Northeast of Phuket, this long-time fishing village has long been a popular vacation destination for Thai citizens, just three hours south of Bangkok. Situated on the Gulf of Thailand, the town rests on the northern Malay Peninsula where beach-lovers will find soft white sand and placid bays with less hoopla and expense than the more popular Phuket.

Home to the Thai royal family's summer palace, the town has maintained a lower profile with international visitors. Though Hua Hin is not as popular or developed as Phuket, the service does not suffer. There are many luxury resorts offering posh amenities and more area resorts are in progress. According to Yager, "Comfort and styling out a guest is a cultural value in Thailand. The best hotels are always written up in Thailand. The nation is gracious and accommodating." A luxury boutique hotel from ALiLa will open later this year in nearby Cha Am with private beachside villas, fine dining options and a reflecting pool.

Just 40 miles south of Hua Hin, nature-lovers can visit Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. The park, which is Thai for 300 Peaks, has mountains, caves, freshwater marshes and beaches. The park is a protected reserve for many threatened local species of land and sea, including leopards, dolphins and purple herons. There are hiking trails and limestone mountains dotted with caves for recreational spelunkers. The benefit of physical exertions in Thailand is the promise of a relaxing Thai massage upon return to the hotel.

Hua Hin

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