Visa types HUA HIN & Illness HUA HIN
Fruit/Vegetable & Hurbs HUA HIN
Hua Hin Golfing & Nightlife-Dining
Hua Hin Night Market
This is definitely Hua Hin's most colorful nightly attraction. Every evening throngs of visitors stroll around and enjoy a diversity of Thai food, including seafood dishes freshly delights there are many food stalls. In addition to these culinary delights there are many stalls offering visitors a wide array of souvenirs.
huahin house for rent
Unique Pool villa investment opportunity in Hua Hin Thailand
The Residence Hua Hin. A unique opportunity to invest in a solid business plan that offers the buyer a chance to own a luxury fully furnished Pool Villa within a new 4 star Hotel complex which is being built by one of Thailand's leading Golf and recreation travel companies, Golf of Siam Incentive & Travel Co., Ltd. just a short distance to the beautiful Palm Hills Golf Course.
This exciting new concept will be the perfect opportunity for people looking to invest in Thailand's property boom, while benefiting from owning a luxury Pool Villa that will guarantee a regular income.
Over the last 3 years Golf of Siam seen a dramatic increase in golf holiday bookings in Thailand, and already have a large clientele who regularly book their golfing breaks with us. It is because of this demand we are embarking on this exciting new hotel and lifestyle project. Please see the above link pages or contact David at : sales@residence-huahin.com for full details and any questions you might have.
Hua Hin Sport/Fitness, Gyms and Swimming
Gyms and Fitness
Most of the major hotels offer fitness programs for their guests, they usually have a gym also some of which allow the public to use - but at a price. Other gyms can be found at Sport Villa, Grand Sport and Palm Hills, all offer membership and have most of the common fitness equipment and weights.
Personal Fitness
Achieve your health and fitness goals fast with the help of a qualified personal trainer and fitness coach. WT Thailand offers several different program options, so you're sure to find one that's right for you! All of their fitness programs include a combination of health and fitness components including strength training, stretching & flexibility, cardiovascular, and more.
There are a a couple of yoga instructors in town, we will bring you more information on these when we get it. There is also a golf fitness instructor, more info can be found on www.fit-foregolf.com
Swimming
Again many of the larger hotels will allow you to use their swimming pool for a fee, you should enquire first or you may get a shock when the bill arrives! Sport Villa is a popular one, 3km south of town and Palm Hills (5km north) used to be a great place to go for a swim ... until they quadrupled the prices in an effort to discourage daily use and attract more members.
Swimming in the ocean in Hua Hin is perfectly safe, the only precaution you need to take are the occasional jellyfish that get washed in towards the shore. The beaches off Hua Hin and Khao Takiab are very shallow, for deeper water head down to Khao Tao 20 minutes drive south. More information on beaches around Hua Hin can be found here Hua Hin beaches
Hua Hin Cycling and Running
Running
The Hua Hin Hash House Harriers or H2H3 are the primary running club in town. Membership has grown over the years and they now hold regular runs along a number of trails around the Hua Hin, Cha-am and Pranburi area.
"The H2H3 is a group of international fools who get a lot of enjoyment out of runing or walking around in jungles, mountains, beaches and sometimes highways in search of the end of the run and some cold beer and camaraderie."
More information, updates and schedules can be found on their website: www.huahin-hhh.com
For those that like to run alone nothing beats an early morning jog along the beach from Hua Hin center to Wat Khao Takiab. The distance is around 7 kilometers and you can take a Songtaew (green public bus) back into town for ten baht.
Cycling
There is also a local Hua Hin cycling club called the Hua Cha Hash Pedalers (HCHP), a similar sort of thing but on bicycles, they meet up to take on trails and courses around the area.
A couple of good shops selling bicycles can be found on Petchkasem Road and nothing beats getting out into the open country on two wheels. Just be cautious of the traffic, cyclists are often ignored on the roads of Thailand.
Sea Hill Mountain Biking are a recently formed company in Hua Hin offering cycling tours in and around the area. The daily tours take you through some amazing scenery, the mountain bike is included along with a pickup service, visit their website for more details: www.seahillmtb.com
Hua Hin Football and Cricket
Soccer OR Football
Over the years a number of local expats have tried to form football teams or get together to play on Sundays. For some reason or other they usually end up disbanding as members can no longer find the time or are hungover! Another problem Hua Hin faces is the lack of a decent football pitch. There are many places to play if you can competently dodge the holes, tree stumps, mud patches and then avoid the incoming tackle!
