Southern Exposure: The Ride to Pak Nam Pran, in Pics

Posted by Mandarin Media's Scott Resch | In Activities, Beach | On 10-12-2011

This afternoon I walked out the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, hung a right, wandered about a 100 metres and stumbled upon a joint that hires out motorbikes. So I decided to rent one for the asking price — 250 BHT for the day (roughly US $8). I had no destination in mind. I just knew I wanted to head south and explore whatever was within reasonable reach. I wound up in Pak Nam Pran, a fishing village about 25 kilometres down the coastline. Rather than try to describe some of what I saw and experienced, I’ll let the pictures — taken with my sometimes-useful Samsung Moment smartphone — do the talking …

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4 Questions with … Hua Hin Hills’ Hanna Oberauer

Posted by Mandarin Media's Scott Resch | In Activities, Beach, Hotels & Resorts, Hua Hin & Cha Am, Wine | On 15-11-2011
4 Questions with ... Hua Hin Hills' Hanna Oberauer

For the latest edition of ’4 Questions with …’, I talked to Hua Hin Hills Vineyard‘s marketing project leader, Hanna Oberauer. Keep reading to find out what she likes most about living in Hua Hin and where she recommends taking that rented scooter  …

Q: What’s your favorite part about living in Hua Hin?

A: It definitely would have to be living by the ocean but having Bangkok “around the corner.”

Q: What’s your favorite way to enjoy the Hua Hin area?

A: I know this is going to sound biased, but I mean it when I say “hanging out at the vineyard.” It’s just so beautiful and peaceful out there. But I also love the resorts and spas by the beach. They all seem to offer amazing treatments, as well as yoga and tai chi classes, which I also enjoy.

Q: Describe your perfect Hua Hin — or Thailand — vacation.

A: Well, I’m not really sure where I’d start. But the holiday would probably include Chiang Mai for its art experience, Hua Hin for its beaches and proximity to places like Koh Samui, and Bangkok for its river hotels and the Chatuchak Market.

Q: What’s the one tip you always give to visitors?

A: Rent a scooter, take your bikini, towel and toothbrush and ride down the coast to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park (pictured) and Brassiere Beach. If you’d prefer to stay closer to downtown, spend a day in The Barai Spa at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, take a stroll through the Cicada Market (if it’s a weekend) and go for dinner at Putahracsa Resort.

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Elephant Polo Featured on ESPN Program

Posted by Mandarin Media's Scott Resch | In Activities, Elephant Polo, Hua Hin & Cha Am | On 11-11-2011
Elephant Polo Featured on ESPN Program

In September, ESPN funnyman Kenny Mayne visited Hua Hin to try his hand at elephant polo. His experience was recorded for a ‘Wider World of Sports’ episode, which aired online yesterday for the first time. Watch Kenny hurt his wrist … but recover to score his first (and last?) career goal. VIDEO

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Rhapsody in Brew: Oktoberfest Comes to Hua Hin

Posted by Mandarin Media's Scott Resch | In Activities, Hotels & Resorts, Hua Hin & Cha Am, Oktoberfest | On 09-11-2011
Rhapsody in Brew: Oktoberfest Comes to Hua Hin

It may be November, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to celebrate Oktoberfest.

At the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, the party is just getting started. From Nov. 9-12, Hua Hin’s tallest hotel is taking the annual German tradition to new heights, with everything from an authentic band to Paulaner’s famed Oktoberfest beer.

Hilton Hua Hin’s general manager Boris Blobel gave me the lowdown on how much the hotel poured into the effort, and what guests can expect to experience through the four-day bash’s conclusion on Saturday …

Q: Oktoberfest in Germany is typically celebrated in late September. Why celebrate in early November in Hua Hin?

A: The band we’ve brought in as an authentic Oktoberfest band. Therefore, they play first in Germany, and then come over to Thailand. They started at the Hilton Pattaya, then moved to Hilton Bangkok, and now they’re here, at Hilton Hua Hin. So it’s those three Hiltons and Paulaner (German brewery) that have joined together to create this series of Oktoberfest events in Thailand.

Q: Do you celebrate Oktoberfest every year at Hilton Hua Hin? Or is this the first time?

A: This is the second year. Last night — the opening night of this year’s event — we got about 300 covers, or diners. We expect that the next couple of days — as we get closer and into the weekend — will be even busier.

Q: Is the Hua Hin Brewing Company brewing a special kind of beer for this event?

