Hua Hin may not be as well-known as Phuket or Koh Samui, but this beautiful town, located across the Gulf of Thailand from Pattaya, has become a favorite among travelers looking to escape the tourist crowds of Phuket or the vibrant nightlife of Pattaya. It's considerably quieter and popular with Thai holidaymakers and even the Thai royal family, who have maintained a residence here. The town offers excellent value for money and boasts a fantastic 4-km stretch of beach. Hua Hin provides a more authentic Thai experience than some of the more touristy destinations and is therefore a bit more relaxed. Even so, there's enough to see and do to fill a two-week holiday. Being less than a three-hour drive from the capital, Hua Hin is a popular weekend getaway for both locals and expats. With a wealth of shopping, dining, bars and nightclubs, markets, and attractions, you certainly won't be bored in Hua Hin. Here are the top 5 things to do during your visit.

Hua Hin Beach

Undoubtedly the biggest draw for most visitors to Hua Hin: this beautiful, 4-km-long white sand beach with its clean, clear water is ideal for swimming, relaxing, and sunbathing. Unlike some other, more popular beaches in Thailand, it's not as crowded or noisy, and most visitors find it very pleasant. Activities on offer include horseback riding, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, and parasailing. And when you've had your fill, you'll find numerous restaurants and bars with tables and chairs right on the beach, serving freshly caught seafood. There are significantly fewer pushy vendors on Hua Hin's beach than, for example, in Chaweng or Patong, making for a more relaxed experience overall. Since Hua Hin is relatively compact, you can often easily reach the beach on foot from your hotel. Don't miss it!

Mareukathaiyawan Palace

This palace, built in 1923 by King Rama VI, is located roughly halfway between Hua Hin and Cha-Am and was constructed from local Thai teak. It served as a seaside retreat for the king, who suffered from arthritis. It was believed at the time that the sea air would be beneficial and alleviate his symptoms. Unfortunately, the sea air did not help him, and he died two years later. The complex consists of three groups of buildings connected by covered wooden walkways. All the buildings are constructed in the colonial style using hardwood (the architect was Italian). Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the buildings no longer serve as a royal residence but house a museum with numerous royal artifacts, old photographs, and paintings. The palace can be reached from Hua Hin in about 20 minutes by taxi. Admission is free (appropriate attire is required).

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Khao Takiab

Khao Takiab, also known as "Mixed Chopstick Hill," is a hill at the northern end of the beach. Those who fancy a bit of a climb can ascend the steps to the temple at the top and enjoy the best views of Hua Hin and the surrounding area. Next to the temple is a small lake with several restaurants serving excellent seafood. Around the hill, you'll find more restaurants, mainly offering Thai cuisine, but some also serve Western classics like pizza, pasta, and hamburgers. Hundreds of playful monkeys live on and around the hill. If you're traveling with children, they'll love feeding the monkeys. Keep a close eye on your belongings, though, as the monkeys will try to snatch everything. After visiting the temple, having lunch, and feeding the monkeys, you can reach the Cicada Market just a few kilometers to the north or Khao Takiab Beach in a short walk to the south.

Phraya Nakhon Caves

This cave complex is arguably the most breathtaking in all of Thailand and offers incredible photo opportunities that will amaze your friends. It's located about 60 km south of the city and can be reached by taxi in approximately 45 minutes. Don't let that deter you, though – you'll probably never see anything like it again. After a fairly steep climb, you descend into the first of two caves and cross a stone bridge to the second. There, a spectacular and mystical sight awaits you: The cave ceiling has an opening through which sunlight illuminates a beautiful, gold-green, Thai-style pavilion on the cave floor during the day. A truly impressive sight! After all that exertion, you can refuel at one of the nearby restaurants. For the best photos, a morning visit is recommended. The entrance fee is 200 baht (approximately US$6.60) per person.

The Venezia Hua Hin

A huge shopping and dining complex modeled after Venice – complete with an artificial canal and gondola rides – is Venezia, something you wouldn't necessarily expect to find in Hua Hin. With hundreds of shops and restaurants, as well as numerous attractions for children, you can easily spend half a day or even longer here. Besides the usual rides, a miniature train, and plenty of great photo opportunities, there are dozens of interesting statues, artworks, and a 3D gallery. Several fantastic restaurants also invite you to linger. Due to its location, however, prices are somewhat higher. The complex is a mix of theme park and open-air shopping mall and offers an interesting experience, especially worthwhile for families with children. Note that there is a (very low) entrance fee, and you have to pay extra for all rides and attractions. Also, it gets very hot during the day, so a visit in the late afternoon is recommended (Venezia is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM).