Santorini Park Cha-Am

For people driving down to Cha-am or Hua Hin seaside resorts for the weekend there is a new stop-over which you can use to break up your journey. It is called Santorini Park Cha-Am and is a cross between an amusement park and a boutique shopping center. What they are labeling it is an  “Amused Shopping Experience”. Apparently they drew their architectural inspiration from Santorini Island in Greece. The new tourist attraction is on Petchakasem Road in Cha-Am district. It’s about a two hour drive from Bangkok and 30 minutes from Hua Hin (see map).

Santorini Park Cha-Am is divided into five different zones. Park Zone has amusement park rides such as the 40 meter high Ferris Wheel, Double Deck Carousel, G-Max Reverse Bungee, G-Max Giant Swing, XD Dark Ride 7 D interactive game and a Wallholla climbing structure.  The Village Zone has an impressive selection of brand name fashion and accessories, lifestyle products, art and decor, and handmade items. The Rest Area has fast food outlets, convenience stores and other shops ideal for people wanting to take a short break from driving. The Activity Zone has space for concerts and other performances. The Weekend Art Market is a haven for art lovers and handicraft enthusiasts.

King’s Cup Elephant Polo in Hua Hin in September

The highly popular King’s Cup Elephant Polo tournament is celebrating its eleventh anniversary in the royal seaside town of Hua Hin from 12th-16th September 2012. With free admission for everyone, spectators can rub shoulders with European and Asian royalty, international sporting stars and local celebrities. The event has something for everyone including a spectacular opening parade through the main streets of Hua Hin, Thailand’s last ‘elephant spirit men’, traditional dancers, a baby elephant camp and fun fair and a wide range of food and beverages.

The tournament was introduced to Thailand in 2001 by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas and has grown to be one of the biggest charitable events in Thailand that has raised almost US$500,000 for projects that better the lives of Thailand’s elephant population. The tournament is held at Hua Hin’s Suriyothai Army Base approximately 20 minutes from Anantara Hua Hin Resort and Spa. For more information on King’s Cup Elephant Polo, please visit www.anantaraelephantpolo.com.