Far from Worries in Hua Hin, Thailand
By Rowena Carr-Allinson
www.travellady.com

Pack your bags and head for the Land of Smiles. Hua Hin on the Gulf of Siam is a resort fit for a king…

Hua Hin and Phuket are two of Thailand's best known resorts: Hua Hin for being the king's chosen holiday hideaway and Phuket for its reputation as the Pearl of the Andaman sea.

Hua Hin is a quieter, more genuine experience. Visiting both destinations means another journey onwards from Bangkok but don't let that put you off; once you've come this far what are a few extra hours?

A good hotel will arrange your airport transfers and there's little as pleasurable as stepping off a long haul flight to be greeted by a friendly face who takes complete charge of your bags, leaving you to glide through customs without a care in the world. As you slam into the stifling heat outside, thank your lucky stars that your lovely driver has thought of everything and is on hand with cold wet cloths and chilled water. That's what I call travelling in style.

Hua Hin sits on the Gulf of Siam and has gained a reputation as 'THE' beach resort for wealthy Thais. King Rama VII built a summer palace here in 1928 as a gift for Queen Rambaibarni. He named it "Klai Klangwol" which means "Far from worries". The present king now spends most of his time here and, rumour has it, the small charming coastal resort may well become Thailand's next capital.

By attracting the creme de la creme of Thailand society the resort offers visitors a uniquely authentic experience. The king's presence, which is strongly felt, has had the effect of keeping sex tourism to a minimum.

A host of luxury resorts and spas have sprung up along the coastline, including the world famous ChivaSom spa, which regularly welcomes celebrities such as Liz Hurley. Thailand is renowned for its alternative health therapies and fantastic massage techniques. Make time for some pampering at a spa, indulging in total body wraps, a full Thai body massage or a facial. The abundance of exotic flowers such as orchids and jasmine makes for a sweet smelling, sensual experience. The atmosphere is utterly serene while the ever cheerful and attentive staff help you relax and unwind.

Top end spas do day passes so if you want to sample some of ChivaSom's luxurious pampering you can, but you need to book in well ahead of time - no dropping in unannounced! Other resort spas are available for a spontaneous treatment or a day's package.

For shopaholics, trawling the night markets for cheap designer fakes, Batik and local arts and crafts is a real treat. Remember bargaining the prices down is part of the fun. Tailors will make made-to-measure clothes at bargain prices. Here too it is possible to haggle. A good price for men's shirts is ?7 each, while dresses can be purchased for about ?20.

To get a real taste of the place, sample the local cuisine on the stalls or in one of the many seafood restaurants along the pier. Food and drink is very cheap and a good meal for two won't set you back more than about ?7.

If sport is your thing, Hua Hin is famous for its six championship golf courses, including the 70-year old Royal golf course.

September visitors should see the King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament hosted by the Anantara Resort with the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. Elephant Polo was started by Mogul Indian Kings and reinvented in 1982. The story says an Englishman and a Scotsman in a Swiss bar came up with the plan. No, really; it may sound like a classic joke but these two polo fans’ crazy idea became reality with the tournament played in Sri Lanka and Nepal.

The Evason resorts are beautifully laid-out and thoughtfully organised. The staff, in Hua Hin especially, were among the sweetest and most friendly I have ever met, happy to go an extra mile for your comfort. They actually try to pre-empt your wishes, and small touches such as being offered ice creams and fruit by the pool and the choice of both vegemite and marmite make all the difference!

The views, the beach and the stunning swimming pools in both locations are the stuff of dream holiday brochures. So much so that I had to pinch myself for a reality check on a regular basis.

The high point of Hua Hin was heading for the beach restaurant after our 24-hour trip. Calm, quiet and right on the seafront, we were totally alone. The sun, the sea, ice cool beer and the unfamiliar yet delectable smells of freshly grilled squid were the best welcome one could ask for.

If you're looking for privacy, the Pool Villas are an absolute treat. In both Hua Hin and Phuket they guarantee you space and seclusion.