There was enthusiasm and a sense of optimism in the air at the Hua Hin Airport as the inaugural Air Asia flight arrived from Chiang Mai on Friday morning (7th August) with the first ever scheduled flight from Udon Thani due later in the day.
Their sense of optimism was based on the belief that Hua Hin is ready to claim the position as Thailand’s most desirable destination in the domestic tourism market. The newly scheduled routes now link Hua Hin with two of Thailand’s major cities apart from the easy drive from Bangkok. Apart from domestic tourists, those looking for better business connectivity and easier family reunions will also be the benefactors.
Enthusiasm came from the assembled dignitaries, including the Hua Hin Mayor, as well as from members of tourism and business associations, local resorts, ‘Hawaiian’ dancers and many other well-wishers with the traditional water cannon spray showering the arriving aircraft.
Hua Hin Airport still has a long was to go before it becomes it reaches its full potential, including overseas flights when international airways open once again. However in the meantime, if flight carriers needed to know that a warm welcome will be waiting in Hua Hin, today’s enthusiastic gathering may have helped to provide that assurance.
Air Asia Thailand flights now operate from Hua Hin to both Udon Thani and Chiang Mai on Friday and Sunday each week. The cost is around 800 THB for most one way flights.
