Hua Hin Trip by Madeleine Williams Pages

Hua Hin Tripby Madeleine Williams

During the half-term holidays, myself, my husband Tony and my 3 year old daughter Heidi spent seven nights in Hua-Hin. Well actually, it was Cha-Am… I didn’t realise that they were two separate areas when I booked the hotel let alone in two different provinces! We stayed at the Centra by Centara (Cha-am!) and it was great for families. If you are looking for a luxury, quiet retreat, then I would not recommend it! However, it was perfect for us with water slides, kids splash zones and a private beach with pony rides which were a big hit! The weather was hit and miss which is expected for this time of year and as a result, the sea was no good for swimming. We visited a couple of farms which were 10 minutes from the hotel (Swiss Sheep Farm and Malai Farm) both were a bit sad and run down with Malai being the better of the two. Nevertheless, we were able to feed milk to baby goats and piglets as well as carrots for rabbits, guinea pigs and horses. Another day was spent at Black Mountain Water Park which again was a little tired in places. However, we had great fun in the pool, riding body boards in the wave pool and going on the slides. There was a children’s splash area and the food inside was ‘cheap and cheerful’ enough to satisfy hungry tummies. There is also the Vana Nava waterpark attached to the Holiday Inn which looks very impressive however, we chose this one as it seemed more age appropriate for Heidi. Restaurants to note in Cha-Am include Didine, which is set in a lovely garden with a European chef. They have daily specials and the food on both occasions was superb. They also have a children’s menu and high chairs and the staff are very kind. Seafood is obviously very popular in the area and we had a delicious seafood dinner at Medsai. It is on the beach and also has a nice coffee shop which is open in the day with plenty of Instagram opportunities! Lastly, with branches in Cha-am and Hua Hin, The Baguette is essential for a great lunch. The baguettes are crisp and soft and the prices are very reasonable for ‘western’ style bakery products. You won’t be paying B150 for a croissant here like you do in Bangkok. The highlight of the trip however, was a visit to two national parks. Both are less than a 1hr drive from Hua Hin and a car is essential. The first, is Khao Sam Roy Yot which is also home to the Phraya Nakhon cave and Kuha Kharuehat pavilion. If you are adventurous then I would highly recommend this trip. It requires a 10 minute boat ride (you need to wade out to the boat) to Laem Sala beach and then a strenuous 30 minute (ish!) hike up to the cave. But the result is very rewarding! The temple in the cave was built at the end of the 19th century for the visit of Rama V. The private boat cost B450 and national park entrance was B200 each for adults. Dual pricing unfortunately exists, even after showing Tony’s Thai driving license. Afterwards, we drove to the Bueng Bua boardwalk which is in the same national park so you can use your ticket. It is a serene wetland covered in reeds and waterlilies with a steep mountain range as the backdrop. It is very peaceful walking along the boardwalks and you can take some nice pictures. There is a small local restaurant on site for thai food and much needed cold drinks and ice creams.

The following day, we visited Kui Buri national park which is a prime area for elephant spotting. The tours only start from 2pm and they recommend arriving from 2.30pm as its better for viewing the wildlife. The drive up to park is really nice and again, its B200 per foreign adult. Private vehicles are not allowed in the park, you must go on an organised safari. It was B850 for our own truck with guide and driver. The ride through the park is bumpy but great fun! We were lucky enough to spot a lone, male elephant up close, gaur (like bison), a python, a heard of elephants in the distance and two hornbills. Overall we had a great week with the highlights being the national parks. Hua Hin centre was practically deserted with more activity south of the centre. We ate at Odin restaurant one night which is middle eastern cuisine and it was very good! Tamarind night market was also a highlight with live music and food vendors. It is on Fridays – Sundays and was quite busy. The original Hua Hin night market was also on however, very quiet with fewer stalls than I remember.

Bueng Bua Boardwalk

Phraya Nakhon Cave and temple

The hike might be easier without a 20kg child on your back! " # $ %

Elephants in the distance at Kui Buri national park.