For planners looking for a Thai beach setting without the crowds, traffic and after-hours distractions, Hua Hin is the perfect solution. The ‘King’s Coast’ is a favourite of Thai royalty and the well-to-do of Bangkok.
Getting there
Hua Hin is located on the Gulf of Thailand, three hours’ drive south of Bangkok. Some hotels operate shuttle services from their Bangkok properties or offer airport transfers. Charter flights can also be arranged.
Where to stay
Accommodation at Sheraton (240) is spread across nine buildings, making it easy for groups to take over a section, or for multiple groups to convene simultaneously. Its ballroom can host 500 guests and there are two lawns for outdoor events.
InterContinental (119) is one of the newest resorts in Hua Hin. The contemporary low-rise structure keeps groups together without feeling small and there are plenty of activities and interesting spaces for events, including the large central lawn.
Dusit Thani (296) has some of the largest event space in Hua Hin, with a ballroom seating 800 theatre style supported by nine meeting rooms, and a lawn for banquets of the same size.
Hilton (296) is located in the heart of town, its ballroom seats 600 delegates theatre style, supported by four breakouts. Sofitel Centara Grand (249) is an historic two-storey hotel set amid sprawling gardens and offers three meeting rooms for 300 delegates.
Anantara Resort and Spa (187) offers Thai-style pavilion accommodation spread over seven hectares and the ballroom seats 75 people. Hotel de la Paix Cha Am Beach (79) has just relaunched in the popular resort town 25km north of Hua Hin. Its glass-walled event centre can host receptions for 220 people. Guestrooms included preloaded Apple TV, WiFi and 42” flatscreen televisions.
Off-site options
The charm of Hua Hin is most evident at its 1920s railway station. Special services to and from Bangkok can be chartered and for onboard catering, Blue Elephant is a fantastic host. The usual spa and golf is on offer, but there is also horseriding along the beach and InterContinental has a special boat that can collect delegates from the lobby and drive directly into the water to visit floating villages.
Dining destinations
Let’s Sea is a top choice for groups of up to 80 people wanting laid-back luxury. Its nightly seafood buffets are renowned, with cooked-to-order prawns, lobster, beef and more. The accompanying soups, salads, curries and appetisers, are light yet full of authentic homestyle flavours. The seaside lawn is perfect for sunset drinks.
Maruekhathaiyawan Palace is the ‘wow’ venue every event planner seeks – an elegant 1920s structure with expansive lawns leading to the beach. The palace, referred to as ‘the palace of love and hope’ and built with golden teakwood from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace can be opened for guests to explore and performances.