else.

• songteo- Thai pick-up minibuses, in which benches are placed for passengers in the back of the car. This is the cheapest mode of transport, the fare is on average from 15 ( ~32 rub. ) up to 40 baht ( ~85 rub. ). They differ in colors:
  - green ones go from Khao Takiab through the center of Hua Hin to the airport and back;
  - white with a red stripe - go along the ring from Thanon Phetkasem street to Soi Hua Hin 41;
  - white people can drive from the railway station to the Market Village shopping center and to the floating markets;
  - orange - will help you get to the hospital and to the Tesco Lotus shopping center.

• - Another form of transport familiar to Thailand. Tricycles work like taxis and usually wait for passengers near interesting tourist spots.

• trishaws- not so much transport as entertainment and attractions. You can usually see them up close. central beach but travel is expensive.
• Taxi- in Hua Hin you can order a taxi that will pick you up from Bangkok airport or railway station, but you should not count on an air-conditioned car, there are very few of them.

Rent a car, motorbike or scooter

Tourists who wish to travel on their own can use car rental at Bangkok Airport. There are also rental offices in the center of Hua Hin, but the choice of cars is not so great.

There will be no problems with renting a bike or scooter either - rental offices operate at large hotels and right on the street. Please note: Driving without a helmet can result in a fine! And the good news: almost all parking in Hua Hin is free.

Restaurants and cafes - where to eat

Hua Hin has a plethora of options for delicious food, from expensive restaurants to street food. There are budget facilities on the territory of the Market Village shopping center - these are several cafes and a food court. Also an inexpensive option are BBQ buffets that offer Buffet from raw foods and soft drinks. You can cook a portion for yourself in the same place, on the coals.

From restaurants, a small check for lunch or dinner should be expected at Yayoi chain establishments - here Japanese cuisine is adapted for Europeans. Italian dishes, including pizza, can be tasted at the La Grappa restaurant, where the chef comes from (by the way, they also serve real delicious grappa here), as well as at the Andreas Italian Restaurant. European cuisine in Hua Hin is presented in All in Hua Hin - a restaurant and a deli under one roof. national food delicious food at Livanto Lifestyle, Moon Smile & Platoo, Chao Lay. And for those who miss borscht, dumplings and other traditional Russian dishes, there is the Sadko restaurant.

Where to buy products

Tourists who want to eat on their own can shop for groceries at the small 7Eleven chain stores that are found throughout the city. In addition, you can make purchases in Big C, Market Village, Tesco Lotus supermarkets, and traditional domestic food is available in Villa Market.

And a few words about Hua Hin food markets. Seafood is worth buying at the fish market on Khao Takiab, fruits - at the market behind the bridge near the Tesco Lotus store (open from 15:00). And, of course, almost any delicacy can be found at the Chat Chai day market and the night Night Bazaar.

Average product prices:

• Rice - 40 baht ( ~85 rub. );
• Bottle of water - 8-9 baht ( ~19 rub. );
• Milk - 45 baht (1 liter) ( ~95 rub. );
• Bread - 35 baht (0.5 baht) ( ~74 rub. );
• Bananas - 30 baht ( ~64 rub. );
• Potato - 33 baht ( ~70 rub. );
• Chicken - 185 baht ( ~392 rub. ).

Interesting fact: Hua Hin has a chocolate factory that produces a wide range of Thai sweets. The store can be found near the Cicada Market.

Weather

The climate of Hua Hin as a whole is not much different from the weather typical for most Thai resorts. However, the humidity here is still not as high as, for example, in Bangkok. The dry but cool season lasts from late November to late February, it is rather dry and hot from March to early June, and the rainy season is from June to November.

Despite the fact that prolonged rains for many days are rare for this place, it is very problematic to move around the city in bad weather. Alas, the drainage system can not cope even with a downpour for half a day.

Many tourists are interested in: is it necessary to be afraid of the tsunami in Hua Hin? After all, such disasters have happened more than once on the coast of Thailand. But this city is located in the depths of the Gulf of Thailand and is protected from weather surprises.

Where to stay

Since Hua Hin is resort town, there are many housing options: hotels, apartments, guesthouses, apartments and condominiums. Among the best beach hotels you could call it a Marriott resort and Spa, Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hilton Hua Hin, Hyatt Regency - all these are 5-star hotels within walking distance from the sea. Luxurious villas near the royal summer residence offers complex V Villas Hua Hin. More affordable housing options can be found in the inexpensive hotels Sofia Hotel, Giulietta e Romeo, as well as in the Chada Guesthouse.

