It is possible to join the famous "Eastern & Oriental Express" in Hua Hin on its southbound journey to Singapore. Departure is from the most beautiful railway station in Thailand.

In 1921 the director of the state railway, Prince Purachatra, built the Railway Hotel, now the Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort, close to the beach. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) liked the place so much that he built a summer palace in Hua Hin. The palace was named Wang Klai Kang Won ('Far from Worries'). It is now the full-time residence of His Majesty the King of Thailand. His Royal Highness Prince Krom Phra Naresworarit was the first member of the royal family to build a group of palaces at Ban Laem Hin, called Sukaves, and he gave the beach next to his palace the name Hua Hin.

The luxury train, the "Eastern & Oriental Express", was first built in Japan in 1972 and operated as the Silver Star train in New Zealand. It's carriages were then remodelled and designed by Gérard Gallet, the man behind much of the design and refurbishment of both the British Pullman and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The inspiration for the interiors is derived from the East. The carriage walls are decorated with veneers of wooden marquetry with Eastern designs, while the bar and restaurant cars are decorated in Chinese and Thai lacquer using Malaysian motifs with Thai wall carvings and engraved mirrors. The open-deck of the Observation Car also has an Oriental theme, and for much of the train local materials have been used. 
On board the Eastern & Oriental Express, the atmosphere harks back to a 'Colonial' age of rattan chairs on the verandah, linen suits and tea dances. 

This wonderful old hotel was built in 1922 and originally had only fourteen rooms. It was built as the Railways Hotel following the completion of the new railway track from Bangkok to the beach at Hua Hin, site of the Royal Summer Palace. Although initially catering to the Bangkok elite, by the 60’s and 70’s the place was rundown and had become a backpackers favourite. Taken over by the huge French Accor group in 1986, the hotel was expanded dramatically but the original hotel buildings have been carefully maintained and the new accommodations have been built in the same 1920’s style. In 1983 the hotel became the “Hotel Le Phnom” during the filming of “The Killing Fields”.

This magnificent property is firstly and foremostly a luxury health resort. In fact it has been voted as the world’s Best Destination Spa. Set in magical gardens and facing the sea, the recommended accommodations are the superb Thai pavilions situated along the lagoon.

Originally built in the early 1900’s, the house was constructed in a colonial style. Although now fitted with modern comforts and amenities, the old house affords the opportunity to reflect on a history, rich with associations of the swinging glorious 1920/30’s, when Hua Hin with its Royal Summer Palace was a highly fashionable destination.

Tucked away in a small dead-end street, this budget property comprises two beautiful old teak-wood houses, formerly the homes of fishermen. The flower bedecked courtyard and popular outdoor restaurant, makes for a very romantic setting at night. Basic accommodation