Thailand is a land filled with beaches…of all kinds. There are the party ones, the scenic ones and of course the laid back ones. Hua Hin is your prototypical laid back beach resort. It is also just 200 kilometers south of Bangkok (about two and a half hours from the capital), making it a popular weekend getaway for residents of busy Bangkok. You too can lay back and chill in a sleepy, smooth beach resort town.

Hua Hin is popular with the Thai people for another reason; the Royal Family has a summer palace right here. And why not? Wouldn’t you like to have a house right by the beach? In fact, whenever they have spare time, the King and his family would spend as much time as possible here. Facing the sea with vast ornamental gardens, it is a beautiful place.

So, what is the town like? Well, pretty relaxed. Hua Hin is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok (although long holidays and weekends can get somewhat crowded). There are also things to do for kids, with a go-kart track, ATV circuits and paintball courses near town.

For adventurers, Kao Sam Roi Yo, a national marine park, is just 60 kilometers from Hua Hin. The place is renowned for its limestone mountains, mangrove swamps, beaches and several species of local and migrating birds during the cool season. Pala-U Waterfall is also not too far from town and is home to verdant forests and a range of bird and butterfly species. For divers, head to Koh Singto and see the type of marine life that call the Hua Hin shores home.

And for those who can’t stray away from shopping, the Hua Hin Village Market Mall will certainly satisfy. The town is also quite famous for its night market, brimming with fresh scent of seafood as well as displays of varying clothes and crafts.

Hua Hin is a golfer’s paradise. There are numerous courses available, all international standard and world class. If you love the game, you’d certainly have to hit one of fairways here.

After a round, perhaps you would like to chill out by the beach? It is certainly a nice place for some downtime. Find a spot facing the ocean, grab an ice cold drink and enjoy your time under the sun. Embrace it; this is what life in Hua Hin is all about. And what a fitting end it could be to your Thailand tour experience.

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