Having opened its doors to the public back in 1998, the Baan Sillapin Artists Village in Hua Hun is no ordinary cultural attraction for the masses. Quietly nestled in the western hills of Hua Hin, the four acre site has become a thriving tourist hub for art lovers and intrigued visitors in search of local crafts and creativity. Renowned as the official headquarters of the Hua Hin Artists Group, the venue is also most famously the home base of local artist extraordinaire Tawee Kesa-ngam, who resides in the artist’s village with his extended family.
Ideally situated close to Pa La Uh Waterfall, the Baan Sillapin Artists Village is a one-stop arts hub like no other in Thailand. Aspiring artists and art collectors agree the free and authentic ambience of the locale that is far removed from the tourist oriented arts hubs in other parts of the country, set it apart as a genuine art space. Littered with sprawling art galleries, visitors can gauge the full gamut of Hua Hin’s creative arts sphere on a tour of these spaces.
Antiques are also prized items here as collectors and connoisseurs alike can find hidden treasures within the confines of the antique stores in the village. Artist studios in the village are also open to the public and visitors can converse with the painters or sculptors themselves to understand the processes and the meaning behind the pieces they create. Those interested in learning the traditional crafts of Hua Hin as well as the techniques in painting can take a class in art or sculpture in the many schools scattered across the village which is also known as a prime location to witness performance arts in action.
Travellers can also interact with residents of the village while sipping a cup of piping hot coffee at the local café which serves as a popular meeting point for locals and foreign visitors. Souvenirs in the form of small sculptures, clothing items and ethnic jewellery are also available for purchase at the Baan Sillapin Artists Village which is open to the public from 10am to 5pm every day, except Monday.
Travellers in search of luxury Hua Hin hotels should look no further than the stylish Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort for some of the best accommodation in town. Providing guests with the latest in contemporary amenities this elegant rest is justifiably ranked among the finest beach hotels Hua Hin Thailand has on offer.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.