Due to rapid urbanization in many parts of Thailand, tourists may find it difficult to have an authentic Thai experience. However, the country has done much to preserve its heritage and way of life. Nowhere has it worked better than in Hua Hin. The city is among the oldest Thai resorts, and has been a popular getaway for over 70 years- long before Samui and Phuket. The reason for this popularity is manifold, for despite modern infrastructure and facilities, the city still has an active fishing port. Thai culture is exemplified here, in the cuisine, the shopping and even the lifestyle. Visitors looking for a real Thai adventure will find it in this area.
The Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is only a short minute drive from Hua Hin. Established in 1996, Sam Roi Yot was the first ever coastal park created in Thailand. The name means ‘the mountain with 300 peaks’ and refers to the unique topography of the park which consists of many limestone hills, some over 600 metres in height forming a dramatic landscape. The park lies along the main Asian-Australian flyway, and acts as home for extensive varieties of birds.
The park also has amazing trekking trails, some of which lead to breathtaking views of the gulf coast. There is an entry fee charged to enter the park, but the ticket will also gain the holder access to other national parks as long as it is on the same day. If entry into one of the parks is more expensive than the other, the difference in price will have to be paid. It only takes about 45 minutes to get to the Sam Roi Yot Park from the south of Hua Hin.
