When viewed from the main public entrance, Hua Hin’s beach is a pleasant but not stunning stretch of sand punctuated by round, smooth boulders. Don’t be dismayed; this is the people-watching spot. If you’re after swimming and sunbathing continue south where the sand is a fine white powder and the sea a calm grey-green.
The 5km-long beach stretches to a Buddha-adorned headland (Khao Takiab). The north end is where Thais come to photograph their friends wading ankle-deep in the sea and pony rides are offered to anyone standing still. Further south, resort towers rather than coconut trees line the interior of the beach, but that's a minor distraction if you're splashing around in the surf. Access roads lead to Th Phetkasem, where you can catch a green sŏrng·tăa·ou back to town.
