Hilton in Hua Hin adds sparkle to Heritage Tour (Thailand)
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Hilton in Hua Hin adds sparkle to Heritage Tour (Thailand)
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Category: Asia Pacific - Thailand -
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2011-05-05
Popular activity now includes three ‘hidden gems’
A year after rolling out a sightseeing activity for guests with an interest in Hua Hin’s storied past, one of the region’s most established hotels has tacked three historic landmarks onto the popular program.
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa’s Heritage Tour now provides visitors the opportunity to take in “some real hidden gems,” said Boris Blobel, the hotel’s general manager. The trio of new attractions includes:
• Phra Ram Ratchaniwet, a European-style palace opened in 1916, designed and constructed by German architect Karl Deurring to be used as a wet-season residence during the reign of King Rama VI.
• Wat Kamphaeng Laeng, a collection of four towers that form a temple dating to the 12th century.
• Wat Yai Suwannaram, a shrine featuring a windowless hall housing 300-year-old murals of mythical angels.
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa launched the Heritage Tour last March with stops at two palaces, a temple and a cave.
Phra Nakhon Khiri is a palace that served as setting for the acclaimed 1956 musical The King and I. Maruekatayawan Palace comprises three spectacular teakwood pavilions designed by King Rama IV.
Wat Mahathat is a temple influenced by Khmer and Ayuthaya architecture. Khao Luang Cave houses more than 170 Buddha images or statues.
“Talk about the beaches and seafood and golf all you want,” said Blobel. “The fact of the matter is that this area’s history is what truly sets it apart from other destinations in Thailand. Foreigners especially love that aspect of Hua Hin. If that weren’t true, the Heritage Tour wouldn’t be as popular as it is.”
Opened in 2000, Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa is one of the oldest — and, by virtue of its affiliation with the exclusive consortium “It’s in Hua Hin” (www.itsinhuahin.com), one of the most prestigious — hotels in Hua Hin, a century-old city less than three hours’ south of Bangkok by car.
The 17-story, centrally located property also possesses some history of its own — the very patch of land it occupies was once the site of King Rama V’s palace. All 296 guestrooms offer spectacular views of the Gulf of Thailand, as does the rooftop Lotus Sky Bar, one of 11 food and beverage outlets affiliated with the hotel.
Other members of “It’s in Hua Hin” include Anantara Hua Hin, Banyan Golf Club, Banyan Resort, Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas.
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa’s Heritage Tour begins at 8 a.m., concludes at 3:30 p.m. and costs THB1,950 (about US$60) per person. In addition to historical sites, the day trip takes in one of Hua Hin’s biggest fresh markets.
Bookings can be made at the Siam Adventure Tour desk, in the hotel lobby. A minimum of four tourists required.
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