A: The entire event is sponsored by Paulaner. Therefore, we serve Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen, which has this nutty malt flavor with a smooth, soft body. It’s fantastic.

Q: What kinds of German foods is the brewery serving up?

A: We’ve come up with quite the menu. Bavarian cheeses. Nurnberger with sauerkraut. Roast pork knuckle with cabbage salad. Bread dumplings. All sorts of stuff. Even redberry pudding. Our executive chef is German himself, so he’s loving this opportunity to cook traditional German foods.

Q: What else can guests of this event expect?

A: I think just a lot of fun. Dancing and laughing and enjoyment of the finer things in life — great food and drink.

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4 Questions with … Banyan Resort’s Richard Mehr

Posted by Mandarin Media's Scott Resch | In Activities, Beach, Golf, Hotels & Resorts, Hua Hin & Cha Am, Wine | On 02-11-2011

HIP HANGOUT: Hua Hin Brewing Company

I recently sat down with Banyan Resort GM Richard Mehr, a Swiss native who’s been living in Hua Hin for the better part of the past decade. I asked him four questions I thought travelers might be interested to know the answers to. Here’s what he had to say …

Q: What’s your favorite thing about living in Hua Hin?

A: Where to start? I guess for me it would have to be with the climate — the cool tropical breezes and the soothing sound of the waves lapping at the beach is a combination that’s hard to beat. And even though I’m not an avid sportsman, I love the fact that there are so many activities to choose from here — swimming, sunbathing, strolling, horseback riding, golfing, jogging, kitesurfing … even petanque!

One of my favorite pastimes is just to walk around and sample the food. Hua Hin, Cha Am and Pranburi have some of the best seafood I’ve ever tried. Which reminds me: I think Cha Am is a real gem. I love going up there for a romantic getaway, or to just unwind. It’s got great bars, too. And like Hua Hin, Cha Am is safe and family-friendly. But, ultimately, what it comes down to for me is the culture of the people. Everyone here is so humble and unpretentious.

Q: What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend in the Hua Hin area?

A: For me it would have to include Sunday brunch at the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. I love it, especially after a Saturday night spent with friends on a beachfront sofa at Putahracsa Resort. After brunch, I might play a round of golf at Banyan or Black Mountain — two of the best courses you’ll find in all of Southeast Asia — or go wine tasting at Hua Hin Hills Vineyard. If I chose golf at Banyan, I’d have a beer afterward at Mulligan’s Pub for Sundowners. If it’s nice in the late afternoon, there’s nothing I enjoy more than walking the beach between Kao Takiap and Hua Hin. At night, I’d go to Vic Hua Hin and catch a movie or theatrical performance.

Q: What are some of the best places to go for good eats?

A: The list is a mile long! And it would surely include La Grappa, Oceanside, Brasserie de Paris, Mamma Mia, Baan Issara and Lemongrass. But don’t forget the bars. That list is a mile long, as well. Lost in Kao Takiap. Blackout Bar in downtown Hua Hin. Hua Hin Brewing Company (pictured) and Sky Bar at Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Mondo Vino wine bar, over by Putahracsa. We’re spoiled for options really.

Q: What’s the one tip you always give to visitors?

A: Easy. “Forget your worries, enjoy life, and don’t forget to visit Hua Hin Hills Vineyard and say hi to Hanna for me!”

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Flood Stories Flow in While Hua Hin’s Hearts Go Out

Posted by Hyatt Regency's Sammy Carolus | In Hotels & Resorts, Hua Hin & Cha Am, Thai floods | On 25-10-2011

Flood in ThailandWe in Hua Hin like to tell people we’re Bangkok’s neighbor. Just two and a half hours by car. Easy drive. Just down the road.

But lately, the gap hasn’t seemed so razor thin. Areas of Thailand’s capital are under water, while we here in Hua Hin continue to experience ho-hum weather typical of this time of year.

That doesn’t mean we’re not feeling what’s happening to the north of us, though. Just the other day, I was talking to a couple of guests who had come down from Bangkok. They told me they were so stressed out by the media hype surrounding the flood they had difficulty sleeping for fear something might happen to their house in the middle of the night.

So they decided to pack up some of their belongings, move them to higher ground and go to Hua Hin for a few days. They said, “If things happen, then things happen.”

But they’ve since discovered — to their delight — that the flood waters are still far from their house, which has enabled them to finally relax a little bit and enjoy their time here at the resort.

