Hua Hin Travel and Destination Guide

Hua Hin Historical Sights

Hua Hin is more than just a beach holiday destination. Its close proximity to Bangkok and overt Royal patronage has made this destination the oldest holiday spot in Thailand. Visitors from the capital have been traveling here since the 1920s, and when the Royal Family gave their seal of approval to the location, the tone was set for an opulence rarely found elsewhere in the country.

Klai Kangwon Palace

Klai Kangwon Palace is located on the sea front in the Hua Hin District of Prachuap Khirikhan Province. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) built the impressive edifice as a summer palace for Queen Rambai Barni using money from Privy Purse. Prince Iddhidehsarn Kridakara, a graduate in architecture from the Ecole Des Beaux Arts, France, and the Department of Fine Arts director, to create and manage the construction.

The original name was "Suan Klai Kang Won" and "Phra Tamnak Piamsuk", meaning "The Garden Far From Worries" and "The Royal Residence Full of Happiness."

In October 1926, preparation on the palace began, and on September 21, 1927 construction work for the royal mansion and other buildings as part of the complex was initiated.

His Majesty King Bhumibol (Rama IX) expanded the area of the palace, with a mansion built for HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, as well as other constructions that retain the seventh reign style maintaining the consistency of the area. Accommodation has also been built for the monarch’s entourage.

Be sure to see the ornamental gardens with plants and objects d'art from Java, and the collection of shells in the shell museum.

The architecture borrows from Spain, initially in the first three buildings, each facing the sea, and a garden in front of the mansions has stone sculptures from Bali, sundials, nautical instruments, lamps, ornaments and sculpted topiary-bushes sculpted.

The Royal Waiting Room

The Hua Hin Railway station is one of the oldest in Thailand and its Royal Waiting Room in Thai architectural style, removed from Sanam Chan during the reign of King Vajiravudh, Rama 6, is a site to behold.

Marukhathaiyawan Palace (Palace of Love and Hope)

This palace was used as a royal summer residence by King Rama VI in the 1920s. The palace was designed by an Italian architect and built of golden teak, right on the beach.

Sofitel

Perhaps the most majestic, non Royal building in Hua Hin, this is one of the most romantic spots you’ll find in Thailand and built in colonial style more commonly spotted in neighbouring Burma, Myanmar or further in Singapore.

Hua Hin Historical Sites Accommodation

If you’re not planning in staying in one of the historical buildings themselves, a modern luxury villa with full amenities is an excellent option. The prime sites for historical splendour are the beach, which features the Royal Residences, and the central Hua Hin Town, which features the train station among other artifacts of interest. Hua Hin accommodation is generally of a high standard at lower prices than in many Thai holiday resorts.