HUA HIN HORIZON

PHOTOGRAPHY: RUNGKIT CHAROENWAT

Hua Hin Horizon - The Charming of Phetchaburi & Prachuap Khiri Khan First published 2015 Copyright Š 2015 by Li-Zenn Publishing Limited, Thailand Li-Zenn Publishing Limited Publisher: Managing Director: Deputy Managing Director: Executive Director:

Nithi Sthapitanonda Suluck Visavapattamawon Pisut Lertdumrikarn Prabhakorn Vadanyakul Kiattisak Veteewootacharn

Editor: Managing Editor: Graphic Designer: Editorial Assistant:

Nithi Sthapitanonda Pisut Lertdumrikarn Chompunute Walsh Panphim Jaipanya Chava Wongthai

81 Sukhumvit 26, Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand T 66 (0) 2259 2096, F 66 (0) 2661 2017 li-zenn@li-zenn.com, www.li-zenn.com Distributor :

Li-Zenn Publishing Limited 81 Sukhumvit 26, Klong Ton, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand T 66 (0) 2259 2096, F 66 (0) 2661 2017 li-zenn@li-zenn.com, www.li-zenn.com

All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means-graphic, electronic or mechanical,including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage and retrieval systems without prior written permission from publisher.

National Library of Thailand Cataloging in Publication Data Rungkrit Charoenwat.

Hua Hin Horizon .-- Bangkok : Li-Zenn, 2015.

112 p. -- (Horizon).

1. Thailand--Pictures, illustrations, etc.. I. Title.

915.93022 ISBN: 987-616-7800-53-0 Printed by Tiger Printing (Hong Kong) To find out about all our publications, Please visit www.li-zenn.com, www.li-zennpub.com There you can browse and download our current catalog and buy any titles that are print.

The Publisher would like to thank the following organizations for their generous support: Vinid RungPueng: Director Promotional Material Production Division Tourism Authority of Thailand Royal Hua Hin Golf Club All photos in this book were prepared by Rungkrit Charoenwat with the exception of those indicated below: Tourism Authority of Thailand - page 41 right Yacht Racing Association of Thailand - page 41 left Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin - page 56, 57 THE BARAI at Hyatt Regency, Hua Hin - page 61 Front cover: The Milky way Galaxy seen from Sam Roi Yot National Park

PHOTOGRAPHY: RUNGKIT CHAROENWAT

The two provinces of Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan comprise Thailand’s lower central region. Both sporting a similar long, narrow shape, they form the gateway to the south of the country with the Gulf of Thailand to the east and the Tanaosri mountain range marking the border with Myanmar to the west. They are well known among Thais for stretching across over 200 km of serene seashore that features a string of celebrated seaside holiday destinations, such as Hua Hin, Cha-am and Pranburi.

Cha-am, around 20 km to the north of Hua Hin, and that much closer to Bangkok, was the next stretch of the magnificent coast to attract touristic enterprise. Apart from its natural riches, Phetchaburi in which Cha-am is located is the site of some of Thailand’s most ancient settlements and still today features several splendid historical and cultural sites. As for Pranburi, south from Hua Hin for another 30 km, recent road developments have made it almost as accessible for an escape from Bangkok as its two more northerly relations.

Originally just a sleepy fishing village, the evolution of Hua Hin into the sophisticated seaside resort began almost a century ago with King Prajadhipok (Rama 7). The King took the place and had built a summer palace named ‘Klai Kangwon’ (far from worries) which was completed in 1926 and ever since popular with members of the royal family. When a new railway line from Bangkok to the south of the country was routed via Hua Hin, it started to become even more widely known. Throughout its development, Hua Hin has retained its status as one of the finest resort towns in Thailand, where accommodation awaits for Thais and people around the world.

The various vacation spots found across Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan have international profiles. Offering a full spectrum of accommodations – from budget to boutique to barefoot luxury – everyone finds a warm welcome that is all the more memorable for the charming hospitality provided by the locals. Proud and protective of their local history and the glories nature has bestowed on their neighborhood, they love nothing better than to share their blessings with the world whenever it comes to visit.

Khao Luang Cave’s amazing array of Buddha statues in various postures and sizes appear all the more transcendent amid the stunning stalactites. Enter a little further into the cave and you come to a place where a large hole in the roof lets sunlight stream in spectaclarly.

Hin Lek Fai Hill offers a panoramic view of Hua Hin sprawling down to the coast.

Climb or drive to the summit of Mount Takiab and take in the spectacular sweep of Hua Hin beach (facing page).

Hua Hin is a hive of musical diversity. Every night, there’s live music across the town in a wide range of styles. But it’s also known for its gala performances and jazz festival.

Among the most memorable of these was Klai Kangwon Music on the Beach, performed in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol on his 87th birthday.

Moreover, the Hua Hin Jazz Festival every year features top acts from across the globe alongside Thailand’s home-grown crop of exceptional talents (facing page).

Chat Chai Market is mainly just were locals go to find fresh ingredients of all kinds but it also includes street food, desserts and dried seafood stalls that are thoroughly recommended.

Modern development has enhanced Hua Hin with provocative contrasts, such as sophisticated new boutique resorts arrayed side-by-side with traditional fishing that continues much as it has for generations.

Towering bronze statues of seven Great Thai Kings installed at Ratchapakdi Park comprise Hua Hin’s newest tourist attraction. The 13.9metre-tall, six-meter-wide statues command a 222 rai (87 acre) expanse close to Khao Takiab.

Pa La-U Waterfall is located in Kaeng Krachan National Park, about 60 km west of Hua Hin. The surrounding forest presents a rich prospect for lovers of plant and animal life. Lots of bird and butterfly varieties thrive in the area.

A mini trek along the mangrove trail in Pranburi Forest Park is also well worth the exertion.

Son Pradipat Park offers a tranquil place to relax close to the beach shaded by gently waving sea pines (facing page).

Khao Daeng (Mount Daeng) is a popular destination in Prachuab Khiri Khan for a spot of adventure. Cruising the canal while scoping out the trails always makes for an enthralling experience.

The view from the summit of the mount is absolutely splendid (facing page).

Morning sunrise at Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand’s first marine national park. The name is derived from the 300 peaks within the park’s boundaries. The richly varied topography features jagged limestone ridges, verdant mangrove swamp, winding canals, surprising creeks and beautiful beaches.

HUA HIN HORIZON

Rungkit Charoenwat Rungkit62@Gmail.com Rungkit62.wordpress.com Rungkit Charoenwat graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL). At the time of taking these shots, he had been a professional photographer for four years. However, Rungrit started taking photography seriously somewhat earlier, in 2007, as he documented his travels through Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

He says that he finds photography the best outlet for his combined passions for art, lifestyle, culture and architecture. Backed by an understanding patron in Li-Zenn Publishing, he continually fulfills his ever-expanding potential while supporting his passion as a distinguished architecture photographer.