It is possible to rent a house on your own, but it is unlikely that this will be done quickly and without intermediaries - there are few rental offers on the streets. Usually those who come here for a long time book a hotel room for 3-4 days and during this time they look for where to stay, systematically going around the city. But do not expect that you will certainly find something suitable during this time. Still, it’s better to find housing in advance - for example, using the service. This is the best solution for those who travel for a long time and with children.

If you want to live near the beach, most likely it will be an apartment in a condominium. Almost on the entire coast, the 1st line is occupied by condos, and a little further you can find townhouses and houses in the private sector. For a trip for several months or wintering, it is more profitable to rent a townhouse, although condominiums are usually more comfortable.

Hua Hin beaches on video

Despite its high cost, Hua Hin resort is a great place for both long-term trips and short-term tours. It is believed that it is especially suitable for families with a small child and for those who do not like noisy "party" places, preferring cleanliness and safety. However, and active tourists will be able to find entertainment to their liking here, especially since it is easy to get from here on an excursion to Bangkok, Pattaya and other busy places.

Behind Hua Hin status has long been established royal resort". It became royal in 1921, when Rama VI built his residence on the outskirts of a small fishing town. Now the palace is open to everyone, which we did not fail to take advantage of.

In fact, there are two royal palaces in Hua Hin. The first is called Klai Kangwon Palace (พระราชวังไกลกังวล), which translates roughly as "Far from worries", and still remains the current royal residence. Members of the royal family often live in the Klai Kangwon Palace and mere mortals can get there only when none of the royal persons are in the palace, and this happens quite rarely.

Second royal palace he is Maruekkhathayawan (Mrigadayavan) Palace, also known as the Palace of Love and Hope and the Teak Palace, has now been turned into a museum. It will be discussed below.

The palace and park are open every day from 9:00 to 16:00, according to unverified data, the day off is Wednesday.

The entrance costs 30 baht to the park and another 30 baht if you want to go upstairs to the palace premises. Here it is worth considering that the royal palace among Thais is equated to a temple, so you need to dress accordingly: knees and shoulders should be covered.

At the entrance, guests are greeted by a small museum hall with photographs of monarchs:

The central part of the palace was intended for official receptions and ceremonies, and on the sides of it were the chambers of the king and queen.

Although the palace is built entirely of teak, the piles on which it stands are concrete. Here the builders messed up a little. Traditionally, Thais still build their houses on wooden "legs". We saw such thick piles of whole teak trunks in two girths in, it is more modest on piles.

Houses in Asia are raised on piles for protection from water, insects and additional ventilation. And teak is considered the best building material because of its strength and moisture resistance. I wrote about traditional Thai architecture in a post.

The free space under the piles is usually used by Thais as a kitchen, a garage or a barn, but such disgrace is not allowed in the royal palace, so wire deer simply stand here.

There are no glasses in traditional Thai houses either - only wooden shutters.

An example of true Buddhist care for mosquitoes: beautiful openwork carved holes in the walls (sorry, it hurt).

And in general, as I said, the main (and sometimes the only) detail of a house in the tropics is the roof!

The teak royal palace stands right on the seashore - along the surf there is a small, but impossibly licked embankment.

If you manage to find the main facade of the palace in the interweaving of galleries and pavilions, then you will see that it faces the sea.

Special galleries lead to the beach from the palace - separate from the chambers of the king and queen.

The palace with all its galleries is simply immersed in greenery and seems to be an integral part of the park. The park is very well maintained, it is clear that it is carefully monitored. Many trees are also equipped with information boards.

There are really a lot of cool trees and bushes all around.

This is, for example, plumeria. When she sleeps, she looks like soft deer antlers.

And when it blooms, it turns into everything famous flower frangipani.

Thais are very fond of making living sculptures out of bushes using wire and scissors. Usually elephants are obtained, but for some reason deer again.

All this beauty is constantly watered with automatic sprinklers and during the walk you have to periodically dive (or jump on purpose) into refreshing water clouds.

In the far corners of the park, some other separate pavilions are hiding, but their essence has not been unraveled.

The residence of King Rama VI of Thailand is located in Hua Hin. About a hundred years ago, Rama VI chose the city of Hua Hin as the location for his residence. Until now, the city has retained the title royal residence. Now the palace is open to everyone and we did not miss the chance to look at the century-old building.

In fact, there are two royal palaces in Hua Hin. One of them is called Klai Kangwon (Klai Kangwon Palace) and is the current royal residence. You can only enter its territory when all members of the royal family leave the palace, but this happens extremely rarely. At the time of our visit to Hua Hin, the people of Thailand were celebrating the coronation day of the current King Rama IX. People from different cities kingdoms to see the king and show his allegiance to him. Many visitors spread rugs along the fence of the royal residence and spent the night on the street in order to find themselves in the most convenient places to watch the holiday in the morning. Of course, we could not visit the current residence and attend the celebration, but we went to another royal palace.

