Gulf of Thailand Travelers Recommend

Teeming with entertainment, beaches, and islands, alluring Pattaya draws international travelers year-round. With its close proximity to Bangkok, the resort city on the Gulf of Thailand is a lively, yet less-crowded, alternative to the capital. Here are some ideas for a 3-day stay.

Day 1: City streets and sandy beaches

Start the day with a visit to the tailor. Select material for a suit, and you’ll have one custom-made within 24 hours. Then, head to the Pattaya Floating Market with a guide. The canal network is fronted by Thai-style structures and waterfront shops, and your guide will help you bargain for the best prices. 

Following a lunch of Pattaya street food, it’s time to hit the beach. To be where the action is, hang out at the city’s namesake beach, where Jet Ski and parasailing adventures await. Alternatively, a speedboat can whisk you away for the day to a popular offshore destination such as Coral Island (Koh Larn), with its palm-fringed sands and tropical fish. 

Day 2: A walk on the wild side

From ziplining to sea walking, you can go from flying sky-high to descending many feet underwater in just a day. Soar and rappel between platforms through the rain forest canopy. Or, stroll the seafloor with a guide while breathing through a specialized helmet. At lunchtime, order the catch of the day, or try your hand at sea fishing just off the coast and feast on your own fresh-caught meal. 

Later, slip away to Frost Magical Ice of Siam, Cartoon Network Amazone, or Ramayana Water Park for some novel fun. Just be sure to save some energy for a night out. You’ll find the densest concentration of bars and clubs on famous Walking Street and along Pattaya Beach. 

Day 3: Island paradise

By now, you may be ready for some serious downtime—so take an easy day trip to Paradise Island (Koh Samet), off the coast of Rayong. Should you tire of simply sunbathing, you’ll find an array of activities, such as windsurfing, sailing, and snorkeling. And if you feel like staying longer in the vehicle-free national park, check out the beach bungalows for overnight accommodation. Alternatively, island-hop with a guide to Duck Island (Koh Ped) and Monkey Island (Koh Ling)—many tours include hotel transport, lunch, and snorkeling gear.

Located 91 miles (147 kilometers) southeast of Bangkok, the city of Pattaya has emerged as one of Thailand’s most popular beach resorts, and for good reason. Here are some of the area’s top beaches to check out while you’re there.

Pattaya Beach

This 2.5-mile (4-kilometer), crescent-shaped stretch of sandy beach is Pattaya’s most popular and liveliest. Divided into three areas, the beach tends to be busy day and night, thanks in part to the restaurants, bars, and hotels lining Pattaya Beach Road. Besides sunbathing, visitors often come for the parasailing, jet skiing, and other water sports.

Coral Island (Koh Larn)

If you find yourself in need of an escape from the crowds and noise of Pattaya, hop on a speedboat for the 45-minute trip to nearby Koh Larn, also known as Coral Island. Clean, white sand and tranquil waters are the stars here. Relax on the beach, snorkel the reefs, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or try your hand at parasailing or windsurfing.

Jomtien Beach

Situated just 4 miles (6 kilometers) from Pattaya city, Jomtien Beach is close enough to all the action to feel lively but far enough away to gain a sense of peace, making it a popular choice among locals and water sports enthusiasts. If you want to take a windsurfing or kiteboarding lesson, this is the place to do it.

Naklua Beach

Located in north Pattaya, Naklua Beach shares its sand with both visitors and local fishermen who work from the dock and set their traps on the horizon. Water sports aren’t as popular here, making it a good choice for swimming or laying out on the golden sand.

Wong Amat Beach

While not far from Pattaya Beach, Wong Amat Beach is much quieter and cleaner, free of the parties and water sports that keep Pattaya Beach buzzing day and night. Popular among families, it’s common to see kids playing in the sand and swimming in the turquoise waters.

The coastal resort town of Pattaya is famous for its party atmosphere and its sunny beaches. While hedonistic pursuits top the bill here, there are plenty of other experiences to be had away from the city’s dance clubs, bars, and beaches. Here are a variety of adventures and outings you can enjoy with two days in Pattaya.

Day 1: Action-Packed Pattaya

**Morning:**There’s a lot more to Pattaya than meets the eye. Explore the port city with a guide, and visit attractions off the beaten tourist track, like the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), local art galleries, and a gem shop. 