The latest is being held every Sunday from 5pm until dusk at the Selasian School on Petchkasem Road, and is being organised by Will Atkinson, a teacher at a local school.
Football fans on the other hand have an endless choice of bars to watch their favourite team play. There are also a number of local fantasy leagues that follow the FA Premiership.
Cricket
Cricket is growing in popularity in Hua Hin, this year hosted the 11th annual cricket sixes where local teams get together and play alongside hoteliers and enthusiasts from other provinces. We are currently researching as to whether any regular local cricket practise is taking place.
Hua Hin Racquet Sports
Tennis
Some of the larger hotels such as the Evason Resort and Spa have their own tennis courts, and maybe even their own instructor. However these facilities are usually only reserved for hotel patrons or quite expensive for the public.
Public tennis courts can be found up at Palm Hills where membership costs 1,000 baht per month.
Squash and Badminton
Palm Hills also has courts for squash and badminton that can be used under the membership. Prices for non members are quite steep so it works out cost effective to buy membership if you intend to play often ie. more than 3 times!
We will bring you more information on local tennis, badminton and squash clubs as soon as we get it, please let us know if you are a member of a club or run one.
Hua Hin other sports
There are numerous other sports and activities you can do in and around Hua Hin and Cha Am. Not all of them are organized or have clubs so there are plenty of opportunities to form them.
Paintball
A new paintball arena called "Splat Combat" has opened up next to Condochain on Petchkasem Road, they cater for individual and corportate events wanting to get splattered!
Ten Pin Bowling
With the arrival of Hua Hin Market Village came the long awaited bowling alley on the third floor. We will bring you more information on this as soon as we get it.
Lawn Bowls
This will be offered at the new development up at Zephyr Valley, we will bring you more details soon, in the meantime you can contact the Hua Hin Observer.
Shooting
A number of military operated shooting ranges are available for public use around town, they are usually located a few kilometers out. There is a Hua Hin Shooting Association located at the end of the canal road see their website for more details www.huahinshooting.com (Thai only). A larger place can be found in Prachuab where you can shoot at targets with hand guns and rifles and Thanarat in Pranburi is open to the public, its best to take a Thai though as explaining what you want to a man with a gun could get tricky! They also have an adventure obstacle course here.
Snorkelling / Scuba Diving
There is no available scuba diving in Hua Hin, vizibility is rarely more than a couple of meters and the bottom is mud and sand with no coral growth and very little else to see. The nearest place to dive is Koh Talu off the coast of Bang Saphan, two hours south. More information here: Bang Saphan Guide and Koh Talu Diving
Dragon Boat Racing
The annual event is held on the Pranburi river in Paknampran although this year we have an interesting twist, a farang team is being trained up to take part. They meet up at Mermaid's marina every Sunday at 1pm to train and are always looking for new members, race day is November 3rd.
If there are any other sports we have not included here or elsewhere on the site please let us know.
Hua Hin Pool
Most of the bars in Hua Hin have pool tables of varying quality that are free to use for patrons, the occasional bar charges for pool.
Hua Hin Pool League
= What started off as a few guys getting together every week to play pool in their favourite bars a number of years ago has turned into one of the biggest events in the Hua Hin bar scene. Today there are 4 separate divisions and over 30 teams who get together every wednesday in various bars around town to compete.
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The pool leagues are a serious affair these days with cups, shields, knockouts and tournament competitions played. Local bars, real estate agents and beverage distributors form the sponsors of the leagues. For more information check their official website Hua Hin Pool League or drop into Sugar Cane bar to meet the organizers.
Snooker
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A couple of low key snooker halls can be found in Hua Hin, we will bring you more information on these shortly.
Hua Hin Darts
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There are a number of bars and pubs dedicated to darts with good boards and arrows.
Hua Hin Darts League
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The darts league in Hua Hin has been running for some years now and today consists of eleven regular teams that get together on Tuesdays to play. They also have a cup and tournament competitions in addition to the league. For more information drop into Bamboo Grove bar.
