HUA HIN, Thailandia (Part.2) Scoprite la città regale, mercati, nuovo design, vino e un hotel …da re

HUA HIN, Thailand (Part.2) Discover the royal city, markets, new design, wine and a hotel…where you will feel like a king...
Hua Hin is one of the top tourist destinations of Thailand from its great amount of attractions and activities – plus it isn’t far from Bangkok. The City has many incredible Beaches, mountains, viewpoints, Temples, night markets, water parks, and fine diners for you to choose from and enjoy at any time of the year.

Hua Hin features a beautiful, powdery sand Beach, numerous seaside Seafood restaurants, a lively night market, numerous Beach activities, and some great inland activities, not least of which is golfing at some of Thailand’s most renowned courses. Just down the coast at Takiab Bay, visitors can take seaside horseback rides and visit a hilltop Buddhist Temple with a spectacular view. Accommodation along the Beach and on the streets leading away from the sea ranges from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts and includes some of the finest spa-retreats in the world. Hua Hin is accessible via train, bus, or car and the seaside community of 60,000 residents is a fine example of warm and welcoming Thai hospitality.

Here we are again in Hau Hin, Thailand, located about 150 km south of Bangkok, in the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. It is a romantic and elegant destination born about 100 years ago, when members of the royal family used to spend their summers here.

Maruekhathaiyawan Cha-Am Palace
Hua Hin is known not only for its long beaches, the historic Maruekhathaiyawan Palace Railway Station and the Maruekhathaiyawan Cha-Am Palace but also because it has recently become a destination and accommodation for artists and creatives who have found the perfect atmosphere and tranquility in this city to create their works.

Oh I forgot… the wine!
I discovered excellent quality local products, but who would have thought that, in addition to nature, food, buddhas… I would have tasted a pleasant “Made in Hua Hin” wine?WHERE TO STAY
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin,
A magnificent venue designed to evoke the spirit of the 1920s.
Sensibly enlarged and renovated, it retains the air and elegance of that bygone era.
Colonial influences meet modern comforts and relaxing views can be had of the pools or magical gardens, populated by elephants and other animals.I had an even bigger surprise to discover its four super top restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines, all meticulously cared for, from the choice of very fresh ingredients to fish cooked in a thousand ways to traditional Thai dishes to spicy sauces with the unsurpassed local blends.For a romantic dinner, go to the Coast Beach Club, practically on the seashore known for its grilled meat and fish. Railway Elegant Colonial Style Restaurant Inspired by the famous Hua Hin Station, international dishes and local specialties, Suan Buam, from the menu using only locally farmed meats and vegetables grown in Hua Hin and Cha-am regions.

Coast  Beach Club & Bistro The restaurant on the seashore of the Centara
Hagi offers authentic Japanese cuisine with a modern twist, the freshest sushi and sashimi and the freshest sushi, crispy tempura and fish grilled right before your eyes on teppanyaki plates.

To enjoy an unforgettable tea, the afternoon note is at the Museum, a café with an old-world charm, where colonial style, vintage furnishings, memorabilia from the railway era and the notes of a live harp, give the Museum the charm of royal times.

Shopping?
Dive into the Cicada Market, an open-air market that offers art, handicrafts, gastronomy, fashion, decorative objects, paintings, sculptures. Only open on weekend evenings, the market is usually packed with weekend crowds from Bangkok. It is located off Petchkasem Road, about halfway between Hua Hin Town and Khao Takiab.

Fame “on the road”?
Chatchai Market (Hua Hin Night Market) is an old market, built in 1926 as a tribute to the king. Today it is a souvenir market, as well as fresh and preserved foods. You will find includes local excellences such as blue crabs, tiger prawns, grilled pig’s feet, intriguing culinary products and exquisite restaurants.

And in the cup? The unexpectedly extraordinary Thai wine!
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, located 45 km to the west. Pleasant wine tours are organized daily so that visitors can witness the production of the best wines in Thailand. For those who are looking forward to spending a moment in a peaceful and quiet place, this is truly one of the best destinations. I was very curious about everything and the lovely hotel staff arranged a visit to the vineyard located less than an hour away.

This excursion will be a wonderful opportunity to see suggestive pineapple plantations that lead to a surprising and unexpected vineyard of over 100 hectares. The surprises may not end there, since there is the opportunity to visit the property…riding an elephant, strictly respected by the drivers, given that elephants always have the right of way…A large and elegant tasting room overlooks the valley, in a privileged position as it benefits from a cooler microclimate with breezes coming from the hills. The estate was commissioned by Red Bull! Chalerm Yoovidhya, one of Thailand’s richest men, who, during his studies abroad, discovered a passion for wine. Chalerm took up the challenge of growing grapes in his native land, demonstrating to the world that great wines can also be made at the 13th latitude of the northern hemisphere.You will have the opportunity to taste some of the wines available at the vineyard including an excellent brut blanc de blancs, which highlights the delicate floral notes of the chenin blanc, colombard and viognier grapes that make up this sparkling wine from the classic champenoise method. In addition to the white colombard, I recommend the medium sweet chenin blanc, not cloying at all, on the contrary ideal for pairing with spicy meat dishes and seafood salads. Between the two bottles “Cuvée de Siam”  I was very impressed by the red, made with the oldest vines of shiraz and sangiovese “QUEEN OF TRANQUILITY” AND NEW CAPITAL OF DESIGN
For some years now, Hua Hin has been living a new reality thanks to a young generation of artists, creatives and designers who have found in this city the tranquility and the ideal atmosphere for the realization of their arts. Away from noisy (and expensive) Bangkok. This “migration” of artists is a process that has taken place in many cities that are too chaotic and have become uncomfortable for those who need concentration to work. It is enough to mention Williamsburg, the “refuge” of many artists who have preferred to leave the chaotic New York.

Among the most prominent Thai designers, Nuttapong Charoenkitivarakorn and his “no waste” Sculpture collection of pieces born from the weaving of cotton ropes left over from the manufacture of more conventional furnishings should be mentioned. So particular and fascinating that the director of “The Hunger Games” wanted them as part of the scenography.

For those who missed Part.1 of our story about Hua Hin, here is the link

INFO
www.tourismthailand.org