I also spoke to a family of four whose factory in Rangsit (pictured) was inundated with water, not only from the broken dykes outside but from every hole inside the facility including the restrooms. The father and his employees tried to salvage the electronic components but could not do much to save most of them. Although the factory is fully insured, the family is worried about the future of the business.

Even though we are pleased that Hua Hin has been spared such devastation, our hearts and minds are with the suffering people who are now living without knowing when this will end. We know that we cannot be complacent and must be vigilant and prepared at all times.

Over the past two weeks, we here at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin organized employee garage sales that have generated approximately THB 40,000 (about USD 1,300). With those funds, we’ve been able to purchase and deliver some basic necessities to the evacuation centre. We realize such a donation isn’t earth-shattering, but at least it’s something.

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International Music Star Lights Up Hua Hin

Posted by Hilton's Boris Blobel | In Activities, Hotels & Resorts, Hua Hin & Cha Am, Jazz Festival | On 27-08-2011

It’s fun when a celebrity comes through your hotel. It generates buzz and lends a level of credibility to the property that no amount of first-party marketing really can.

Last week, we were fortunate enough to host Ms. Kina Grannis — a beautiful and talented 26-year-old American singer-songwriter — for three nights.

The up-and-coming star was here for the 10th Hua Hin Jazz Festival, an annual celebration of the kind of music this country’s king — and this city’s foremost resident — has had a lifelong passion for.

Once again, the event proved exciting throughout the weekend, but it was the presence of Grannis, here at Hilton Hua Hin, that most thrilled us.

Saturday night was extremely special. At around 7:45 p.m., Grannis — the only international performer in this year’s jazz festival — took to the main stage on the beach and lit the evening up. For about 45 minutes, she mesmerized a large and appreciative audience with a show that had an “unplugged” feel to it. No backup band; just her and her guitar.

After the concert, Grannis walked through the crowd to shake hands with her admirers, give autographs and promote her new CD. She was very patient and pleasant — a real class act in more ways than one. If His Majesty the King had been here to witness it all, I’m sure he would’ve been proud.

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Trunk Show: Elephant Polo Coming to Hua Hin

Posted by Mandarin Media's Scott Resch | In Activities, Hotels & Resorts, Hua Hin & Cha Am, Uncategorized | On 02-08-2011
Trunk Show: Elephant Polo Coming to Hua Hin

On Sept. 4, Hua Hin will resume its association with the Kings Cup, an annual, week-long elephant polo tournament to benefit the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation.

As has been the case since the event was first held in 2001, Anantara Resorts will serve as title sponsor and organizer. With the competition looming, I got on the horn with Anantara Hua Hin general manager Tim Boda to discuss what goes into putting on such an event, why it’s bigger than ever, and more …

Q: The first Kings Cup was played in Hua Hin, then moved to Chiang Rai for a few years. Why is it back in the place where it all started?

A: The Kings Cup started in Hua Hin 10 years ago. In 2005, the event moved to Chiang Rai, mainly in an effort to boost tourism in Northern Thailand. Now it’s back in Hua Hin, and will be for the foreseeable future. As everyone knows, His Majesty the King has had a home here for years. So it’s fitting for the Kings Cup to take place in Hua Hin.

Q: Why did it change from a two-day event to a seven-day event? Do you still expect 16 teams to compete?

A: What was a simple, small tournament in the past is now a week-long extravaganza. We are still expecting 16 teams. While the elephants are domestic, the players come from all over — from 15 different countries, to be exact. Every team will play every day. There is no knock out. Even on the final day every team will be playing. That is also why the games on the last day have very special names, such as “Punch Above Your Weight” and “Best Of The Rest, We’ll Get It Next Year.” Further, there will be lots of fun games for celebrities, the media and spectators.

Q: You launched a cool campaign this summer to find a “junior reporter” for this event — a youngster to come and cover the tournament as a member of the press. You plan to announce the winner in August. What more can you tell us about this opportunity? Will the young reporter be announcing the action on radio/TV? Or will he/she be writing about it?

A: We’ve hired a professional filming team and coaches for the youngster. He or she will be all over the VIPs, players, elephants and spectators. As a result, there will be a daily video clip of about 5 minutes that is given to local and regional news agencies. So he or she will receive proper training in how to be a reporter, and a professional cameraman will be there all the time.

Q: What goes into hosting an event like this? When do you start preparing, and what are the greatest challenges leading up to when the event finally begins?

A: Preparation lasts about a year. There are no challenges, just hard work. The interesting part about it is that it is not just another tennis match or football tournament. Everything is interesting and new, not only for us but also all our partners, contractors and city officials. But since the Kings Cup is such a great event — all proceeds go to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation — it’s is easy to get people to buy in and help. Everyone involved truly does give 100 percent to this.