History Hua Hin Darts League
= Started it's first season in January 2003 with six teams. The original teams were: Bamboo Grove, Beachcomber, Billy's Bulls Eyes, Bull's Eye, Jay's Jousters and Romantic Bar. Bamboo Grove still play in its original location although they didn't participate in season 3 and played at Rode Hole in season 4 with a name of Bamboo Road, Beachcomber have changed their name to Johnnie Walkers, Billy's Bulls Eyes stopped existing after season 5, Bull's eye after season 1, Jay's Jousters first changed their name into Road Hole and then moved to Johnnie Walkers and are now called Barry's, Romantic Bar have changed their name to Jaew's.
= So far the championship has gone only to two teams; out of five seasons that have been played Bamboo Grove have been crowned champions three times and Barry's twice. As for the individuals Barry is the only one to have won it twice
= The present season is the 6th and we have 11 teams participating. The area where the teams come from has extended from the down town to Cha Am in the north and Khao Takiab in the south.
= The league was started in 2003 by Osmo from Bamboo Grove and when he went to
stay in
Chiang- Mai, Joyce and Mags from Johnnie Walker took over. From
season 4 onwards the league has been organized by Barry from Road Hole (now
Barry's at Johnnie Walkers Bar.)
Season 6
At the present season there are 11 teams which play each other twice; home and away. Besides this, there is a cup tournament and after the season individuals top 16 tournament. At the moment the season is more than half way through and it looks like it's going to be a battle between the newcomers Cat Bar and the old warhorse Barry's. Season 5 champions Bamboo Grove were on top for the first 9 rounds but suffered three losses in four weeks and dropped to third place four points behind the leaders, Cat Bar.
Armchair Sports Fans
Where to watch sports in Hua Hin
There are a number of bars and pubs in Hua Hin that have wide screen TVs and show regular sporting events. The popular among these are as follows:
Crawfords Irish Bar
Air counditioned bar with no less than 5 screens showing all the sporting events including football, rugby, cricket, golf and motorsports. Also has a range of draught beer and good food, more info here: Crawfords.
Dick's Office
A little out of the centre of town this one but it makes a nice quiet place to watch some sports on their large projection screen. More info at Dick's Office.
Johnnie Walkers
Is currently being rennovated but will soon be back with sporting action.
Billy's Bar
Located in the Hua Hin bazaar this bar is a favourite amongst the Scottish expat contingent, check out the latest Premiership and Scottish division football here.
All of the bars can be located on this nightlife map of Hua Hin.
Hua Hin Sport
Hua Hin Motorsports
Karting
= The only real motorsports found in the Hua Hin area is the gokart track run by JWS motorsport up near the airport.
= This professionally managed 700 meter outdoor karting circuit is available for all ages and experience levels, kids to adult, novice to pro. They have a range of different powered karts all kept in tip top condition. Services also offered include a cafe, transportation, driving school and memberships. JWS frequently hold corporate functions and competitions such as endurance racing and team events.
For more information check out GoKart Hua Hin
Quad Biking
= There is a quad and offroad biking track located in Khao Takiab however we currently do not have details of its current status, on last drive past it seemed to be closed.
Motorcycles
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Other than the local teenagers racing at the airstrip there are no motorbike sporting activities in Hua Hin at present, we will update this page as soon as we hear any news.
Hua Hin Watersports
Jetski and Parasailin
= There are a number of activities you can do at the beach in Hua Hin. A small watersports center run by one of the local hotels can be found in Khao Takiab, they offer the regular activities including banana boats, doughnut, jetskis, parasailing and waterskiing. These activities are also popular at Cha-am beach, around 30km north.
Surfing
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There is no surf to speak of on the beaches but we occasionally get a meter or so of swell which is ideal for bodyboarding. This should be avoided at the beach in the center of town though due to the rocks. Windsurfers are often seen out to sea when there is a good breeze.
Kitesurfing
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In the past couple of years kitesurfing or kiteboarding has become an extremely popular sport in Hua Hin. There are now at least two kitesurfing schools in Hua Hin offering lessons and tuition. Steady thermal winds are present in Hua Hin in March and April, this is the season for kitesurfers, Hua Hin has ideal conditions as the ocean is usually flat and it is shallow a long way out. Chumphon is also a good spot for kitesurfing.
