Sirius Black
Hua Hin, located on the Gulf of Thailand enjoys pleasant seas that remain warm year all year round. Pleasant beaches and shallow waters are ideal for swimming and paddling.
The main Hua Hin Beach is the biggest attraction for visitors to the area. The long and wide sandy beach curves around, hugging the gulf, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing or strolling along the water's edge. The shallow water is guarded by some large rocks that have given the beach its name, which translates to 'head stone'. Part of the beach is lined with eateries and water sports shops; this area is typically where the crowds gather. Further south, you will find more secluded spots, while on the north side you will find more than one Hua Hin beach resort, more food outlets and wooden piers stretching out over the water. There are sunbeds set in the sand for those who want to enjoy a slow pace, while kiteboarding and banana boat rides are popular with those looking for water sports; or if you are looking for an indulgence, hotels along the beachfront such as Anantara Hua Hin Resort offer Thai massages.
At the very end of Hua Hin Beach, seven kilometres on the south side, you will find Khao Takiab Beach. The area is also known as Chopstick Hill because it is wrapped around the base of a mountain. The mountain is nicknamed Monkey Mountain because it is home to large numbers of macaque monkeys. The once sleepy fishing village is now seeing a boom in tourist activity but it is still comparatively less crowded that the main beach. Much like, Hua Hin Beach, Khao Takiab also sees large crowds of locals and tourists gathering on weekends. The picturesque beach slopes gently into shallow waters when the tide is low. Head north to find a string of restaurants. About eight hundred metres from shore, are Koh Singto and Koh Tao. The two small islands, which are suitable for snorkelling or fishing, can be reached with a twenty-minute boat ride.
Heading further south, you will encounter Suan Son Pradiphat Beach, adjacent to Khao Takiab. This beach remains pristine and you will hardly see any tourists on the beach. Though it is open to the public, the beach itself belongs to Thai military. If you are not walking across from neighbouring Khao Takiab, you need to follow Petchakasem Highway to get to Suan Son Pradiphat Beach. Approximately nine kilometres from Hua Hin, a small signpost indicates a left turn that will lead you to the beach. Suan Son is a wide, shady beach lined with large pine trees.
An hour long walk from Suan Son will bring you to Khao Tao Beach, which translates to Turtle Hill. This is another popular spot among beachgoers, who drive over from Hua Hin. This beach can be identified by the large Buddha statue on a hill that belongs to a quaint temple complex.
