Hua Hin Travel Forum

we are staying at the Marriott for 13 nights in July we are now thinking whether this is too long in one place we are taking our holiday through HAYES AND JARVIS SO ARE TIED TO CERTAIN HOTELS, CAN ANY ONE ADVISE US ON WHETHER IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO SPLIT THE TIME BETWEEN CHA AM/KOH SAMUI AND HUA HIN THE OPTIONS ARE HOLIDAY INN CHA AM AND CHABA SUMUI KOH SAMUI WE WOULD LIKE TO RELAX AS MUCH AS POSS. PLEASE HELP

There is not much in Cha Am so I would not look to stay there. Samui is a much better option and there maybe be better weather on that side of the country in July so I would consider that option. Also have you thought of spending some time in Bangkok?

Regards

John

13 nights in Hua Hin would be much too long if you ask me. I absolutely love the Hua Hin Marriot Resort and Spa but can't imagine spending 13 nights there. Cha Am is right down the street, so I wouldn't recommend packing up to move there. I would recommend getting out to Koh Samui for a week for a change of pace and to actually get out to the islands. You will get plenty of relaxation time in both places, plus you will have opportunities to do more sightseeing if you like to on Samui. There are some beautiful waterfalls and many other attractions that Hua Hin and Cha-Am do not have. The Hua Hin resort is beautiful but very small and near the center of town, so get out to an island! When you are on Koh Samui you can go to Koh Tao or Koh Pangnan for day trips, snorkeling, diving, etc. or simply stay at your resort. I do not know the resort on Samui, but if they are putting you up at the Marriott in Hua Hin I can almost guarantee that wherever they put you in Samui will be very nice as well. Have a great time!

Cheers,

Chris

We have looked at other resorts they are all a bit pricey we have spent loads already!!! What about tour companies in hua Hin for possibly 3-4 day trips, for snorkelling or the river kwai any ideas? Cheers for answers so far.

I don't think that Hua Hin has much to offer in the way of snorkeling or diving but you could take a 2-day trip to Kanchanaburi and visit the Tiger Temple, the Erawan Falls, and the Bridge over the River Kwai. It is lovely scenery up there and the resorts would be much less expensive. What kind of activities are you interested in? The Marriott is ideal for relaxation, but if you are somewhat active you may want to stay in some places that aren't so expensive because you will find more to do outside your room and the resort itself. Have you already paid for the 13 nights at the Marriott? If not, then you could just go anywhere and find a nice hotel for a fraction of the cost. With a little bit of money Thailand is so accommodating and easy to do just about anything you want.

I really like a town that's about 1 hour to an hour and a half south of Hua Hin called Prachuab Khiri Khan (Provincial Capital) that has a Air Force Base that is very beautiful, a mountain-top temple that you can climb the steps to, and an aquarium. At the end of the beach in Hua Hin there is a nice hilltop temple too (seems to be one on every hill in Thailand). Also, keep in mind that anything you organize through the Marriott will be TOP-DOLLAR. If you want to save some money and take some interesting excursions you may inquire at Guest Houses in Hua Hin as long as you don't mind getting in a van with backpackers and the like. The concierge position in Thailand is based almost completely on commission, so if you ask them where the best tailor is they will send you to the one that pays them the most. This is true for just about everything in the hotels. If you ask them where there is a good restaurant they will tell you about the restaurants in the hotel and not be very well informed about new and exciting restaurants in town. The Marriott is going to be very relaxing, but get out and find some things to do on your own. Maybe go elephant trekking, to local waterfalls, etc. At Guest Houses they will have a wall of options that have pictures and other information. Be a little adventurous and keep an open mind, you may really come across some experiences that will change your life as long as you are willing to go a little below the 5 Star services.
If you like American Style Bar-B-Que and miss Western food there is a restaurant called the Great American Rib Company in downtown Hua Hin that you may enjoy. Other than that the Thai food is abundant and delicious throughout Thailand. The nicer restaurant seem to charge extra for "Westernized Thai Food" and it is not as good as authentic Thai food. Look for Thai restaurants with the "Clean Food, Good Taste" sign and you should be fine.

Thanks for all you tips (are you sure your not a travel agent in your spare time?) will certainly visit the bridge, we have been to Goa so are prepared to rough it with the locals.

It's my pleasure. I actually own a touring company and have a Tourism Authority of Thailand Touring Company License, but my focus is on organizing charity bicycle rides/tours. I want to do big events, and this site helps me learn more good info and share my info with others. I am also practicing for my own forum for which I just started last week and will announce to my mailing list in the next day or two. I want to see tourism improve here in Thailand and I hate seeing people get ripped off by anybody. If you see my profile you will know more about me and I believe it shows my website or as they call it "external page". Have a great trip and get out of the resort from time to time to see and do some stuff.

Take care,

Chris