**Afternoon:**Cool off in tubes, slides, swimming pools, and play areas—plus a spa for adults—at the Cartoon Network Amazone waterpark, located just 20 minutes from Pattaya. Take a surf lesson here to develop your skills before hitting the city’s busy beaches, and enjoy themed zones, adventure rides, and a menagerie of cartoon characters.

**Night:**When the sun goes down, the lights come on, and all of Pattaya feels like one big party. The city’s nightlife is second only to Bangkok’s and has to be seen to be believed. Pump up the volume in South Pattaya, where the main action takes place along the neon-drenched strip.

Day 2: Get Away From it All

**Morning:**Escape the crowds and tours by chartering your own boat to the islands, all of which are just a short distance from Pattaya. Book a luxury yacht or a speedboat, and soak up the sun, go snorkeling among the coral, and explore tucked-away coves on the Gulf of Thailand.

**Afternoon:**Head to popular Coral Island (Koh Larn), and enjoy an afternoon relaxing on its pure white sand and swimming in its translucent water. You can see the area’s remaining patches of coral with a trip in a glass-bottom boat, or, if you want a more active adventure, try water skiing, parasailing, or windsurfing. 

**Night:**If you’ve maxed out on the bars, dance clubs, and night entertainment of Walking Street, and you’re aching—literally—to relax, book a spa treatment from a skilled, professional practitioner. Choose from a vast menu, and enjoy a foot massage, traditional Thai massage, aromatherapy massage, body scrub, and/or a facial. 

Tucked into a bay on the Gulf of Thailand’s northeastern coastline, Pattaya lies about 60 miles (100 kilometers) from Bangkok. Once a modest fishing port, this resort city is now one of Thailand’s top destinations, offering island hopping, theme parks, cabaret shows, and more. See below for many things to do with one day in Pattaya. 

Morning: Beach Hopping

It’s easy to laze the day away on one of Pattaya’s beaches, but most visitors opt for a cruise to one (or more) of the nearby islands. Take a speedboat to Coral Island (Koh Larn), the most popular getaway on the gulf, and spend the morning relaxing on sugar-white sand and swimming in tranquil, aquamarine coves. Active travelers can also opt for some sea walking, snorkeling, parasailing, or jet skiing. Alternatively, book a boat that lets you island-hop between pristine spots like Koh Pai, Koh Ped, and Koh Rin and enjoy scuba diving among the coral and other beautiful marine life.

Afternoon: Attractions and Amusements

Pattaya has lots of ways to keep you entertained, including family-friendly theme parks and museums. When you’re ready to get out of the sun, head to Frost Magical Ice of Siam to see mesmerizing ice sculptures that imitate Thai architecture. Or head to serene Nong Nooch Tropical Garden to enjoy 600 acres (240 hectares) of themed, landscaped gardens and lots of stunning orchids. The garden also offers performances of Thai kickboxing, sword fighting, and traditional dancing. You could also choose to see the world in miniature at Mini Siam Pattaya, a garden featuring dozens of tiny replicas of landmarks from around the world, including a version of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Night: Showgirl Glamour

Nightlife in Pattaya is legendary. The city boasts an array of street-food vendors and seafood eateries, and bars, nightclubs, and discos blare Thai pop music on Walking Street, one of the most popular party hotspots in the country. Pattaya is also famous for its cross-dressing and transgender performers. Head to Tiffany’s Cabaret Show to watch entertainers in extravagant costumes sing and dance in a show that has been playing (in some form) for 40 years. After the show, you can join the crowds that stay out bar-hopping until the early hours. 

With three days in Surat Thani, you have time to discover the natural wonders of Khao Sok National Park, take an island-hopping cruise, and experience local life in this quiet port town. Here’s how to do it. 

Day 1: Eat, pray, swim

With most travelers only passing through en route to the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, Surat Thani remains a typically Thai town and is a good place to escape the crowds. Start by visiting the town’s temples, including Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine, the white and gold Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, and the Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram monastery. 

Spend the afternoon at Khanom Beach, far less crowded than nearby islands. Cool off with a swim in the ocean, relax with a cocktail, or watch the local fishermen. If you tire of the beach, check out Khao Wang Thong Cave and Samet Chun Waterfall.

