Vanilla Summer Inn

Once a quiet fishing village beloved by a Thai prince, Hua Hin is now a buzzing seaside destination on the gulf of Thailand. Here, city meets sea with cultural splendours like the royal summer palace, beaches to watch the sunset on and plenty of local eateries to try. Cool off at one of the tropical city's waterparks or shop for souvenirs at a local market exploding with colour. Sports lovers flock here too, with options from high-adrenaline kiteboarding to chilled-out golf.

Get more privacy at hostels in Hua Hin with pod beds. At a place with sea-view rooms, you can wake up to the sound of lapping waves or get a panoramic view on a roof terrace looking out over the city. Some hostels offer free Wi-Fi, so it's easy to get in touch with home and share stories of boat trips and temple visits. Try local flavours at a Hua Hin hostel with a cafe, or save some coins and cook for yourself at a place with self-catering facilities.

The centre of Hua Hin has a seaside holiday vibe. Grab a bite by the boardwalk and amble along the shore under the Southeast Asian sun. For a more rural experience, try Khao Takiab (Chopstick Hill), where you can spot monkeys and get closer to nature. Just outside the city is Cha-am Beach, a less crowded spot that's bursting with watersports. If you want a village feel, head over to Pranburi Beach for seriously pretty shores off the regular backpacker trail.

On top of offering yummy takeaway bites, Hua Hin Beach is the perfect spot for having a go at kitesurfing. For handicrafts to take home, visit the vibrant Hua Hin Night Market and try local foods like mango sticky rice. You'll get your fill of history at the nearby Maruekhathaiyawan Palace, the old royal residence made of teak wood pillars, or you can head to Wat Huay Mongkol to take in the famous statue of a monk atop orange steps. Plearn Wan, a wooden 1950s-style shopping centre, is a cool place to poke around vintage stores.

If you're coming in by plane, Suvarnabhumi International Airport is your closest arrival point to Hua Hin. From there, it's around 3.5 hours by car to the city. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus that runs frequently from Bangkok to Hua Hin. It's easy enough to navigate the city on foot, but you can always flag down a trishaw or tuk-tuk if you need a break.