Today, I had the pleasure of visiting the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin for lunch. Originally known as The Railway Hotel, this historic gem has been a part of Hua Hin’s charm since its opening in 1923. Built by the State Railway of Thailand, it was designed to accommodate travelers along the southern railway line connecting Bangkok to Malaysia. Its colonial architecture, with large verandas and stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand, reflects the grandeur of a bygone era.

The former lobby of the hotel is now The Museum Coffee & Tea Corner, a delightful tea room and museum where you can enjoy a traditional British high tea while surrounded by vintage décor and memorabilia from the railway era. This charming spot is like stepping back in time, and its history is further enriched by its role as a filming location for the 1984 movie The Killing Fields, where it doubled as Phnom Penh’s Le Royal Hotel.

The hotel’s beautifully maintained gardens, including “Khun Chokedee,” a 100-year-old elephant-shaped topiary, are another highlight of its rich legacy. Wandering the grounds, you can feel the history that has been carefully preserved over the past century.

My visit was brief but memorable, offering a glimpse into the elegance and history of one of Hua Hin’s most iconic landmarks. If you love history and timeless architecture, it’s a place worth exploring! You don’t need to be a guest to have High Tea here. 

#RailTourism #Thailand