All ashore For a party

All ashore For a party

Hua Hin celebrates the cool season with music, art and a vintage car rally

Published on November 24, 2007

The classic beach destination of Hua Hin will hold a vintage car parade and art festival from December 1 to December 16.

The two-week event hosted by Sofitel Grand Resort & Villas also includes concerts and performances and promises to be a lot of fun for arts buffs, car enthusiasts and holidaymakers.

The festival kicks off at the Hua Hin market village with a choir singing His Majesty the King's compositions, and traditional dances.

His Majesty's 80th birthday falls on December 5 and respected artists from Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi will together paint a giant, five-by-10-metre portrait, expected to take 80 hours to complete.

The portrait goes on display on His Majesty's birthday - just in time for the evening ceremonies.

Another highlight of the festival is on December 14, when 80 vintage cars arrive after a 225-kilometre journey from Bangkok.

As soon as the last car pulls into the Sofitel, a beach party kicks off at the market village.

An 80-metre long buffet prepared by chefs from the town's top hotels will be available for Bt80 per person. There will be jazz performances, too.

The next morning, the cars will parade though the town. Holidaymakers can take a ride for Bt280 a pop.

There will be an art exhibition, music gallery, mime and more. A charitable gala dinner at the Sofitel with a classical music performance, stage shows, auctions, period-costume competition and lucky draws takes place in the evening. Dress code is "retro" and prizes will be awarded.

The dinner is priced at Bt2,480 including a pre-dinner cocktail and seats can be reserved by calling (032) 512 138.

The retro night wraps up with dance and live classical, jazz and reggae sounds.

Nattaporn Luangpipat

Special to The Nation