To travel from Bangkok to Hua Hin, there are two routes to choose from. The first one is to go past Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram by Highway 3 and Highway 4 to reach Petchaburi and Prachaup Khiri Khan. The second route is by going through Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi by Highway 4 and driving straight on to Hua Hin. On your way to your destinations or on your return trip, you can enyoy yourself at several attractions as follows.
Samut Sakhon (50km from Bangkok) From Bang Pakaeo Junction, go along Highway 35 (Thon Buri-Pakhto Rd.), you will pass Bang Khunthien Disrtict office. when you are at Mahachai Intersection (Km 28), turn left to Samut Sakhon's Muang County. Samut Sakhon is situated on the estuary of the Tha Chin River and is also known as "Muang Mahachai", which is the same name of the canal serving as a short cut to the Tha Chin estuary. People's main occupations are fishery and producing solar salt. Interesting places to pay a visit: Prawn farms and salt farm in Muang County provide impressive views of snow-white salt pans with windmills for passers-by. Mahachai Market, the centre of trading and communications. Several piers are located here. You can hire a long-tail boat to cruise along the Khok Kham Canal and be fascinated by the lifestyles of the local people.
Samut Songkhram (72km from Bangkok) is the birthplace of King Rama II (1809-1824), who was psthumously honoured by UNESCO in 1968 as one of the great personalities of the world who had brilliant attainments in the fields of education, science or culture. From Bangkok, go along Highway 35, passing Mahachai-Nakulua Intersection. At Km. 64, turn right into Samut Soungkhrams Muang Country. The province's recommended attractions: King Rama II Memorial Park in Amphawa Country is where a group five Thai-style wooden houses is lofocated, which serves as a museum and library. Don Hoi Lot at the Mae Klong estuary is where hoi lot shells are collected at low tide. You should not miss having a meal of fresh seafood at any of the restaurants mushrooming here. Besides, the province is also renowned for its home stay programs, from which you will have a great opportunity to understand the local people's everyday life.
Nakhon Pathom (56km from Bangkok) is a very old city with a history dating back to the Dvaravati period (11th-13th century). From Bangkok, use Highway 4 to reach Nakhon Pathom.Interesting attractions: Phra Pathom Chedi,the world's tallest pagoda(height :120.45m/ circumstance:234.75 m around the base), enshrines a standing Buddha image named Phra Ruang Rochanarit. Sanamchan Palace and Ya-le Monument (2 Km southwards from Phra Pathom Chedi) was built in 1907by command of Rama VI when he was the Crown Prince. The Ya-le Monument was built in memory of Ya-le, the Kings's favourite dog, who was shot dead by an envious man.Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo is where you can elephants shows, man wrestling with crocodiles, etc. Phuttha Monthon Park, a 2500-rai park with plenty of shady trees is inviting you to go cycling. Thai Human Imagery Museum is the first museum of its kind of Thailand.Interesting themes include Thai lifestyles, revered Buddhist monks and kings of the Chakri Dynasty. When you are at Nakhon Pathom, don't forget to buy some pink-fleshed sweet pomelos and coconuts as souvenirs.
Ratchaburi (100km from Bangkok). From Bangkok, use Highway 4, passing Bangkhae, Omnoi, Omyai and Nakhon Pathon. The province is well known for its glazed jars and other ceramic ware. It is an ancient town first set up in the Dvaravati period. Recommended attractions: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Every morning from before 7 to nearly noon, tha canal here is filled with boats vending vegetables, fruit, snacks and daily necessities. Ban Khu Bua Ruins is the site of an ancient city of the Dvaravati period. Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum houses a complete collection of 313 Nang Yai pieces which are still in perfect conditions. Khao Chong Phran Mount in Photharam County to the west of Muang County, is famous for flocks of millions of bats that fly out of the cave in an unceasing stream for hours in the evening (from 6:00 pm on). Khao Bin Cave. Tha name is derived from a formation of stalagmites and stalactites looking like an eagle spreading its wings. Pong Krathing Hot Spring, with a diametre of 5m. When circled by a group of people who noisily clap their hands, bubbles will emerge from the well. Bo Khlueng Hot-Water Well. the water's temperature is about 120-136°F. Tourists are allowed to take a bath here.