With rainy season over, the days drenched in lovely sunshine and high season fast approaching; here are 5 great things to do in and around the seaside town of Hua Hin.
- Monsoon Valley – For the wine lovers amongst you can find Monsoon Valley vineyard just a 30 min drive into the mountains outside of Hua Hin. Not only can you eat some delicious food and sample the wines from the vineyard on their dining sala, you can also take a vineyard tour, go mountain biking or take a wine safari, all while you’re still half cut from lunch.
- Phraya Nakhon Cave – South of Hua Hin is the stunning Sam Roi Yot national park. Comprising beaches, mountains and marshland, this beautiful region provides some breathtaking scenery. Hidden within this region is the Phraya Nakhon Cave which consists of 2 sinkholes into the mountain and features a beautiful Royal Temple, built for his majesty King Rama V at the end of the 19th century. If you catch it at the right time of day the sunlight beams down through the roof of the cave and illuminates the pavilion. It’s well worth the climb to make it up there but be warned you need some quad strength.
- Visit a Water Park – There are 2 great water parks close to the centre of Hua Hin. The more family-friendly Black Mountain water park is full of various different slides and rides ranging from the tranquil lazy river to the more strain inducing Grey Screw. For those who require more of an adrenaline rush Vana Nava caters for fans of the more extreme.Check out the Abyss, Boomerango and for the notably brave the Aqualoop is a real knee trembler.
- Boutique Farmers Pak Nam Pran – If you fancy a unique dining experience check out the Boutique Farmers near the beautiful Pak Nam Pran beach. It’s owned and run by 2 Michelin starred chef James Noble. All the produce is grown on the farm and the menu is ever changing and ever evolving using some rare and unusual ingredients. When you go for the Sunday Brunch you don’t choose the food; wonderful dishes start appearing at your table and you eat and eat. It’s in a small, personal setting so all the guests end up interacting and talking about the food. James also gets very involved with his guests which adds to the personal touch. One word of warning – go there on an empty stomach, I came out looking like I was pregnant with twins.
- Kui Buri Elephant Safari – Kui Buri national park is located in the Tennaserim Hills south of Hua Hin. The park is home to some 300 wild pachyderms as well as buffalo, golden jackals, deers, langurs and even leopards. . You head out into the park in the back of a jeep Jurassic Park style with a local guide. Even if you aren’t lucky enough to see any elephants I’d still fully recommend this over any of the ‘Elepahnt Villages’ and ‘sanctuaries’ where elephants are expected to paint and collect money with baskets.
