Bangkok, 31 January, 2020 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Prachuap Khiri Khan Office in collaboration with Hua Hin’s public and private sectors have launched a new “Hua Hin: Thai Authentic Beach” brand, with emphasis on “Street Art Hua Hin” installations located at the town’s local communities.
The new brand, launched on 21 November, 2019, leverages Hua Hin’s unique history and cultural significance as Thailand’s first beach resort destination developed from the extension of the railway system to this district.
“Hua Hin offers a mix of modern town vibes and traditional Thai way of life. It is a beach resort perfect for families and tourists of all ages. It is also a preferred beach resort destination among the country’s royalty and elite, from the past to present,” TAT Prachuap Khiri Khan Director, Ms. Soraya Homchuen, said. “The launch of the new brand provides Hua Hin’s tourism operators with an authentic new marketing tool to promote the destination with both local Thai and international tourists.”
Under the “Hua Hin: Thai Authentic Beach” brand, the TAT Prachuap Khiri Khan Office will promote the town’s latest landmarks, street art installations in the villages of Samo Riang, Poon Suk, and Khao Tao. The street art initiatives are part of integrated collaborations between the villages and Hua Hin’s public and private sectors to create new tourism experiences.
The first location in Samo Riang and Poon Suk villages features walls adorned with creative images that reflect Hua Hin’s local way of life, as well as the Thai people’s love for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). Themes include a man jumping on water; train station post; local tricycle taxi; boats; man fighting a shark, mermaids and paintings of the late King. The villages are two of Hua Hin’s oldest communities that still follow a traditional Thai way of life located right in the heart of the town centre.
The second location is at Khao Tao village, another old community and home to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s initiated Khao Tao Reservoir, the first Royal Project for irrigation. Street art installations here tell the stories of days gone by, including one about the late King’s visit to Khao Tao in his jeep when he got stuck in the mud. A student named Phanom helped get the jeep out at that time without knowing that he was helping the King.
Khao Tao community is also creating a tourist trail linking Khao Tao Reservoir with the village centre and the beach. The trail will showcase the fishing village’s way of life while also showcasing local products from the Ban Khao Tao Professional Handicraft Centre.
Besides its beautiful beaches, Hua Hin is also home to award-winning health and wellness facilities including Chiva-Som International Health Resort and the Barai Spa. The destination is very well known for golf tourism on both seaside and mountainside courses and was voted the “Best Golf Destination of Asia” from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) for two consecutive years. In addition, there is a range of attractions including Monsoon Valley Vineyard, Palisa Farm, Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle, and Black Mountain Water Park. Last but not least, Hua Hin is famous for its Thai and international cuisine, from street food to fine-dining, at locations; such as, the evening Hua Hin Night Market, Cicada Weekend Market, and Tamarind Market.
