Mrigadayavan Palace, Hua Hin

Mrigadayavan Palace
It is one of the most attractive royal palaces in Thailand. Located 14 kilometres north of Hua Hin, this golden teak wood palace was constructed in 1923 at the command of King Rama VI who used this beachside mansion to be his summer residence. It was fashioned in Thai-Victorian style with an elevated airy walkway that connects all the rooms in the compound. The palace consists of the king and the queen’s pavilions, dining rooms, study room and dressing rooms. Every room also has a display of pieces of old furniture used by the king. The palace was recently renovated to celebrate the king’s 120-year birthday anniversary in 2001.

Mrigadayavan Palace is open daily to the public from 08.00-16.00. Admission fee is 30 Baht for adults.

Hua Hin Railway Station
Built in 1920s, this is one of Thailand’s oldest railway stations and unique in its architectural style. Its most notable feature is the three-tiered roof Royal Waiting Room constructed in the Thai pavilion style. It was relocated from Sanam Chan Palace in Nakhon Pathom Province during the reign of King Rama VI.

Khao Hin Lek Fai
This hill is one of the vantage points in Hua Hin where you can see the whole town. It is located 3 kilometers west of the town. The place is popular among locals who go there for the sunset. You can get there by car or motorcycle.

Khao Takiap Vantage Point
Located 5 kilometres south of Hua Hin, this hill can be reached by local minibus from the town center. The journey takes about 10 – 15 minutes, passing through the village before stopping at the end of the road. Visitors can go up the hilltop to enjoy a bird-eye view of the town. On top of the hill is a temple called Wat Khao. The giant Buddha Statue standing against the cliff has become a landmark of Khao Takiap. You can climb the stairs to the temple. There are many monkeys living near the temple. Don’t get too close and watch your belongings.

Pa La-u Waterfall
This 11-tiered rock waterfall is located in the densely verdant forest in Kaengkrajan National Park. Some levels of the waterfall can be reached along a trekking trail parallel to the stream. Various kinds of birds and butterflies are found here too, especially in the morning. Some part of the waterfall may dry up during summer (March to May). The best time to visit the fall is from November to February. You can get there by local transportation or taxi for a distance of 63 kilometers. For more information, call the Kaeng Krachan National Park at 032 459293.

Klai Kangwon Palace
Meaning “far from worries” in Thai, this summer palace consists of 3 Spanish style mansions facing the sea. Located north of Hua Hin, it was constructed under the royal command of King Rama Vll. Currently it is the permanent residence of the King. Some parts of the palace is open to the public daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Call (032) 511115 for more information. A permit must be obtained from the Royal Household Office prior to a visit.

You can visit a butterfly garden which is located opposite the palace. The garden features diverse kinds of plants and flowers from all over the country. You can also find varied species of butterflies and birds. It opens daily from 9 am to 5 pm.