Thailand & Hua Hin : Facts

AT A GLANCE

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors

Area: 513,115 sq. km.

Population: Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.*

Hua Hin

The oldest and most traditional Thai resort combines the attractions of a modern holiday destination with the charm and fascination of a still active fishing port.

And while most other Thai holiday destinations cater mainly to foreign tourists, Hua Hin is a holiday resort for foreigners and Thais.

Besides it's great 5 mile long white pristine beach Hua Hin provides the highest density of world class golf courses anywhere in Thailand while it's yet virtually undiscovered as an international Golf destination. Green-fees and other costs are currently among the lowest in the world while course maintenance and services are superb.

History

The beaches of Hua Hin, Cha-Am and Pranburi go on for as far as the eye can see... White sand and clear, warm waters, set against a backdrop of scenic verdant hills and forests.

While the beaches of Phuket and Samui were discovered only recently and have since undergone rapid and sometimes destructive development, Hua Hin has already been the favourite Thai resort for over 70 years.

The resort was discovered in the early 1920s by King Rama VII as an ideal getaway from the sultry metropolis of Bangkok. The tranquil fishing village was turned into the Royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam's nobility and upper-class.

Lifestyle

Hua Hin is unlike most other beach resorts in Thailand. If you are looking for bright lights and frantic all night action you will be disappointed there. It is very much a family holiday resort area with good shopping and multi-national restaurants including, of course, the best Thai seafood the country has to offer.

Hua Hin has night markets, stylish shops and boutiques. There are many old style and art shops close to the fishing piers, art and crafts shops.

For many visitors to the Hua Hin area, golf is what's on their minds - and they are never disappointed. There are seven courses within a thirty minute drive of Hua Hin

Hua Hin also boasts Thailand's first golf course (still in use as the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course after some 70 years).