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Hua Hin

A three-hour drive south of Bangkok sits the coastal town of Hua Hin. In the 1920s, the highly revered Thai Royal Family built a palace here, and it became a regular destination for the royals. Bangkok’s elite followed and Hua Hin developed into a fashionable coastal resort. The elegant Railway Hotel, now managed by the Thai hotel group Centara, was constructed and became the place to stay for Bangkok socialites on their weekend beach-break.

Once just a sleepy coastal village, the town is nowadays quite sprawling, but the centre remains charming and traditional, with old Thai shop houses and an abundance of busy local markets selling all kinds of goods, and wonderful food markets with delicious Thai food, especially the seafood that the area is known for. The beachfront also has a large collection of open-air seafood restaurants. Particularly recommended is Pla Neung Manow, a mouthwatering dish of steamed sea bass with chilli and lime.

A significant stretch of the coastline has sweeping sandy beaches, which although are not as stunning as those beaches found on outer-lying Thai islands, they are serene and palm-lined. The coastline here is relatively exposed, and the water is not as clear as you will find in sheltered island coves. Many of the hotels here have lush pools facing the ocean and this more than makes up for it. If a spa or detox programme is desired, then Hua Hin has the famous Chiva Som, one of the most highly regarded wellness resorts in the whole of Southeast Asia.

For avid ornithologists, Hua Hin is the perfect base to spend time at the nearby Khao Sam Roi Yot and Kaeng Krachan national parks, both havens for many species of birds, as well as a plethora of other wildlife. We can organise specialist guides who will take you to the best spots to ensure you don’t miss out on the crucial sightings. The railway station at Hua Hin is on the main Bangkok to Southern Thailand route, so for those interested, it is in the perfect location for onward railway travel. Thai trains are narrow gauge which make them particularly charming.

Hua Hin is the perfect beach location for spending some peaceful time by the ocean, whilst experiencing the atmosphere of a Thai town yet without travelling too far from Bangkok.

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Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.
Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

Client Testimonials

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
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Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
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- Mr David Wallace, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
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Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
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We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
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