Ranked among Thailand's top beach holiday destinations, Hua Hin is what most tourists imagine when they picture a pristine seaside hamlet. Hua Hin, home to its own fair share of cultural attractions and heritage sites, offers no shortage of natural wonders and water sports activities. From shopping in Hua Hin's bustling night market to hitting the best beaches in town, here's how to make the most of a getaway to this little piece of paradise in Thailand.

Image via Avani+ Hua Hin Resort

Whether one is spending a short weekend away in the area or a month-long holiday, choosing a beachfront hotel is crucial to enjoying a getaway in Hua Hin. As not all hotels in Hua Hin boast beach-facing locations, it's important to find a property that offers unparalleled access to the area's chief attribute. Apart from an enviable seaside situation, the perfect rest must also be within close range of Hua Hin's main landmarks whether it's Avani+ Hua Hin Resort or any of the other Hua Hin 5-star hotels.

As the main reason why tourists head to this area of Thailand in the first place, spending a vacation confined to Hua Hin Beach is not ideal even for those who are visiting Hua Hin on a day trip. While the area's namesake beach does offer excellent water skiing and kiteboarding conditions, some of the other beaches in Hua Hin provide a great deal more. This includes scenic Khao Takiab Beach, which is located south of Hua Hin's town centre while Suan Son Pradipat Beach and Cha-Am Beach are also ideal for those in search of more tranquil seaside environments. Those who don't mind the drive can also head over to Khao Tao Beach, which is famed for its rock formations.

Described as a shopaholic's dream come true, the Hua Hin Night Market is a veritable icon when it comes to beach town bazaars. Considered the perfect location to grab a hearty seafood meal or dinner, the Hua Hin Night Market takes place in the heart of the city and is lined with kiosks selling everything imaginable from clothes and fresh produce to street food.

As one of the latest additions to Hua Hin's recreational highlights, this expansive Moroccan-style theme park also doubles as a miniature zoo. Visitors can take part in theme park rides and even experience the thrill of simulated diving at Sky Fly, the country's first sky-diving simulator. This location is also home to a variety of birds, camels, giraffes, and goats.

Families and couples holidaying in Hua Hin must also stop by Santorini Park during the afternoon as this region of the beach town appears to have been ripped out of a Greek islands travel brochure. Littered with white buildings with colourful windows as in Greece, the cobblestone roads and towers occupying the park create the illusion that one is enjoying a stroll in Europe instead of the Thai coastline. Containing some of Hua Hin's finest restaurants and high-end boutiques, it is a tourist hub like no other.

Those on the lookout for unique souvenirs and handicrafts to serve as keepsakes of their trip to Hua Hin must also shop around the Cicada Market. As a bazaar that specialises in locally made art and crafts, the products on sale are made by artisans from all across Thailand who send their wares to this vibrant thoroughfare and the art gallery that is located inside the market.

Hosting the Temple Fair Festival every week, the Market Village Hua Hin is another must-experience landmark in Hua Hin for shoppers and diners. With cosy cafes and stylish boutiques occupying its confines, what makes the Market Village Hua Hin unique is the variety of shops and entertainment experiences on offer.