Bangkok is one of the world’s most popular destinations, but the places around it are just as fascinating—a concoction of palm-fringed beaches, gastronomic experience, culture and history and a lot more, depending on your preference. Two of the places worth a visit in the Land of Smiles are Hua Hin and Samut Songkhram.

HUA HIN

Hua Hin, known for its scenic beaches, is about two to three hours from the busy Bangkok—an ideal vacation spot for both locals and foreigners. It has been a popular getaway for royalty and high society since the 1920s because of its laidback vibe—a mix of city and the beach— far from being the fishing village it had once been. Hua Hin is one of the eight districts of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, located southwest of Bangkok.

How to get there from Bangkok

Travelers may avail of the buses that leave San Tai Mai terminal, which depart every 20 minutes. A bus service is also available to Hua Hin through Suvarnabhumi Airport. There is also a train that stops at Hua Hin Railway Station from Hua Lamphong Station.

Some places to check out in heading to Hua Hin

Khao Tao

Khao Tao Hill offers a great view of the ocean and hiking your way up is a walk in the park. A temple with Buddha and other gods are featured in a structure built similar to caves as you go up. Hua Hin is facing the Gulf of Thailand and it has a breathtaking, serene view at the top. It’s also a quiet beach and there are only a few visitors except on weekends and holidays.

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard

Did you know that wine-making is possible in a tropical country like Thailand? The Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is home to the Monsoon Valley wines, which previously earned a Gold Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London. The vineyard, owned by Chaleo Yovidya, founder of energy drink Red Bull, also grows Colombard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscat, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Tempranillo, among others.

At the side of the vineyard is the The Sala Wine Bar and Bistro, a restaurant that gives a picturesque view of the entire place. It’s a perfect choice for casual dates, or a dine out with friends and family. A tour package which includes a three-course meal and wine tasting and a jeep tour is also available.

Vana Nava Hua Hin

Vana Nava in Hua Hin is Asia’s first water jungle park, excellent for thrill seekers of all ages. It holds 19 world class attractions, such as The Abyss, the largest slide in Thailand, the Aqualoop, the vertical looping slide which runs at 60 kilometers per hour. It also features the 31-meter Vana Nava falls, the tallest man-made waterfall in Asia. To those who are worried about its safety, the Vana Nava swears by its strict international standards in lifeguard provision and ride security. The place also offers several food options, shopping areas and private function rooms.

Hua Hin night market

The night market of Hua Hin is a typical Thai market and it’s not really a standout. But it doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy the variety of goods sold there—from souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, footwear, among others. One shouldn’t miss the wide selection of seafood and local dishes that the night market has to offer. The market runs from Petchkasen Road to the railway line, and it opens at 6 p.m.

SAMUT SONGKHRAM

Samut Songkhram, located about an hour or two from southwest Bangkok, is the smallest province of Thailand. It has an area of 416 square kilometers and is divided into three districts. This is the place to visit if you’re interested in tradition and culture, and you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

How to get there from Bangkok

There are buses available daily through the Transport Company Limited at the Southern Bus Terminal on Borommaratchachonnani Road. By train, there is a daily train to Maha Chai from Wongjan Yai Railway Station. Take a boat from Maha Chai Pier to Tha Chalom Pier and hop on a train from Ban Laem Railway Station to the town of Samut Songkhram. There is also a bus available from Maha Chai Railway Station straight to town.

Some places to check out, things to do when visiting Samut Songkhram

Don Hoi Lot

This pristine sandbar, accessible by boat, is located in the mouth of Mae Klong River. It is well known for the plentiful razor clams caught there during low tide. Other shellfish that can be found there are undulate surf clam, ridged venus clam, tongue shell and cockle.

Revel in coconut palm sugar

Home-made coconut palm sugar is one of the local products of Samut Songkhram. On Highway No. 325 in Bang Phae Route, visitors can personally witness how they are made. It takes a lot of labor to create the coconut sugar, a preferred alternative to white sugar in Thailand. The locals also make coco sugar as candies.

Bencharong House

Bencharong, a type of pottery derived from China, used to be exclusive for Thai Royalty during the 18th and 19th centuries. Art lovers can marvel at the charming Bencharong crockery here, where they are produced of premium quality. These delicately-painted wares may be used for the household or as a house decor. Visitors can also experience pottery production and painting. RAM/rga