Hua Hin

Since the days when Thailand's much-revered royalty had their palatial holiday escape built here on the Gulf of Thailand in the 1920s, Hua Hin has been a popular beach resort with many Thais. In recent years the number of international hotels has increased as Hua Hin has emerged as one of Thailand's most popular destinations amongst domestic and international visitors. Hua Hin feels a step up in class compared to many Thai beach resorts with slick hotels, top seafood restaurants and, of course, the continuing visits of the country's royal family.

With year round warm weather, and a climate that tends to be a lot drier than much of the country, it is easy to see why Hua Hin now has West Europeans joining the thousands of Thai tourists who flock here every year. This fully-fledged resort caters for all types of Western Europeans, ranging from 18-35 year-olds looking for sunshine break through to families.

The Southeast Asian resort of Hua Hin lies on the east coast of Thailand in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province tucked just to the south of the Thai capital, Bangkok. The resort has a small airport. The resort of Hua Hin lies in the Gulf of Thailand, which is a branch of the Indian Ocean. The main resort lies across a largely flat plain that stretches inland from the beach.

There is over 4km (2.5 miles) of beachfront within the resort of Hua Hin and its surrounds; plenty to keep most holidaymakers happy. There are stalls selling fresh seafood and drinks as well as sun loungers and sunbeds. A variety of watersports is also available.

Keen golfers will be more than happy in Hua Hin as the region is developing a reputation for catering to golfing enthusiasts. The Royal Hua Hin Golf Club (website: www.golfhuahin.com/royalhuahin.htm) boasts the regal connections and was the country's first golf course when it opened back in 1924. It was expertly designed by a Scotsman and is still very playable today. An elephant polo tournament is sometimes held in Hua Hin in September (see www.thisisthelife.com for more details), a spectacular event that is a reason in itself for visiting.

Hua Hin's beaches are a fun place for younger holidaymakers to hang out with a swim in the sea followed by a pony ride along the sands. There tends to be less surf here than in some Thai beach resorts with swimming usually safe all year round. Some hotels have dedicated facilities for children, including children's clubs and crèches.

The informal stalls in and around the beaches are fun places to haggle a bit over the price of your tourist souvenirs. The Naresdamri area is the place to head for the sartorially challenged. Here myriad tailors await, trying to tempt customers into a new suit or two with often very reasonable prices, though holidaymakers are well advised to shop around and check quality before parting with any cash.

Hua Hin's nightlife is certainly not the wildest in Thailand, but it has its fair share of nocturnal activities on offer. A sundowner on the waterfront is a good way to start an evening before moving on to one of the city's excellent restaurants. Seafood is a particular speciality. There are a range of bars, cafés and modest nightclubs as well as a small girlie bar scene.

Most of the better hotels boast their own restaurants where a range of international cuisines is available. Many holidaymakers also choose to sample the local cuisine with the most interesting place to try it at the street food stalls that are found particularly around the main beach area. The Chatchai market is also home to some intoxicating smells and flavours. There are more formal restaurants dotted around the resort where Thai cooking is also available with Thais coming all the way from Bangkok to enjoy the seafood of Hua Hin.

Although there are regular inter-regional services the local bus service in this resort town is not extensive. The most popular way of getting around is on foot, through there are also the rough and ready sawngthaews (the truck-like local minibuses they use all over Thailand) as well as taxis. It is also possible to hire motorbikes and cars.

The protected Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is an excellent day trip option from the resort of Hua Hin. This swathe of limestone scenery offers its own sprinkling of beaches and hiking opportunities, as well as food stalls for those looking just to relax and take in the nature and the views.

For a seafood splurge head for the All Seasons Restaurant (154 Naresdamri Road) (website: www.all-seasons-restaurant.net). Enjoy the fruits of the labours of the local fishermen. Highlights include the likes of kingfish, crab and squid, most of it caught locally.

Hua Hin Airport (HHQ)