Living in Hua Hin for nearly five years now, I have witnessed the transformation of this small fishing village into a “mini” city with many new restaurants, specialty shops, Malls (we now have 3 compared to only one 2 years ago) and lots of new activities for couples and families.

One stretch of road with special interest to share with you is Naebkehard Road, between soi 41 to 57. This is the new Soho area of Hua Hin and is becoming not only a great area for boutique hotels, but also trendy restaurants with entertainment and art galleries. It’s an excellent alternative for spending time with friends or family compared to the center of town where traffic is heavy and parking difficult. Naebkehard road is wide with lots of parking and safe sidewalks along the whole street.

One new trendy accommodation is called the Green Gallery Bed & Breakfast next to Coco 51 Restaurant ( the restaurant offers Live Jazz in the evenings) corner soi 51 and Naebkehard Rd. They have four types of rooms, The Silhouette, The Chandelier, The Light House, and The Green Room to offer guests. During the day, on the same soi, a delicious papaya salad and fried chicken restaurant is set-up and is famous among the locals.

Other attractions nearby are The Golden Palace Shop (where all the King’s favorite foods are sold), The Palace, The King’s Running Track, and The Music Room.

If you are willing to venture out a little farther, The Dusit Thani Hua Hin is featuring an exhibition of Paintings from local Hua Hin artists until January 19th 2009 from Noon to 10pm daily. As well The Happy Gallery in Khao Takiab is presenting Art Forever: Tradition meets Modern until January 11th 2009 from 10:30am to 8pm daily.