For more information on kitesurfing in Hua Hin see Kite Thailand
Kayaking and Canoeing
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A few of the beach front hotels and guesthouses offer kayaks for rent that you can take out to sea. It is nice to kayak around the headland at Khao Takiab around 7km south of Hua Hin town center. There is a kayak club and tour operator in Chumphon offering trips to the local mangrove forests and lagoons.
More information can be found here: Kayak Chumphon
Hua Hin Fishing, Sailing and Boating
Sea Fishing
A number of years ago the only way to get out sea fishing would be to hire a local to take you. Now a number or tour operators organize boat and fishing trips from Hua Hin, where you can catch and keep your fish, there are also a few that do evening squid fishing excursions. Rods and equipment comes included and you're likely to catch bass, snapper, squid and the odd ray.
Fore more information on boat and fishing trips see Mermaid Cruises
Freshwater Fishing
A new freshwater fishing lodge has opened just a few kilometers west of Hua Hin, it has two large, very deep ponds that are home to a varietly of popular freshwater fish including Siamese carp, pacu and some rather large catfish. Tackle and bait are available for hire and there will soon be a restaurant and accommodation.
For more information see the Hua Hin Fishing Lodge
Sailing and Boating
There has been talk about the formation of a Hua Hin sailing club but as yet nothing has materialised. The nearest marina is in Paknampran, around 28km south of Hua Hin, the local Hua Hin fishing peir only allows local fishing vessels to berth, it is also too shallow to support anything larger. As mentioned above a number of tour operators now offer boating excursions and charters around Hua Hin and further south.
Hua Hin Martial Arts
Karate and Aikido
The majority of the martial arts in Hua Hin are conducted at the Grand Sport gym near the Grand market and San Paolo hospital. They offer primarily karate and aikido group courses for kids and adults.
Kung Fu and Self Defence
A Wing Tsun kung fu camp in Khao Takiab caters for those who wish to learn an effective and practical form of self defence without all the pressures of competing found in other popular martial arts. With group and individual courses available for children and adults you can train at your own pace in the camp or on the beach.
For more information see Wing Tsun Thailand
Muay Thai (Kick Boxing)
Thai boxing has become more than a spectator sport here in Hua Hin. Fighters can now train together at local gyms and even compete on "fight nights" at a number of stadiums around town, usually advertised from an offensively noisy pickup broadcasting the events through loud speakers. Try this Hua Hin Muay Thai page to find out about training with Muay Thai boxers in Hua Hin or contact us.
Hua Hin Water Sports - Day trip to Singto Island
• A great escape! Depart by our speed boat to the two islands just off-shore from Takiab Bay. The ride takes only 10 minutes. We explore the islands of Khao Kho Tao and Kho Singto before we set anchor. Here you have the freedom to relax on the very small and private beach comfortably as we provide sun deck chairs and umbrellas. You can try fishing off the island or swim in the cool waters of the gulf. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then head back to the mainland after 2 hours.
perfect escape from the busy beaches of Hua Hin.
• Included in the tour :
• All fishing equipment & bait.
• Transfer from your hotel and back.
• Picnic basket/Soft drinks and Bottled water.
• Minimum 4/Maximum 10 people.
• Guaranteed departure daily
Family Fun Sport!
• This a great family sport and is a fun filled experience.
• You can enjoy a half or a full hour of exiting bumpy ride on board our banana boat.
• Try to hold on as our boat twists and turns in the water trying to throw you off.
• A lot of fun is to be had and the sport is safe as our boat skipper makes sure the ride is ..not too rough.
• We take extra care and provide all our guests with life jackets.
• Included in the tour:
• Life Jackets.
• Soft drinks and Bottled water.
• Maximum 5 people.
• Daily Departures.
Maximum Water sport!
• Why not try your hand at water skiing or the jet ski.
• If you like speed, this is the safest sport where you can get a real adrenalin rush.
• Our experienced and skilled boat handling staff will make sure you enjoy every minute of this action packed / fun filled activity.
• If you have never tried water skiing, then this is the place. Extremely affordable and easy to learn under our qualified instructor.
• Included in the tour :
• All ski equipment & Life Jackets.
• Transfer from your hotel and back.
• Soft drinks and Bottled water.
• Price :
• Maximum 5 people.
• Daily Departures.
