Hua Hin
Queen of Tranquillity
The land of smiles has something for every taste-aesthetic, exotic or adventurous-as well as beautiful beaches and warm seas. Thailand is full of wonders: glittering temples, seething markets, historic palaces, and some of the world's most beautiful people. The food is delicious; the shopping is exciting, and so is the nightlife, although awareness of AIDS and other hazards has cast a shadow over the seedier side.
Known as the Queen of Tranquillity, Hua Hin, 230 km (143 miles) south of Bangkok, on the Gulf of Thailand, was the country's first resort, the summer residence of the monarchy. It was launched in 1910 when Prince Chakrabongse, brother of Rama IV, built a luxury bungalow here for entertaining important guests invited to hunt with him. Very quickly it became the summer retreat of the entire court. In recent years it has grown from a small village to a booming destination, popular with Thai families and less crowded than Pattaya or Phuket.
