There are several annual events here that draw crowds from across the globe. From festivals to sporting events to markets and tournaments, Hua Hin has it all.
Thailand International Kite Festival:
Date:
March
Location:
The Somdej Phra Suriyothai 16th Infantry Division Army Camp
Information:
Over 30 teams representing 15 countries participated in the Thailand
International Kite Festival . Each year, the Festival attracts an ever-growing number of
devoted kite fans, participants and spectators from all over Thailand as well as from
countries around the region and beyond.
Festival Highlights:
An international showcase of kites from Australia, China, Malaysia, New Zealand,
Singapore, Sweden and Thailand.
Staged 'kite-fighting' battles featuring the larger star-shaped Chula kite and the
smaller diamond- shaped Pakpao kite.
Displays and demonstrations of Thai-style kites from all regions, including the famous
and sprightly Chula and Pakpao kites.
Demonstrations of kite-fighting as a team sport.
Displays and demonstrations of stunt kites.
Displays of 'speed' kites.
Art and other popular contests.
Hua Hin Jazz Festival:
Date:
June
Location:
Around central Hua Hin
Information:
Growing in scope and popularity each year, the 2008 Hua Hin Jazz Festival promises to be
bigger and better than ever. Best of all, this chance to enjoy concerts by local and
international artists on four stages in central Hua Hin is totally free of charge! What
with the sand and the sea, Hua Hin is an ideal choice for a festival that attracts
thousands of local and foreign jazz fans. Apart from the concerts, there is a series of
jazz workshops held around the town, plus a wide variety of games and competitions aimed
at families.
Hua Hin Vintage Car Rally:
Date:
mid December
Location:
Sofitel Central Hotel
Information:
The Hua Hin Vintage Car Parade includes a procession of vintage and classic cars which
then set out on the journey from Bangkok to Hua Hin. Once they arrive in the royal resort,
they are exhibited within the peaceful splendour of the Sofitel Central Hua-Hin.
They also parade through the streets of Hua Hin. To see the parade, find a good vantage
point nice and early. To view the cars exhibition, just go along to the Sofitel Central
Hua-Hin Resort -- no entry fee required.
Hua Hin International Food Festival:
Date:
early December
Location:
Queen's Park (Soi Hua Hin 19);
Information:
The Hua Hin International Food Festival, usually held in Queen's Park, provides visitors and residents alike a great chance
to sample an immense variety of menus from Hua Hin's most famous restaurants and hotels. Making the most of the comfortably milder
evening air, you can enjoy local cuisine and beer while watching a colourful cavalcade of locals eating and watching a mostly Thai
cabaret of singers and dancers.
Loy Krathong (Full Moon Festival):
Date:
November
Location:
Queen's Park (Soi Hua Hin 19);
Information:
From its Brahmin roots, this festival has evolved over time and come to be part of a Buddhist ritual.
In accordance with ancient customs of the early Rattanakosin period (19th century),
many types of Krathongs or lanterns are set afloat on the sea. Krathongs are made from basic materials easily found around the
village and typically take the shape of lotus in full bloom, swans, chedis (stupas), and Mount Meru from Buddhist mythology.
Pranburi Dragon Boat Races:
Date:
early November
Location:
Pak Nam Pran;
Information:
This event provides a good excuse to get out of town and down to the riverside. The races take place on a
500m course on the Pranburi river and competitors include various national and local teams (often well trained service personnel)
plus usually one 'farang' team of local foreign residents -- who never seem to let their chances of winning interfere with having
a good time! The teams struggle hard to propel their long boats against the tide towards a gripping final.
International Bike Week:
Date:
early November
Location:
Details coming soon
Information:
This yearly gathering of Thailand's motorbike fraternity, both Thai and foreign, attracts machines and enthusiasts of
every shape and variety. As well as bringing together so many types of motorbike, the event also includes competitions,
displays, accessory and souvenir sales and giveaways. In the word's of the organisers, everyone on 2 wheels is welcome!
Hua Hin Regatta:
Date:
August
Location:
Hua Hin Naval Yacht Club (near Klai Kang Won Summer Palace)
Information:
A relative newcomer to the Hua Hin social calendar, this annual regatta attracts upwards of
300 competitors each year who come to try and win trophies that are awarded for the various different classes of boats.
As any regular visitor/resident knows,
Hua Hin is a great location for sailing and so there's bound to be some top class entertainment for boat lovers.
Hua Hin International Golf Festival:
Date:
August
Location:
6 courses in Hua Hin/Cha-am
Information:
There are many activities going on during this festival, such as special discounts at participating golf courses,
competitions, prize drawings, a 'Ryder Cup' style match against the local golf society, and much, much more. Last year,
the Festival was held throughout August with participation by Springfield Village Golf & Spa, The Imperial Lake View Hotel & Golf
Club, Palm Hills Golf Resort and Country Club, Kaeng Krachan Golf and Country Club, Sawang Resort & Golf Club,
The Majestic Creek Golf & Resort and Royal Hua Hin Golf Course. Throughout August, you can play a round of golf at any one of
these 7 magnificent courses for just 800 baht per person/round – not including caddies or golf buggies.
This offer does not apply at courses when organised events are taking place on Sundays. However, don't feel left out --
you are invited to apply to compete in organised tournaments every Sunday for just 1,200 baht (including caddy, souvenir
memorabilia and dinner) with lots of prizes. Players achieving holes-in-one at designated holes can receive prizes worth
100,000 – 1,500,000 baht. Other events include a longest-drive contest, free golf-swing clinics with the renowned golf pros,
and a chance to try out, browse and buy from a wide range of specially-discounted golf products at all courses.
Hua Hin International Cricket Sixes:
Date:
April (usually around Songkran)
Location:
Dusit Hotel and Resort
Information:
2007 was the 12th year of this now firm fixture on Thailand's cricket calendar,
offering fans of this noble sport five days of entertaining cricket action. In 2006, 13 teams from Australia,
Hong Kong and Thailand competed in the tournament which features a Cup competition for the serious boys and a Masters event
for those who prefer a more leisurely approach. This year, there will be 12 Masters and 7 Cup sides competing,
including the Hua Hin Hopalongs and Lardna's Follies in the Masters competition, and KCC Woodbines and defending Champions
Commonwealth CC in the Cup. Action begins at around 8am and keeps going on up to 5.30pm.
