Luxury Life Asia offers a bespoke fitness program to help you get back in shape. We are set up in the serene and beautiful of Hua Hin which offers pristine beaches and untouched wilderness in the outskirts. Fitness programs are designed and recommended based on individual health and fitness assessment by our healthcare professionals. Our programs are tailor-made to meet the fitness needs of individuals as well as groups. Individuals with similar fitness levels are formed paired into groups.
Luxury Life Asia offers a bespoke fitness program to help you get back in shape. We are set up in the serene and beautiful of Hua Hin which offers pristine beaches and untouched wilderness in the outskirts. Fitness programs are designed and recommended based on individual health and fitness assessment by our healthcare professionals. Our programs are tailor-made to meet the fitness needs of individuals as well as groups. Individuals with similar fitness levels are formed paired into groups.
Our fitness programs include specially designed training
programs and signed as per the requirement of individuals. The training
programs include a wide range of activities such as wind and ocean sports,
bushwalking, wellness yoga and meditation, mountain biking, endurance training,
and other high-octane activities. Our in-house health professionals offer world
class medical services. As part of our training program, we also offer a range
of diets to suit individual dietary requirements and the diets include keto
diets, high protein diets, vegan or vegetarian diet and specially designed
diets based on health assessment.
Our facilities in Hua Hin ensure a healthy environment
suitable for minimal traffic and low pollutions levels which are common causes
for health issues among the modern business executives based in bigger cities.
Out fitness program guarantees to help individuals to de-stress and achieve
optimum fitness levels through our bespoke fitness program.
The water off most of the area’s beaches tends to be shallow and not great for swimming, though Khao Tao is an exception. Beware of the deadly box jellyfish, which are occasionally spotted off the coast from August to October. Hua Hin beach Running almost the entire length of the city from Klai Kangwon Palace down to Khao Takiab, Hua Hin beach is perhaps better known for its many hawkers than its fluffy white sand. The beach is cut in half by the old fishing pier and adjacent guesthouses and restaurants on stilts in the Nares Damri area, with the most popular stretch just south of that in front of the Hilton and Centara Grand.
While there’s always plenty of room to move around, some would say that touts who push beach chairs, tours and pony rides have ruined Hua Hin’s most popular stretches of beach. The ponies’ droppings can often be seen bobbing in the already murky surf; we strongly recommend that you pass on a pony ride.
This is not to say that Hua Hin beach doesn’t have its strong points. The coral sand is about as light and smooth as it gets, and the sheer mass makes it easy to play seaside games of soccer, frisbee and volleyball. To avoid the hawkers, head all the way to the beach’s far southern or northern ends. Early risers are treated to some incredible sunrises.
Resorts and restaurants rim Hua Hin beach in its entirety. At time of writing, the authorities were cracking down on illegal structures directly on the sand, many of which are notorious for serving basic plates of food for exorbitant prices. Hua Hin beach can be accessed from various side streets, with Damnern Kasem being the most popular entry point. For a more relaxing sunbathing experience, head south to Pranburi’s beaches.
Suan Son and Khao Tao (Sai Noi) beaches The long and laid-back Suan Son beach is located just beyond a military checkpoint, 12 kilometres south of central Hua Hin and within view of Khao Takiab. It’s signposted as Pine Grove beach and much of the area is blanketed in beach pines. A scattering of food stalls set up daily in the car park and although accommodation is continually being built here, it’s probably best visited as a day trip.
If coming by motorbike, follow Phetkasem Road south out of town and look for the sign, clearly visible from the main road. Pranburi bound buses depart from the corner of Sa Song and Chomsin roads in Hua Hin centre and can drop you at the turnoff, from where it’s a 15-minute walk to the beach. The checkpoint charges a five-baht admission.
Some eight kilometres past Suan Son is Khao Tao (aka Sai Noi), a gorgeous bay with a wide beach hedged between two rocky outcrops that is usually empty of people. Unlike most of the area’s beaches, the water gets deep quickly and is great for a swim. No accommodation is available and if you were coming out for what would be a very pleasant day trip, it would be wise to bring some food and drink in case the few vendors take the day off. The beach is close to Khao Tao village and marked by signs off the main highway. The orange Pranburi-bound buses can also drop you here.
