Hua Hin is Thailand's oldest seaside resort, where the royal family vacations. Unlike noisy Phuket or brash Pattaya, a respectable atmosphere of family holidays and golf resorts prevails here.

Main attractions: the Victorian-style railway station, night market with seafood, Khao Takiab temple on a hill with monkeys. Beaches are calm, with fine sand and gentle slopes into the water.

Hua Hin is famous for world-class golf courses and wineries in the surroundings. The resort is 3 hours from Bangkok by car or bus. Best time is November-February when there's less rain.