Hua Hin/Cha Am
 

Planning for next year. After have been around Thailand and Bali the last 2 years we will give Hua Hin or Cha Am a try next year, having read it is family fiendly and we have no yet been there. But are the beaches any good at all. Would also like some comments of some resorts we think look nice: Golden Sands, Regent Cha Am, Royal Garden Resort, Royal Garden Village and Hilton Hua Hin. We will be travelling with children and want the best for all of us. <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help!

The beach at Hua Hin is not as pretty as some other beaches in Thailand, but the total package location, facilities, sand and sea, other places nearby of interest - particularly for families - is one of the best. <BR> <BR>For a family my recommendation would be a villa at either the Sofitel Central or Royal Garden Village. The Hilton is just a standard high-rise hotel.

Beaches are not as postcard type as Samui but much much better than Bali! Also Hua Hin is 100% hassle free, you will 'never' find anyone hassling you at all, one of the beauties of the place. Royal Garden Village is now called 'Anantara Resort', 'Royal Garden Resort' is now the 'Marriot'. Golden Sands is a bit out of town but cheap. <BR>If you want class plus extensive facilities I'd say Anantara or even better the Marriot. <BR>www.asiatravel.com is a great site, also by next year the 'Hyatt Regency' will be open. <BR>To clarify what makes Hua and Cha Am popular for families: If your kids wandered off you would not have to worry one bit, there are 'no' go-go bars or such, simply not allowed, and everyone is relaxed and friendly, it is the reason Thai people themselves love to stay in Hua Hin. River Kwai is 3 hours away so great for 1 or 2 day trip, don't miss it!! Plenty of eco-stuff, elephants, national park, golf, sailing, fishing, quite different from Kuta or such.

Hilton is good but not a good location beachwise. I like the Marriot, right on the beach, good for kids as water is very shallow, they have sailing boats too. Kids friendly hotel too! The 'River Kwai' 2 day trip is well worth it, good fun for the kids and they learn history too. Elephant treks also fun. http://www.marriot.com and then seach for Hua Hin. Regent is nice but tends to be for 'older folks'. Marriot normally do good family deals.

Thanks a lot for great information. Think we will go for The Marriot (Royal Garden Resort). The Sofitel looks a bit too stiff for having our two kids running around in the gardens there. Are the Marriot and the Anantara still part of the same chain (Royal Garden), and is ist possible to use the facilities at the Anantara when staying at The Marriot?

I think 'technically' they are still same group but not sure if you can 'bill back' to your own hotel. Marriot Hua Hin is a better choice with the kids. Do take the rickshaw rides around town, elephant treks and stuff and of course don't miss the River Kwai tour, the overnight one is best!