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When this seaside resort puts on a show, it does it with class
Hua Hin has long been Thailand’s quiet destination. When it does make
noise, it’s charming: the blare of a trumpet or the low hum of a classic
car. Befitting its status as the royal and high-society retreat, Hua Hin has
managed to retain a subdued sophistication over the years, even as its
hotel
industry has expanded to accommodate larger numbers of tourists.
Archaic modes of transport – horses on the beach and the railway that
transformed Hua Hin decades ago – are living symbols of its history and
embody the appeal of the seaside resort. Compared to other southern
destinations like
Samui and
Phuket, the nightlife in Hua Hin is tame and
development is controlled (resulting in a stronger infrastructure). The
upmarket emphasis has taken it off most backpackers’ itineraries.
At the same time, its
restaurant scene has become increasingly
cosmopolitan and the five-star hotel options have expanded.
When Hua Hin does host events, they fit the town’s profile and sense of
history: the annual jazz fest, for example. The organizers don’t hype it,
choosing to focus on domestic tourists. Similarly, the vintage car rally
brings back the spirit of a bygone era when Hua Hin became the destination
for Thailand’s elite and royalty.
Hua Hin’s success and style has spilled over to nearby Pran Buri, also
low-profile but upmarket, with boutique hotels and rustic elegance.
This month, while Phuket steals the December spotlight with massive
ceremonies, Hua Hin and Pran Buri will be hosting a low-profile but
interesting series of events – a mountain concert, the annual vintage car
rally, and an inaugural beach party in Pran Buri catering to urbanites.
This last event, called “escape: pranburi” and hosted by local travel mag
anywhere, will transform a long strip of Sam Roi Yod beach into a Beach Club
with full facilities, such as VIP lounging area, bars, spa salas, food
outlets, sports gear for activities and a music stage with a lineup of DJs.
The concert, set on Hin Lek Fai mountain overlooking Hua Hin, is
sponsored by
Chiva-Som Luxury Health Resort Hua Hin, and will feature members of the National
Symphony and Silpakorn University orchestras as backup to a band playing 60s
rock.
Hosted by the Preserve Hua Hin Group, the event will raise funds to clean
local beaches. Besides the music, there will be an exhibition of paintings
by local artists and a food fair hosted by some of the five-star resorts.
“We want people to see that Hua Hin has a variety of beautiful areas to
visit so we are holding the concert on Hin Lek Fai Hill,” says group
chairman Krip Rojanastien.
The final event of note this month is the vintage car rally. The rally
sets off in Bangkok, concluding at the
Hua Hin’s former Railway Hotel, an
elegant Victorian-style resort hotel now operated by Sofitel and Central. As
a closing event, the refined hotel hosts a Gastby-esque “back to the 20s
party.”
Only in Hua Hin could you break out your tux.
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