Return to Surat Thani in the evening to wander the atmospheric night market. Browse the stalls for handicrafts (such as silk goods from nearby Phum Riang), and feast on street food. 

Day 2: Explore Khao Sok National Park

Set aside a full day for Khao Sok National Park. Most tours begin with a longboat cruise or kayaking excursion around Cheow Lan Dam, a man-made lake framed by towering karst cliffs and flooded mangrove forests. Then for the most impressive views, head up to the mountaintop Guilin Viewpoint—or brave a walk on the Rope Bridge Heart Mountain, a 394-foot-long (120-meter-long) suspension bridge. 

Afterward, hike the ancient rain forest, looking out for elusive flora and fauna. Clouded leopards, monkeys, elephants, and tapir are all possible sightings, as are Thailand’s gigantic Rafflesia flowers. Or, see gibbons and hornbills at the Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Day 3: Set sail

Surat Thani is the gateway to some of Thailand’s most popular islands, and you can visit several of these on a day cruise. Close to shore and fringed with coral reefs and white sand, Koh Tan and Koh Madsum are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. 

Alternatively, choose a full-day island-hopping tour, setting out by speedboat to explore Angthong Marine Park. The sprawling archipelago contains around 45 islands blanketed with lush forests and dotted with dramatic cliffs, lagoons, and sea caves. Tours usually include lunch onboard, as well as multiple stops to swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters. 

Koh Samui is one of the most spectacular getaways in all of Thailand. Its pristine beaches and beautiful, clear green seas are just two of the reasons you’ll have a hard time leaving. This island is a festive melting pot of Southeast Asian and Western influences, and you’ll find these undercurrents in just about every facet of the population’s culture.

While Koh Samui has been inhabited for over 1,500 years, it was not until the early 1970s that it became a tourist destination. In modern times, hotels and resorts have sprung up around the various beaches, making many of them small towns in their own right. The island’s old capital, Nathon, is the regional seat and hub for commerce and travel, boasting a rich and exotic cultural heritage from decades of visitors and those who came for good. On a three day trip, you’ll find plenty to do.

Day 1: Buddha, Grandpa, and Grandma Your best bet is to begin your stay with an island tour. Koh Samui’s most salient landmarks are the Big Buddha statue and the “Grandpa and Grandma Rocks.” The former reaches 15 meters tall (approximately 50 feet) and presides over a nice beach; like many of Koh Samui’s beaches, restaurants and shops abound here. The latter are a pair of rock formations that happen to resemble male and female genitalia. There is a story here, and your guide will be sure to share it with you. You’ll also visit the Na Muang waterfall – the views of the island and the surrounding wilderness are amazing.

Day 2: Explore the Marine Park On your second day, book a Sea Kayaking Tour at Ang Thong National Marine Park. Koh Samui is ringed in small islands, and a “sea canoe” is one of the best ways to experience them. Paddling under and around a fantastic array of granite arches and outcroppings, you’ll explore the park and head to Tai Nalay, an amazing saltwater lake and marine habitat. From Tai Nalay, you’ll be taken by the escort boat to the northern region of the park, where even more fantastic grottoes, rock formations and lagoons await. The trip is rounded out by some snorkeling time; keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles and even the huge, harmless whale sharks that frequent the area.

Day 3: Cruise the Jungle Spend your last day in the jungle. Explore the island’s interior in an open-air 4x4 with lunch at the restaurant on the mountain, in addition to an amazing view from atop the island’s highest peak.

With two days in Hua Hin, a seaside retreat south of Bangkok, you have time to laze on its beaches, take day trips to mangrove forests and waterfalls; and feast on fresh seafood and southern Thai street snacks. Here’s how to get the best from 48 hours in Hua Hin.

Day 1: Essential Hua Hin

**Morning:**Ease into your first day by exploring Hua Hin on a tour. A full-day tour typically includes attractions such as the railway station and nearby mangrove park, all with round-trip transportation. Alternately, lounge on the beach or book a kitesurfing lesson—Hua Hin’s seas are ideal for skimming across the waves.