Beaches further south Further down the coast you’ll find more beaches such as Khao Kalok and Sam Roi Yot, both of which fit the profile of few people, limited food and accommodation, shallow water and plenty of breathing room. Khao Kalok is most often visited as an afterthought to the adjacent Pranburi Forest Park and nearby Pranburi estuary (or Pak Nam Pran), while Sam Roi Yot beach is where many who visit the same-named national park choose to stay.
Need a new pair of glasses? Got a mole you want removed? Have you been putting off seeing the dentist? If you’ll be in Thailand anyway, why not consider scheduling a doctor’s appointment or two during your vacation?
Thailand isn’t just about the exotic culture, sparkling beaches and fantastic food. Expats and frequent visitors alike know that you can get world-class medical treatment in Bangkok for a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere.
This isn’t to suggest getting lasik, plastic, or major surgery (although some folks travel to Thailand to do just that). But if your health insurance wouldn’t normally cover minor services, or if you’ve been on the road for awhile, it makes sense to mix in a little health care with your holiday.
Several international-standard hospitals in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Ko Samui have programs that cater to expats and visitors. They offer a full slate of services, including allergy, dental, eye and preventative medicine clinics, just to name a few.
One Kuwait-based teacher friend of mine recommends Bamrungrad Hospital in Bangkok, and makes it a point to stop by whenever he is in town. On his last trip, he purchased a new pair of eyeglasses and had a mole removed by a dermatologist. The total cost was 3,000B, far less than the hundreds of dollars he would have paid back home. Plus, he says the docs were all first rate and spoke good English.
Samitivej Hospital is a very popular option — both for its not quite as expensive rates as Bumrungrad and its reputation as Bangkok’s “baby-friendly” hospital. Here at Travelfish we’re pretty familiar with Samitivej, having had one appendix removed already and booked in for a baby this coming December! We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
Making an appointment is easier than you think. Recently, I logged onto the Bamrungrad Hospital’s website to get started. After using their online directory to select a doctor, I requested a convenient appointment time via the online form. Their appointment coordinator got back to me within a few days, confirming the appointment and providing me with instructions and a hospital patient number. I opted for the comprehensive health screening, but a standard physical exam, including blood and urine lab work and a chest X-ray, starts at as little as 2,500B.
Other Thai hospitals have similar programs at equally competitive prices. Try the following links to see if there is something that meets your needs:
Bumrungrad Hospital A favorite with Bangkok expats, located on Sukhumvit Soi 3, near the shopping district. www.bumrungrad.com
Samitivej Hospital On Sukhumvit Soi 49, not far from “The Emporium.” Additional branches in Sri Nakarin and Sri Racha. www.samitivej.co.th
BNH Hospital On Convent Road, just off Silom in Bangkok’s banking and entertainment district. www.bnhhospital.com
Chiang Mai Ram Hospital Just outside the city center on the way to Chiang Mai University. www.chiangmairam.com
When it comes to golf courses you are certainly spoilt for choice in Hua Hin.
Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin
Hua Hin is one of the most popular golf resorts in Thailand and it continue to grow in popularity for several reasons. It’s very accessible and can be reached from either of Bangkok’s International airports in under three hours and it is also possible to fly directly into Hua Hin from Bangkok. Hua Hin has some of the best beaches in Thailand and many of the best hotels and resorts are located right on the beach which is ideal if you want to relax after your round or intend to take a non-playing wife or girlfriend with you.
The Royal Family maintain a summer palace in Hua Hin and thus the town has not been blighted by go-go bars and massage parlours like many of the other beach resorts in Thailand. This does not mean that you cannot find somewhere to drink or get a massage but it’s a little toned down when compared to Pattaya or Phuket.
