Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(North Hua Hin Beach; grounds 5.30-7.30am & 4-7pm)
While the northern end of Hua Hin's beach
is not its most spectacular section, it is lined with genteel Thai-Victorian garden estates
bestowed with ocean-inspired names such as 'Listening to the Sea House'. The current
monarchy's palace lies about 3km north of town but visitors are only allowed on the
grounds
(ID required).
There are public access paths to the beach off Th Naebkehardt. On weekends, Th
Naebkehardt is the preferred getaway for Bangkok Thais, some of whom still summer in
the old-fashioned residences while others come to dine in the houses that have been con-
verted into restaurants (
Click here
)
.
Plearn Wan
( 0 3252 0311;
www.plearnwan.com
;
Th Phetkasem btwn Soi 38 & Soi 40; 9am-9pm)
As much
an art installation as a commercial enterprise, Plearn Wan is a vintage village containing
stylised versions of the old-fashioned shophouses which once occupied the Thai-Chinese
districts of Bangkok and Hua Hin. There's a pharmacy selling (well actually displaying)
roots, powders and other concoctions that Thai grandmothers once used, as well as music
and clothes stores.
It would be a tourist trap if it charged an admission fee but the mostly Thai visitors just
wander the grounds snapping photos without making any impulse purchases. If you want
to support this bit of nostalgia, there are retro souvenirs and snack shops.
NOTABLE BUILDING
Phra Ratchaniwet
Mrigadayavan
( 0 3250 8443; admission 30B; 8.30am-4pm)
With a breezy seaside location 12km north of
Hua Hin, this summer palace was built in 1923 during the reign of Rama VI. Set in a
beautiful garden with statuesque trees and stunning sea views, it's a series of interlinked
teak houses with tall shuttered windows and patterned fretwork built upon stilts forming
a shaded ground-level boardwalk.
The functional but elegant style of the palace was a result of Rama VI suffering from
rheumatoid arthritis; the court's Italian architect designed it to maximise air circulation
and make the most of the seaside location. There's not a huge amount to see (a small se-
lection of royal photos is on display), but it's a tranquil spot and Thais flock here to pay
their respects.
HISTORICAL SITE
