Hua Hin actually means ‘head rock’ in Thai and refers to a rocky headland that divides the two main beach areas. The first recorded visit of a member of the royal family to Hua Hin was that of King Mongkut, in 1868, who visited the town to witness a total eclipse of the sun. It is said that the King fell in love with the peacefulness and serenity of the area and since then the royal family have ‘adopted’ Hua Hin. However, the place is still used by the royal family today and its name is a testimony to the peaceful atmosphere of Hua Hin. The weather at Hua Hin is pleasant throughout the year with lovely sea breezes and sunny days. The dry season is from March to September, some showers are experienced during the rainy season from October - November and the warm season is from November to February. In the 1920’s the Royal family chose Hua Hin to be the royal summer resort because of its excellent weather and its old world charm. Klai Klongwon (Far from Worries) Palace: the palace, built in the beautiful Spanish style and facing the sea, was the summer residence of Rama VII. It was also the site of his abdication. The present king, HM King Bhumiphol, and his family still use the palace on their visits to Hua Hin. Parts of the palace and its beautiful grounds - with several statues, topiary bushes, shady trees and a unique sundial - are open for public viewing. Railway Hotel: built in 1923 by Prince Purachatra, this was the hotel used as the Phnom Phen Hotel in the award winning movie “The Killing Fields.” The hotel is built in the colonial style and was the talk of the town at its opening. However, by the 1960s the building was in disrepair and it was not until the late 1980s that it was renovated and restored. Today the hotel is a beautiful five star hotel. Wat Khao Takiab: this is another prominent temple on Khao Takiab (Chopstick Hill) in Hua Hin, noted for the number of meditation practitioners who visit the temple for enlightenment and for its 20 metre high Buddha image. The restive ambience and tranquillity of the temple can be felt instantly and the views are stunning. Visitors will have to watch out for the monkeys who have little fear of them and will snatch their hats, handbags and whatever they can lay their paws on. Hua Hin Night Market: the night market is open daily till 4am and is a haven for shoppers. Here you can find everything and anything including handicrafts made from shells and drift wood, clothes including lingerie to jackets, fruits and food including fried grasshoppers, fried cricket, fried beetle and many other delicacies. Phraya Nakorn Cave: the cave, located a little distance out of Hua Hin, was named after one of the Governors of Prachaub Khiri Khan who had to take shelter here during a rainstorm. The cave is unique because of the pavilion that King Rama V had constructed inside it in 1890. | 