A perfect Sunset Experience
• Ever wonder what the green lights are just off the shores of Hua Hin. Well, this is your chance to find out first hand. Fishing for squid and small grouper and red snapper under the expertise of the local fishermen. We set off at sunset in our speed boats just offshore to the island of Sing-to ( Lion Head ). Our staff will help organize the bait and you will be amazed by the catch. Squids and fish of all shapes and colors! We catch just enough for our BBQ dinner which is served on Takiab Beach.
• Included in the tour :
• All fishing equipment & bait.
• Transfer from your hotel and back.
• BBQ Dinner/Soft drinks and Bottled water.
• Minimum 4/Maximum 10 people.
The package includes the following :
15 minutes Jet Ski
15 minutes Water Ski
10 minutes Doughnut
30 minutes Banana Boat
60 minutes Island Trip
Body Boarding
Beach Volleyball
Full BBQ Lunch with salads + fruit
Complimentary Bottled Water & Soft Drinks ( Limited to 2 per person )
Free use of our lounge chairs & beach umbrellas. Located at Takiab Beach
FREE TRANSFERS AVAILABLE FROM HUAHIN
FOR BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT US.
Tel:
081-8562847
(Thai), 032-511283 (English) / Fax: 032-522848
Shopping in Hua Hin
Night Market, Souvenirs, Fabrics and Gemstones
Hua Hin and the area around it have wonderful places to shop for virtually all of Thailand's traditional handicrafts. In addition, the town itself has become a centre for contemporary art with several small galleries featuring works by local artists. If you’re looking for a suit or dress, there are legions of tailors in hotels and other areas that will craft one to your specifications.
There are also numerous opportunities to purchase reasonably priced handbags, sunglasses, costume jewellery, prescription glasses, or ready-made clothing. As elsewhere in Thailand, bartering is the norm, and you will achieve the best prices doing so with a friendly approach and big smile.
Other than a few factory outlets on Petchakasem Road, there are no large shopping malls. Instead you will find small shops operated by individual proprietors who pride themselves in offering personalised service. Although not considered as a shopping destination, shopping is always a fun component of the recipe for a perfect holiday, and you won’t be short on opportunities. A highlight of shopping in Hua Hin is that it is much more of a ‘local’ experience, with lots of small shops selling a wide variety of things, making the shopping excursion more of a ‘discovery’. Head over to the day and night markets for a great experience bartering on all kinds of things with the friendly locals.
Hua Hin Night Market and other markets
Although thought of primarily as a place to eat, Hua Hin's Night Market and the adjoining Night Plaza (located in the centre of town adjacent to Dechanuchit Road, just west of Phetkasem Road) is always a great place to eat and shop with the locals. In the evening additional food vendors set up along Dechanuchit Road between Chatchai Market and the Night Plaza, a market devoted primarily to tourist shops. The combination of these three market areas, provides Hua Hin with one of Thailand's largest and most bustling night markets. There is something for everyone here, including handicrafts, traditional Thai food and numerous vendors several selling seafood for much less than you would find it in a standard restaurant.
Another market worth visiting is the Pae Mae market. It appears only on Tuesdays and can be found near the driving range at Royal Hua Hin Golf Club. Here you can watch locals shop for anything that can be transported to a once-a-week marketplace. It's great fun and offers a slice of Thai life sometimes missed by visitors. Excellent to shop for Thai trinkets and handicrafts.
For local handicrafts, the Hua Hin Bazaar, about 100 meters west of the beach, should be your first stop. There are hundreds of items in the shops, from shells and wood carvings to dried fish.
What to buy in Hua Hin
Despite the fact that Hua Hin is not known for shopping, visitors are often surprised by the variety (and quality!) of goods that can be found here. From an exquisite painting and beautifully-crafted item to silk and colorful printed cotton, a little shopping spree might just be the perfect way to spend time if you’re looking for a break from the sun and beach-side frolics. Here are some good buys to look out for…
Handicrafts & Art
There are a lot of art and handicrafts on offer in Hua Hin. Although it is difficult to generalize, you'll find lots of products from seashells near the Sofitel Centara Hotel and loads of handicrafts in the nearby Hua Hin Bazaar. Paintings, carpets, handicrafts and antiques are offered in many shops on Naresdamri Road. Thai people are are well-known and admired even for their creativity and craftsmanship. The attention to detail is phenomenal, but it’s always good to inspect goods closely before making a purchase.
