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Caroline Sylger Jones

Has been visiting and reviewing spas and retreats worldwide for twelve years.

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I thought my holiday would be good but I was unprepared for how brilliant I would feel by the end of the week evening standard

hua hin thailand

summary
where to stay
need to know

Hua Hin was established in the early 1920s by King Rama VII as an ideal getaway from the sultry metropolis of Bangkok. The tranquil fishing village was turned into a Royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam's nobility.

Chiva Som - world class luxury spa and wellness resort

While the beaches of Phuket and Samui were discovered only recently, Hua Hin has been a favourite Thai resort for over 70 years. As a result, it has a delightfully authentic feel and only a 2.5 hour drive south from Bangkok. Our favourite destination here is the luxury spa resort of Chiva Som.

It was, and still is, the resort's royal endorsement which has given Hua Hin a special character of its very own.

The pick of the luxury spa resorts in Hua Hin is the justifiably famous Chiva Som which has an enormous selection of healthy programmes to choose from.

Other ideas in Thailand

Six Senses Yao Noi - gorgeous island resort and spa, half way between Phuket and Krabi
On the laid back island of Koh Samui, try one of our three recommended spa resorts
Experience Four Seasons Chiang Mai in the jungles of northern Thailand
For the epitome of barefoot luxury, head to the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand to the remote island of Koh Kood for the fabulous Soneva Kiri

Weather and when to go

Hua Hin has a tropical climate with high humidity and occasional rain and can be enjoyed all year round. Generally, the best time of the year to visit is in the cool season from November to February, but for those who like it hot, visit from March to May (temperature gets up into the higher 30s). The rainy season (although it doesn't rain every day) is from June to October with September being the rainiest of all. For those who don't appreciate the rain, it's good to know that the rain in Thailand usually comes in short sharp bursts.

Everything else

Flying time from London: 12 hours
Currency: Baht
Language: Thai
Visa requirements: 6 months left on your passport for trips less than 30 days
Time difference: GMT +7

chiva som

hua hin, thailand 7 night retreats from £3,550

This is a highly professional destination spa set on a long stretch of sandy beach with excellent tailored health programmes and international visiting consultants.

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