Hua Hin Events & Festivals
In addition to celebrating all of Thailand's national festivals
and holidays, like Loy Krathong and Songkran, the Hua Hin/Cha
am region has festivals of its own worth noting.
Thailand International Kite Festival
During March, April and May, steady southerly breezes blow
throughout much of Thailand. The Thai's, never one's to miss
a chance for a good time, have responded to this natural phenomenon
by developing a tradition of flying kites. When the winds
arrive, arrays of beautiful kites appear to strut their stuff
and engage opponents in combat. No where is this more apparent
than in the open spaces around Cha-am and at the Thailand
International Kite Festival.
Now in its tenth year, the festival, which is scheduled in
early March, features kites in all their colourful glory.
There are stunt kites, big kites, little kites, high tech
kites, traditional Thai kites, and displays of international
kites. There are a variety of contests, games, and activities
-all involving kites. But the festival is more than an event
surrounding kites. Cha-am and its neighbours gussy up for
the event and welcome visitors with a variety of opportunities
for shopping, sightseeing, and simply having a good time. |
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Hua Hin Jazz Festival
June is the time of the year when 'jazz on the beach' occurs
at the annual Hua Hin Jazz Festival. The popular event attracts
world class jazz musicians from Thailand and all over the
world, including performers like Lazaro Valdes from Cuba and
Bill Bruford from the UK. Stages are set up right on the beach
and performances take place each evening. There are also a
variety of booths set up offering everything from a chance
to get your hair braided to an opportunity to buy Thai handicrafts.
Sponsors offer a variety of promotions, including the chance
to win valuable gifts. This is an event that encompasses all
of Hua Hin and provides and opportunity to have a good time
and enjoy jazz on the beach. |
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Hua Hin Vintage Car Rally
Hoteliers, the Vintage Car Club of Thailand, and the Tourist
Authority of Thailand annually sponsor a 'parade' of vintage
and classic cars starting at the Sofitel Central in Bangkok
and ending in at the Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort. The cars,
with drivers and passengers decked out in 1920's attire, make
the 225km promenade in December of each year. The festivities
culminate with a 1920's party at the Sofitel, which appropriately
is a Victorian-style structure built in the 1920's.
Built during the reign of King Rama VI, and only a short
distance from the centre of town, Hua Hin's railway station
and the adjacent Royal Waiting Room are attractive and brightly
painted wooden buildings that are Thai in concept and design,
but somehow manage to have a 'Victorian' feel. Even if you
don't arrive at the resort by train, go and have a look. |
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