Souvenirs
Souvenir shops can be found in on Naret Damri Road, Decha Nuchit Road, Chomsin Road, Damnoen Kasem Road, and the nearby areas. Some best buys include the printed cotton and silk fabric called ‘khommaphat’, fashion accessories and housewares made of coconut shells, other handicrafts, dried seafood, pineapples, coconuts and a variety of processed fruits.
Fabrics & Tailored Clothing
Thai silk is always a good buy and difficult to resist, available everywhere in many styles and colours. Tailors advertise that they can make garments in a day or so, but remember you get what you pay for. When purchasing silk, make sure you buy a quality product from reputable shops. Sometimes Thai ‘silk’ is interwoven with synthetics, which means an inferior product. Thai silk is famous and highly sought-after worldwide. Originally used exclusively for clothing, it has also become popular to be used for upholstery, soft furnishings and a big variety of other exciting interior-related applications.
Thai cotton is not as well-known as silk, but certainly worth consideration because of its superior quality and the fact that it is so ideal for this humid climate. Many shops offer all kinds of clothing for men and women made from hand-woven Thai cotton. It is increasingly also being used for a variety of interior decorating applications. Another good fabric to look out for is ‘kom ma phat’, colourful cotton prints that Hua Hin is renowned for and available in many local shops.
Jewelry and Gemstones
Yes, there have been all kinds of jewelry and gemstone scams, but the quality of Thai gems and jewelry is also well-known. Sapphires and rubies are great buys, and Thai design styles (modern or traditional) are very distinct and exquisite. Thai gold sells for considerably cheaper than in Europe or the US, and is available in many Chinese gold shops around town. The secret of ensuring you are buying from a reputable dealer is to ask for certificates of authentification, as well as professional accreditation. Fortunately, many scams have been exposed, and are occurring less frequently.
Pottery & Seledon
Even though Hua Hin in not known for pottery-making, examples of this craft from other regions in Thailand are available in many Hua Hin shops. Originally made in Thailand during the Sukhothai period, Thai Celedon (hand-painted tableware ceramics) remains one of the best things you can buy in Thailand, even though it can tip the luggage scale to scary heights.
Where to shop in Hua Hin
The most fun part of shopping is always to explore on your own, but it’s great to have some pointers too. Here are a few places to get you started…
Hua Hin Arts & Crafts Center
Situated in a typical old-style house on Naepkhehat Road, the center features a private collection of contemporary works of many Thai artists, from paintings, sculptures and local handicrafts to beautifully-restored antique furniture and historical pictures of Hua Hin’s glorious past.
Art Gallery
41/91 Thavorn Village 5
Soi Mooban Noi, Nongplub Road, Hua Hin
A good selection of pictures and oils by local artists.
Gaw Gai Shop
2/1 Dechanuchit Road, Hua Hin
Near the entrance to the ChaoLay Seafood Restaurant. It offers ceramics, wooden bric-a-brac and lamps made from Thai pottery.
Phaiboon
56/1-4 Dechanuchit Road, Hua Hin
A large shop with virtually all types of handicrafts represented. A good place for ‘kom ma phat’, a beautiful local cotton print cloth.
Hua Hin Gallery Orient
7/14 Sra-Song Road, Hua Hin
Thai handicrafts, wood products and numerous antiques.
Tailors
Tailor shops in Hua Hin are plentiful and offer very competitive prices on suits and dresses made from a variety of fabric. Suits can be made in 24 hours, but the golden rule is the schedule a few fittings and to compare workmanship before making a decision.
Anantara Golden Triangle Trumpets 2008 Elephant Polo
Thailand’s highly popular King’s Cup Tournament returns to the hills in 2008. Event organiser Anantara Resorts announced that the 2008 tournament would take place from March 31 to April 6 in the northern-most region of the country known as the Golden Triangle.
To officially launch the tournament, Anantara Resorts will host a kick-off match at the grounds of the ‘1st Infantry Regiment King’s Own Bodyguard’, in Vipavadi Rangsit, Bangkok on September 21, 2007. A fitting location for the King’s Cup, the event is open to the public and an afternoon of celebrities, seasoned 0elephant polo players, colourful parades and pachyderms will provide a taste of the excitement to come!
