Hua Hin
A royal resort
Hua Hin is one of the nearest beach resorts to Bangkok and can be reached in a few hours by bus or train. It was popularized by the Thai royal family in the early 20th century and these days fills up with Bangkok escapees at the weekend. The beach is the main attraction here, though in truth it cannot compare with those on offshore islands.
A royal palace
It’s worth making the trip north out of town to visit the Mareukathayawan Palace on the way to Cha-Am. This gorgeous compound of colonial buildings, once the summer residence of King RamaVI, has a real away-from-it-all feel. Back in Hua Hin, seafood restaurants abound, and there are several top-class golf courses within the town’s vicinity.
Train A dozen trains make the daily journey from Bangkok to Hua Hin’s pretty station, taking 3-5 hrs.
Bus Several buses connect Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal with Hua Hin, taking about 4 hrs.
Air A few flights a week connect Hua Hin Airport with Bangkok and Chiang Mai in the north.