Q: Can those interested in attending the event still book Anantara’s “Elephant Polo VIP Experience” package?

A: They sure can. Rooms are still available, but probably not for long. The easiest way to book is to go to our website’s promotions page.

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Savor Surprise? Behold the Boutique Hotel

Posted by Banyan's Richard Mehr | In Activities, Golf, Hotels & Resorts, Hua Hin & Cha Am | On 21-07-2011
Banyan Resort & Golf lobby

Luxury today is all about surprise, say Celebrated Living readers.

A few days ago, I stumbled upon an article at CelebratedLiving.com.

The article was a celebration of the top hotels in the world — a collection the online magazine called its Readers’ Choice Platinum List.

What struck me about the article was what the publication’s readers made clear — that what makes a top hotel nowadays is the element of surprise.

“Forget the marble bathrooms, the gold-leafed lobbies, the entrées under silver cloches,” the article’s writer wrote. “Luxury today, according to thousands of Celebrated Living readers who responded to our annual Platinum List survey of the world’s best hotels, is all about surprise.

“It could be moving the bed outdoors for a night under the stars, receiving your room keys curbside, finding an iPad bedside — or even a former Grand Slam winner on the tennis court.”

Our friends over at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort have put on tennis matches featuring the likes of Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova. They were well-attended and enjoyable events.

With no disrespect for my large hotel group brethren, though, let me make a case here for the independent. Implicit in the very word boutique is singularity. Boutique hotels defy standardization because so much of the charm is what we’ve made up as we’ve come along.

I don’t want to go all literary on you, but the great poet Ezra Pound once said that all poets were obliged to “Make It New.”

Each really good boutique hotel is a poem in its own right. Here at Banyan Resort & Golf, our poem would probably have the word “anticipation” in the title. Because that’s really what our small, attentive team understands and is trained to do — anticipate our guests’ needs, and fulfill those needs before the guest even voices them.

We take great pride in our ability to do that — to make guests feel as if they are in, well, heaven.

You’ve heard of welcome drinks, but what about farewell drinks? We’re big believers. Same goes for “welcome home” emails — we like to send a personalized message and photo to each guest just as soon as they’ve checked out, so that’s it’s there in their Inbox just as soon as they get home.

Some might say such touches are small. And they are. But add them all up over the course of a stay and the impact is significant. That shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

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Why the Boys of Hangover Part II Had It Right

Posted by Banyan's Richard Mehr | In Activities, Golf, Hotels & Resorts | On 17-06-2011
Why the Boys of Hangover Part II Had It Right

If you are one of the millions who’ve seen The Hangover Part II in the past month, then you know this raunchy movie takes place in Thailand. And if you’ve seen The Hangover, then you pretty much know what happens in the sequel. Instead of Las Vegas, the characters are in Bangkok.

And there begin the problems!

Like the first one, memory loss is involved and the guys try to reconstruct what happened to them the night before, revealing layers of insane and embarrassing incidents. There are some hilarious moments, of course, but my favorite part is the fact the film was shot in Thailand.

Sure, the directors paint a somewhat seedy picture of Bangkok, but they also turn the cameras on many of this great country’s treasures, such as its architecture and traditions. About all they missed spotlighting were the resorts and golf courses. As a year-round resident, I can tell you they’re not too shabby, either.

Especially the golf courses. And here’s why in just two words: The caddies. Yeah, most are women. But if you’re thinking along The Hangover lines, think again. These ladies aren’t just pretty to look at. They are well-trained and know their way around a course. In other words, they’re professional, as good at reading greens as any of their male counterparts overseas.

They’re also mandatory in Thailand, which means you can’t go ultra-cheap and decide not to take one. I like this aspect because it not only enhances the golf experience for visitors and residents alike, it puts people to work in respectable jobs.

Of course, after playing 18 holes in the tropical heat, there’s nothing better than a massage. And when it comes to massages, no country does them better (or more affordably) than Thailand. I actually call Thailand the “Land of the Eternal Massage” because it’s not uncommon for people here to enjoy one every day. (A foot massage, for instance, never costs more than US $10.)

The bottom line is the boys of The Hangover Part II had it right when they chose their filming destination. I think Thailand should be high on everyone’s list. The water’s clean, the food’s good, the cities and sights are interesting and the people are friendly and respectable. It all adds up to the ideal holiday.

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