Whether you fancy a bustling beach vibe or a quiet coastal retreat, you’re guaranteed glorious sand and sea wherever you end up
Seaside destinations Pattaya and Hua Hin have long been favoured by Bangkok’s elite for their golden sand and emerald hinterland. Both resorts have history, from Buddhist temples to royal patronage. Both have timeless quarters, where elephants nibble jackfruit and fishers land grouper for dinner. Even the travel times are similar – about two to three hours by car from the capital, or an unhurried train ride from Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong terminal.
A railway link bestowed a royal connection on Hua Hin. From 1911, Thailand’s revered kings frequented this sandy fishing village by train, and Hua Hin station soon received a royal waiting room. The ruling family built the palace of Klai Kangwon, which translates as “far from worries”, near the 6-mile-long beach. Bangkok’s hi-so – or “high society” – have railroaded in every since.
Hua Hin in two words? Royally gorgeous. Start with gentle swims on the icing sugar shore. Purchase a crushed sugarcane cooler, then hike past the golf course to Khao Hin Lek Fai viewpoint for princely views. For culture, call at Mrigadayavan Palace. This royal residence was designed by an Italian architect in the 1920s to catch the sea breeze. Then, when the sun sets over the Gulf of Thailand, the bars of Soi 94 alley raise the tempo on another indulgent night.
