Hua Hin is a seaside resort on the Gulf of Thailand. It is popular with Thais, having become quite fashionable as a weekend getaway spot for Bangkok residents, as well with foreigners and as an ex-pat retirement or holiday home location. Until 1934, it was known as Samore Riang, or "rows of rocks". The tranquil fishing village was turned into a royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam's nobility and upper classes.