For centuries, the people of Hua Hin have used the traditional decorated ‘dragon’ boats during celebrations and festivities. Although they are not a common day to day sight around the nearby lake, their heritage is celebrated in the annual Dragon Boat races that are as exciting as they are colourful.
Once only known to the royal family as a summer retreat, the peaceful township has seen little change since it became popular with the nobility in the 1920s. The Klai Kangwon Royal Palace is the current residence of the king, but its grounds are open to the public in the evening. Compared to nearby tourist hotspots, the seas and beaches are clear and clean. An easy excursion from Bangkok and the unspoilt calm environment has made it a favourite spot for local families.
About 30 km from Hua Hin is the lake of Pranburi, which becomes packed with competitors and spectators of the dragon boat races every November. Long and sleek, the main aim of the ancient Chinese design of these wooden vessels was speed. The number of competitors in a boat – each with one paddle- change according to the length of the boat, but the crew always includes a drummer who helps synchronize the movements. Each boat is fixed with a decorative dragon’s head and painted in bright colours on the race day. There is usually fierce competition between national and regional teams, whose participants train through the year for such events. Sometimes a team comprised of foreign residents or a ‘farang’ team also take part for fun. All teams must complete the 1 km course against the tide. The excitement in the atmosphere almost becomes palpable as the beginning nears, and nail biting fights to the finish line are common occurrences. You can witness each moment from the specially erected viewing platforms along the banks of the lake.
The annual dragon boat race is only one of the many events held through the year, and the Hua Hin Hotels in the area are oriented towards tourists. For easy access to the sea during a quick getaway from the city choose one of the many beach hotels. All Beach Hotels Hua Hin Thailand have a picturesque seaside, so pamper yourself to a traditional massage near the beach as you relax in the luxurious setting of the Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort.
Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.