The residence of King Rama VI of Thailand - Teak Palace of Love and Hope Maruekkhathayawan (Mrigadayavan Palace) is now a tourist attraction. This is the first royal residence in Hua Hin built for Rama VI. The palace and park are open every day from 9:00 to 16:00, the day off is Wednesday. The entrance costs 30 baht to the park and another 30 baht if you want to go upstairs to the palace premises. You can rent single, double and triple bikes at the entrance. Rental price from 20 to 50 baht.

The residence of the King of Thailand is large complex of 16 light teak pavilions, which are interconnected by bridges and passages.The central part of the palace was intended for official receptions and ceremonies, and on the sides of it were the chambers of the king and queen. The palace is built entirely of teak, but the piles on which it stands are concrete. There is no glass in the windows, as shutters were installed in traditional Thai houses. TO the royal palace stands on the seashore. Here you can see a private beach for the royal family and beautiful alley from ancient trees. Gthe main facade of the palace faces the sea. Only from the side of the sea can you see the overall picture of a huge building.Two long corridors lead to the beach from the palace. One of the Queen's chambers, the other of the King's chambers.

At the time of our visit to this place, some restoration work was being carried out, so we could not get inside the summer house and the royal palace. Violating the warning about the ban on entry, we made our way to the second floor of the royal palace, where we managed to see the dining room. A minute later, we were asked to leave the second floor...

The entrance to the residence of the King of Thailand is a well-groomed area with gazebos, benches, a fountain, statues and a shop where you can buy many interesting edible goodies.

On the territory of the royal residence, there is another interesting place. This is the summer house of King Rama VI. Its dimensions are already more familiar to us. It is located secluded from everything, on the seashore, surrounded by nature and tranquility. The architecture completely coincides with the main royal palace. private beach fenced with a chain that prohibits swimming.

Sights of Hua Hin. teak palace Hua Hin. Teak Palace is a tourist attraction in Hua Hin.

The palace is built of golden teak wood, the wood of which is considered very valuable. This tree can be found in Asian countries. Its value lies in the fact that no influences from the external environment spoil or destroy it. Teak is quite resistant to climate change and various pests. This value of teak wood has led to the fact that the population of this tree in Asia is rapidly declining.

The teak palace was named after the park. It is believed that it was in this park that the Buddha gave his first sermon. Another name for this attraction is the Palace of Love and Hope.

Hua Hin Teak Palace was built in 1924 for members of the royal family and the king. Rama VI personally oversaw the construction of the palace. It was prescribed by the doctor that the king needed to rest in a dry and cool place. The existing residence of the king for a summer holiday in Petchaburi seemed to the doctor not a very suitable place. On the advice of the doctor, the construction of a healthier place to relax on the seashore began. The palace is located on Chao Samran Beach between Hua Hin and Cha Am.

The building was designed by a talented architect invited from Italy - Ercole Manfredi. In appearance The hand of an Italian master is noticeable in the palace - the presence of simple, light, not overloaded and refined elements in execution makes the palace incredibly attractive. The palace for the summer holidays of the king is not distinguished by pomposity and royal gloss.

Hua Hin teak palace has 16 halls and consists of two floors. All halls are connected by passages on the first floor. There is also a long corridor that leads to the beach.
The second floor of the palace consists of themed rooms. The king and members of his family rested in the right wing; the attendants lived on the left side of the building. The royal part of the palace assumed that only one representative of the stronger sex could enter there - the king himself. The rest of the men were forbidden to visit this territory. Interestingly, the number of halls at first was less. After the arrival of the king, another pavilion was completed for lunch. which is closer to the beach.

In the halls of the central part of the palace, the king liked to engage in creativity. It was a creative zone for experiments, where the king wrote plays, did drawing, worked on translations of famous literary works into his native language.

Hua Hin Teak Palace is located in a beautiful and cozy park. Shady places around the summer residence of the king allow you to make pleasant walks and relax there in the hottest weather.

As you know, the king rested in this palace for only two summers. In the late autumn of 1925 he died.
The residence has a small hall where all the photographs of the royals and their family tree hang.

Hua Hin teak palace is open to visitors from 8:00 to 16:00. Entrance to the territory and the palace itself is paid, a ticket costs 30 baht per person. Children can visit the palace for free. Tourists are required to cover their shoulders and knees. Renting scarves can help out unprepared visitors. Bicycle rental is available on site. It is possible to take a bicycle with a child seat.