History of Hua Hin (Source Rose Real Estate Hua Hin)
Hua Hin, which translates to “Stone Head”, is one of the country’s oldest and most popular beach resorts on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is located about 200 km south of Bangkok and 85 km north of the provincial capital, Prachuap. Hua Hin as a tourist destination is known for its tranquil atmosphere, quiet beaches, jungle with mountains in the western hinterland, clean water and fine sand.
Once a romantic fishing village, Hua Hin has evolved into a well-established resort with first-rate facilities paired with Thai hospitality. Many attractions enrich Hua Hin, such as more than 2000 kmยฒ of national parks or the teak royal palace, south of Hua Hin center. Hua Hin also offers excellent opportunities for cycling, kate-boarding and horseback riding on the beach, beach walks. Hua Hin is also known as a golfer’s paradise with world-class golf courses such as the Black Mountain Golf Course or the Springfield Golf Course.
Hua Hin has a rich history. Through the ages, Hua Hin has had various names such as Ban Samoe Rieng, Samoriang and Ban Laem Hin until it received its current name in 1911.
In the late 19th century there was an improvement in Bangkok to Hua Hin travel with the arrival of the first steamboat, the Siam Orasumphol, which served many communities along the Gulf of Thailand. The bond with the royal family that continues to this day began during the turn of the 20th century when Prince Chakrabhongse came to Hua Hin on a hunting trip. Impressed by the tranquility of the area, he built a beachfront villa, the first of its kind in Hua Hin.
Hua Hin’s transformation into a royal seaside resort dates back to 1903 when the railway, the Southern Railroad, was built connecting Hua Hin to Bangkok. As a result of its now convenient accessibility, Hua Hin has increasingly attracted the interest of the nobility, royal family and aristocracy.
The first member of the royal family to appreciate the incomparable beauty of the place was Prince Nares, Minister of Public Works during the reign of King Rama V. He then built an elegant residence, the Saen Samran Royal Residence in 1911 on the southern End of Lam Hin Village. Later another bungalow, Ban Plub Pa, was built by Prince Tewawongworapakorn near Saen Samran. More magnificent bungalows were built within a further 5 years by members of the royal family at the north end of the village.
In 1916, during the reign of King Rama V and VI, the expansion of the railway from Bangkok to Bristish Malaya was completed. Hua Hin’s popularity grew, with the elite of Bangkok’s high society frequenting Hua Hin.
However, by 1922 there was limited accommodation and dining facilities for railroad passengers. Prince Purachatra, as well as the then General Director of the Railways, recognized the problem and took steps to improve it.
One result was the Railway Hotel, opened in 1923, a graceful “Railway Hotel Hua Hin, a Victorian building with a superb beachfront continental restaurant, subsequently operated as the Sofitel Hotel and Resort and since 2011 renamed “Centara Grand Beach Resort” Some time later, the king commissioned road construction and a golf course near the railway station, which led to the opening of the first standard golf course, the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, and later a market called Talad Chatchai – the forerunner of today’s well-known Hua Hin Night Market.
After visiting Hua Hin, inspired by the unspoiled beauty and natural surroundings of the place, Prince Prajadhipok ordered the construction of Klai Kangwon Palace before his coronation as King Rama VII. Upon completion, the palace was named Klaikangwon Palace, which translates “Palace far from worries”. The palace is still used by members of the royal family today.
Year after year, more and more attractions have been added to the Hua Hin area by the royal family. As a result, Hua Hin became even more popular and became a favorite travel destination for aristocrats from all over Thailand. The effects of the Second World War initially interrupted development.
Today, Hua Hin is undoubtedly a holiday destination of international standing. Despite its amazing growth and development as a glorious holiday destination, Hua Hin today remains an idyllic haven of tranquility, frequented and cared for by wealthy Thai families and its roots, the members of the royal family.