Hua Hin is also blessed with some great weather and seems to get less rain and more sunshine than other parts of Thailand but on the golf course you can often enjoy the cooling sea breezes.
One of the great advantages of the golf courses in Hua Hin is that they don’t charge extra at weekends which means that you can enjoy great prices every day. If you can plan your trip in August and September, then you can enjoy the Hu Hin Golf Festival when the rates are even cheaper.
When it comes to golf courses you are certainly spoilt for choice in Hua Hin. Top of the pile is probably Black Mountain Golf Club which is about 30 minutes from the centre of town and has won numerous awards and has hosted several international golf events. The course is totally pristine with fairways like carpets and immaculate greens with superb clubhouse and practice facilities. They have recently enhanced the facilities with the addition of a brand new 9-hole layout which they claim will be the best in Thailand.
Banyan Golf Club is another top-quality course with magnificent views towards the foothills of Myanmar
The Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin
If you prefer something a little less manicured, then the Banyan Golf Club is another top-quality course with magnificent views towards the foothills of Myanmar and you sometimes catch a glimpse of the Gulf of Thailand. It has also won lots of awards including the Best Golf Courses in Thailand at the Asian Golf Awards. It also has excellent practice facilities and a great bar overlooking the 9th & 18th greens.
The closest golf course to town is the Royal Hua Hin Golf Club which was the first golf course to open in Thailand and dates to 1924. It is starting to show its age and is a little frayed at the edges but it’s still a unique experience and something to tell your friends when you get back home.
Springfield Golf & Country Club was originally designed by Jack Nicklaus and has recently been upgraded and renovated
Springfield Golf & Country Club, Hua Hin
One of our favourite golf course in Hua Hin is is Springfield Golf & Country Club which was originally designed by Jack Nicklaus and has recently been upgraded and renovated – its only drawback is that it’s a bit further outside the city but can be reached inside 40 minutes.
Majestic Creek Country Club is another course that has been extensively renovated and is now in excellent condition and is one of the more challenging layouts, especially from the back tees.
Majestic Creek Country Club
One of the newest arrivals on the Hua Hin golfing scene is Sea Pines Golf Club which is the only course with holes which run beside the sea and the prevailing wind can make the finishing holes quite tricky. The course is managed by the Thai Army so the service standards are not up to the standards of some other courses but it’s still a very enjoyable course.
Another course which is very popular with locals is Palm Hills Golf Resort which is quite an easy layout and as such is popular with higher handicappers. It’s also very conveniently located close to the centre of town. Last but certainly not least is Imperial Lakeview Golf Resort which features 36 holes and is the venue of the Asian Tour qualifying school.
Palm Hills Golf Resort
If you want to play golf in Hua Hin then this is an exceptional golf resort with some superb golf courses and is an ideal base from which to explore Thailand.
The almost 8 kilometers long beach of Hua Hin is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Thai mainland. Fine white and soft sand. Sometimes there are sunbeds offered for visitors, especially at the northern end, but it’s never too crowded at the beach.
A few resorts are located directly at the beach. There are only a couple of beach vendors and occasionally somebody passes you with a horse and offers you a ride. Most of the time you won’t be disturbed and can easily find a secluded and calm spot right at the beach.
The water is also clean and suitable for swimming. However, in the off-season there could be some jellyfish at the beach which makes the swimming not really enjoyable.
2. Wat Khao Takiab
At the southern end of the Hua Hin Beach in the town of Khao Takiab you can find the popular Chopstick Hill, also known as Monkey Mountain. On top you will find the Wat Khao Takiab. But to get there you will have to climb about 100 steps and pass lots of curious monkeys.
They populate the mountain and the temple. You can buy some bananas for 50 Baht to feed them. Just take care of your valuables because the monkeys like to grab loose stuff.
On the way up you can make a stop midway to enjoy the amazing view over Hua Hin, the skyline of the town and the beach. Definitely worth a photo stop!
The Wat Khao Takiab is said to hold a teeth of Buddha, but the temple was unfortunately closed during my visit. Actually it didn’t seem quite spectacular. If you follow the way further you can also visit another temple.