Or one of the games founding fathers, Jim Edwards of ‘Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge’ in Nepal puts it: “Elephants polo is like playing golf from the back of a slow – moving Range Rover.” It should be pointed out that the World Wildlife Fund has declared that this sport poses no threat to the elephants participating in the games.
This popular event, ranked as the 6th largest event on the Thai tourism calendar was introduced to Thailand in 2001 and is a charitable event that raises money for the country’s National Elephant Institute in Lampang, Northern Thailand. Hosting the event in the far North ensures that the international spotlight is focused onto a very unique and special part of Thailand, showcasing the beauty of the natural landscape of the Golden Triangle region – the natural home of elephants.
Through its own Elephant Camp located within the grounds of the Anantara Resort Golden Triangle, the property’s focus on the future of Thailand’s pachyderm population and forms an integral part of the resort’s operations. On an on-going basis, resident Director of Elephants, John Roberts, works closely with the Thai government’s Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang to develop Anantara’s camp as an elephant sanctuary. The funds raised from the 2006 tournament are being used to custom-build an elephant-sized ambulance which will be donated to the National Elephant Institute.
To date the tournament has raised over US$175,000 for the National Elephant Institute, which provides medical care, sustenance, employment, welfare and mahout training to Thailand’s elephant population. It is estimated that Thailand has around 2500 domesticated elephants and 1500 wild elephants. This is down from an elephant population of around 50,000 in 1950 and 100,000 in 1900.
The 2006 tournament featured the return of Tom Claytor, a bush pilot who loves to play elephant polo, Margie McDougal, the most experienced female player in the world, Torquhil Ian Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll, an experienced captain from ThisistheLife.com Scotland, All Blacks team headed by Justin Sampson (Sambo), Bernie Fraser, New Zealand’s former world-ranking rugby player.
Anantara Resort Golden Triangle is located 60km north of Chiang Rai’s international airport.
Source http://www.thailandwonders.com
Hua Hin International Kite Festival
Hua Hin International Kite Festival is an annual event in March. With each subsequent year, the Hua Hin International Kite Festival attracts an ever-growing number of devoted kite fans, participants and spectators, from all over Thailand as well as from countries around the region, and beyond. The colourful kite festival thus presents a golden opportunity for visitors to savour the international flavour of kite culture in a single trip.
Special highlights last year:
Displays and demonstrations of Thai kites from the 4 regions and demonstrations of Chula and Pakpao kites.
An international showcase of kites from Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Newzealand, Australia, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, India, Sweden, Korea and Singapore, featuring exhibits, demonstrations and displays.
"Mega Moon Kite" The world biggest kite from Japan .
"Banner Art Kite, "Giant Flower forms kite" ,"Giant Octopus kite", "Giant Fish kite", "Ghost Deltas kite" ,"Devil kites", "Giant Geko kite", "Sky Ribbons kite" from United States.
Sales of local products and handicrafts promoted under the OTOP (One Tambon One Product)
Art contests and popular kite contests
Staged 'kite-fighting' battles featuring the larger star-shaped Chula kite and the smaller diamond-shaped Pakpao kite
Demonstrations of kite-fighting as a team sport
Displays and demonstrations of stunt kites
Art contests and popular kite contests
Hua Hin karting and gokart
Karting in Hua Hin at Go Kart Hua Hin
166 Hua Hin Soi 2
Petchkasem Rd (opposite Hua Hin Airport)
Hua Hin, Prachuabkhirikhan.
Tel:
Our opening hours are now streamlined from 10.30am-7pm everyday with late night racing by appointment.
GoKart Hua Hin is located opposite Hua Hin Airport on Petchkasem Road, approximately 6 kilometres from the city centre.
The 700-meter outdoor track, set amidst a backdrop of palm trees and mountains, will both entertain and delight the novice driver and also test the skills of an experienced karter !!!
Arrive and Drive sessions are available for all adult and family needs, our staff will be happy to recommend the option that will suit you the best.
GoKart Hua Hin:
Podium Caf? – ideal for a cooling drink, a light snack or a rewarding ice-cream !!!
New and Used Kart Sales – join our growing team of Private Kart Owners. Own your own kart and house it on site to race when you want. Please consult GoKart Hua Hin Management for further details.
