Kite surfing, a sport which involves elements of surfing and paragliding is increasing in popularity. The sport involves a person on a board being pulled across the water by a kite. The most popular place for this sport in Asia is the kite surfing capital of Thailand, Hua Hin.
Located 200 km (124 miles) southwest of the capital city of Bangkok; Hua Hin is one of the eight districts in the Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Once a fishing village, the town is now a beach resort where even Thailand’s royal families spend their summers. The city is a tourist attraction with warm temperatures and high humidity. The best time to visit Hua Hin is from November through February. During this time, the average temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit). For those looking for hotter weather during their visit, March through May offers temperatures in of up to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). From June to October is Hua Hin’s rainy season. The heaviest of rains is usually in September.
What to do in Hua Hin
Hua Hin has a variety of attractions apart from kite surfing. If you are looking for a fun time with the family, the Vana Nava Water Jungle is a water park with various rides and activities for visitors of all ages. Another option for water parks is the Black Mountain Water Park which is just 15 minutes from the center of Hua Hin.
Hua Hin also has many cultural sites to visit such as the Huay Mongkol Temple. This temple, located 15 kilometers west of the city center, has a giant statute of the famous Buddhist monk Luang Phor Thuad. Another cultural site rests at Khao Takiab temple, also known as Monkey Mountain. Here, hundreds of monkeys roam freely, and people can visit the Wat Khao Takiab temple. The Hutsadin Elephant Foundation is the place to go if you are a fan of the largest land animals in the world. Here you can take a trip on the back of an elephant through the forests of Hua HIn.
For a day in the sun, visit Hua Hin Beach. With average water temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius, the beach is a great place to get your feet wet. Hua Hin beach contains a variety of resorts, nightlife locations, and restaurants. In line with the town’s title as the kite surfing capital of Thailand, the windy weather and warm water make Hua Hin ideal for kite surfing. For interested individuals who have never tried kite surfing before there are many instructors and schools to get lessons. If kite surfing is of interest, the Aleenta Hua Hin Resort offers a three-day Kite surfing Package and many places near the area are perfect for beginners. This package includes a Level 2 International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) certification.
Other nearby beaches include Suan Son Pradiat Beach. Translated into English it is named the Sea Pine Tree Garden Beach. If you want a less crowded beach, this is a location to visit. It lacks beach vendors but has numerous restaurants. Jet ski rentals are also available. If an underwater adventure is sought, the nearby island of Ko Tao offers snorkelling and scuba diving.
The Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is a great location for hiking. The park has the largest freshwater marsh in all of Thailand. Fans of wildlife can see a large variety here. Species of kingfisher and heron birds have made their home here. Fiddler crabs, snapping shrimp, oysters, and rare animals like mainland serow and fishing cats can all be found here.
Nightlife enthusiasts have a multitude of options available to them. While this nightlife is not as wild as you might find in Bangkok, Pattaya, or Phuket, party-goers can still have a good time. Hua Hin has many bars and restaurants where visitors can get drinks and local food. Live music and karaoke are never in short supply and can make for a good evening of fun.
For shopping, Hua Hin has numerous places. Market Village is a shopping mall with dozens of shops. Hua Hin Night Market is a flea market with handicrafts, clothing, and local food that is made fresh. Artwork can be purchased at Cicada Market.
Getting Around Hua Hin
Travelling around the town is not hard to do. Most of the destinations are within walking distance. This includes shops, supermarkets, banks, hotels, and hospitals. Areas outside the city center can be reached by renting a motorbike or car. It is advised that the rules of the road be learned before driving in Hua Hin as they are different from those across Europe and the United States. Tuk tuks are available throughout the area as well. Theses are taxis with 3 to 4 wheels, open on the sides, and available almost everywhere.
Hua Hin Has Everything
The kite surfing capital of Thailand has it all. Hiking, great food, nightlife, beautiful scenery, beaches, and of course an action-packed adventure in kite surfing. Whether you are looking for a family fun place or a romantic getaway on a honeymoon, Hua Hin is a wonderful place to experience.
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