 The Hua Hin and Cha Am area is located on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, and is approximately a three-hour drive from Bangkok. A fishing village that has developed over the years, hosts six courses in the immediate vicinity but development of further courses is well underway with two due to open by the end of this year. Extremely popular with both locals and visiting foreigners for holidays, it has successfully incorporated modern luxuries without the commercialism of other resorts, and the area has kept much of its old world charm, and colorful ways. Today it is still a thriving fishing village with its own local fleet and on most evenings, holidaymakers stroll down to the harbour to enjoy the fresh seafood available in many of the fine waterfront restaurants.
Hua Hin Golfing Information
The first golf course in Thailand, Royal Hua Hin, was built in 1924 and there are now 8 courses within 30km of the town and more are under construction. These courses are world class and green fees and caddy charges are very reasonable. Electric carts are available at several though a walk in the beautiful climate of Hua Hin is a pleasure in itself. Whether a pro on a break or a family on a holiday, golfers will enjoy the professional facilities.
The newest course in Hua Hin is Black Mountain Golf Club, a new 18 hole championship course that opened for play July, 2007, is probably also the number one course in the area. It’s only a ten-minute drive from downtown and a must-play for all golf enthusiasts.
The course stretches out to 7345 yards from the championship-caliber black tees to 6502 from the blue with course ratings of 75 & 72 respectively. The forward tees play to a comfortable 5652 yards with a course rating of 73.
When visiting a new facility golfer’s unanimously pick the entrance as the most important feature—secondly being greeted by a smile. The Black Mountain club house is a breathtaking structure, contemporary-in-design, while dramatically blending into the natural scenery. The enthusiastic female caddies greet you with that warm smile and you immediately feel welcome. Fine dining is available in an outdoor-open-air setting, combining friendly, efficient service and a menu with something-for-everyone. The golf shop is well stocked, the locker rooms luxurious, the staff professional and courteous.
Nestled in the foothills above Hua Hin, in an area originally the home of a pineapple plantation, designer Phil Ryan has carved out a stunning masterpiece, both challenging for the tournament professional, and playable for the recreational golfer. Black Mountain is risk- versus- reward golf at its very best, each hole allowing a safe route, while tempting the more aggressive player. Ryan has preserved the natural beauty of the site while ingeniously incorporating elevation changes that take advantage of the panoramic vistas. The bunkering is sweeping and sculptured, the tees, fairways and rough are Seashore Paspalum, the greens a Tifeagle Bermuda, an ideal tropical putting surface. The greens tend to roll fast from above the hole – be aware of the black mountain rock formation – most putts break away from it.
About Hua Hin
Hua Hin is unlike any other beach resort in Thailand. If you're looking for bright lights and the frantic all-night action of cabarets and discos, you may be disappointed here. However, if you enjoy walks through the quiet winding streets of a friendly coastal village, sampling delicious seafood in restaurants overlooking the brightly lit fishing boats on the Gulf of Thailand or a round of golf on one of the several international standard links, Hua Hin could very well be what you're looking for; Hua Hin has a special character all its own.
Hua Hin became popular as a rainy season retreat in the 1920's with the construction of the railway line from Bangkok. The beautiful, colonial style Railway Hotel was built near Hua Hin's famous rocks in 1923 by the State Railway Authority, which also built Thailand's first public golf course in Hua Hin in 1924. In 1926, King Rama VII built the Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace on the beach a few km north of the Railway Hotel and this palace is still frequently used by the Royal Family. This set the stage for Hua Hin's popularity and unique ambiance which remains to this day.
Hua Hin is 200 km south of Bangkok on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Travel by automobile takes less than three hours. The resort may also be reached by rail, coach, or daily flights from Bangkok. There are close to 100 hotels and guesthouses in and around Hua Hin with over 3,000 rooms with more opening all the time. While the smaller guesthouses have spartan rooms for a few dollars a night, high-rollers can be pampered to their heart's delight for a bit more at one of the several 5-star luxury resorts.
The active fishing port guarantees fresh seafood and Hua Hin has it all, including dishes not found in other parts of Thailand. There are many styles of restaurant, from a row of large, brightly lit establishments with extensive menus along the beach near the pier, to small stalls at the lively night market specializing in only a tasty dish or two. While Thai and Chinese seafood reign here, there are also many restaurants offering everything from pizza and pasta to tandoori chicken and meat pies and other popular international dishes. Also be sure to sample the wide variety of fruits and kanoms (Thai sweets) available in restaurants, shops and stalls along the road.
Hua Hin is small enough that one can wander for hours without the need of motor transportation. Most hotels are no more than few minutes walk to the beach, the market or a friendly restaurant. There are many shops selling local handicrafts, silver, silk, tailors to fit you for that custom suit, and dozens of photo opportunities. Bicycles, motorcycles and small jeeps can be rented from shops around the Hua Hin Bazaar, near the Sofitel entrance. Unless you have extensive experience dodging kids, bicycles, scooters and the occasional cow, be very careful when driving yourself.
The white sand goes for miles from the Sofitel at the end of Damnoenkasem Rd. At the main beach there are umbrellas for lounging and vendors will satisfy your needs for drinks and snacks, and even pony rides, jet skis and a Thai traditional massage. Many beach front hotels have concessions for wind surfing and sailing needs and power boats can be hired. Walks down the beach will take you to temples and fishing villages.
Though the beaches and swimming pools are always beckoning, the Hua Hin area also has shopping, temples, waterfalls, caves, quaint neighborhoods and historical sites that will create memories for all members of the family. A leisurely drive though the countryside, where one can see rice paddies and pineapple plantations, children playing in the canals, and the beautiful scenery of Prachuapkirikhan and Petchburi provinces is also a must.
Kaeng Krachan National Park extends along the Burmese border from Petchburi Province north of Hua Hin. To the south, Thailand's first marine national park, Khao Sam Roi Yot, is only about 35 km away. A bit further away, in Kanchanaburi Province, there are five more national parks, Erawan, Sai Yoke, Sri Nakarin, Khao Laem, and Chalerm Rattanakosin.
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The Hua Hin and Cha Am area is located on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, and is approximately a three-hour drive from Bangkok. A fishing village that has developed over the years, hosts six courses in the immediate vicinity but development of further courses is well underway with two due to open by the end of this year. Extremely popular with both locals and visiting foreigners for holidays, it has successfully incorporated modern luxuries without the commercialism of other resorts, and the area has kept much of its old world charm, and colorful ways. Today it is still a thriving fishing village with its own local fleet and on most evenings, holidaymakers stroll down to the harbour to enjoy the fresh seafood available in many of the fine waterfront restaurants.
