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. www.wanderlustmag.comWANDERLUST  37