**Afternoon:**If you skipped a full-day tour earlier, discover the city and its local wines this afternoon. Take in landmarks such as the giant Buddha statue at the Wat Huay Mongkol temple on a sightseeing tour, and finish with wine tastings at a winery in the nearby foothills.

**Evening:**Hua Hin is known for its night market and seafood, so channel your gourmet instincts. Swap the standard pad thai for food spots and dishes favored by locals. A sunset walking tour usually offers opportunities to try specialities like salt-crusted fish and Thai sweets.

Day 2: Day Trips or Water Fun

**Morning:**Branch out on a half- or full-day trip from Hua Hin. Discover Petchaburi province’s temples and the Khao Luang cave lined with Buddha statues; or ride a riverboat through Pranburi’s bird-filled forests. Alternately, visit the idyllic Pala-U waterfall or a family-oriented sheep farm to view its meadows and animals. Look for a tour with return transportation included.

**Afternoon:**If you chose a day trip earlier, continue it this afternoon—admiring Petchaburi’s Wat Prasrit Mahathat temple, swimming at Pala-U, or following boardwalks through Pranburi’s mangroves. You also can visit Hua Hin’s Vana Nava water park, which features water slides nestled in its jungle surroundings.

**Evening:**If you haven’t yet done a city tour, conclude your stay with some nighttime sightseeing. Sit back in a trishaw (samlor) as a cyclist guide takes you trundling past the sights and lights. Finish with a seafood dinner at a local restaurant for the perfect finale to your visit.

One of south Thailand’s top vacation resorts, Hua Hin offers more than beaches. Three days gives you time to experience its landmarks and food markets and head out to explore mangrove forests, royal palaces, jungle waterfalls, and even Bangkok itself. Read on for tips on spending 72 hours in this holiday hotspot.

Day 1: City Highlights

Blessed with 4 miles (7 kilometers) of sand, Hua Hin is a magnet for beach lovers. Ease into vacation mode by parking yourself on the sand and taking cooling swims in the Gulf of Thailand.

If you prefer to get straight to sightseeing, take a full-day tour of Hua Hin, once a holiday retreat of Thailand’s royals. Itineraries usually include sights such as the ornate train station and Monkey Mountain (Khao Takiab)—a hillside temple overrun by monkeys. You even can choose a tour that combines Hua Hin with the countryside—either visiting a rural winery for alfresco wine tastings or exploring the surrounding mangroves. Many tours include round-trip transportation.

Those interested in Hua Hin’s cuisine might prefer a food tour. Start by discovering the city’s morning markets and local staples, or if you’re with the kids, consider a family foodie adventure that introduces young ones to Thailand’s distinctive flavors.

Day 2: Day Trips

There are numerous day-trip options from Hua Hin, enabling you to experience more of Thailand with the convenience of a guide and return transportation. Visit Bangkok to explore its golden temples and the glittering Grand Palace—the one-time seat of Thailand’s kings. Alternatively, take a riverboat trip through Pranburi or journey into Kaeng Krachan National Park to Pala-U—a jungle waterfall perfect for swimming.

Another destination is the picturesque province of Petchaburi. Choose from half- or full-day tours, which typically include a cable car ride to Phra Nakhon Khiri Park, a hilltop palace with gardens. For a family-oriented outing, consider a day trip to see and feed animals at a sheep farm and explore Khao Luang Cave, a sunlit rock cavern packed with Buddha statues.

Day 3: Fun and Food

Now’s the time to kick back and focus on fun and food. If you’re ready to get out on the ocean, book a course in kiteboarding—Hua Hin is a mecca for the sport. Options include short discovery sessions as well as full-day packages, all complete with tuition and equipment for a hassle-free learning experience.

If you prefer slides to the sea, head for nearby Vana Nava Water Jungle. With more than 19 rides and pools and on-site dining options, this water park is ready-made for a day of fun.

In the evening, experience Hua Hin’s old town and its cuisine. Join a food walking tour to discover tucked-away eateries that many tourists miss and learn about local recipes from a guide. Or, go all out with a trishaw (samlor) ride around the city, then end the night with a fresh seafood dinner and a stroll through Hua Hin’s buzzing night market.

