Pranburi accommodation from AU$52

It’s easy not to notice but as a properly functioning city, Hua Hin isn’t stretched to its limits like other popular cities in Thailand. Everything has the right pace, which makes walking through and shopping at its colourful night markets, taking late afternoon strolls on the wide beaches, or simply sitting down for a sandwich at a café a pleasant experience that is uncommon in beachside Thailand. Many locals enjoy their weekends here, not only because it is close, but because of its easy-going way of life.

Pranburi is about 30km to the south of Hua Hin and a great choice if you want to separate yourself from it all. You couldn’t ask for better surroundings with pristine beaches on one side and the Khao Sam Roi Yot (Mountain with 300 Peaks) National Park about 25km further south. The beautiful jagged mountain terrain shows you where the park’s name came from. Here you can find stunning scenes as light filters through the open tops of caves lighting the stones, trees and man-made pavilions within, or perhaps catch a glimpse of the cartoonish dusky leaf monkey and Irrawaddy dolphin if you’re really lucky.

Of course, Hua Hin may have its own identity, but it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to tourist attractions. The Cicada Market is a hip and modern take on the weekend market. Locals set up shop right on the pavement selling handmade goods and clothes under the warm light of lanterns hung from trees overhead, white-bleached Thai-style houses are used as stylish art galleries, and amateur performing artists show their latest productions at a 700-person amphitheatre. If there is one thing you don’t want to miss in Hua Hin, it’s Cicada.

If you are in Hua Hin during the March to May period, don’t be surprised by the sight of all kinds of kites soaring in the sky - it’s Thailand’s International Kite Festival! Straight off the heels of that event comes the annual, and very popular, Hua Hin Jazz Festival. What could be better than chilling to tunes by jazz artists from all over the world right by the sea?

Beachside holidays in Thailand are becoming very fast-paced in many destinations, but you can still unwind to the fullest by booking your flight to Bangkok and Hua Hin or Pranburi accommodation with us.