The resort town of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand is a perfect place to escape from the bustling city and take in the famous beaches and natural tropical landscape of Thailand.
This Spanish-style summer house for Thai royalty was built in 1928 and features a beautiful garden right along the waterfront.
Visit the non-profit wildlife conservation center just 25km outside of the city to view native elephants, gibbons, monkeys and more.
Hike up the Flint Mountain for a nice afternoon picnic and take in the spectacular views of Hua Hin below.
Just outside of the city are the two tucked away beaches of Hat Sai Noi and Hat Sai Yai where you can swim and rent a bungalow to spend the night.
This resort offers a world-class spa with massages and holistic wellness services to help rejuvenate visitors.
The best time to visit is between November and February when there is less humidity, rainfall and the temperature is more mild in general.
There are no international direct flights to Hua Hin airport. Instead, a one way ticket from London to the capital of Bangkok costs 13,700 baht.
Hua Hin Railway Station is located in the heart of the city. Tickets from Bangkok cost around 250 baht, with the journey to Hua Hin taking 4.5 hours.
Route 35 and Route 4 will bring you from Bangkok to Hua Hin, as well as connecting you down south to Phuket.
There are several non-stop air-conditioned buses that make the trip from Bangkok to Hua Hin in around 3.5 hours. A one-way ticket costs 269 baht.
The Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel surrounded by botanical gardens and located right along the water. Room rates start at 5,700 baht a night.
Hua Hin Beach - This area houses the popular Cicada Market as well as many hotels and beaches for tourists.
Khao Takiap - Set on top of a mountain, this area featuring Buddha temples also has a nice panoramic restaurant that's popular among visitors.
Huay Mongkol - This area is the site of the giant statue of Thailand's enlightened monk named Luang Phor Thuad.
Songthaews, or open air trucks, start at 15 baht for a ride. Negotiate the price and pay when boarding the truck.
Taxis cost 35 baht for a starting tariff, and 60 baht is a fair price for a journey within the city limits.
There are many companies with daily rental vehicles starting at 650 baht. Cars are available at the airport or downtown pick-up locations.
Most locals shop at the night markets to haggle over traditional crafts, food, jewelry and clothes. The Hua Hin Market Village is the main indoor shopping mall.
Villa market JP Co.,Ltd. and Tesco are the two main grocery markets. A dozen eggs costs 53 baht.
The Sea Harmony Eco Cafe has a wide selection of Thai, vegetarian and Asian fusion dishes. A typical meal costs around 250-300 baht.