Must Do's In Hua Hin You Did Not Know About

I recently read an e-mail article I received from from Trip Advisor or some other which listed the top ten up and coming vacation destinations in the world. I am not sure of I should or should not be surprised to see Hua Hin among them. Our much loved home town where our offices are also based is seeing a mentionable increase in the development of beach-side resorts and hotels in Hua Hin. Tourist numbers increase year on year. We also read of planned upgrades to the town's infra structure and municipal services to maintain the town's natural allure and beauty.

There can be much which has to do with Hua Hin's fast climbing of the tourist ladder. Pristine beaches, family friendliness, a well developed town centre, close two hour's drive's proximity to Bangkok and hotels and resorts catering to every budget, from luxurious five star Hua Hin hotels and resorts, to nice and clean budget savvy venues, all contribute to the equation.  Apart from this, Hua Hin also has it's own micro climate which sees more moderate fluctuations in the weather. It is seldom too hot (apart from April that is) and never sees any major flooding during the rainy season.

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Food and eating is an important part of Thai culture. It needs to be stated however, that Thais do not just associate food with satisfying hunger. It is about flavour, creativity and diversity. During a recent trip to Chiang Mai in the north, I discovered just how diverse Thai food really is, or is that just because it is prepared differently?

However, this is not about debating the definition of authenticity, but rather just sharing some really cool and recommended restaurants in Hua Hin for those heading out this way.

Accepted that hotels in Hua Hin all offer several restaurants catering for every culinary requirement, exploring restaurants serving that famous Thai sea food and spice dishes are naturally part if the itinerary for most who come here. With the growth of Hua Hin's tourism and increased number of expats living here, restaurants in Hua Hin increased accordingly. From fast food chains like Kentucky and McDonalds, to street stalls and flashy dining outlets, Hua Hin is a food lovers paradise. 

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There is a saying that go's "no trip to Thailand is complete without stopping in Bangkok".  While this may be true, it is a sure fact that you have not experienced Thailand if you have not been to the north. I have traveled the south of Thailand extensively, even to those lessor known locations not so often visited by tourists. Though the north have always held some mystical attraction, the time to visit this region kept on evading me.

During our time as expats, or more commonly known as farangs (foreigners) in Thailand, we have made several really good Thai friends. Recently, the perfect opportunity presented itself. My best Thai buddy Joe invited us on a trip with his family to Chiang Mai. Having the opportunity to drive there by car already allowed a more informative journey than simply flying. Secondly, we are going with Thai friends, not as tourists which again changed the experience. They would meet up with there friends living in the north and my wife and I could look forward to something really authentic. They would be booking the Chiang Mai hotels an make all arrangements. We just had to bring our selves.

We hit the road in his Toyota Fortuner in the early evening and the car was filled with stories from Joe about Thailand and specifically Chiang Mai's history, culture and so on. The guy really is a walking encyclopedia on Thailand. Where I am from, stopping by the side of the road for ham sandwiches, boiled eggs, drum sticks and coffee from a flask is part and parcel of a road trip. I learned Thais do the same, but the sandwiches are replaced by sticky rice, the ham by fried pieces of pork and the drum sticks by fried and spicy chicken wings. The coffee and boiled eggs seems to have also found a place in a Thailand road trip though.

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In Pattaya the sun never sets. Located just a short drive east of Bangkok, Pattaya lures thousands of travelers each year to its sandy shores and warm blue ocean. The array of attractions and things to do in Pattaya are endless. This pulsating city delivers on the expectations of a vibrant vacation atmosphere, exhilarating activities and active, even raunchy nightlife. In Pattaya, the fun never stops and the sun never sets.

Resorts in Pattaya cater to every requirement. From five star luxury resorts in Pattaya to family friendly hotels in Pattaya to cheap budget savvy accommodation, Pattaya has a place for you.   

Visit small idyllic islands like Koh Krok, Koh  Sak and Koh Lan and swim off their beaches, just 8 kilometers off the coast of Pattaya. You can even view the coral below from a glass bottom boat or if you have the breath, jump in and dive down.

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Koh Samui is the 3rd largest island of Thailand after Phuket and Koh Chang. Dubbed the boutique island of Thailand, Koh Samui's popularity grow by the day. Thousands flock here every year to stay in the best hotels Koh Samui has to offer right down to cheap Koh Samui resort accommodation. One thing is for sure, no matter your choice of Koh Samui resort, your are in for a vacation experience of a life time.

Koh Samui offers a vast range of exhilarating and exiting experiences for old and young to revel in the fun. Apart from scenic tropical beaches glittering in the sunlight and an irresistible shimmering ocean, this exotic island offers memorable sightseeing, tour and excursion opportunities.

The Angthong Marine Park awaits like a picture from a mythical story book. It consist of more than 40 scattered islands, all closely bundled together. Daily boat tours are on offer to this beautiful location where visitors can snorkel and feast their eyes on colourful coral formations only a few feet below, feed the tropical fish that come to eat from your hands and generally be amazed by the surrounding beauty. After a full day exploring Ang Thong, head back to your Koh Samui hotel and check in for a pampering massage.

