Hua Hin Hot Topics - Bring On The Noise
The annual Red Cross Fair has been going on down Naebkehardt road in central Hua Hin this week. The gathering of hundreds of local stalls and attractions selling all manner of commodities occurs every April however it doesn’t feel like it was there that long ago. This is because there was one in November last year also.
Live music, thumping speakers and raucous fairgrounds are a great attraction to anyone that doesn’t live within a 2 kilometer radius of the event but for those that live and operate businesses down Naebkehardt road it has been a week of misery.
Local residents have raised petitions signed by over 700 people requesting that the fair is moved to a more suitable location such as the 19 rai park, just a couple of kilometers north. The park often holds similar such events including the Hua Hin Food Festival and Loy Krathong celebrations. The petition fell on deaf ears … it seems the powers that be have been spending too much time with their heads up against those monolithic bass speakers!
More raucous noise is expected this Saturday (May 2nd) as the second Honda Summer Music Fest kicks off on the beach in Khao Takiab. The Thai beach version of Woodstock primarily features reggae, ska and funk bands from around the country and largely attracts hordes of teenagers from Bangkok. If you live in the area and like your music loud it is worth a look, if you don’t then give it a miss as Takiab town will be turned into one huge car park on Saturday night. Accommodation in the village is already jammed to the rafters.
The Hua Hin Fishing Lodge held a fishing competition for local kids from the Mercy House Orphanage in Pranburi last week. A great day was had by all and a variety of fish found their way out and back into the lakes to the delight of the children. Photos from the day can be found on the forum, similar events are to be planned in the future so if you have a bit of spare time and want to get involved with good causes locally get online for more details and updates.
The golfers have been out and about seeking packages and bargains that are becoming more and more elusive in Hua Hin. It seems that you need to travel to another province to find a reasonably priced round of golf, Hua Hin courses are still price targeting those rapidly dwindling tourists and largely ignoring the expat market. Just under two hours in the car will take you to Dragon Hills in Ratchaburi province where you can play 18 holes, stay in the course hotel, have breakfast, and play another round the following day all for 1,400 baht per person – its even cheaper if you go during the week – bargain!