Buzz
If you're on the hunt for ancient pieces, gentle corners painted with the hues of sunset, then Hua Hin is the most alluring destination to rediscover your own sense of nostalgia and tranquility.
Over half a century ago, Klai Kangwon Palace served as the honeymoon retreat for King Bhumipol Adulyadej (Rama IX, the current King of Thailand) and Queen Sirikit.
The summer palace Klai Kangwon stands distinctively on the northern outskirts of Hua Hin. Built in the early 20th century, this place has remained almost unchanged. Today, the Thai Royal Family still chooses this as their resort. Apart from the main villa-style residence, the palace features mostly low-rise Spanish architecture, interspersed with Thai-style Sala structures. The lower level has rows of columns forming breezy corridors, while the upper floor houses private chambers.
In contrast to the grand and ornate royal palaces in Bangkok, the Summer Palace offers open spaces, weaving through lush green gardens. The color palette here is not vivid or ostentatious but mostly neutral, creating a light and soothing atmosphere. At the heart of the maze, a fountain pool and a few white-painted wooden benches invite visitors to rest. Near the entrance, the Royal Museum displays images and memorabilia of the Royal Family and serves as a souvenir shop for tourists.
Hua Hin Railway Station
Hua Hin Railway Station: A Relic of Royal Summers
As evening descends upon the city, a sense of bygone days permeates the air at Hua Hin Railway Station. Following the resonating bells, the lively last train of the day arrives in haste and departs swiftly. The station remains tranquil, bathed in the warm glow of old yellow lights on the weathered painted wood, as time's gentle rhythms unfold.
Shopping and Dining in Hua Hin
After departing from Hua Hin Railway Station, stepping out of the gate, turning left, and strolling along the street in front of the station, you'll encounter the lively and fragrant Hua Hin Night Market. This market is sure to delight you with a plethora of Thai food, souvenirs, and the bustling sounds of laughter.
You can also visit Plearnwan to acquire unique vintage items for yourself and your family. Plearnwan is Thailand's first eco-style village model. The entire village was reconstructed in 2009 with the aim of recreating and preserving the activities of Hua Hin when it was still a fishing village with small ports.
Here, you'll witness images of houses perched on columns, and all activities taking place above ground, resembling the familiar riverine lifestyle of the local residents. In this antique space, the stories of old Hua Hin are retold through traditional market stalls nestled amidst shops selling vintage items. Many street corners, along with the old way of life in Hua Hin, are depicted through large mural paintings.
If you seek grandeur, a spectacle that leaves you awestruck, perhaps you won't find it in Hua Hin. However, this is undoubtedly a fantastic destination for you and your family to escape the bustling urban life and return to the simplicity, warmth, and nostalgia of days not too long ago.
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Source: Travel Guide by Mytour – Courtesy of: VnExpress
MytourSeptember 25, 2013