Many travelers make a pit stop in Surat Thani before catching the ferry to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan islands, and one day is just enough time to take in the highlights of this port town. From historic temples and natural wonders, to a romantic sunset cruise, here’s how to spend 24 hours in Surat Thani. 

Morning: Lakeside views

Khao Sok National Park lies just over an hour from Surat Thani, making it possible to visit in a morning. To make the most of your time, opt for a half-day tour to Cheow Lan Dam, a man-made lake surrounded by lush jungle and looming cliffs.

Gaze out over the lake from the mountaintop Guilin Viewpoint, then set out on a longtail boat cruise to explore the lake and its mangrove forests. Keep a lookout for clouded leopards, monkeys, and tapir, as well as gigantic Rafflesia flowers. Finally, brave a walk on the Rope Bridge Heart Mountain, a 394-foot-long (120-meter-long) suspension bridge that affords sweeping views over the lake. 

Afternoon: Temples and shrines

After lunch, discover the temples and shrines near Surat Thani. Getting around by public transit can eat up valuable time, so hire a taxi or join a tour. 

The resplendent white and gold Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya dates back to the seventh century and houses a fascinating exhibition of ancient Buddhist relics. Nearby, Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram is a 20th-century monastery set in a tranquil 150-acre (61-hectare) forest, while the snow-white facade of the Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine is striking against a backdrop of the Tapi River. 

Night: A sunset cruise

Set sail along the Gulf of Thailand coast on a traditional wooden junk boat, and watch the sunset from the water. Cruise around the offshore islands, admire views of the white-sand beaches and karst cliffs, and perhaps dive in to swim and snorkel. While onboard, tuck into a typical Thai dinner or local specialties such as fresh seafood. 

Back in Surat Thani, spend the rest of the evening browsing the stalls at the night market. You’ll find a wide selection of handicrafts, such as silk goods from the nearby village of Phum Riang. 

With its tropical climate, sandy beaches, and bustling markets, it’s no surprise that Hua Hin, located south of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand, is one of the country’s premier seaside resorts. From learning kitesurfing to savoring fresh seafood at the night market, here’s how to spend a day in the city.

Morning: Get a Taster

Start by sampling Hua Hin’s highlights—its beaches, food, and sights. Relax on the sand, or up the pace during a kitesurfing lesson. Hua Hin’s breezes make it a kitesurfing hotspot and options span everything from short lessons to full-day courses, which can be booked complete with hotel transfers for a hassle-free experience. If you’re a foodie, book a tour of Hua Hin’s morning markets, sampling specialities like moo wan (sweet pork) with culinary insight provided by your guide. Alternately, choose a full-day tour around Hua Hin’s landmarks, such as its railway station and nearby mangroves, and uncover the city’s past as a royal retreat—insight you’d miss if exploring independently.

Afternoon: Explore Further

If you didn’t take a Hua Hin tour earlier, dedicate this afternoon to the city’s attractions. While it’s possible to explore on foot and bus, you’ll see more landmarks more quickly on a tour. They typically cover sights such as Monkey Mountain (Khao Takiab)—a Buddha-statue- topped hill named for its monkey population—and the Wat Huay Monkol temple. From there, you can travel to a vineyard in the nearby foothills to learn about local wine production and enjoy alfresco tastings.

Evening: Ride and Dine at the Markets

Hua Hin comes alive at dusk as its night markets light up and locals come out to eat and shop. If you’ve spent the day at the beach or discovering local foods, make the most of the evening on a city tour: Ride a trishaw (samlor) around Hua Hin old town to view the night market and fishing pier before sitting down at a local seafood restaurant. Alternately, delve into Hua Hin’s street foods. Visit food stands to try rice balls and other staples, and sample dishes such as leaf-wrapped fish. A guided tour will point you to off-the-beaten-track restaurants you’re unlikely to find by yourself.

Two days in Surat Thani are enough time to take in the highlights of this port town and explore nearby Khao Sok National Park. From temple tours and rain forest hikes, to a scenic sunset cruise, here’s how to spend 48 hours in Surat Thani. 

Day 1: Temples and beaches

**Morning:**A sightseeing tour of Surat Thani whisks you around to the most beautiful temples. Visit the riverside Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine, admire the white and gold facade of Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, and learn about Thailand’s Buddhist heritage at the Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram forest monastery. 

