Hua Hin, Cha-am & Pranburi (IV)

Natural Attraction: Khao Sam Roi Yot, Khao Takiab, Cha-am and Pranburi

While the township caneasily be explored on foot, some of the other attractions will require transportation. A car is always handy, but those without have a choice of day excursions which take in all the major sights, including natural sttractions like Khao Sam Roi Yot (Three Hundred Peaks) National Park with its magnificent views of the Gulf of Thailand and caves to explore. Just to the south of Hua Hin, Khao Takiab Temple is located on a rocky hill with good views of Ao Takiab (Chopsticks Bay) where more beaches and resorts are located. You can also visit other beaches along this coastline, waterfalls, and the kids will enjoy Hua Hin Zoo.

About 25 kilometers north of Hua Hin is Cha-am. More spread out than its southern neighbor, Cha-am has the longest stretch of beach in Thailand. The casuarina-lined beach is covered with deck chairs and umbrellas providing plenty of shade, and vendors walk up and down the beach selling everything from foods to handicrafts. For those looking for some action, jet skis tow banana boats around much to the delight of their screaming passengers.

Cha-am is a popular beach among Thais and, although relatively quiet on weekdays, it's crowed at weekends, and completely packed on long weekends. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from including some resort-style hotels that are popular with westerners.

While the other two beaches are well known, Pranburi is rather new to the scene. Located 30 kilometers south of Hua Hin, this stretch of sand used to be visited just as a day trip, but now has a number of boutique-style resort operations of its own. It's much quieter than its northern neighbors, but still easily accessible to Hua Hin for those after a bit of action - many of the resorts offer free transportation services to Hua Hin for this purpose.

Once in Hua Hin city you can get around easily on foot. However many of the attractions outside of town will need some form of transportation. Hua Hin has tuk tuks, motorcycle taxis, songthaews and taxis; you usually have to negotiate the rate before you get in. You could also consider doing a day tour which takes in all the main attractions.