World Cup escape: The Hua Hin Jazz Festival

Over the years, the Hua Hin Jazz Festival has become one of the must-hit weekend getaways for urban weary Bangkokians. The annual musical event is back for another round of beach, beer, food and music this weekend, with the free event set to be bigger than ever in spite of a certain sporting event that’s taken over the nation.

That’s right, football be darned, there’s jazz to be played. And best of all, we can pretty much guarantee there won’t be a single vuvuzela on either of the festival’s two main stages. 

Yes, two. Visitors to last year’s Hua Hin Jazz Festival will recall there was a single huge beach stage behind the Sofitel Centara Grand Hua Hin. On Saturday night it was crowded beyond comfort, with festival goers fighting to grab a tiny square of sand to park their behinds on, stretching from the front of the stage as far back as the eye could see. Never mind that the incoming tide dislocated many, forcing some inebriated music appreciators into the sea where they waved their beer cans wildly in the air as they swayed to the music.

This year the organizers hope to ease the chaos by featuring two beach stages with performances running over three days, from 4pm to midnight Friday to Sunday. The main stage is at the usual spot behind Sofitel, right in the town center, while the other stage is at the new InterContinental Hua Hin resort, further down the beach. Shuttle buses will transfer attendants between venues and most of the bands will be playing on both stages at different times over the course of the three-day event to ensure festival goers don't miss any of the action.  

The event features performances by Thai, Asian and international jazz musicians including Lee Ritenour and Jack Lee from the United States, the UK's Incognito, the Brass Munkeys from the Philippines, Thailand's ETC, Crescendo and T Morrow and a "Contemporary Jazz Super Band" made up of greats Jeff Lorber, Eric Marientha, Jimmy Haslip and Joel Taylor. For the full schedule, visit Jazzfestivalhuahin.com.

While this year's Hua Hin Jazz Festival will no doubt still be horribly busy, we can't deny it always makes for an awesome weekend out. Hua Hin, about 200km south of Bangkok, is adored among city dwellers as an easy weekend getaway with great seafood, golfing, resorts, natural attractions and beaches.

Where to stay

Hua Hin has dozens of five-star boutique hotels and resorts. Keep in mind that many are going to be booked full this weekend so be sure to call and reserve ahead. Here are a few picks for those who want to be right on the beach.

Sofitel Hua Hin

This historic colonial hotel is right beside the main beach stage, so it's definitely not for those who are looking for a quiet weekend away as the concerts don't end till midnight each day. Don’t even try to sneak in to use the Sofitel's fancy toilets, either. There are security guards who make sure the riffraff stays out. To enjoy the jazz but not the crowds, try their Saturday night poolside buffet. Most of the hotel's regular rooms are all booked out, but there are a few suites left we’re told. 

InterContinental 

Another venue sure to be packed full with excitement is the InterContinental, the newest five-star brand to hit the Hua Hin area. This resort is further south from the town centre, but they're hosting one of the jazz stages on the beach so it will definitely be lively. The InterContinental is hosting a special pre-event five-course charity dinner Thursday night that gives diners a chance to mingle with the performers. Tickets are 3,500 per person.  

Dusit Thani Hua Hin

This is the place to go if you want a quiet escape away from the madness in the town. Situated nearly smack in the middle of Hua Hin and Cha-Am, the luxurious Dusit Thani Hua Hin recently underwent extensive renovations and is one of the area's most-loved retreats among Bangkok visitors. The spa is great, the food fantastic and the facilities superb. 

Hua Hin Mariott Resort & Spa

Just down the beach from the Sofitel is the Hua Hin Mariott, a beautiful sprawling resort close enough to the action that you can walk down the beach to take in the sounds but far enough away that you can escape the loud music for the quiet of the pool if you want. What makes this place so special is that it's spacious and quiet yet just a 10-minute walk from the town center.

Let's Sea Hua Hin

We concede, huge luxury resorts aren't for everyone. Hua Hin has seen its number of boutique hotels mushroom in recent years and though there are dozens, Let's Sea is among our favorites. Located south of Hua Hin near Khao Takiab beach, this "al-fresco" resort has all those little extras you won't find in the big resorts like specialized bath treats, private moon decks and afternoon tea delivered to your room. Best of all for some, kids under 12 are not welcome. Even if you can't stay at Let's Sea, be sure to hit the resort's famed restaurant of the same name.