The local expert guide will pick guests up at their hotels at 1:30 pm to begin an afternoon exploring the charms of Hua Hin with a perhaps unexpected excursion.
We’ll first head to the fishing pier. Hua Hin’s identity is married to its maritime past with its long history as a community built on fishing first and tourism second. While this may be shifting, heading to the pier will help you realise that fishing is very much still integral to the community. Observe the fishermen at work as the guide helps to explain the history of fishing in the region.
Next, we’ll head to Hua Hin railway station. After a visit to the pier, a trip to the train station is apt since the railway plays an important role in Hua Hin’s development from a fishing community to tourist hotspot. The arrival of the railway opened up Hua Hin as a resort for wealthy Thais in the early 20th century.
The station itself is a gloriously ornate building that encompasses the golden age of railway while also celebrating Thai design – the Royal Waiting Room is a particular highlight.
Next, on to a perhaps surprising attraction – a vineyard. The Hua Hin Hills vineyard grows various grapes for winemaking and is Hua Hin’s one and only vineyard. It’s located right on the beach, which makes for the relatively novel concept of a vineyard alongside a Thai beach, not to mention the elephants on-site!
Visitors to the vineyard will learn about the winemaking process, enjoy some hands-on activities, and, most importantly, taste some of the fantastic wines.
The final stop is a visit to see the monkeys at Khao Takieb. This ‘monkey mountain’ is home to wild monkeys who roam playfully through the monastery grounds. The monastery itself is a sanctuary for Thai people that offers stunning panoramic views of Hua Hin town below.
