Anantarak Health Training School aims to help Thai women find decent work as nurses, while also providing essential health services to children and the elderly around Hua Hin.  In addition to paid services, the school organizes regular social activities, including free check-ups and house cleans for the elderly, activities with school children and beach clean ups. 
Visitors in Hua Hin who wish to join activities are very welcome.  Interesting news for senior travelers or the retired community in Huua Hin is that Anantarak also organize professional care and transportation for elderly or disabled visitors, to help them fully and safely enjoy the sights and flavours of the area.

Contact: Pornrawee - 081 646 6374www.anantarak.com
anantarak-huahin@hotmail.com
pornrawee.seeluangsawat@gmail.com

Thailand is a very friendly country. People always appreciate when a foreigner makes the effort to speak some Thai. Even just speaking a few words of  Thai is enough to show your hosts that you are making an effort.

If you are in urban areas, where many people speak good English, you may find it more difficult to practice Thai. You will probably find that lots of people would prefer to practice their English with you!

If this is the case... head to the local markets. Have a bowl of noodles or a Thai coffee and chat to the owners. This is a great fun way to practice small-talk in Thai.

Head south down Phetchkasem Road, to Khao Takiab, and you will soon arrive at Cicada Market. The market has an innovative “open-mat, open mind, car-boot feel,” giving professional and amateur artisans a vibrant space to share and sell homemade arts and crafts, household ornaments, clothes and second hand goods. The Cicada team maintain a fresh and festive atmosphere by organizing regular workshops and stage shows by magicians, singers, orators, theatre troupes, dancers and photographers. An alfresco food garden completes the breezy ambiance. Friendly local youth also meet at Cicada to practice eye-catching dance routines.

Open: 16.00 – 22.00, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
More information: http://www.cicadamarket.com/

Located between Sam Roi Yot and the provincial capital of Prachuab Khirikan, Kui Buri National Park is a 2.5 hour drive from Hua Hin, making it a full day trip. However, the national park, covering almost 1,000 square kilometers, is well worth the journey. The highlight is the chance to see herds of Asian Elephants which roam freely around the park, and can often by observed from viewing platforms located above the elephants favorite bathing spots. It is not unusual to see entire families, with mother, father and baby elephants in tow! Among the park’s other inhabitants are red bulls, deer, bears and macaques. 

The best time to see wildlife is the early evening, so prepare for a late return to Hua Hin. 

The park office can organize guided trips and 4WD transport inside the park.  Tel/Fax 032-646292.

The inspired Sirindhon International Environmental Park is located on Phetchkasem road, between Hua Hin and Cha Am, on the way to Mrigadayavan Palace. The park was established in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on her 48th birthday anniversary in 2005, and aims to  revive local mangrove and beach environments. The park offers a variety of interesting activities, especially suitable for parents with children looking for a learning experience. 

The park is home to over 80 species of rare local and migratory birds, such as the white-throated kingfisher, heron and Malaysian Plover. Highlights include a nature trail exploring the mangroves, hands-on exhibitions on contemporary issues like renewable energy and low-impact housing, and a library full of colourful stories teaching children about nature conservation. 

The park's mission is to share knowledge and increase awareness about energy conservation, natural resources and the environment. 

Contact details:
The Sirindhorn International Environmental Park
1281 Rama VI Camp
Cha-am, Phetchaburi 76120
Thailand

Tel.   +66 32 508-352
        +66 32 508-396
Fax. +66 32 508-397
www.sirindhornpark.or.th/SIEPENG/index.html