Hua Hin, Cha Am & Kui Buri Holidays

Equally popular with young couples and families, tourists and Thai's, Hua Hin features a beautiful, powdery sand beach which is flanked by a range of good value hotels, luxury resorts and world-renowned spas. With three miles of attractive beach it's a delightful place to relax and unwind. While Cha Am may not rival Hua Hin for facilities, it is home to a long casuarina-lined beach, calm turquoise waters and a laid-back atmosphere.

Away from the sand there's much to see and do. Maruekhathayawan Palace is one of the most attractive royal palaces in Thailand; dating back to 1923 it offers a real glimpse of Thailand's royal past. Equally impressive is the striking architecture of the Hua Hin Railway Station, one of the oldest in the country, whose main feature is the Royal Waiting Room. Within easy reach is Pala-U Waterfall which has water cascading down several tiers amid impressive jungle, or alternatively take a day trip to Sam Roi Yot National Park. For sports enthusiasts, Hua Hin is regarded as one of the finest golfing locations in Thailand with numerous top quality courses all within a 30 minute drive.

Hua Hin's vibrant night market is not to be missed, with countless outlets selling freshly cooked food as well as colourful stalls brimming with local handicrafts, souvenirs and clothing. Alternatively visit Hua Hin Floating Market which is more upscale with many shops on the banks of a small, meandering man-made river; or Hua Hin Artist Village which has galleries of arts and antiques.

Dining options, particularly in Hua Hin, are varied and plentiful, be it fast food, Italian, authentic Thai or succulent seafood. Cha Am is all about seafood, particularly along the beachside road, but you will also find a few Thai restaurants with western choices on the menu. When it comes to nightlife, most tastes are also catered for in Hua Hin with a choice of sophisticated wine bars and casual retreats where you can relax with a glass or two of your favourite tipple, to bustling bars and late night clubs.

Kui Buri is half an hour's drive south of Hua Hin and is a peaceful, underdeveloped area home to numerous fishing villages and a gorgeous stretch of virgin beachfront. Within an hour's drive of the resort is the little-visited Kui Buri National Park, which protects around 300 wild elephants - the largest concentration in Thailand.