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Thailand offers insightful, informative, fun and exhilarating tours, excursions and sightseeing opportunities. A vacation in the land of smiles will see each of your days filled with exiting activities, hidden wonders and astounding natural beauty. Some are man made, but most are generously bestowed by nature. Whether you are a single traveler, couple or family vacationers, Thailand holds a myriad of things to do for old and young.

During a stay at five star hotels in Phuket, make sure to visit Phuket Fantasea, aptly dubbed the Disneyland of Thailand. This is a cultural theme park and ideal for all members of the family. The Simon Cabaret is definitely for the adults in the family and will delight and entertain with extravagant shows, music and light. Deep sea fishing trips can be arranged with well equipped fishing boats and all equipment provided. 

Scuba diving and snorkeling alike is big around Phuket and daily excursions are available. Many PADI registered dive operators are found on the island offering scuba courses from beginners to instructor courses.

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Say the name, "Phuket" and everyone in a crowd has either been there, been there multiple times or, is planning to go there. Few other island destinations in the world are as popular and well known. So what is the allure, what attracts literally millions is visitors to the exotic island destination to frequently fill hotels in Phuket to the rim?

One of the several reasons has to be the generous price tag of Phuket resort accommodations. Hotels and Phuket resort venues cater for every budget and taste. Here you can spend a vacation on the water's edge at a fraction of the price you would pay at many similar island destinations elsewhere. Five star hotels in Phuket are numerous and rival d rival the very best in the world, yet once again, their affordability makes them almost irresistible. These luxury Phuket resort and Spa accommodation venues offers the best deals and special offers. To make things even more affordable, hotels constantly offer free night promotions, "early bird specials" and more.

The exotic beauty, miles upon miles of crystal white beaches hugged by an azzure ocean, friendly people creating a welcoming atmosphere and attractions and activities abound sees tourists arrive in their droves. Scuba diving around the Andaman dive sites is a rewarding experience for both scuba divers and snorklers alike. The surface of the waters around Phuket is a doorway to an exotic paradise exploding with colour. 

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Movenpick Phuket Resort & Spa has stood the test of time proving itself as one of the most popular and sought after five star Phuket resort destinations on the island, and it is easy to understand why. This Phuket resort & spa simply has it all. Whether you are a single traveler, a couple seeking the ultimate romantic hideaway, family vacationers or group traveling together, this Phuketb resort has the goods to make sure your leave refreshed, revitalized and quite simply, impressed.

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Le Meridien Samui is the new destination of choice for hip and trendy island lifestyle living. Located on one of Samui's primary and best tourist beaches, Lamai, Le Meridien Samui is a luxury 5 star Koh Samui resort of distinctive flair, young and playful attitude and captivating charm. Fast becoming one of the most popular hotels in Koh Samui, Le Meridien Samui has engaging characteristics creating an island stay experience unlike any other.

At Le Meridien Samui, new concepts are brought to the surface to answer to the expectations of an idyllic vacation you thought only existed in dreams. Here, the Gulf of Thailand is the resort's largest of several pools. Choose a jetty, walk 200 meters across the cobalt blue water, find your spot, kick back, relax and experience the feeling of open space, peace, privacy in open nature to find utter content. Besides this, there is another beachfront pool with views over the ocean. "Beach Angels" will be at the ready to cater to your every whim.

Le Meridien Samui is setting the benchmark for hotels in Koh Samui with an alluring spa ready to to transport you to a parallel world of blissful rejuvenating therapies amid the intoxicating aromas of this tranquil oasis. Luxury infinity baths, aromatherapy and chromatherapy will see you drift away and awaken renewed. Detox and and health programs will assist in re-aligning your body, mind and spirit.

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The captivating Hua Hin Resort town is located 190 kilometers from Bangkok on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, sporting fabulous sandy beaches that stretches for miles, a placid ocean, attractions and sightseeing opportunities abound and an easy pace of life. This resort town jewel is the perfect vacation destination with Hua Hin resorts set in the most beautiful and exotic locations. A family friendly vacation destination like few others, Hua Hin will give it's visitors much to talk about.

Located in the centre of town, The Night Market is the place to get immersed in crowds lazily strolling through the stalls, eyeing an array of curious, clothes, sea food to order and a selection of restaurants. The Grand Market is another selling goods at give-away prices. Cicada Market is open only on Friday and Saturday nights. Here, aspiring artists display their creations, stand-up comedians entertain from the stage and teenagers impress with the latest street dance techniques. Not to forget is that soon Hua Hin will also have its own floating market. The best of it all is that, all this is within walking distance of some of the most popular hotels in Hua Hin.

When staying in a Hua Hin resort, you may find your time too little to see and experience all this region has to offer. Few would have known that this is also a wine producing region. When booking Hua Hin resorts, be sure to include a visit to Hua Hin Hills to sample some great wines and enjoy delectable dishes at the farm's restaurant. To work up an appetite, get on the back on an elephant for a ride through the orchids to pick your own grapes.

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