**Afternoon:**Just south of Surat Thani, you’ll find some of the best beaches on the mainland at the seaside resort of Khanom, with far fewer crowds than on nearby islands. Spend the afternoon lounging on the golden sand, dive in to swim or snorkel in the Gulf of Thailand, or visit natural attractions such as Khao Wang Thong Cave and Samet Chun Waterfall. 

**Night:**Set sail along the coast for a romantic cruise on a traditional wooden junk boat. While onboard, tuck into a seafood dinner, watch the sun set over the ocean, and perhaps even spot some Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. Some cruises include stops to swim or snorkel. 

Day 2: Khao Sok National Park

**Morning:**Home to some of Thailand’s oldest rain forest, Khao Sok National Park brims with wildlife. Although it’s just over an hour from Surat Thani, the park is tricky to reach without your own transport, so consider joining a full-day tour. Start with a longboat cruise or kayaking excursion around Cheow Lan Dam—the man-made lake, surrounded by lush jungle and looming karst cliffs, is a lovely sight.

**Afternoon:**Take a hike, ideally with a guide, to maximize your chances of spotting elusive flora and fauna. Clouded leopards, elephants, langurs, and tapir are all possible sightings, as well as gigantic Rafflesia flowers (depending on the season). Alternatively, head to the Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary to look for gibbons, hornbills, and other animals. 

**Night:**At sunset, Surat Thani’s night market fills up with both locals and travelers, and it’s an atmospheric place to spend the evening. Browse the stalls for traditional handicrafts (including silk goods from nearby Phum Riang), and feast on street food specialties such as fresh oysters and salted duck eggs. 

In the Gulf of Thailand, white-sand beaches, rugged limestone mountains, and crystalline waters abound, meaning that sun worshippers and thrill seekers alike flock here. One week in the gulf gives you enough time to enjoy all of the region’s star qualities, while also enjoying a healthy does of Thai culture. Here’s how.

Day 1 to 2: Pattaya

Ease into your vacation and spend day one enjoying Pattaya’s main attraction: its beaches. Lounge on Pattaya Beach or Jomtien Beach, or go further afield on a boat trip to Coral Island (Koh Larn), where tropical fish and coral are in abundance. Pattaya is renowned for its nightlife, so once the sun sets, head to the Alcazar cabaret show or to the busy strip of bars and clubs in south Pattaya. 

Devote day two to Pattaya’s family-friendly attractions, which include Mini Siam, where you can see Thai and global attractions in miniature, and Art in Paradise, a 3D optical illusion art museum. To see an architectural masterpiece in real life, don’t miss the Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Sut Ja-Tum), hailed as Thailand’s answer to Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia. Booking a skip-the-line admission ticket can save time during popular admission hours.  

Days 3 to 5: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao

With its pristine beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and prime location beside Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, Koh Samui is the ideal place to hole up for a few days of relaxation and adventure. Get your bearings on an island tour: Most tours reveal some of Koh Samui’s best beaches and take you to the Big Buddha statue, from which you can enjoy sweeping views of the Andaman Sea. In the afternoon, get a taste of Thai culture during a cooking class, before going back to the water for a sunset cruise of Samui.

No visit to Koh Samui would be complete without exploring Ang Thong National Marine Park, where limestone monoliths jut out from the ocean and harbor wildlife such as dolphins, monkeys, and exotic birds. Explore the park with ease on a day trip, which typically includes lunch, snorkeling gear, park admission fees, and hotel transfers. 

Spend your final day on a cruise that takes you to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, both easily accessible from Koh Samui. Koh Phangan famously hosts the monthly Full Moon Party and boasts secluded beaches and rugged mountains, while Koa Tao is renowned for its scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities.

Days 6 and 7: Hua Hin

Back on the mainland, devote your last couple of days to the Gulf of Thailand’s rugged natural landscapes. The town of Hua Hin boasts secluded beaches and luxury resorts and also serves as the gateway to rural Thailand, making it an ideal launchpad for nature lovers. Observe wild elephants by going on safari at Kui Buri National Park; look out for exotic birds during a river cruise in Pranburi; or discover local traditions in Karang village, which is close to the Pala-U waterfall.