This temple is called Wat Khao Lad, which is populated by monkeys, too. If you are interested in temples, you should visit the Wat Khao Lad. Nice place and obviously worth a visit since you are already on top of the mountain.
3. Hua Hin Night Market
A highlight for many visitors is the night market of Hua Hin. Every evening in the center of Hua Hin along the Soi 72 there are countless stalls with souvenirs and food. The night market starts at 5.00 P.M. and lasts until midnight.
There are plenty things you can buy at the night market – from clothes, flip flops, watches, DVDs to souvenirs. After strolling around the market you can have a nice dinner in one of the many seafood restaurants or enjoy a drink in the surrounding bars.
Nearby there is also the Chatsila Market which looks a bit more upscale and was especially designed for tourists. Besides more opportunities to eat or shop, there is always some live music in the evening, which you can enjoy free of charge.
4. Hua Hin Railway Station
The train station of Hua Hin is considered as one of the most beautiful ones in Thailand. Its special feature is the royal pavilion, also referred to as the royal waiting room. It was built in Thai style in 1920 and is part of the southern line of the Thai Railway. From Hua Hin you can either travel north to Bangkokor south to Surat Thani.
5. Wat Huay Mongkol
The Wat Huay Mongkol is a popular tourist attraction among the Thais. The temple is located about 15 kilometers outside of Hua Hin but easy to reach by car or motorbike. For 40 Baht you can also go there with a white shared taxi (Songthaew) which you can find about 200 meters left of the train station.
The highlight of the temple is the almost 12 meters high statue of Luang Phor Thuad, who was a famous monk in Thailand. Most of the locals are coming to pray for happiness, health and wealth. At the foot of the statue you can find two statues of elephants. The Thais often pass under these, which is an ancient practice for good luck. Maybe you should try that, too.
6. Sam Phan Nam Floating Market
The Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is one of two floating markets in Hua Hin. But you are wrong if you expect to go through the market with a boat and buy goods from other boats. There is an artificial lake in the middle and lots of stalls built on stilts around it.
Nevertheless, you can go for a short boat ride around the lake for 40 Baht or take a walk along the stalls at the lake and buy a souvenir, some food or watch one of the shows. If you have never been to a market like this, then it’s definitely a unique experience which you should not miss.
The Sam Phan Nam Floating Market is located in the Soi 112, about 6 kilometers south of the city center of Hua Hin. It is open daily from 10.00 A.M. to 10.00 P.M. and the admission is 100 Baht per person.
7. Wat Tham Khao Tao
Another place of interest is the Wat Tham Khao Tao in the village of Khao Tao directly at the coast, a few kilometers south of Hua Hin. When you visit this temple, you will be most likely the only non-Asian visitor. That’s why the people are still pleased to see some foreign visitors.
Khao Tao means something like turtle hill and of course you will find a few turtle statues in the temple complex. It is beautifully built on the cliffs of a mountain and offers, besides impressive Buddhist statues, a great view at the coast of the town. You can find a lot of different statues here because the temple has some Buddhist, Hindu and Chinese influences.
8. Rajabhakti Park
The Rajabhakti Park is located on the way between Hua Hin and Khao Tao and was built to honor the 7 great kings of Siam.
The 7 pictured kings are the following: King Ramkhamhaeng, King Naresuan, King Narai, King Taksin, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn. These were the kings from the Sukhothai period to the Rattanakosin period.
Apart from the huge bronze statues, there isn’t much to see for visitors at the moment. However, the large area in front of the statues will be used for big events in the future.
9. Cha Am
Cha Am is a very popular beach resort for Thais and especially crowded at weekends. Unfortunately, with all those visitors the beach is cluttered with sun beds and umbrellas. Anyway, during the week Cha Am is a calm beach town and worth a visit.
Since Cha Am is only 25 kilometers north of Hua Hin, you can explore the beach resort with a day trip, if you don’t plan on staying there anyway.