Tournaments – every full moon we race under the stars in a Grand Prix format. Please ask for further details.
Endurance Racing – every Saturday or Sunday, throughout the year, we invite teams, of three or more drivers to compete against each other. Race format consists of one-hour track time with team strategy for driver changes and fuel stops !!! Please ask for further details.
Driving School – speak to our staff to book a gokart driving lesson. Get the best advice on safety, strategy, technique and track etiquette from an experienced gokart driver.
Track Membership – join the club and receive discounts and special offers for a one off fee. Please ask for further details.
Private Kart Arrive and Drive – bring your own kart and race all day. Please contact us prior to arrival for availability and charges.
Corporate Events – we can set the foundations for a practical test of team building to develop your employees strengths, improve their weaknesses and highlight their abilities to communicate and adapt to changing circumstances or challenging situations, all within the compass of a GoKart Endurance Race . Please contact us for further details.
ROC Lap Timing System – all completed laps will be recorded via our lap timing system and displayed `live` on our TV monitors. You will also receive a computer printout of all your lap times, highlighting your fastest lap, average track speed and total laps completed, once your session has finished.
We have four Two-Seater Karts (powered by 6.5 and 9 HP engines) for inexperienced karters to partake in the fun from the comfort of a passenger seat (ideal for younger children).
Also available are four Junior Karts (powered by 6.5 HP engines). These karts allow teenagers to gain confidence and experience the circuit under their own control.
Ten Senior Karts (powered by 13 HP engines), the pride of the fleet, these karts can maintain an average track speed of 60/70 kph and are available for all individual adult time trailing, group racing or just for fun !!!
For groups of 5 or more try the GOKART 30
10-laps of qualifying against our ROC Lap Timing Computer System.
Then compete in a 20-lap race against your family and friends from a Formula One style grid line-up.
Race winner will receive a free t-shirt or baseball cap.
750 Baht per person.
Call now and get karting : Or email us
Thai Boxing in Hua Hin
Thai boxing is a martial art that is known worldwide. It is acclaimed for its beauty and power. Thai boxers use not only fists to hit their opponent, but other parts of the body, such as feet, knees, and elbows can be used as well. Another special feature is that music is played while a Thai boxing match is going on, so it makes boxing seem like a beautiful and artistic dance that goes with the music.
The history of Muay Thai is interwoven with the history of the Thai people. A gentle, peace-loving people, for centuries Thais had to defend themselves and their land from aggressive powers. They developed a form of close, hand-to-hand combat best suited for the kind of rough-terrain battle they were fighting. Over time it became a rite of passage for Thai men to take up training in this martial art.
King Naresuan the Great (1555-1605), one of the country's most celebrated warrior-heroes, is believed to have been an excellent boxer himself, and it was he who made Muay Thai a required part of military training. Another milestone in the history of Muay Thai was the triumph of Nai Khanom Tom over 10 Burmese boxers in 1774. Taken captive after the Thai capital fell in 1767, Nai Khanom Tom was picked to fight before the Burmese king. After defeating ten of them in a row, he was freed and returned home a hero.
In the old days, Muay Thai was a dangerous sport, with no safety gear of any kind for the fighters, and only lengths of cords to wrap around the fists in place of gloves. Over the years rules have been written along the line of international boxing regulations.
In recent years the sport has attracted a wide following outside of the country, and training facilities have been set up in countries as far as the U.S. and the former Soviet states. In 1995 the World Muay Thai Council was set up by cabinet resolution in 1995 to promote this national heritage at national and international levels. At a conference held that same year, 78 member countries voted for the establishment of a training school where all elements of Muay Thai would be taught. The Muay Thai Institute was founded in 1997 and is now the only training school accredited by the Ministry of Education.
On fight nights at major stadiums, especially at Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen, tourists fill up a sizable portion of the seats, and the number is growing. Most opt to sit at ringside, to see the action up close. On nights of major events, usually advertised days in advance, it can be hard to get tickets. You might want to book through your hotels or travel agents.
| Contact person |
:Mr.Veera (Mobile No.66-086-3350007, Fax. 66-032-522848
) |
| E-mail |
: reservation@huahintagteam.com |
| Hua HIn Office |
: 9.00 a.m. - 06.00 p.m. Monday - Saturday |
