Cha Am and Hua Hin
A very different experience awaits at Cha Am and Hua Hin. These two resorts are dignified and a world away from the frenetic experience that Pattaya has to offer. Both are small enough towander around without the need for transport. The hotels in each resort are no more than minutes from the beachs with many fronting the beach.
In Hua Hin the white sand beach strethes for a miles and as on all Thai beaches umbrellas and loungers are provided for comfort and relaxation. Vendors will tempt you with cool drinks, snacks and traditional Thai massage right on the beach, and there are even pony rides available for the young and youngish.
For a grandstand view of Hua Hin and the Gulf of Thailand take a tuk tuk to Hin Lek Fai Hill just outside the city. The views from this vantage point are amazing and stretch for miles up and down the coast, little fishing boats and yachts seem perfectly still on the Gulf's calm waters.
Also worth a visit is the Monkey Temple where it is possible to feed the wandering and sometimes marauding wild monkeys. It is great fun to see how they interact with each other and the daily stream of tourists. Afterwards climb the steps to the top of the temple for more spectacular views of the town and Gulf.
The fishing harbour and pier is a busy 24-hour operation with boats dropping their catchs fresh from the sea. If you want to sample just-out-of-the-water fish and shell fish there are plenty of restaurants near by.
Both Cha Am and Hua Hin are renowned for their excellent golf courses, indeed the first course in Siam was built in Hua Hin in the early 1900s. A trip worth making is to Ratchaniwat
Marukhathaiyawan Palace also known as the epalace of love and hope'was built in 1923 by Rama IV as a rainy season retreat.
This is the perfect place to spend a few contemplative hours away from the rat race. Although it is located in a Border Patrol Police base just tell the guard that you are visitting the palace and you will be let through. There is no admission charge.