Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand April / May 2015 - The Health & Wellness Issue | Page 39
HEALTH & well-being
Healthy in Hua Hin
Tips on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle when living
in or visiting the charming seaside locale of Hua Hin.
by Sarah Dean
Photos: Shutterstock
H
ua Hin is changing rapidly from a
sleepy seaside town into a vibrant, happening place. Popular
with Bangkok Thais and expats visiting
for the weekend, Hua Hin first gained its
status as a golfing destination. Hua Hin’s
need to cater to healthy, active lifestyles
increased along with its popularity —
and not just with golfers. Fitness options
now abound in Hua Hin, but if you’re
looking for some off beat choices for
fitness, read on.
Free
Fitness
WALK TO KHAO
TAKIAB
Hua Hin offers uninterrupted kilometres
of beautiful beach for the avid beach
walker. A popular walk amongst the locals and expats is the 7 kilometre stretch
from Hua Hin centre to Khao Takiab.
Step on to the beach at the Hilton and
just follow your nose until the beach
ends at Khao Takiab. If it’s too much to
do the return journey, you can head on
to the main road at Khao Takiab and flag
down a green songthaew to take you
back for 10 baht.
WALK UP HIN
LEK FAI HILL
Three kilometres west of Hua Hin district
is the 162 metres high Khao Hin Lek Fai
or Flint Mountain. On top, there is a public park and viewpoints. If you want
a free workout, leave your vehicle at the
bottom and walk up.
SWIMMING
Hua Hin doesn’t lay claim to the blue
Andaman waters found off the southern
islands, but the ocean is clean, generally
safe, and therefore great for swimmers.
Tip: Whether walking or swimming at the
beach, be aware of the big stinging jelly
fish that can get washed up on the beach,
particularly in the rainy season months.
THAI AEROBICS
At five baht, it’s not quite free but it
almost is! If you are looking for an alternative, quirky way to keep fit, head
to Khon Kingphet Memorial Park
on Damnoenkasem Road, directly
down from the railway station, Monday to Friday at 6:00 pm. This onehour workout combines aerobics,
step moves and some yoga stretching. It’s fast, furious, fantastic fun. It
attracts mainly females of all ages
and fitness levels—though males are
most welcome. There is no booking
required. Simply turn up and have
your five baht to hand.
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