Local knowledge

Taxis

There are usually plenty of taxis and songtaews (small pick-up trucks) parked in the centre of town, but you’ll need to negotiate a flat rate with the drivers first. If you have the nerve, rattling motorbike taxis are a racier option. However, unless you want to wander further afield, you can easily navigate this small town on foot.

Tipping culture

Restaurants and bars usually add a 10 per cent service charge, although staff may not see any of this. Tip when service merits it.

Siesta and fiesta

Not wanting to miss the potential custom of the wealthy Thais who flock to Hua Hin, shops and banks open on time, usually around 10am, and close around sunset. Some cafés and restaurants kick off as early as 8am to serve the breakfast crowd, while Hua Hin’s Night Market caters to hunger pangs.

Packing tips

Arty agnès B linens for blending in with the smart set.

Recommended reads

Since you’re lounging where Thai royals like to relax, prepare for your trip with a book that features one of them. Anna and the King of Siam, by Margaret Landon, is the novel which inspired the famous movie The King and I. Don’t bring it with you though – it’s banned in Thailand for being culturally offensive. Four Reigns by Kukrit Pramoj follows the ficticious life of one woman witnessing the rule of successive kings.

Cuisine

Like most beach towns in Thailand, Hua Hin boasts tantalisingly tasty seafood, often prepared in simple curries, grilled or deep-fried and served with sweet-spicy sauces. Head to Hua Hin pier or Khao Takiab fishing village further south for the freshest finds. Naresdarmi Road is home to the best authentic Thai; try hoy tod, or oyster omelettes. Mango sticky rice (khao niew mamuang) is also a highly prized local dish, sold by two warring vendors at the night bazaar.

Currency

Thai baht. £1 is approximately THB50.

Time zone

Country code for Thailand: 66; Hua Hin is 032. Drop the ‘0’ if dialling from overseas.

Dialling codes

GMT + 7 hours

Do go/don't go

Although it’s drier than much of the country during monsoon season (June–October), this region is best visited from November to March, when it’s sunny by day and often cool at night. Hua Hin, like Bangkok, gets horribly hot between April and May. Even worse than the heat, though, are the traffic jams on Fridays and Saturdays; head to Hua Hin on a weekday and you’ll have the whole place to yourself.