Hua Hin (Thai หัวหิน) is a famous beach resort town in Thailand, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok. It has a population of 84,883 in an area of 911 km², and is one of eight districts (Amphoe) of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

Hua Hin is closely associated with the Thai royalty. Merely 25 kilometers apart, Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province enjoys a wealth of satellite attractions; prominent among them are national parks and historical cities..

History

In 1834, before the name Hua Hin was coined, some agricultural areas of Phetchaburi Province were hit by severe drought. A group of farmers moved southward until they found a small village that had bright white sands and a row of rocks along the beach. They settled here and gave it the name Samore Riang (Thai สมอเรียง), which mean rows of rock.

In 1921 the director of the state railway, Prince Purachatra, built the Railway Hotel close to the beach. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) liked the place so much that he built a summer palace there. The palace was named Wang Klai Kang Won ('Far from Worries'). It is now the full-time residence of His Majesty the King of Thailand. His Royal Highness Prince Krom Phra Naresworarit was the first member of the royal family to build a group of palaces at Ban Laem Hin, called Sukaves, and he give the name Hua Hin to the beach next to his palace.

In 1932 Hua Hin was part of Pran Buri district. In 1949 Hua Hin was promoted to be a district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. After the building of southern railway, Hua Hin became the first and most popular beach resort of Thailand.

Hua Hin Town

Hua Hin Town (เทศบาลเมืองหัวหิน) is on the coast of Hua Hin District. With an area around 86.36 km², the town has 50,169 inhabitants. It is a popular beach resort getaway for Bangkok residents. The Railway Hotel, now more generally known as The Sofitel Hotel, is a famous old building which was used as The Hotel Pnom Phen in the film "The Killing Fields".

Climate

Hua Hin has a tropical climate with high humidity and occasional rain. It is typically pleasant. Generally, the cool season is from November to February. The hottest months are March thru May. The rainy season begins in June and ends in October, however, since the weather is tropical, the rain outbursts are short, sporadic and heavy.

Location

The district to the north is Cha Am. The district to the south is Amphoe Pran Buri.

Administration

Hua Hin district is located in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and consists of 2 sub-districts; Hua Hin and Nong Khae. At the top of Hua Hin administration is Lord Mayor of Hua Hin Jira Pongpaibul. He is supported by three Vice Mayors Khun Artikhun Bootying, Khun Suwit Liennloongrueng and Dr. Roongroch Srilueng-Swasdi. President of Hua Hin Assembly is Khun Pathom Pudam and Vice President of Hua Hin Assembly is Khun Prapa Nortes.

Boundary

Hua Hin is a district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province surrounded by:

• Northern part: connects to Cha-am district, Petchburi province.
• Eastern part: Thai gulf
• Western part: Myanmar
• Southern part: Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
  

Transportation

Roads Hua Hin is linked by highway to Petchburi and the rest of Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

Rail systems Hua Hin is part of the southern rail route originating in Bangkok.

Bus There are buses from buses from Bangkok going directly to Hua Hin and others which pass through while on the way to other destinations further south.

Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicle) This kind of the transport is the most preferred mode of around Hua Hin.

Airport Hua Hin is served by their own domestic airport. It is available for both airlines and private planes.