Prachuab Khirikhan province, including Hua Hin is famous in Thailand for delicious pineapples...  Tucked around the corner of Phetchkasem Road, Soi 37, next to the Royal Palace, you will find an interesting row of local vendors, who have been supported by the Community Development Department, Hua Hin district, to sell local products, under the very successful ‘One Tambon, One Product’ (OTOP) scheme. 

It’s worth making the journey to taste fresh Prachuab Khirikan pineapple, as well as typical Thai sweets and snacks made from preserved fruits. All vendors are registered with the OTOP scheme. The local vendors have limited English, but with a smile and a little patience, you will have a fun shop!

"Pom yaak chim saparot krup" spoken by a man or
"Chan yaak chim saparot ka" spoken by a woman
 means  "I would like to taste some pineapple please!"

The Royal Project shop is a great spot to enjoy a fragrant cup of organic coffee, top quality Oolong and herbal teas, and healthy snacks. This homely shop also sells fresh fruits and vegetables, preserved foods from Royal Project centers in Chiang Mai, and some charming  souvenirs including handmade cotton scarves, fresh and dried flowers.

For over twenty years, the Royal Project Foundation, initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has worked tirelessly to improve the livelihoods of remote, Thai highland communities. The Royal Project team has helped villagers to replace opium cultivation with chemical-safe agriculture, such as delicious, cool-climate fruits and vegetables. The Royal Project shops help to bring these products to the market.  

Address: 214 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin. (Next to Soi 84. )
Tel: 032-514 085
www.royalprojectthailand.com/shop_hua-hin

There are several, very simple Thai vegetarian 
restaurants set in a small side-street off Petchkasem Road, Soi 70. Turn off Petchasem road into Soi 70. After 30 metres, you will see a Chinese temple on the right. Walk towards the temple and take the first, small street on the left. Look out for small, yellow, triangular flags, which indicate vegetarian food. Many western and Indian restaurants also serve some vegetarian dishes.

Golden Place is a wonderful grocery store, bursting with delicious and healthy foods. Enjoy a wide range of carefully selected, fresh, high-quality products, including chemical-safe fruits and vegetables, salads, cereals, juices and cosmetics. This is also a recommended spot to taste Thai snacks, produced by local community groups.

Golden Place takes sourcing seriously, making a sincere effort to support environmentally friendly agriculture and local producers. More than 70% of the shops’ products come from the HM the King's Royal Project, local farmers and community groups, including fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, dried fish and traditional Thai snacks.
Opening times: 24 hours
Contact: Branch 1 - 032 514 400; Branch 2 – 032 523 029

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/

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